Well home at last after one month away. As I flew out of Auckland for Hawkes Bay I was amazed once again with the beauty of our land, just as I had been as I flew out of Napier on 5 September. I looked across the Hauraki Gulf and saw the many Islands and identified Ponui Island where the Lord opened my heart and enabled me to repent of my sin and confess Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord coming up 38 years ago. It was a poignant moment for me to see the place of my birth in Christ as I reflected on the commitment of many Christians that I have met over the last month.
It is very comfortable to be at home, to enjoy all the blessings of this land of abundance that we live in. As I thought about this, I thought about heaven. Nothing will ever compare to the beauty and glory that is stored up for us in the future. We can hold on to the things of this life too firmly. Whether we live in a land of green beauty or the arid conditions of Zambia as the dry season cranks up and the earth cries out for rain - the challenge is the same - only what is done for Jesus will last! Storing up treasure in heaven must be our chief end, seeking the glory of God’s name.
I cannot begin to tell you the personal challenges that have been on my heart as God has exposed me to servants of Christ that are putting everything on the line in their service of Jesus. The call of the gospel is so urgent in this needy world. To minister the love of Christ is what every one of us is to do. Not everyone is called or gifted to be a full time missionary or pastor, but every one of us is called to represent God, to live more for Him and less for self.
So does mission end as I return home? No way - it continues and intensifies. Jesus is coming back and we have a mission to see people saved and growing to be like Him. I would love you to come on a team next year and be exposed to God working in other places - it changes your perspective of life here and now!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Singapore Photos
Donald & Soon Yong in the Singapore Flyer
Dinner with the elders family & Soon Yong and Aileen
Samuel posing for the camera
Singapore & Home
I come near to the end of one month away from family and church friends - but as I think one month is nothing compared to missionaries that have gone before or even missionaries I have meet in these last week’s who have dedicated their lives to the work of the gospel around the world.
My time here in Singapore has been wonderful (despite some ongoing stomach issues). The Fishermen of Christ Fellowship is quite a large church with a Mandarin congregation and an English congregation. I had the joy of teaching the English church on Sunday. That evening I went to dinner with one of the elders and his family as well as with Soon Yong & Aileen. It was a precious time to speak of church ministry life and to encourage these people in their work and the process of change that they are walking through. This year their long serving Senior Pastor was promoted to glory and the church faces significant challenges as it navigates towards future ministry and work.
Soon Yong & Aileen have been wonderful hosts and I am so encouraged by their work here and what God is doing through them as a family. They have two boys, Nathan 8 years and Samuel 20 months - Samuel has been especially happy to have another man around the home.
I trust that I have been able to encourage them as a family - it is a very necessary thing for people in pastoral ministry to have others that come alongside at times where you can each share the issues of pastoral life. It can be a lonely place, a place of discouragement and challenge. People who understand the pressures of such life are able to be a major blessing. The ability to bounce ideas around or seek advice and counsel is very important and our time together has been mutually beneficial!
Well thank you for your prayers - I am on the flight tomorrow and look forward to being home Wednesday afternoon - how ever will I communicate all that the Lord has been teaching me and the challenges of ministry in Zambia and indeed the world!!?
My time here in Singapore has been wonderful (despite some ongoing stomach issues). The Fishermen of Christ Fellowship is quite a large church with a Mandarin congregation and an English congregation. I had the joy of teaching the English church on Sunday. That evening I went to dinner with one of the elders and his family as well as with Soon Yong & Aileen. It was a precious time to speak of church ministry life and to encourage these people in their work and the process of change that they are walking through. This year their long serving Senior Pastor was promoted to glory and the church faces significant challenges as it navigates towards future ministry and work.
Soon Yong & Aileen have been wonderful hosts and I am so encouraged by their work here and what God is doing through them as a family. They have two boys, Nathan 8 years and Samuel 20 months - Samuel has been especially happy to have another man around the home.
I trust that I have been able to encourage them as a family - it is a very necessary thing for people in pastoral ministry to have others that come alongside at times where you can each share the issues of pastoral life. It can be a lonely place, a place of discouragement and challenge. People who understand the pressures of such life are able to be a major blessing. The ability to bounce ideas around or seek advice and counsel is very important and our time together has been mutually beneficial!
Well thank you for your prayers - I am on the flight tomorrow and look forward to being home Wednesday afternoon - how ever will I communicate all that the Lord has been teaching me and the challenges of ministry in Zambia and indeed the world!!?
Saturday, October 1, 2011
More Pics
Tania & Alan Pyatt with Melanie (left). Melanie is a young women in traiining and heading to a remote area, She is a gifted linguist who will be working on lesson developemnt/translation and discipleship with women.
Entry to NTM sight with coconut trees in background
Anyone for a dog dinner?
Manado, Markets & Ministry
Greetings from a hot humid Manado. I have just returned from the local market where we purchased a number of food items including all sorts of fantastic tropical fruits. We managed to avoid purchasing any dog meat, bats, rats or cats - all good local fare!!
My time here has been a real blessing as I have learned about the ministry to the tribal areas here in Indonesia. With a population of 240 million the needs are endless! New Tribes Mission has a very well established system of training and operating in this land. Amazingly there are around 90 missionary families operating here, often in very remote areas and in difficult circumstances. The training ministry here is focused on training local missionaries who sometimes work alongside the western team members with a view to being able to continue the work in the years ahead. Others go directly in teams to tribal places with a focus on learning the local dialect and then beginning teaching from a chronological sequence of Biblical history.
The Pyatt’s are so at home here and are doing a wonderful work in training, with Simon having supervision responsibility over what is going on in remote areas which requires him to travel around quite frequently. Annie home schools the children and they are well equipped with computers and internet to make the most of the online capacity. Last night we enjoyed a movie night in the carport and about 40 people came to enjoy the night with much laughing at the later scenes in Toy World 2.
The previous evening I had the opportunity to address the whole student body of around 50 plus staff families. They wanted to hear about Zambia - there are many similarities to village living, but also many differences in such a tropical country. What a blessing to hear of the places these people come from, the huge needs and the heart for the gospel. Interestingly many students come and in their first year are converted! The training goes over 4 years, is very deliberate and is excellent in preparation for ministry and translation work.
I have come to appreciate this ministry so much more being able to visit and see it firsthand. It provides much encouragement about what we are supporting in Zambia and ideas for future work. I head to Singapore in a few hours so will update you from my time with Soon - Yong.
My time here has been a real blessing as I have learned about the ministry to the tribal areas here in Indonesia. With a population of 240 million the needs are endless! New Tribes Mission has a very well established system of training and operating in this land. Amazingly there are around 90 missionary families operating here, often in very remote areas and in difficult circumstances. The training ministry here is focused on training local missionaries who sometimes work alongside the western team members with a view to being able to continue the work in the years ahead. Others go directly in teams to tribal places with a focus on learning the local dialect and then beginning teaching from a chronological sequence of Biblical history.
The Pyatt’s are so at home here and are doing a wonderful work in training, with Simon having supervision responsibility over what is going on in remote areas which requires him to travel around quite frequently. Annie home schools the children and they are well equipped with computers and internet to make the most of the online capacity. Last night we enjoyed a movie night in the carport and about 40 people came to enjoy the night with much laughing at the later scenes in Toy World 2.
The previous evening I had the opportunity to address the whole student body of around 50 plus staff families. They wanted to hear about Zambia - there are many similarities to village living, but also many differences in such a tropical country. What a blessing to hear of the places these people come from, the huge needs and the heart for the gospel. Interestingly many students come and in their first year are converted! The training goes over 4 years, is very deliberate and is excellent in preparation for ministry and translation work.
I have come to appreciate this ministry so much more being able to visit and see it firsthand. It provides much encouragement about what we are supporting in Zambia and ideas for future work. I head to Singapore in a few hours so will update you from my time with Soon - Yong.
Manado, Markets & Ministry
Greetings from a hot humid Manado. I have just returned from the local market where we purchased a number of food items including all sorts of fantastic tropical fruits. We managed to avoid purchasing any dog meat, bats, rats or cats - all good local fare!!
My time here has been a real blessing as I have learned about the ministry to the tribal areas here in Indonesia. With a population of 240 million the needs are endless! New Tribes Mission has a very well established system of training and operating in this land. Amazingly there are around 90 missionary families operating here, often in very remote areas and in difficult circumstances. The training ministry here is focused on training local missionaries who sometimes work alongside the western team members with a view to being able to continue the work in the years ahead. Others go directly in teams to tribal places with a focus on learning the local dialect and then beginning teaching from a chronological sequence of Biblical history.
The Pyatt’s are so at home here and are doing a wonderful work in training, with Simon having supervision responsibility over what is going on in remote areas which requires him to travel around quite frequently. Annie home schools the children and they are well equipped with computers and internet to make the most of the online capacity. Last night we enjoyed a movie night in the carport and about 40 people came to enjoy the night with much laughing at the later scenes in Toy World 2.
The previous evening I had the opportunity to address the whole student body of around 50 plus staff families. They wanted to hear about Zambia - there are many similarities to village living, but also many differences in such a tropical country. What a blessing to hear of the places these people come from, the huge needs and the heart for the gospel. Interestingly many students come and in their first year are converted! The training goes over 4 years, is very deliberate and is excellent in preparation for ministry and translation work.
I have come to appreciate this ministry so much more being able to visit and see it firsthand. It provides much encouragement about what we are supporting in Zambia and ideas for future work. I head to Singapore in a few hours so will update you from my time with Soon - Yong.
My time here has been a real blessing as I have learned about the ministry to the tribal areas here in Indonesia. With a population of 240 million the needs are endless! New Tribes Mission has a very well established system of training and operating in this land. Amazingly there are around 90 missionary families operating here, often in very remote areas and in difficult circumstances. The training ministry here is focused on training local missionaries who sometimes work alongside the western team members with a view to being able to continue the work in the years ahead. Others go directly in teams to tribal places with a focus on learning the local dialect and then beginning teaching from a chronological sequence of Biblical history.
The Pyatt’s are so at home here and are doing a wonderful work in training, with Simon having supervision responsibility over what is going on in remote areas which requires him to travel around quite frequently. Annie home schools the children and they are well equipped with computers and internet to make the most of the online capacity. Last night we enjoyed a movie night in the carport and about 40 people came to enjoy the night with much laughing at the later scenes in Toy World 2.
The previous evening I had the opportunity to address the whole student body of around 50 plus staff families. They wanted to hear about Zambia - there are many similarities to village living, but also many differences in such a tropical country. What a blessing to hear of the places these people come from, the huge needs and the heart for the gospel. Interestingly many students come and in their first year are converted! The training goes over 4 years, is very deliberate and is excellent in preparation for ministry and translation work.
I have come to appreciate this ministry so much more being able to visit and see it firsthand. It provides much encouragement about what we are supporting in Zambia and ideas for future work. I head to Singapore in a few hours so will update you from my time with Soon - Yong.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
More Photos
Webster Nonde one of the new board members for Samfya Bible School
Class members at a Baptist training ministry in Manado
Two new Papua friends - very much like their Fijian cousins except much shorter!!!
From Lusaka to Manado
My time in Lusaka was a welcome respite. Meeting with Webster Nonde was a highlight. It was very encouraging to spend time with a successful businessman who has his heart set on the gospel and using God’s blessing of his life for the benefit of others. Webster’s role on the board will be a wonderful blessing - his training and background will provide an excellent support of the Bible School work.
On my flight to Johannesburg I sat with a young Muslim couple and their baby. They are from Zambia, however the husband is teaching at an Islamic University in Johannesburg. We were able to have a profitable discussion about “the prophet Jesus” and I endeavoured to challenge him with the exclusive claims of Jesus himself. The wife was wearing a full burqa and she talked about her own desire to wear this as an expression of her faith. It is sad to see the eyes of people blinded by Satan’s deception - pray that my conversation with them will sow the seed of the gospel that would bring liberation.
The flights to Singapore and Manado were uneventful. Simon was at the airport to meet me and we drove the 7 kms to the New tribes Mission sight. I thought I was back in Fiji - Hot, humid, coconut trees everywhere, bananas, pineapples, papaya... The people here are very friendly and this area has a heavy Dutch Reformed presence that has turned through the years to nominal faith. In many ways this city is an unreached people group because they are following tradition and not faith in Jesus. I am reminded of the older son in the story of the prodigal. He never left home, but he was just as lost as the younger son was - he needed the liberation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Last night I went with Simon to a class run by a Baptist training school. The topic was church planting and the lecturer was endeavouring to have the students think about how they could strategise to move out into a new ministry area. Simon is doing this study and completing a degree - really he should be teaching this class as this is the very thing that New tribes Mission is doing with their own students. I was asked to address the students for the last 10-15 minutes of class - be ready in season and out!! It was a real blessing to encourage them through the Word of God to ensure that the challenge of the gospel is maintained throughout their lives in the ministry. At the end of my time, the class professor asked if I would be interested to come back and take a week long block course in the school. Simon has been working hard to see an influence of Biblical Counselling Training here and welcomes the opportunity to see further instruction that would add to this training ministry.
It has been a joy to meet many of the students here. They are all “Indonesians” however their racial backgrounds vary significantly from Melanesian (Papua) to Asian. Today I will get to meet more of them and tonight share the word with them as well as our mission work in Zambia.
On my flight to Johannesburg I sat with a young Muslim couple and their baby. They are from Zambia, however the husband is teaching at an Islamic University in Johannesburg. We were able to have a profitable discussion about “the prophet Jesus” and I endeavoured to challenge him with the exclusive claims of Jesus himself. The wife was wearing a full burqa and she talked about her own desire to wear this as an expression of her faith. It is sad to see the eyes of people blinded by Satan’s deception - pray that my conversation with them will sow the seed of the gospel that would bring liberation.
The flights to Singapore and Manado were uneventful. Simon was at the airport to meet me and we drove the 7 kms to the New tribes Mission sight. I thought I was back in Fiji - Hot, humid, coconut trees everywhere, bananas, pineapples, papaya... The people here are very friendly and this area has a heavy Dutch Reformed presence that has turned through the years to nominal faith. In many ways this city is an unreached people group because they are following tradition and not faith in Jesus. I am reminded of the older son in the story of the prodigal. He never left home, but he was just as lost as the younger son was - he needed the liberation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Last night I went with Simon to a class run by a Baptist training school. The topic was church planting and the lecturer was endeavouring to have the students think about how they could strategise to move out into a new ministry area. Simon is doing this study and completing a degree - really he should be teaching this class as this is the very thing that New tribes Mission is doing with their own students. I was asked to address the students for the last 10-15 minutes of class - be ready in season and out!! It was a real blessing to encourage them through the Word of God to ensure that the challenge of the gospel is maintained throughout their lives in the ministry. At the end of my time, the class professor asked if I would be interested to come back and take a week long block course in the school. Simon has been working hard to see an influence of Biblical Counselling Training here and welcomes the opportunity to see further instruction that would add to this training ministry.
It has been a joy to meet many of the students here. They are all “Indonesians” however their racial backgrounds vary significantly from Melanesian (Papua) to Asian. Today I will get to meet more of them and tonight share the word with them as well as our mission work in Zambia.
Monday, September 26, 2011
People and Places
Dinner being prepared at Kaswetele (Inshima is in the pot - this one made from maizer meal and Kasava.
A new stove I organaised to be built that burns sawdust. There is much sawdust available in Samfya and having this at the Bible School will cut their charcoal bill down significantly.
Peter Chomba enjoying using his laptop that we organised for him to help in his studies in South Africa, not to mention the preparation of class notes and sermons!
Humprhey & Joyce Magula and family. Son James is in his final year of study in the Copperbelt doing architecture. I have seen his work and he is definatley a skilled young man.
Mansa & Overloaded Buses
My time in Mansa went very well and it was good to have extended time with Humphrey Mugula and work through the financial issues that the school has faced this year. The withdrawal last year of the sponsor who paid the students sponsorship has sent the school into catch up mode all year. When we look at the operational expenses that we as a church endeavour to help with we do not even cover the full power and water payments that the school makes. The need for more partnerships to help in many areas is very pressing. Churches and individuals who are interested in making a difference in Bemba speaking village life - we really want to hear from you! Email me on donald@riverbend.org.nz - any support small or large will be a huge blessing and an investment in eternity.
I was able to teach at Mansa Chapel on Sunday morning which was a blessing. They are actually an English speaking church and have an interest in supporting the school so it was good to spend time with them. Humphrey and His family hosted me for lunch afterward - they are such a lovely family, committed to the Lord and seeing the church grow. Humphrey and many of the church every Saturday are out doing personal evangelism - there commitment to the gospel is a real example.
Well the bus was scheduled to leave at 3.30pm it arrived late and we got away at 4:30pm expecting to be in Luasaka at 4-5pm. There was much dispute as there were not enough seats - I was moved to a seat that was worn out and had a metal rod poking the side of my leg, but even with the rearrangements there were still not enough seats. Well we sped off and made it to the junction where you go to Samfya in 40 minutes a journey that is usually 50-60 minutes - we were flying! At the junction a huge number of people poured into the bus. The Isle was full and I think there may well have been about 120 on board. In our row of five seats and the isle there were 10 people - 2 women with two children on knees and one girl about 13 years on the floor by their feet. On my side there was me, a man holding a boy, a woman and then in the isle a man sitting on a bag and my lap as well at times - 10 people across !! Well we arrived in Lusaka at 2:30am after leaving an hour later we arrived 2 hours early!! These buses fly!
I was picked up by the lodge I am staying at and caught a little sleep before another beautiful clear day in Zambia. Later today I meet with Webster Nonde a new member of the Samfya board and look forward to learning about him and his life and ministry here in Lusaka.
Tomorrow I fly to Johannesburg, Singapore and then Manado Indonesia where I meet with the Pyatt’s who work with New Tribes Mission. Please pray that I will be able to be a real encouragement to them in the work that they are doing and that I will be able to learn as much a possible about the training that they are involved with to many village/highland people.
I was able to teach at Mansa Chapel on Sunday morning which was a blessing. They are actually an English speaking church and have an interest in supporting the school so it was good to spend time with them. Humphrey and His family hosted me for lunch afterward - they are such a lovely family, committed to the Lord and seeing the church grow. Humphrey and many of the church every Saturday are out doing personal evangelism - there commitment to the gospel is a real example.
Well the bus was scheduled to leave at 3.30pm it arrived late and we got away at 4:30pm expecting to be in Luasaka at 4-5pm. There was much dispute as there were not enough seats - I was moved to a seat that was worn out and had a metal rod poking the side of my leg, but even with the rearrangements there were still not enough seats. Well we sped off and made it to the junction where you go to Samfya in 40 minutes a journey that is usually 50-60 minutes - we were flying! At the junction a huge number of people poured into the bus. The Isle was full and I think there may well have been about 120 on board. In our row of five seats and the isle there were 10 people - 2 women with two children on knees and one girl about 13 years on the floor by their feet. On my side there was me, a man holding a boy, a woman and then in the isle a man sitting on a bag and my lap as well at times - 10 people across !! Well we arrived in Lusaka at 2:30am after leaving an hour later we arrived 2 hours early!! These buses fly!
I was picked up by the lodge I am staying at and caught a little sleep before another beautiful clear day in Zambia. Later today I meet with Webster Nonde a new member of the Samfya board and look forward to learning about him and his life and ministry here in Lusaka.
Tomorrow I fly to Johannesburg, Singapore and then Manado Indonesia where I meet with the Pyatt’s who work with New Tribes Mission. Please pray that I will be able to be a real encouragement to them in the work that they are doing and that I will be able to learn as much a possible about the training that they are involved with to many village/highland people.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
New President and Samfya Board Changes
Well the new President has been announced !! At 12:30 last night I was woken by the noise of people going up and down the road singing and rejoicing at the victory of a new President. Horns sounded, whistles blew, people shouted. President Sata will be inaugurated this afternoon at around 2pm - how is that for fast in a country where everything else seems to go so slow!!
The chairman of the Samfya board arrived yesterday and I have had fruitful discussions with him. Wathabu has carefully guided the board in the last number of years and this year has seen the board trimmed from 15 to 9 members. This refocusing will continue to be a great blessing as the members now have a much more defined responsibility and purpose for their involvement. Sadly by August next year Wathabu will stand down from the board, however he will still have a significant input into the work here. His intention is to go to a Baptist training school in Tanzania that offers courses in both theology and rural development. He is wanting to focus in the development area so that he can train the Bible School teachers to better train students who come with little education from these rural places.
Wathabu is a strategic thinker about the work of the Bible School. He will on the completion of his training come and teach at the school and spearhead the ongoing training of graduates and their church leaders in the village churches. So while Wathabu will be stepping down, he will still have significant input even during his training and will become resident in Samfya in years to come.
Our curriculum meeting went well and will continue this afternoon, and the Finance meetings continue to progress. We look forward to the potential next year of having a team member that will come and do an audit of the accounts with the new administrator Mt Humphrey Mugula...
The chairman of the Samfya board arrived yesterday and I have had fruitful discussions with him. Wathabu has carefully guided the board in the last number of years and this year has seen the board trimmed from 15 to 9 members. This refocusing will continue to be a great blessing as the members now have a much more defined responsibility and purpose for their involvement. Sadly by August next year Wathabu will stand down from the board, however he will still have a significant input into the work here. His intention is to go to a Baptist training school in Tanzania that offers courses in both theology and rural development. He is wanting to focus in the development area so that he can train the Bible School teachers to better train students who come with little education from these rural places.
Wathabu is a strategic thinker about the work of the Bible School. He will on the completion of his training come and teach at the school and spearhead the ongoing training of graduates and their church leaders in the village churches. So while Wathabu will be stepping down, he will still have significant input even during his training and will become resident in Samfya in years to come.
Our curriculum meeting went well and will continue this afternoon, and the Finance meetings continue to progress. We look forward to the potential next year of having a team member that will come and do an audit of the accounts with the new administrator Mt Humphrey Mugula...
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Infrastructure
The frustrations of power here at Samfya are continual! Last night the voltage was so low - maybe 60 volts at the most and even now my laptop can’t charge because of low power. These power issues destroy things like fridges, electric motors, pumps - it is a major problem. Unfortunately that is the way of Zambia - everything seems to go slow!
That also includes the progress towards starting the new multipurpose room (kitchen/dining/conference/classroom...). We had a very good but testing meeting yesterday to address this. The dimensions of the building in the Master Plan are just too big. Without major expenditure on steel that is difficult to get and very expensive, we just can’t build a room of that size (possible with supporting posts in the floor area which is not ideal). All the timbers here are about 5 metres maximum, and so construction is difficult! We had the opportunity to go and visit a building close by at a new lodge. It was very well finished and was a very good size at around 10x16m.
After much discussion it has been agreed upon (and to be confirmed by the board) that the new building will need to be 10x15m with the kitchen being 10x3m (total 10x18m). While this is a departure from the master plan, it will still be within the overall plan of the Master Plan. The building will be able to host large groups, will double as a classroom for an initial period if necessary, provide a wonderful space for the students and truly be multipurpose.
Please pray for the work necessary to get this underway, the plans, sourcing of materials, necessary approvals from council (not difficult here like at home!!). The stockpiling of material should be able to begin shortly.
Thanks for your ongoing prayers. I have further finance meetings today as well as curriculum meetings with the staff today and tomorrow. We are yet to hear the result of the election, but everything here is calm - not so sure about the big city! Saturday I leave for Mansa and will teach there on Sunday morning and catch the bus to Lusaka Sunday afternoon, arriving Lusaka the next morning at 5am! Oh and praise the Lord, an individual has put his hand up to support the plans for Francis going to South Africa - God is good - all the time!
That also includes the progress towards starting the new multipurpose room (kitchen/dining/conference/classroom...). We had a very good but testing meeting yesterday to address this. The dimensions of the building in the Master Plan are just too big. Without major expenditure on steel that is difficult to get and very expensive, we just can’t build a room of that size (possible with supporting posts in the floor area which is not ideal). All the timbers here are about 5 metres maximum, and so construction is difficult! We had the opportunity to go and visit a building close by at a new lodge. It was very well finished and was a very good size at around 10x16m.
After much discussion it has been agreed upon (and to be confirmed by the board) that the new building will need to be 10x15m with the kitchen being 10x3m (total 10x18m). While this is a departure from the master plan, it will still be within the overall plan of the Master Plan. The building will be able to host large groups, will double as a classroom for an initial period if necessary, provide a wonderful space for the students and truly be multipurpose.
Please pray for the work necessary to get this underway, the plans, sourcing of materials, necessary approvals from council (not difficult here like at home!!). The stockpiling of material should be able to begin shortly.
Thanks for your ongoing prayers. I have further finance meetings today as well as curriculum meetings with the staff today and tomorrow. We are yet to hear the result of the election, but everything here is calm - not so sure about the big city! Saturday I leave for Mansa and will teach there on Sunday morning and catch the bus to Lusaka Sunday afternoon, arriving Lusaka the next morning at 5am! Oh and praise the Lord, an individual has put his hand up to support the plans for Francis going to South Africa - God is good - all the time!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Staff Tarining Needs
One of the desires that the Bible School has had as it refines its programme is the potential for further staff training. Over this last year we have seen Peter Chomba do two one week training weeks in Pretoria in Expository Preaching, and he has also completed four one week training modules in the last year in Biblical Counselling and he has another four to go over the next year. Peter is already passing on to the students much of what he has learned and it has sharpened the training that is happening here at Samfya.
There is now the potential to see one of the current teachers, Francis Chola, begin training for a four year degree at Christ Seminary in Polokwane, South Africa. This training school is associated with The Master’s Academy International (TMAI is who Riverbend Bible Church partners with in our own training programme The Shepherd’s Bible College)and is doing an excellent work in equipping men for leadership in local churches. For Francis to do this training and then build back into the work of Samfya would be a huge blessing. Our need would be to find funding to employ a replacement teacher. Would you pray that another church or individual might take up the challenge to help in this need that will enhance the training here. If you are interested for more details please email me at donald@riverbend.org.nz
There is now the potential to see one of the current teachers, Francis Chola, begin training for a four year degree at Christ Seminary in Polokwane, South Africa. This training school is associated with The Master’s Academy International (TMAI is who Riverbend Bible Church partners with in our own training programme The Shepherd’s Bible College)and is doing an excellent work in equipping men for leadership in local churches. For Francis to do this training and then build back into the work of Samfya would be a huge blessing. Our need would be to find funding to employ a replacement teacher. Would you pray that another church or individual might take up the challenge to help in this need that will enhance the training here. If you are interested for more details please email me at donald@riverbend.org.nz
Monday, September 19, 2011
Photos from Kaswetele
Sunday School in full swing
Sunday Morning Church - children are at Sunday School with Agness
always children everywhere!!Kaswetele Zone Churches
16yr old who came to ChristOn Saturday we set off at 6am (6:35am Zambian time), for the churches in the Kaswetele area. We had two students that we were to drop off on the way at their home town - part of the journey was to pick up two iron sheets from a town on the way for the students house! While in the students town, the local magistrate who is a Christian, invited us in for a cup of tea and a dry bread bun. Remember in Zambia, you are not time driven, but event driven and this is something that you could not turn down. It was a pleasant time and it turns out that this magistrate was at the funeral that I preached at on Thursday!
Well we carry on our journey and finally reach our destination (a total of 91kms) 3 ½ hours after we set off. Most of the journey is on dirt roads and the last 15kms along a very narrow dirt road. There are 6 churches in this zone and all were represented with elders, deacons, deaconesses and plenty of children. The first thing to do before setting up anything is to have a general session. I taught from Titus 3:6-8 “Our Amazing Salvation.” In this passage we learn three truths about our salvation and just how incredible it is, and then see two actions that should flow from our lives because of our salvation. Part way through the teaching a 16 year old girl stood up and said that she repented, many of the congregation clapped and I kept on preaching! Another teenage girl also came to faith in the same fashion on Sunday morning as I taught the unity of the church from Ephesians 4 - one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all! Praise God that his Word by His Spirit is alive and brings conviction and blessing.
After our Saturday morning session, we broke to set up tents and then have lunch. This place is even more remote than the last weekend, however mission activity began here from what we could gather in the 1940’s when Mr Coleman came up with his boat in the water & swamp areas around Lake Bangweulu. Praise God for the faithful missionaries who first brought the gospel to these people - it was no easy task to get into these places - certainly no serviceable roads to get to this area in those days!
The afternoon was devoted to teaching the elders of the churches, however all the deacons and deaconesses also sat in - this is truth that they also need to grapple with. We first walked through the qualifications of elders from 1 Timothy 3. There was much discussion about men who are disqualified from leadership and also the challenge to examine a man before he is appointed, and for the protection of the church to regularly review all existing elders. Many of these concepts were new for these men, and their questions showed them grappling to see how they could implement the word of God in what they are doing. There were open hearts however, and we look forward to seeing fruit in the future from churches that are serious about applying the word to who they are and what they do.
We then moved on to 1Timothy 5:17-25, and looked at the “treatment of elders in the church.” The first verses here deal with giving double honour to the elder(s) that rule well and work hard at preaching and teaching. Now in these Christian Brethren churches, the tradition is that you do not pay pastors, so this concept was greatly discussed through questions and looking at other scripture. They were able to see that we have placed our tradition over and above what God says in His Word. That kind of discovery is not easy to accept. Fortunately the Bible School staff are right there to help these men think through these issues. The churches have been weakened by a lack of gifted teachers being given opportunity to pastor the flock of God.
There is one graduate from this area who we picked up on the way. You could see the result of his teaching in that there were many commendable things happening in the churches - Sunday schools, youth work, biblical choir music... However this man has just had to move from the area because he needed a farm to support his family - the churches were not doing this and the fishing that he was doing was in decline. He still comes and teaches in these churches - pray that they would see a Biblical vision of leadership and call this man back to work with them, supported by the churches. One application form was completed for a prospective student (2 last weekend) and we trust more will take up the challenge to be prepared for pastoral ministry.
Well the teaching continued in 1 Timothy speaking about accusations against elders and how that is handled (quite a problem in these rural churches) and then also not appointing men too quickly to the office of overseer. The questions and interaction were very good - building in to the leadership of these churches is a vital part of the Bible School ministry and something we must continue to support.
In the evening we had a gospel meeting (under generator lights) - we are not sure of responses, but there was a challenge to Christian and non-Christian alike. Your prayers for these precious souls are coveted - pray that God would continue to bring change to hearts through the Word preached. This morning I was woken at 5am as the women folk began to sing and pray - it was cool to listen to - I just wished they had waited till 6am! The Sunday service is always about a 3 hour programme of singing, choirs, announcements, preaching, and then it is followed by a communion service. After Lunch we began the long rough journey home.
These people are so thankful for the interest that our church has in their lives. What a true blessing it is for us to partner with a work that is bringing such significant help to rural churches that have so often been forgotten and neglected. The need from trained leaders is huge. The need to see the Bible School infrastructure built is pressing. Levy already has about eight applications from prospective students next year and applications don’t usually flow until around November. There is an increasing desire from many churches to see people equipped - what a blessing to be able to encourage this and see churches grow spiritually and numerically! Remember with infrastructure changes, the Bible School would like to increase its roll from around 20 up to a maximum of 60!
This week it looks like my plans may be in a state of flux. The General Election is happening on Tuesday and the prospect of problems is definitely real. There is anxiousness from many and it seems that the country will just about stop when the election comes and as they wait for results. Please pray for peace and that my times with the staff on curriculum development would be beneficial. We will also be making some plans for the multipurpose building (kitchen/ dining/ conference room). Thanks for your prayers.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Last day Teaching 1 & 2 Timothy
Today I have finished the marathon of teaching through 1 & 2 Timothy. It always does my heart good to be reminded by these Pastoral Epistles about the priorities of church life and ministry. Today the questions that flowed from the students gave insights into the understanding that they were gaining. The battle for them will indeed be hard, with many going back to very untaught leaders who in turn need to be instructed by them. There is much patience required in working in these village areas and the ongoing training that the Bible School facilitates to these rural places is vital for the growth and spiritual health of these churches.
Tomorrow morning at 6am we depart for churches in the Kaswetele zone. I don’t know much about them but look forward with anticipation to learn of the work there. Please pray once again for clarity in teaching and that people’s hearts will be touched by God’s truth.
Tomorrow morning at 6am we depart for churches in the Kaswetele zone. I don’t know much about them but look forward with anticipation to learn of the work there. Please pray once again for clarity in teaching and that people’s hearts will be touched by God’s truth.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Funeral & Gospel
Greetings all. I have just returned from a huge funeral in which I was asked to preach the gospel. Francis was an elder at the local Mwamfuli church where i have preached many times. He was in his 50's and died from diabetes related issues. The funeral was held outside his house with people sitting in every vantage point, mostly on the ground. It was hard to say how many people were there because you couldn't see every part where people were sitting, but maybe 1500-2000 people.
There was the local AV Announcer vehicle there that provided a sound system. The choirs sung around his coffin and his family also gathered around the coffin and sang a hymn among their tears (there are 13 children!)
Francis was a contractor who built school buildings etc., and also had two little shop stalls in the market. He became a Christian in 1996 and obviously loved people. It was astounding to see the turnout of folk and most of them also proceeded to the graveside for the burial.
It was a wonderful opportunity to share the truth of the gospel. Many of the people were not Christians and the whole service was glorifying to the Lord. I was able to share from a number of passages and conclude with 1 Thessalonians 4 on our certain hope of resurrection.
There was the local AV Announcer vehicle there that provided a sound system. The choirs sung around his coffin and his family also gathered around the coffin and sang a hymn among their tears (there are 13 children!)
Francis was a contractor who built school buildings etc., and also had two little shop stalls in the market. He became a Christian in 1996 and obviously loved people. It was astounding to see the turnout of folk and most of them also proceeded to the graveside for the burial.
It was a wonderful opportunity to share the truth of the gospel. Many of the people were not Christians and the whole service was glorifying to the Lord. I was able to share from a number of passages and conclude with 1 Thessalonians 4 on our certain hope of resurrection.
Random Things
Well Wednesday has been an interesting day, five hours with the students finishing off 1 Timothy with lots of good questions especially in the areas of the care of widows and then the challenge of dealing with elders in sin.
The frustration today was the inability to find the boundary marker that was located last year. It may have been dug up by the water board as they put a new line down to the village! Maybe we will find it on Thursday, but we do need to get a new survey done. But on the funny and yuck side of things. The chicken house where around 240 birds are raised at a time had a big metal basin with bits and pieces in it in the store room. Rats had decided it was a good home - the men carried it out and great sport was had in eradicating (or should I say eraticating!!) 57 rats, 35 furry ones and 22 babies!! I can report that no one wanted to eat them!
Tonight was the monthly hatching of the swamp flies. They are a real nuisance - millions of them hatch and are attracted to lights, so you try and lock up as best you can. In the end I retreated to inside my mosquito net!! They will last for a couple of days and then we will be free again!
The frustration today was the inability to find the boundary marker that was located last year. It may have been dug up by the water board as they put a new line down to the village! Maybe we will find it on Thursday, but we do need to get a new survey done. But on the funny and yuck side of things. The chicken house where around 240 birds are raised at a time had a big metal basin with bits and pieces in it in the store room. Rats had decided it was a good home - the men carried it out and great sport was had in eradicating (or should I say eraticating!!) 57 rats, 35 furry ones and 22 babies!! I can report that no one wanted to eat them!
Tonight was the monthly hatching of the swamp flies. They are a real nuisance - millions of them hatch and are attracted to lights, so you try and lock up as best you can. In the end I retreated to inside my mosquito net!! They will last for a couple of days and then we will be free again!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Random...
Tonight the power went off for the first time since I arrived. Usually this has been an everyday affair so you might think that things aren’t so bad in Samfya. However the power that we have had has been so low that very few things work properly. At night you cannot read. Machines break down because they cannot handle the low voltage and then the boost of voltage that comes usually late at night and is gone by about 5am. It is a challenge to achieve the most basic tasks. The internet will not function on low voltage, so the time to get on is when the generator is being used to pump water - then you can plug in the internet and get enough voltage. Night time productivity is hampered so much by these issues. Pastorally I do so much at night in NZ - here it is next to impossible!
I write this under candle light - the power on my laptop is about to run out. Today the water stopped as well - that was a mystery - there was water in the tank but none delivering to the taps. Investigations found a small rat stuck in the pipe - hmmm I wondered what that new lather in my hair was this morning.
Another funeral today - there has been at least one per day since I have been here. There is a Thyphoid problem at the moment - on top of the Malaria, HIV Aids and assorted tropical problems. Oh the urgency of the gospel to touch the hearts and lives of these dear people.
As i sign off, it is 8:20pm and a loud speaker on a car is blasting along the road - it is elections on the 20th and candidates use every method to get the names heard. The joys of Africa!
I write this under candle light - the power on my laptop is about to run out. Today the water stopped as well - that was a mystery - there was water in the tank but none delivering to the taps. Investigations found a small rat stuck in the pipe - hmmm I wondered what that new lather in my hair was this morning.
Another funeral today - there has been at least one per day since I have been here. There is a Thyphoid problem at the moment - on top of the Malaria, HIV Aids and assorted tropical problems. Oh the urgency of the gospel to touch the hearts and lives of these dear people.
As i sign off, it is 8:20pm and a loud speaker on a car is blasting along the road - it is elections on the 20th and candidates use every method to get the names heard. The joys of Africa!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Just Back From Kasuba
Well you have to be ready for changes here in Zambia. Leaving Friday turned out leaving Saturday morning, a leaders conference turned out to be a conference for all comers from nine churches in the Kasuba Zone. None the less it was a time of wonderful blessing. I embarked on this weekend feeling a bit ‘blue’ because I wasn’t well, but was immediately rebuked by the overwhelming welcome of singing and dance as we arrived. These people were excited to be together and the joy of the Lord radiated from their hearts.
My teaching sessions became general passages encouraging Christian living. The church was full of people with many spilled outside to listen from windows or wherever they could get close. We had three choirs sing two numbers each, prayers, announcements, preaching, three more choirs doing two songs each - three hours slips by pretty quickly!
The evening session became an outside event near where our tents were pitched and I was instructed this was to be a gospel message. I spoke from Luke 15 on the lost sons with John 3 tacked on as well. It was hard to see everyone there - we rigged up lights powered by a generator, but the crowd was lost in the darkness (looked like 300-400)! That evening a lady was counselled and received Christ, with 9 others also talked to regarding others issues. These were followed up on after Sundays service, with some understanding that they have never been Christ’s. Another lady was taken home by her husband on Saturday, but she came back on Sunday afternoon to talk about salvation. Please pray that God’s work in these hearts will grow and blossom in true fruit.
Sunday’s message was on the priority of God’s Word in our lives, looking at 2 Tim 3:16-17. Most of the people here did not have Bibles so we talked of the desire to get Bibles in their hands - this is a vital part of our ministry to these churches. We left some Bibles but the needs always overwhelm the supply.
There are two graduates from the Bible School working in these ch
urches, Davies and Evans (2003 & 2004). I cannot speak highly enough about the influence they have been on these churches. I witnessed a vibrant youth ministry in action with young people heavily involved in our services. I saw firsthand the Sunday School on Sunday morning, well taught and loving to sing about Jesus and his love. Since graduation Davies and Evans have been instrumental planting four churches in this zone to make up the current nine. What a blessing to see God at work, saving people, establishing churches! Davies wondered if we could get a tent and sleeping bags for their wide sweeping pastoral and evangelistic work.
These men are doing a worthy work and they are typical of the many graduates that are working hard in the spread of the gospel in this needy land. We travelled 96kms to this area - it is remote but there are people everywhere. Our home journey which was supposed to be shorter and on a better road was 112kms, was slower and much more rough. One section of 16kms took 1 hour to cover. The home journey was 3 ½ hours! Welcome to Africa!!
One area of need that was highlighted significantly to me this weekend, is the need of trained believers who can counsel people. Teacher Peter Chomba continues with his training with Dr Mack in Pretoria - this is vital for the Bible School to develop further counselling training that can help these needy churches. Many people are stalled in their Christian lives through basic issues of forgiveness, or issues of guilt over past sin... Some basic training will be able to make big inroads into helping brothers and sisters who need encouragement in Christ.
Some of the areas I have travelled through this weekend have been very beautiful - great lake areas, plenty of fishing for the locals, but away from the water everything is tinder dry. It is hard to know what to leave out. The lasting impression however is a people that love God, a people served by godly leaders - what a privilege that as a church we have been part of that blessing to these people through the ministry of Samfya Bible School.
This week I am teaching the students through 1 & 2 Timothy. I have a bit of a cough developed from my sinus infection - please pray that this will heal quickly. Thanks to for your prayers for sleep - for the first time I have hit the time zone without any issues!!
My teaching sessions became general passages encouraging Christian living. The church was full of people with many spilled outside to listen from windows or wherever they could get close. We had three choirs sing two numbers each, prayers, announcements, preaching, three more choirs doing two songs each - three hours slips by pretty quickly!
The evening session became an outside event near where our tents were pitched and I was instructed this was to be a gospel message. I spoke from Luke 15 on the lost sons with John 3 tacked on as well. It was hard to see everyone there - we rigged up lights powered by a generator, but the crowd was lost in the darkness (looked like 300-400)! That evening a lady was counselled and received Christ, with 9 others also talked to regarding others issues. These were followed up on after Sundays service, with some understanding that they have never been Christ’s. Another lady was taken home by her husband on Saturday, but she came back on Sunday afternoon to talk about salvation. Please pray that God’s work in these hearts will grow and blossom in true fruit.
Sunday’s message was on the priority of God’s Word in our lives, looking at 2 Tim 3:16-17. Most of the people here did not have Bibles so we talked of the desire to get Bibles in their hands - this is a vital part of our ministry to these churches. We left some Bibles but the needs always overwhelm the supply.
There are two graduates from the Bible School working in these ch
urches, Davies and Evans (2003 & 2004). I cannot speak highly enough about the influence they have been on these churches. I witnessed a vibrant youth ministry in action with young people heavily involved in our services. I saw firsthand the Sunday School on Sunday morning, well taught and loving to sing about Jesus and his love. Since graduation Davies and Evans have been instrumental planting four churches in this zone to make up the current nine. What a blessing to see God at work, saving people, establishing churches! Davies wondered if we could get a tent and sleeping bags for their wide sweeping pastoral and evangelistic work.
These men are doing a worthy work and they are typical of the many graduates that are working hard in the spread of the gospel in this needy land. We travelled 96kms to this area - it is remote but there are people everywhere. Our home journey which was supposed to be shorter and on a better road was 112kms, was slower and much more rough. One section of 16kms took 1 hour to cover. The home journey was 3 ½ hours! Welcome to Africa!!
One area of need that was highlighted significantly to me this weekend, is the need of trained believers who can counsel people. Teacher Peter Chomba continues with his training with Dr Mack in Pretoria - this is vital for the Bible School to develop further counselling training that can help these needy churches. Many people are stalled in their Christian lives through basic issues of forgiveness, or issues of guilt over past sin... Some basic training will be able to make big inroads into helping brothers and sisters who need encouragement in Christ.
Some of the areas I have travelled through this weekend have been very beautiful - great lake areas, plenty of fishing for the locals, but away from the water everything is tinder dry. It is hard to know what to leave out. The lasting impression however is a people that love God, a people served by godly leaders - what a privilege that as a church we have been part of that blessing to these people through the ministry of Samfya Bible School.
This week I am teaching the students through 1 & 2 Timothy. I have a bit of a cough developed from my sinus infection - please pray that this will heal quickly. Thanks to for your prayers for sleep - for the first time I have hit the time zone without any issues!!
Friday, September 9, 2011
2011 Students & Teaching in Chapel
Today I had an unscheduled teaching time at the Chapel service for the students. I taught from Colossians 1:28-29 & 1 Thessalonians 5:14 - life verses from Paul, challenging the students about the pastoral ministry that they go back to in their village churches. The translator is Francis and the photo of the students is them singing after we left the classroom.
Heading to Kasuba
Greetings from Zambia. Today I head to Kusaba Zone churches for the weekend. I will travel with Levy & Agness Kasoma & Francis Chola and together we will do leadership training with the elders and deacons & deaconesses. Please pray that the Lord would open hearts to the truth of the Word and enable these leaders to grow in a commitment to applying the Bible to their leadership where change is so necessary from cultural norms that are against the scriptures.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Departing For Africa
Greetings all - another year has gone and I am on my way back to Samfya on 5th September. On my return journey I have the privilege of spending time in Inodnesia and Singapore and learning from other Christain Ministries in those countries. I will endeavour to keep regular updates coming through on this site. Below is my scheduled itinerary and prayer requests:
5 September Depart Hawkes Bay Airport at 9:25am. Flights are via Auckland/Singapore/Johannesburg/Lusaka/Mansa arriving Samfya 7 September
9-11 September Leadership Training Weekend in Kasuba Area (Elders Deacons & Deaconesses from local churches)
12-16 September Teaching Pastoral Epistles to Bible School Students 8am-1pm
16-18 September Leadership Training Weekend in Kaswetele Areas (Elders Deacons & Deaconesses from local churches)
19-22 September Leadership Training with elders from the Samfya area churches
23-25 September Curriculum Development with Bible School Staff
26 September Drive/Bus to Lusaka
27 September Fly Lusaka/Johannesburg/Singapore/Manado
28-30 September With the Pyatt’s at the New Tribes Mission Training school in Manado. Looking at their model of training and also to encourage them in their work
1 October Fly to Singapore
1-4 October With Soon Yong & Aileen Tan (they helped set up TSBC library a few years ago). Soon Yong is a TMS graduate and I will teach at His church “The Fishermen of Christ Fellowship” on 2 October. Also meetings scheduled with his eldership.
4 October Fly home arriving 5 October at Hawkes Bay airport at 2:45pm
Here are some prayer requests:
· Wisdom in crossing the cultural issues in teaching the Word i.e. clarity
· Strength for a very heavy teaching load
· To be aware of pastoral issues and bring encouragement
· To have wisdom in helping board members think through the infrastructure development
· To encourage all the staff
· Maintain good health so that the teaching is uninterrupted
· To give wise insight into curriculum development
· To learn more of God’s grace from our brothers and sisters
· To love people!
· For Gwen & Katie at home to be encouraged and supported
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