It is now 11pm after a very full day. The overnight stay in Lusaka was one without much water at the guest house – a pump problem – Africa is always a challenge. Our coach departed on time (!!) at 9am and we arrived in Livingstone at 3:50pm. The last 100kms or so were often off road on gravel because the main road is under major repair. We settled in, cooled off in the pool, walked into town, looked at some souvenirs, and had a late dinner.
Then we had a visit from Frank Musenge, a 2008 graduate of the Samfya. Frank is a Bemba speaker living here in Livingstone, having moved here in 1987 with his wife. The training at Samfya has helped him significantly in his leadership. He has a teaching role in many churches in the region and is also active in church planting. His wife runs their spare parts store which supports his teaching and evangelising work. Frank commented how much he appreciated the training and how it is helping him in his ministry in the churches. He would like one of our teams to do a mission down here in the future!! It is amazing to see that Samfya is having influence well outside of the Bemba speaking areas of Zambia – praise the Lord for His grace.
Our weekend at Lulimala in the Sernje district was a real blessing. The church here is about 160kms south of Samfya, the last 15kms were on dirt road that took 45mins to travel (two elderly sisters walked that road to attend starting at 6am and getting there at 5pm!). This location was back to basic village living – no power, no cell coverage, cooking over coals (village chicken, water buck – both delicious, rice, nshima, relish...). Most graduates are working in these rather remiote village areas. It is a unique ministry touching areas that are often forgotten.
There were 12 graduates of the school at this training time with leaders from 10 different churches making the effort to be with us (some travelling well over 100kms to get there!). Donald had general teaching sessions, and Deane, Sherrilyn & Donald led workshop sessions with deacons, deaconesses and elders. Roger introduced the communion. The enthusiasm of these people was a blessing to see, and they soaked in the teaching at every opportunity. Their Bemba choruses were a blessing and the youth choir was excellent.Meeting the graduates we learned of the work in church planting going on 17 churches in 14 years, 8 others that have failed but with renewed resources will be revisited. Two new plants have happened in new fishing villages that have recently been established.
These men and women are strategising about how to use their combined resources to target the needs of a big area. Four boxes of Bibles (96 bibles) will be sold by them to support the ongoing teaching and evangelising missions. They are also looking to send more students to the school, especially from some of the churches needing good teaching to see them grow.The Bible school has decided to fund them with enough for 8 bicycles to assist on their missions which cover many kilometres. This comes from the bicycles/ministry fund that RBC has supplied - thank you so much for this support. What a joy to see how God is using these men and women! The elders were so thankful for the work of the Bible School and how the graduates have been such a help to them.
As we reflect on our time at Samfya, we see things that we would not do if we were running this work, however we are not!! Our brothers and sisters are doing a good work in seeing students equipped to make a real difference. With the ongoing refinement of the Bible School programme this will only be further enhanced. This is a worthy work, God is blessing it. We have the privilege of seeing it grow and flourish. Maybe the next team visit you could come too and be challenged and changed as you see God working in the lives of our brothers and sisters.
Thank you for your prayers. Tomorrow we are going to see Victoria Falls and are reminded that David Livingstone, as he travelled to preach the Gospel came here by foot not by plane and coach! We look forward to seeing you all this weekend.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
InLivingstone
Hi all, just a quick update. We had a fantastic time in Lulimala village with 12 graduates from Samfya and many church leaders. It was humbling to hear of the 17 churches planted since 1995 (plus 8 that have stuggled with need to send teams back). We were cared for so well and enjoyed the fellowship with those who love Christ.
We have had 15 hours in road travel over the last two days - very hot for the first day, airconditioned coach the next! We have two days in Livingstone and will get a more full report out tomrrow about our time in the village,. Thanks for your prayers.
We have had 15 hours in road travel over the last two days - very hot for the first day, airconditioned coach the next! We have two days in Livingstone and will get a more full report out tomrrow about our time in the village,. Thanks for your prayers.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Last Night in Samfya
Greetings from a very hot Samfya. One local said today that he could not remember a hotter day in his life!! To top it off we have no water! Oh well the joys of Africa. We must say we have had such a good run with water and power until yesterday – dinner didn’t happen until 10pm through power loss and we just haven’t needed to be set up with charcoal fires for cooking so we didn’t have the gear.
Today has been sorting out some last minute things. A visit to the Praise School to deliver books and material sent from Hastings Christian School, some office things for Sherrilyn, Deane wandering the boundary looking for survey pegs to little avail. The last of the finances were sorted out including establishing a new account for infrastructure development with a US$5000 deposit which will be used as the progress with EMI on the master plan becomes evident. The first building will probably be the kitchen and dining room made from lasting materials – the termites here are very busy!
Donald had a visit from a 2006 graduate today. Saidi is from the D.R.Congo and was visiting to talk about establishing a new Bible School at Luanza where Donald & Roger visited last year. In God’s providence, some of the Bible School staff are going tomorrow to meet with some smaller Bible School works in Luapula Province and it will provide Saidi with good connections to plan a DRC work. He has given me a list of books he would like for a library. The needs here are just so great!
Donald taught at the Bible School this morning from 8am to midday, and then taught at a local church from 4:30-5:30pm. After this service a mother brought a young child up who was suffering from fits and wanted us to pray. We did so and tried to give some further advice for his care. We need to be very thankful for the facilities we have in NZ, but also moved to help our brothers and sisters in Christ here in Zambia.
Tomorrow sees the last session of teaching at the Bible School and then packing up to depart for the village called Lulimala. Up to nine graduates will be at this training weekend with their elders, deacons and deaconesses. It will be a very interesting weekend to hear their stories and the work that they are doing. I am sure that the bicycles money will be needed in this place – from all reports they are active in the local church work. Please pray for wisdom as we minister God’s Word, that we would be able to communicate with clarity and passion and bless our brothers and sisters.
By Sunday night we will be moving to Lusaka and then to Livingstone where we will update you further. Please pray for safety on the roads and on our travels home.
Today has been sorting out some last minute things. A visit to the Praise School to deliver books and material sent from Hastings Christian School, some office things for Sherrilyn, Deane wandering the boundary looking for survey pegs to little avail. The last of the finances were sorted out including establishing a new account for infrastructure development with a US$5000 deposit which will be used as the progress with EMI on the master plan becomes evident. The first building will probably be the kitchen and dining room made from lasting materials – the termites here are very busy!
Donald had a visit from a 2006 graduate today. Saidi is from the D.R.Congo and was visiting to talk about establishing a new Bible School at Luanza where Donald & Roger visited last year. In God’s providence, some of the Bible School staff are going tomorrow to meet with some smaller Bible School works in Luapula Province and it will provide Saidi with good connections to plan a DRC work. He has given me a list of books he would like for a library. The needs here are just so great!
Donald taught at the Bible School this morning from 8am to midday, and then taught at a local church from 4:30-5:30pm. After this service a mother brought a young child up who was suffering from fits and wanted us to pray. We did so and tried to give some further advice for his care. We need to be very thankful for the facilities we have in NZ, but also moved to help our brothers and sisters in Christ here in Zambia.
Tomorrow sees the last session of teaching at the Bible School and then packing up to depart for the village called Lulimala. Up to nine graduates will be at this training weekend with their elders, deacons and deaconesses. It will be a very interesting weekend to hear their stories and the work that they are doing. I am sure that the bicycles money will be needed in this place – from all reports they are active in the local church work. Please pray for wisdom as we minister God’s Word, that we would be able to communicate with clarity and passion and bless our brothers and sisters.
By Sunday night we will be moving to Lusaka and then to Livingstone where we will update you further. Please pray for safety on the roads and on our travels home.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Vehicle Update
Hey good news - we have the other vehicle for the trip to Lusaka!! Big relief!! Wasn't looking forward to 750kms on the flat deck.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Mid-week in Samfya
We are well recovered from our time in Chaba and are now making plans for the next weekend in Sernje area. Here we will be able to interact with a number of graduates that are doing a good work in the churches of this region. Transport for us is a problem as we may not have the vehicle first planned. This means we may need to use the Bible School light truck with a flat deck – if so we need to build a canopy as after this weekend we carry on down to Lusaka and begin our way home. We certainly don’t want to get sun stroke on the back of this truck.
This week Donald has begun teaching through 1 & 2 Timothy with the students. There is so much practical to church life in these books – please pray for ongoing wisdom to communicate with clarity. One real big problem in the classroom is that young children of the students can be very disruptive. There is a need to fund a full time care person to look after these little ones so that the students can truly focus on their learning. Such a person would be paid around NZ$150 per month. Sherrilyn continues with her afternoon sessions with the staff and student women which is being a real blessing – please pray for the last two days of this that the principles being taught will be applied to their lives.
On Monday afternoon, Donald, Roger and Deane meet with the executive board members (those from around this area) to discuss plans for the future and the challenges that they face. We were able to talk through the development of a master plan for the site and also the problems of funding that make the school’s ongoing work a daily challenge. Tuesday saw Deane and Sherrilyn helping Levy to complete the very full application form for EMI (Engineering Missions International) so that we can see if they can assist in the master plan development. We are waiting on some information on the site ownership details so the application can be sent.
The maintenance area is a little slow as most things now are being worked on by the local people, however we are getting costings and working to see the jobs done in due time. Sherrilyn will be working with the accounts manger today to help with spread sheets issues and was able to set Levy’s email systems up yesterday to better help in his administration. An administrator here would be a huge help and encouragement to the ministry.
Donald will continue to have pastoral meetings with the staff teachers and their wives to encourage them in their work – they are our missionaries to Zambia!! Roger is putting up a rope swing for the children today. We have 2 ½ days left here in Samfya and then two full days in the village on leadership training. Please keep praying for strength and health – Sherrilyn’s back is a little sore.
This week Donald has begun teaching through 1 & 2 Timothy with the students. There is so much practical to church life in these books – please pray for ongoing wisdom to communicate with clarity. One real big problem in the classroom is that young children of the students can be very disruptive. There is a need to fund a full time care person to look after these little ones so that the students can truly focus on their learning. Such a person would be paid around NZ$150 per month. Sherrilyn continues with her afternoon sessions with the staff and student women which is being a real blessing – please pray for the last two days of this that the principles being taught will be applied to their lives.
On Monday afternoon, Donald, Roger and Deane meet with the executive board members (those from around this area) to discuss plans for the future and the challenges that they face. We were able to talk through the development of a master plan for the site and also the problems of funding that make the school’s ongoing work a daily challenge. Tuesday saw Deane and Sherrilyn helping Levy to complete the very full application form for EMI (Engineering Missions International) so that we can see if they can assist in the master plan development. We are waiting on some information on the site ownership details so the application can be sent.
The maintenance area is a little slow as most things now are being worked on by the local people, however we are getting costings and working to see the jobs done in due time. Sherrilyn will be working with the accounts manger today to help with spread sheets issues and was able to set Levy’s email systems up yesterday to better help in his administration. An administrator here would be a huge help and encouragement to the ministry.
Donald will continue to have pastoral meetings with the staff teachers and their wives to encourage them in their work – they are our missionaries to Zambia!! Roger is putting up a rope swing for the children today. We have 2 ½ days left here in Samfya and then two full days in the village on leadership training. Please keep praying for strength and health – Sherrilyn’s back is a little sore.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Chaba Leadership Training Weekend
The Team has just returned from Chaba at the northern end of Lake Bangweulu. We have spent the weekend with elders, deacons and deaconesses of four churches from this area. Workshops were lead by Donald, Deane and Sherrilyn for the three groups of leaders and Donald taught a number of general sessions. The circumstances were very poor. The land was parched and in many ways the churches are parched for good teaching and leadership. A gift of Bibles that will be sold will enable some leaders to come as students to the Bible School and go back to these needy churches. The needs are huge, the challenges more than can be expalined here, but these visits do make a difference and help our dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Below is a letter from some of the elders from these churches.
Message to the visitors from New Zealand:
The Leaders and Christians in Chilubi who attended the training workshop held at Chaba CMML (Christian Missions in Many Lands) Church have made the following remarks:
1. They are very thankful for what the Lord has done for them to bring good news to their door step to strengthen the leaders in the district.
2. The visitors from New Zealand have shown commitment to the call of the Lord which has painted a good picture to the Christians in CMML in Zambia and other churches around our congregations.
3. As a church in Chilubi we are very happy and request that in future the same programmes be made [to their area] as we are one in Christ Jesus.
4. The Christians are very thankful for the Bibles you have given to the district to raise some money to send some leaders to the Bible School in Samfya.
5. The Leaders are happy for the behaviour that you had shown to them. You were able to eat the food we eat which does not happen to some other people when they go to a foreign land. You mixed freely with people and showed interest to learn their local language. You come with a female leader which has given an encouragement to the female Christians to emulate the same in their activities. To a large extent you did not show any racial discrimination at all levels. There [are] many [other things] but these are just to mention a few.
6. To the large extent you have done things according to the command and teaching of Jesus Christ in Matthew 28:19-20.
On the other hand the district has some problems in the following areas:
1. Poor infrastructure due to lack of funds and other material support. We request that you help us in any possible [way] because the Christians have a very poor living standard which you have seen even for yourselves. All the churches in Chilubi district are grass thatched but modern life requires iron sheets of which we request from you.
2. In the same connection we request that gospel books be sent to us so that the Christians can read in addition to the Bible.
3. In the same connection we are requesting that we be considered for training at other colleges other than the one at Samfya for some Christians who have advanced their education levels.
Lastly we pray that the Lord will provide a safe journey back to your country but we shall remember you in our prayer. Let us know when you arrive home.Leaders: Davies Malama, Judas Bobo, Matthews Mwape, Malunde Justine, Maleo Mwape, Chate Misebo
We are all very tired! We were living outside our comfort zone and yet we know these people live in this way all year round. We stopped at a fishing camp on our way home and the squallor was appalling - the gospel is needed here. There is one graduate that ministers to camps like this but there is need for more. This Bible School work is vital - your support prayerfully and financially makes a huge difference. Thank you for your prayers.
Message to the visitors from New Zealand:
The Leaders and Christians in Chilubi who attended the training workshop held at Chaba CMML (Christian Missions in Many Lands) Church have made the following remarks:
1. They are very thankful for what the Lord has done for them to bring good news to their door step to strengthen the leaders in the district.
2. The visitors from New Zealand have shown commitment to the call of the Lord which has painted a good picture to the Christians in CMML in Zambia and other churches around our congregations.
3. As a church in Chilubi we are very happy and request that in future the same programmes be made [to their area] as we are one in Christ Jesus.
4. The Christians are very thankful for the Bibles you have given to the district to raise some money to send some leaders to the Bible School in Samfya.
5. The Leaders are happy for the behaviour that you had shown to them. You were able to eat the food we eat which does not happen to some other people when they go to a foreign land. You mixed freely with people and showed interest to learn their local language. You come with a female leader which has given an encouragement to the female Christians to emulate the same in their activities. To a large extent you did not show any racial discrimination at all levels. There [are] many [other things] but these are just to mention a few.
6. To the large extent you have done things according to the command and teaching of Jesus Christ in Matthew 28:19-20.
On the other hand the district has some problems in the following areas:
1. Poor infrastructure due to lack of funds and other material support. We request that you help us in any possible [way] because the Christians have a very poor living standard which you have seen even for yourselves. All the churches in Chilubi district are grass thatched but modern life requires iron sheets of which we request from you.
2. In the same connection we request that gospel books be sent to us so that the Christians can read in addition to the Bible.
3. In the same connection we are requesting that we be considered for training at other colleges other than the one at Samfya for some Christians who have advanced their education levels.
Lastly we pray that the Lord will provide a safe journey back to your country but we shall remember you in our prayer. Let us know when you arrive home.Leaders: Davies Malama, Judas Bobo, Matthews Mwape, Malunde Justine, Maleo Mwape, Chate Misebo
We are all very tired! We were living outside our comfort zone and yet we know these people live in this way all year round. We stopped at a fishing camp on our way home and the squallor was appalling - the gospel is needed here. There is one graduate that ministers to camps like this but there is need for more. This Bible School work is vital - your support prayerfully and financially makes a huge difference. Thank you for your prayers.
Friday, October 2, 2009
On Our Way to Chaba
Well the last couple of days have seen a little more on the maintenance front and Deane has also helped on Lucy Chama’s house which is being built. We have replaced a good amount of rotten perlin timber trying to get a few more years out of deteriorating buildings. Today we had time getting to the bottom of power bill issues. The Bible School struggles to pay power and water bills because most of its funding is for dedicated areas and not power and water! Plus the power board made a ruling that backdated additional charges for 4 years!!! Africa is an interesting place.
We also went to pay the bill for use of the boat for our weekend at Chaba. We found that the boat is in the swamps and it “should be back tomorrow.” Levy said we must find plan B and so we found the council has a new boat and they agreed we could use it. There is no hirage fee, and we pay the petrol and drivers fees, plus this boat has a 150 horse power motor and will at least half our travel time!! So we are all smiling and feeling much more secure in a bigger boat.
Sherrilyn has continued her meetings with the ladies which are going very well. Donald and Deane went to a service this afternoon from 4.30-5.30pm at Hudson’s church – he is the most enthusiastic pastor that you have ever met! Donald taught from 1 Thessalonians 4 and we will go back there next week and have another session. We are so warmly welcomed and it is a blessing to share God’s truth with our brothers and sisters. While this was a smaller group for a mid week meeting, this church has 200 in Sunday School, 85 in youth and 280 in adult attendance. They just baptised 15 people this last Sunday – what a blessing to see God working in the lives of so many people.
Tonight we had a fantastic meeting with the three teaching staff and the Chairman of the Bible School board. We sat and talked for 1 ¾ hours about developing a master plan for the Bible School site. They are excited about the potential of getting EMI (Engineering Missions International) to work with them in this plan. Deane and Sherrilyn had dealings with this group in Uganda and were thoroughly impressed with their professionalism and providing excellent plans and ideas for the future. It was good to help our brothers think through the priorities that lie ahead for them.
We will not be back from Chaba until Sunday evening – we will really value your prayers for our time in this swamp area. We will be working with leaders from 6 churches. Please pray for wisdom in our teaching and encouragement, that we will meet the real needs of these church leaders and see them blessed as they do the work of the ministry in this remote area.
We also went to pay the bill for use of the boat for our weekend at Chaba. We found that the boat is in the swamps and it “should be back tomorrow.” Levy said we must find plan B and so we found the council has a new boat and they agreed we could use it. There is no hirage fee, and we pay the petrol and drivers fees, plus this boat has a 150 horse power motor and will at least half our travel time!! So we are all smiling and feeling much more secure in a bigger boat.
Sherrilyn has continued her meetings with the ladies which are going very well. Donald and Deane went to a service this afternoon from 4.30-5.30pm at Hudson’s church – he is the most enthusiastic pastor that you have ever met! Donald taught from 1 Thessalonians 4 and we will go back there next week and have another session. We are so warmly welcomed and it is a blessing to share God’s truth with our brothers and sisters. While this was a smaller group for a mid week meeting, this church has 200 in Sunday School, 85 in youth and 280 in adult attendance. They just baptised 15 people this last Sunday – what a blessing to see God working in the lives of so many people.
Tonight we had a fantastic meeting with the three teaching staff and the Chairman of the Bible School board. We sat and talked for 1 ¾ hours about developing a master plan for the Bible School site. They are excited about the potential of getting EMI (Engineering Missions International) to work with them in this plan. Deane and Sherrilyn had dealings with this group in Uganda and were thoroughly impressed with their professionalism and providing excellent plans and ideas for the future. It was good to help our brothers think through the priorities that lie ahead for them.
We will not be back from Chaba until Sunday evening – we will really value your prayers for our time in this swamp area. We will be working with leaders from 6 churches. Please pray for wisdom in our teaching and encouragement, that we will meet the real needs of these church leaders and see them blessed as they do the work of the ministry in this remote area.
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