Returning Home
Our first night back in Zambia after an unexpectedly extended furlough we were blissfully happy to be sleeping in our own beds.
Unfortunately, extended absences always have their prices. We returned to a broken refrigerator, an inch of dust, and…. the starving local flora. Boy, the bacteria, amoebas, and viruses really missed us! I’m not sure how they survived our absence.
By the end of the second day Olivia had a high fever. By the wee hours of Saturday morning she and Frederick were vomiting. We had to dash Frederick to the toilet for diarrhea every 45 minutes or so around the clock, for nearly 5 days. Not to be left out of the fun, I joined them and we made it a family affair.
Oh, and just to make things more interesting, our sewer pipe was backed up with tree roots. Each flush was a breath-holding moment, hoping it was actually going down, not back up!
Ashley and Monica somehow, miraculously, managed to stay healthy. It’s a good thing too. We only have two toilets and Frederick and I kept them fully occupied. Fortunately, all things (including the fevers and rashes that followed our stomach bug) finally do come to pass and we are back up and running.
When Will the Mission House Be Our Home?
Aside from returning to ministry I’m also working on finishing our Mission House. To prevent theft of anything valuable we left it as an empty, unfinished shell. Now I’m working on the ceilings, painting, tiling, and building cabinets. I also need to finish the well and install all the fixtures.
Lord willing, we will be able to move in by August.
We very much appreciate your prayers. We still have a lot of work to do to finish up and a few major purchases remain, such as the borehole and interior paint.
Moving into this Mission House will mean more space for ministry and training (not to mention a garden, chickens, and plenty of space for kids to play). It will also mean saving on monthly rent payments!
Returning to ministry in Zambia has been satisfying, even with the re-immersion challenges. I love being in the States, spending time with family, eating great food, and sharing about the work we do with the people like you who pray for and support our family.
However, it feels good to be home. God has called me to this continent and I love my work here whole-heartedly.
Preaching and Teaching
Before we even unpacked I dove right into a preaching series through Hebrews. Teaching this part of God’s Word in a way that the Africans can relate to it has been both challenging and stimulating.
Several of the African pastors and church lea
ders have started asking about the implications and applications of God’s word for the church. It’s gratifying to hear that they are searching out the Scriptures and questioning what, to them, is new teaching.
I’ve also resumed Bible classes at the local school. In a few months we are looking forward to several groups of volunteers coming to lend us a hand. We’re also expecting the container to arrive around then.
Into a Busy Season
All in all, we have another busy season ahead of us, but it is a season of joy and fruitfulness – a season for us to express our gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice and for God’s provision.
Thank you, very sincerely, for your prayers, support, and encouragement. We could not do our work with as much joy and satisfaction if it was not for the brothers and sisters in Christ who hold us up in prayer and remember our needs.
May the Lord continue to richly bless your faithful service to Him.
Pro Rege,
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