by Summer Kelley
Zambia
Steve always says that although he is the one that physically gets to go to all the remote places where ITMI partners are serving faithfully, all ITMI supporters are "with" him, because of the profound impact you are making in all of those places.
Last fall (2015), ITMI's Director, Steve Evers, visited Excellence Christian Academy, along with other projects in South Africa and Zambia. He brought ITMI Board member, Jon Dekkers and ITMI Monthly contributor, Steve Lee.
So, here are some of the things you would have seen if you had been physically there in Kabwe, Zambia at Excellence Christian Academy.
You'd see happy students whose lives are filled with hope because they hear the good news daily and they are getting an education.
You'd look into these precious eyes, and know that his life is better because of your faithfulness in following Jesus.
You might be overwhelmed with gratitude, knowing God continues to provide for all these students to have a quality education from a Biblical perspective.
You might be greeted like this by ITMI partner, Eugene Kalunga, who is the principal of ECA.
You'd watch as all the students assemble under the shaded walks.
You'd be moved as you were caught up in a unifying time of worship.
You'd hear Eugene's gratitude reverberating through each word of his introduction of Steve as ITMI's representative.
You'd feel Steve's passion exude through every movement as he encourages the ECA students and reminds them of the gospel.
You might beam with appreciation as Steve uses a volunteer to illustrate how Jesus stands in front of us and absorbs God's wrath.
And as the assembly ends, you'd see the visitors greet and encourage the staff and students one by one.
And you'd see what what Steve Lee was talking about when he said Steve and Jon, " are serious about caring for ITMI missionaries (and everyone else they meet). They are scrupulous about...making sure...that every person contacted is listened to with courtesy, that no need is forgotten, even if it means inconvenience or suffering on their part."
You'd see them treat with equal honor those with cultural "importance" and those with out it.
Then you'd enjoy seeing one or two of the classrooms, and getting to further encourage some of them.
You might be struck by the simplicity of the facilities, and the dedication of the teachers as each classroom would reveal their individual teaching styles and passions.
You'd enjoy observing the littlest students at ECA in their classrooms.
Then you'd get a chance to catch up with Eugene in the hospitality of his office. You'd hear about recent challenges and what God is doing in this part of the world.
And, as Steve Lee was, you might be compelled to write most of it down.
About the Author
Summer Kelley is a writer and follower of Jesus living in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and three kids. She’s had the honor and privilege of telling ITMI’s stories since 2006. Summer loves reading, the outdoors and Coca-Cola Classic.