Timothy and Ashley Keller
Kabwe, Zambia
1. What has God taught you this year?
We have four little kids. Four. Little. Kids.
Ian is probably the worst sleeper we’ve had yet too. In addition the crime in our area necessitates a lot of night time vigilance, barking dogs, and security checks. There are nights when I don’t really get to sleep, and the next morning can be torturous.
However, I’ve seen God sustain me in some amazing ways this year. One morning (after a particularly rough night of very little sleep) I just had nothing left to give. Eating breakfast sounded like torture.
Driving out of the yard sounded like torture. Ministering to people sounded horrendous. But I went.
And I learned something: God can use us when we have nothing left to give. God can move even when we can’t. God can use a willing vessel - even a desperately tired one.
God can use us when we have nothing left to give.
2. What is something God has done this year in your ministry?
Ministry isn’t always doing what we want to do. Sometimes it is watching God do great things, using us, in a way that we never would have done them.
A few weeks ago, I was asked to counsel some members of the police force. Counseling is something I don’t feel equipped for, don’t have a particular passion for, and don’t really enjoy doing. However, the need was there so I agreed to help.
I was not prepared for the way God broke down walls and changed the hearts of these people and answered their prayers. It was truly incredible to watch the Holy Spirit move, truly giving them a new birth in Jesus.
We are seeing this over and over in the police force in Zambia. God is moving. We serve in ways that bring us joy, and we serve in ways that are difficult. Either way we are overjoyed when we see God’s people respond to His Word.
Tim with member of the police force.
3. What is it about the people you serve that God has laid on your heart?
The Zambian people are so open to God’s Word. They are willing to listen, and they are desperate to see change in their lives.
Pastors beg me for sermon notes, pastoral training, discipleship, evangelism training, and counseling. Their humility and raw need for Christ and discipleship is truly awesome.
This dynamic young teacher was part of a Worldview Seminar Tim did and was very excited about God's Word and using it in his classroom!
4. What do you wish ITMI supporters knew?
I wish you could see what I see. I wish you could see the eyes of the Zambian man who truly hears God’s Word for the first time.
I wish you could see the hope on the face of the young girl who’d lost all hope.
Many were baptized this year through the ministry of the men Timothy has been training and discipling in Zambia's Eastern Province for more than 10 years now!
Thank you, truly and sincerely, for your prayers for our family, for the people of Zambia, and for God’s Kingdom as He continues to build and increase it around the world.
May God bless and keep you this Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of our Lord.
About the Authors
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.
Steve Evers has advocated for and served the ITMI partners as ITMI Director since 2001. Approximately once a year, Steve visits with ITMI partners in their countries and brings stories back to encourage supporters. Steve enjoys photography and mechanics, (both hobbies that have greatly benefited ITMI partners!) Prior to becoming ITMI's Director, Steve served on the Board of Directors for 4 years. Steve lives in Arizona with his wife, Darlene.