Thursday, December 23, 2010
December 23, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
December 20, 2010
Things have been a bit busy the few days. Friday we had a Christmas party for the children sponsored through Covenant Mercies. It was a great time of talking about the true meaning of Christmas, singing, dancing, playing games, eating a good meal and giving the children their gifts. I spent Thursday packing the gifts and goody bags with Zicky and some of her children. That took about 3 hours but I was so thankful to be able to participate in this event. I spent time with my future students and its amazing how much I love them already, God has truly given me his heart for them. I am excited for school to start so I can get to know them better. When I was sitting talking with one of the teachers a young boy boldly came up and was touching my hair, I guess his curiosity got the best of him. Me and the other teachers started laughing amongst ourselves as he walked away closing his eyes and smelling his hands. Later some of the girls did the same thing and carefully observed and touched the hair and freckles on my arms, both of which they do not have. Another young boy was fascinated that he could see the blue veins in my hands and was constantly touching them and showing them to others.
As the party came to a close I went and stood by the window of my future classroom to escape the afternoon sun. As I stood there I could hear behind me Charles (the case worker for Covenant Mercies) talking to some children who wanted to give their life to the Lord. My heart was filled with joy to see the fruits of the labor of Covenant Mercies, Lighthouse Christian School and all the individuals who have been involved. I am grateful that these children not only have an opportunity to have a good education but have the opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel. This would not be possible without the hundreds of individuals back in the states that sponsor a child. So be encouraged, your sacrifice is making an eternal difference. Thank you!! (Oh, and I was able to meet the young girl my mother sponsors, Cleopatra.)
December 16, 2010
Well interestingly enough I had somewhat of a mini-lab in the lesson of giving thanks in all circumstances. Last night I had an extremely bad nightmare, full of evil, to an extent that I woke up sweating and with my heart racing. Immediately I started rebuking the enemy and saying the name of Jesus. As I lay there in the dark I was reminded of what I had been reading, which also included the book of Daniel.. In Daniel, chapter 7 he had a dream that greatly disturbed him and just as in the previous chapters the Lord gave him the interpretation to the dream. I began praying and thanking God for my dream and for the opportunity to spend time crying out to him in the middle of the night. I reflected on scripture that I had on note cards near my bedside.
Philippians 4:6-9, “Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
Psalm 62:8 “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”
Psalm 143:8 “Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
Psalm 121 “ I lift up my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your food slip- he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed he who watches over Israel will neither sleep nor slumber. The Lord watches over you- the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm- he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
After reading these verse aloud and praying through them I asked God to help me “see the good” of my dream and lead me in how to give thanks for it. (Even if we are unable to see the “good” in something we still are called to give thanks. Remember that there is nothing that escapes his participating presence. When you don’t know how to give thanks just ask him to help you) So anyway, I lay there replaying the dream and he revealed it to me. In my dream I was fighting an evil, evil man who violently attacked me over and over again. I would fight back and then retreat realizing that he was much stronger than I. But I was determined and over and over again I would muster up all my strength and run at him again, doing anything I could to harm him but it was all in vain. I could not win. Towards the end of the dream as I retreated I fell onto some stairs and he came to try and punch me over and over again. Each blow he threw was seemingly in slow motion and as if someone else was controlling my hands to block the blows. Soon he shouted out in frustration and said, “its as if someone else is controlling your hands, I can not hit you no matter how hard I try.” The Lord spoke to me through this and showed me that, just as I cannot do what he has called me to do in my own strength, I cannot fight the enemy, the evil one in my own strength. This may seem like a very simple concept but it is a very powerful one. On my own I am not strong enough but greater is he who is in me than he who is in the world! After realizing the meaning of my dream I just began praising God and singing worship songs until I fell asleep. I know that these “classroom” life lessons are building my faith and dependence on God and that they are in preparation for what lies ahead. I may not know what the future holds but there is One that holds me and just as he knows the number of hairs on my head, he knows what is in store for me. And he will grant me the peace that surpasses all understanding.
December 15, 2010
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” As it is for any of us I have found it quite easy to give thanks for the “good” things but have asked my self time and time again, “how could God want me to give thanks for something seemingly “bad?’” Scripture is clear though, “give thanks in all circumstances” not just the pleasant circumstances. Even looking at the life of Paul who endured, “official scourging of thirty-nine stripes- five separate times; three times beaten with rods; stoned once; three shipwrecks; innumerable journeying in peril of robbers and other enemies; pain; hunger and thirst” admonishes us to “ Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say rejoice..in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God”
I am reading a book on deepening faith called, Something More and here is an excerpt on praise:
“ The scriptural basis for this is not only solid but overwhelming, such as:
“rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks for this is the will of God…”
“Continue in Prayer and watch in the same with thanksgiving.”
But out of many such passages, it was the concept of praise as a sacrifice which began to show me the way:
“By him [Jesus] therefore let us offer up the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”
The fact that the word “sacrifice” is used tells us that the writers of scripture understood well that when we praise God for trouble, we’re giving up something. For sacrifice means, “the surrender or destruction of something prized or desirable for the sake of something considered as having a higher or more pressing claim.” What we are sacrificing is the right to the blessings we think are due us!
We are also sacrificing our human desire to understand everything. Obviously, praising God for trouble makes no sense on the earthly side. Human reason asks, “Why should I thank God for dark and negative circumstances when He is the Author of light and goodness alone?” So when we bypass our “right” to understand and offer up suffering to God in praise, the Bible is right in calling this a “sacrifice of praise” Instead of focusing on the issue or the problem we need to focus on eyes and attention on our Lord and in our obedience he will supply the emotion to make the praise real.
In another part of the book she issues a good reminder, “Therefore, nothing can happen to us without His knowledge, His consent, and His participating Presence as Savior” “…The news is that there is no situation-no breakage, no loss, no grief, no sin, no mess-so dreadful that out of it God cannot bring good, total good, not just “spiritual” good, if we allow Him to. Our God is the Divine Alchemist. He can take junk from the rubbish heap of life, and melting this base refuse in the pure fire of His love, hand us back-gold.” And remember that as the great Shepherd he is the one that will leave the 99 sheep safely in the fold to go after the one lost lamb. He does this because he cares.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
December 11, 2010
This morning I woke up around 8 and the electricity was out. I went to the kitchen to check the items I had in the frig to get a better gauge on how long it had been out. Everything was slightly cold so my guess is it went out some time last night. By 4 it was back on. The public water system was off most of yesterday and the day before, luckily where I am staying they have a deep well, so for at least the next month not having water will not be an issue. Once I have my own place I will need to keep a barrel reserve of water for such days when the water is off. I must say, it seems like each day has a new surprise or adventure waiting for me and I actually like it.
One evening a few days ago I was sitting reading in the living room as a monstrous storm aged outside. Over about a 30 minute period I started noticing these termite looking insects flying about, drawn obviously to the light. I decided to investigate where they were coming from. I checked the screen in the living room, nope, not coming in from there. I walked over and opened the kitchen door, flicking on the light and probably almost screamed. HUNDREDS of these inch and a half insects flying about bumping into each other and everything else. I stood there in shock for a moment, switched the light out and slammed the door. I ran to the other room and grabbed some DOOM (similar to Raid) and a large towel. I sprayed the parameter of the kitchen door and the keyhole then shoved the towel under the base of the door. I knew I would have a big mess to clean up in the morning but was happy to have them confined to one area. I guess this is my new normal. J
I have really found my evenings to be such a great and refreshing time with the Lord. Hour upon hour passes as I spend time reading, studying God’s word and praying. In less than a week I finished 2 of the 4 books I brought and have started on Bible Doctrine by Grudem. Reading this much is not something I have ever done and sure part of it is because I have less distractions but more so it’s the grace of God because I thoroughly enjoy it and look forward to it. So, those of you that want to send care packages, books would be great to include. Light books would include bible study paperback books that shouldn’t cost too much to send.
Psalm 63
“O God you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you for as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.
December 10, 2010
One of the many things I have found I enjoy here in Zambia is my walks to a small strip of stores, which includes an internet café. The 15-20 minute walk lends itself to being able to observe and communicate with the locals on some level. So far one of my favorite interactions has been with a young girl of about 8, she was working for one of the local homeowners. As I walked down the familiar road I spied 3 girls all carrying jugs of water. The two older girls balanced large jugs on their heads and the young girl carried 2 smaller jugs, which were obviously heavy. It always amazes me to see what these women can balance on their heads. Since I have been here, I have seen produce, water jugs, a large 4-foot vase and even a 20-foot hollow metal beam, which was about 1 foot wide. What skill!! Anyway back to the story. ..Once I was close enough to ensure they would hear my greeting I shouted, “bueno” which is the common greeting here in Zambia. They all smiled as they crossed in front of me to their intended destination. The young girl set her jugs down and came running over to me to further greet me. She extended her hand to me and as we shook she asked my name. I found out that her name was Agnes; her smile just pierced my heart. She was so full of joy. I pray we meet again and that I can speak with her at length. I am curious to hear her story. That is one thing that I can never escape, I see people and I want to know as much as possible about them, to know their story..something each of us has.
December 9, 2010
12/09/10
Oh the joy of a mosquito net!! I spent the first week here without one and I am surprised I did not just turn into one big mosquito bite. They seemed to have particularly like my “spring breeze” deodorant lol. Thankfully, the little buggers wont be getting me as much.
You know, I don’t think I have ever heard thunder so loud as I have here. On at least a few occasions I have been convinced bombing must be taking place near by and the thunder rolls and echoes. But the Lord knows I love a good rainstorm and I am certainly getting them, almost on a daily basis. I was wondering how the rainy season affects the students that come from the slums and was discussing this with the principle, Zicky. She mentioned that a good number of students will often miss due to the rains and school will sometimes close. So rain days instead of snow days. The dilemma is that the students have to walk to school and by he time they would get there they would be soaked to the bone with no change of clothes. I am still trying to think of a solution that would benefit both the children and the local economy. Maybe there is a poncho pattern I can get from the states and some type of cheap waterproof fabric here that we can make them from. Maybe it can be a “new business” for someone here that has sewing equipment. We will see, I need to brainstorm some more and talk to some people.
I also started teaching myself some Bemba. I will attempt to learn 10-15 new words or phrases a week but hope to have someone to help me make sure my pronunciation is correct and to give me more phrases. I am practicing what I know whenever I interact with people so that helps in remembering what I have learned.
December 8, 2010
I am well aware of God’s hand of protection over me and reminded today of this fact. I decided to take the main road today on my walk to the internet café to see if that would cut any time of my “commute”. As I walked I realized this was not the best way to go if walking. I walked along the side of the road in what was mostly mud. About 10 minutes into the walk the road began to slope upwards a good bit. While on the hill a large commercial pickup truck passed. Its bed was full to the brim of wet sand to help add weight to it as it pulled a broken down commercial size truck. In the broken down truck was a young man who waved to me as they passed. Suddenly and without warning I saw the thick metal chain that attached the trucks together snap. I quickly took note of my surroundings as the broken down truck began to roll towards me. To my left a deep ditch with a slippery embankment beyond it, behind me I heard the breaks of a large bus scream as they attempted to stop suddenly, and then the sounds of other cars slamming on their breaks. The bus stopped to my right side so close that I could not have extended my arm fully. I stood frozen for a second waiting to react if necessary. I was scared for sure and said a quick prayer. The truck stopped only a few feet in front of me as I backed up. Logically the truck should have continued rolling since it was still at the middle of the hill and had picked up some speed. I am confident the Lord stopped it in its tracks. I squeezed along the passenger side between the truck and the ditch and quickly ran past the pick up full of sand as it unsteadily backed up to reconnect to its lost cargo. Lets just say I learned my lesson and will stay off the main roads if I am walking. Thank you Lord for your hand of protection and thank you to all of you who continue to keep me in your prayers!
In the afternoon I took a bus into town center to do some shopping. One of the things I needed to get was a cell phone and a Zambian number. I took Wilbroad and Zicky’s niece, Rachel with me who is 20. Every store we went into the clerks quoted us ridiculous prices for a cell phone, obviously because I am white. I then devised a masterful plan J I had Rachel go into the next store alone and get prices on 2 phones and then come out and get me seconds later. I got the phone at almost ¼ of what the other stores tried to charge me. After finishing I bought us each a can of soda and 2 for my frig at home. We boarded the bus and sat for about 15 minutes as the driver waited for it to fill up. I was sitting at the window and a young teen boy came up to me begging for money. I have been told on many occasions not to make it a habit of giving money to them for a few different logical reasons. He was quite persistent and finally I said, I” have no money for you but if you would like I will give you a soda.” He responded gratefully and let out a great scream of excitement as he skipped and jumped away. For the next 4 minutes I could here him in the distance hooping and hollering in joy and excitement. It is hard to articulate but these experiences not only move me, they change me. I just am thankful that I am here and looking forward to what God has in store. Already, even in a weeks time I am seeing a change in myself and I have yet to really get to the meat of things, so to speak.
Psalm 145
A source of great encouragement.
Psalm 145:1-21
“ I will exalt you my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every ay I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. All you have made will praise you O Lord; your saints will extol you. They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving towards all he has made. The Lord is near to all who call on him; to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The Lord watches over all who love him but all the wicked he will destroy. My mouth will speak in praise of his holy name for ever and ever. “
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
12/5/10
Last night I woke up at about 11:30 pm and was wide-awake until just after 3am. At first I sighed and thought to myself, “here we go again, I guess I haven’t beaten this jet lag.” For a few minutes I battled, trying to force myself to go back to sleep, this was all in vain. Then I realized it was God waking me up. My body had been refreshed and it was time for my spirit to be refreshed. I spent a good 3 hours reading the word, praying and reading a book about a missionary in the Congo. I felt very refreshed and thankful for that time. Here are 2 of the passages I read:
Isaiah 12:2-6 “ Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. In that day you will say: ‘Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is to be exalted.’ Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”
Joshua 1:5-9 “ no one will be able to stand up against you all the days of yours life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law of my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. “
Twatotela andi Lesa- Thank you my God in Bemba
12/3/10
Not surprisingly enough I spent most of the day sleeping. I think this is the only time I have experienced sever jet lag and that mostly in part due to not sleeping during the 2 days of travel. I awoke suddenly in complete darkness to the sound of a sever rainstorm which included hail. I am sure it seemed worse than it actually was but the tin roof certainly magnifies the sounds. The lightening and thunder crashed as the heavens poured forth the much-needed rain. What a beautiful sound, I love a good rainstorm and a tin roof just makes it that much better. With no electricity I decided to forgo dinner and in turn feed my appetite for sleep. J Thank you Lord for rest!
Psalm 73:26 “ My flesh and my heart may fail l, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever”
12/2/10
Well, today I finally arrived in Zambia. 7:30 am in Lusaka and I wondered to myself if all my bags made it and if I am going to be able to lug them all over to Profight to board my little puddle jumper. Praise God all my luggage made it and 2 young men helped me with my bags, for a tip of course. J As I make it over to preflight I realize I have lost my confirmation print out. I am hoping they can just pull it up in their system but I am not very confident this will happen. After about 45 minutes they inform me that the only record they show in the system is for a future flight in July of 2011. That is funny, I have no idea what they are talking about but instead of buying a whole new ticket at full price I get them to change that flight for today and still have to pay but it is only $50. I hand them my visa debit card and it doesn’t work. I had major problems in London because my card did not have a chip of some sort so I was unable to withdrawal money. I normally carry a good amount of cash when tra velling but was nervous to do so this time around. Live and learn I guess. Anyways, back to my current dilemma. They told me to try the ATM and I thought to myself, “here we go again”. I walked out of the office and I very easily could have had a melt down. I was operating on 2 or 3 hours of sleep in a 48 hour time frame and my mind was starting to wander as I wondered what I would do if this didn’t work. My cell battery was almost completely dead; I had maybe $5 cash on me and a visa that had failed me time and time again. I was close to tears and then I did what I needed to do most- PRAY! As I attempted to push 2 trolleys worth of luggage, over 200 lbs worth I prayed. I reached the ATM and saw the visa symbol. I was amazed because I was told that in Zambia only a MasterCard works. I said ok Lord, thank you for this now please help it to actually work. I punched in my code and the withdrawal amount, and then listed for seemed like an eternity as the machine processed my request with a loud wooring sound. Then my heart sunk, the screen said please take your card. Before I had time to think about what I would do next a new message appeared on the screen, Please take your cash. Please take your cash?!?!?!? Oh my goodness, what a relief. Thank you God!! I took out what I could which amounted to about $140. I walked back to Proflight with a little skip in my step so thankful for how God had provided for me again in my time of need. I paid the $50 for my new ticket and sat waiting for boarding. I paid the $8 airport tax then took my bags to check them in and put them up on the scale one at a time. The lady behind the counter informed me that I would need to pay for my baggage because it was beyond the weight allowance. I mentioned that the website said if I was transferring directly from another international flight no charges would be incurred. She said that is only up to a certain weight and I must pay. I said a quick prayer then asked how much. In US dollars it came out to $85. As I counted out the Kwacha (Zambia’s currency) I almost started laughing. After paying for the new ticket, airport tax and now the baggage fee I had exactly $1 left. God is so good! I am so thankful that I serve a God that is so intimately involved in the details of my life. Lord, may I always keep these moments on my mind and when I am discouraged may they encourage my heart.
London Layover
Well it is about 2pm London time and I am sitting surrounded by hundreds of people going this way at that, many seemingly oblivious to anything but their mission to get to their next flight. With about 2 hours of sleep under my belt I am sipping what may be my last Starbuck’s Peppermint White Mocha for a long time. I am trying to wrap my head around the idea of me spending the next year in Africa. Sometimes I wonder do I know what I am getting myself into and in all honesty for the most part the answer is no. I chuckle to myself and say, “Well God, I may not know what I am getting myself into but you certainly do.” It is quite obvious that God has orchestrated all the events leading up to this very moment. Before the foundations of the earth were laid he knew I would be at this very place. For so long I had believed that this dream of serving orphans internationally was nothing more than that, a dream. I foolishly believed that I missed my chance long ago and at the ripe age of 30 I was beyond my prime for serving God in any significant way. But you know over the past 3 years God has been correcting my distorted perspective. I realized that all of the sufferings and trials that I have walked through in the past 9 years or so has been molding me into a more effective instrument. In my pride I said to God, “I am not good enough, what can I do? “ But God graciously showed me the error in my thinking. You see just as an instrument can do nothing unless being used by the musician so we cannot produce a beautiful sound of praise and glory to our Savior unless we allow ourselves to be “played.” I recently went to a violin concerto and before the violinists play their masterpiece they must tune their tool, the violin. Making adjustments, tightening and loosening strings and even replacing them when they break. This must be done on a regular basis for the instrument to remain sounding beautiful and so that the musicians skill may be effectively displayed. Anyway, I hope that makes sense. Something else I have learned or am learning rather, is that God calls me to be content in all circumstances. I had a hard time with this thought at first and said no Lord, that is too much to ask…that is impossible. But again I was wrong. I realized the reason I was thinking it was impossible was because I was looking at the actual circumstances instead of what the source of my contentment must be, God. If my contentment, joy and strength are found in the Lord then I have nothing to worry about. He has an endless supply of all I need, the hard part is releasing the illusion of control I think I can have. Something so simple that is so hard. I am certain that part of the reason God is placing me in Zambia is to build my reliance on Him. He is putting me in a situation where I feel very inadequate. The good part is that this will “force” me into turning to Him on a daily basis for strength to do what he has called me to do. I am thankful for this even though it scares me a bit. How stupid is has been of me to think that I can handle things on my own and just pull myself up by my bootstraps. God is about a work in my heart that started this past summer, tuning those strings and replacing the broken ones. It’s been a painful adjustment but a much needed adjustment.
And the instrument does not always know what song it will be playing but it can be confident that it will be a beautiful song if it surrenders itself to the control of its master. Lord may my life be a sweet, sweet sound in your ear.
Email Journal from my 1st trip to Zambia
July 7, 2010
Well I made it to Zambia the night before last. Zicky, Wilbroad’s wife and 2 of her sons picked me up from the small airport that night. After finally arriving in Zambia and then to Wilbroad and Zicky's home we had a wonderful dinner and great conversation. I shared my heart with them and we discussed some particulars. Yesterday we visited the current location for the school and the new school site. Class will be back in session next week. We also went to a trade fare yesterday and drove around Ndola to get familiar with the culture and have someone of an orientation to this area. A close friend of theirs has a daughter that was suppose to begin university yesterday but she became very ill. The doctors were not able to figure out what the problem was. Her symptoms worsened and she began having severe abdominal pains. They have done 3-4 surgeries now and found that she had a number of small holes in her small intestines that has been leaking out. As of yesterday, she is now on life support and it seems that she will not survive. I have been praying for her miraculous recovery, please join me. She is a believer, so that is a comfort in one regard. I spent last night praying, thinking through things and reading the word. The main verse I was focusing on was Isaiah 30: 21 which says, "whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, this is the way, walk in it" Also, Proverbs 16"9 "In his heart a man plans his course but the Lord determines his steps" I do not think these verses have meant so much to me as they do now... Speaking so directly into my situation and bringing comfort when I am tempted to fear the future and the unknown. I can see how God has been preparing my heart to trust Him and to "just obey" I have more peace about it now. The evening of our dinner they had shared their heart to minister to a particular group of orphans. (A little background with this is that it is customary and normal for family members to take in the children that have lost their parents.) They would like to set up a home situation for the orphans that are not getting proper care, usually this is true when an elderly family member takes in the children of their children. One option is to use the rental they are currently using as a "group home" There are 3 bedrooms and they could fit up to 15 children in there with a "house mother" I was burdened in my heart for this but said nothing to them. I wanted to pray about it. This morning Wilbroad again asked me what I am sensing as far as length of stay. I had initially told him 3 years..with a reassessment each year. Last night as I prayed I sensed the Lord calling me to longer, specifically to minister to these orphans. If i took in some children under my care and then left after 1 or 2 or 3 years what would that say to these children. If I do this and hear from God that this is what he would have me do, I need to be committed to the children as if they were my own. This brings a new dynamic to things and I have a lot of praying to do. Wilbroad's reasoning for asking this was because we were heading to the Immigration office to figure out the procedure for a work visa. Anyway, as I shared with Wilbroad this morning I was in tears. God is at work. I am comforted to know that Wilbroad and Zicky desire me to be involved in the church if I come..serving in children s church etc. They have been in discussion with Sovereign Grace for some time about becoming a part of Sovereign Grace. They have met and or talked with CJ, Dave Harvey, Pete Greasily and I think the other was Jeff Purswell. They asked me some good questions about if my family and church support me in my possible decision to move here. They have much wisdom and are solid biblically and have the same heart for the orphans as I do. Praise God!! There are many other things I could write but we have things to do this afternoon. It is much harder to get internet here, we went to 3 internet cafes before finding one that had computers that were online. I love you all and appreciate and covet your prayers.
In Him and through Him,
Bonnie
Email Journal #2 from 1st trip to Zambia
July 13, 2010
I dont have much time to write but I am thankful for your words of encouragement. Zicky and Wilbroad have been such a source of encouragement to me and I have no doubts in their ability to lead me, serve me and they are really so like minded. It has been a while since I have felt such a connection to brothers and sisters that I "do not know" It seems our hearts are in line and that God has so clearly orchestrated our meeting. Its amazing to see the path God has brought me down. Every detail and questions I have had seem to be making sense and coming together so perfectly. It really blows my mind. Well Love you all!!!
Well it has been a full week so far. I have literally been "thrown in" to the culture with the death of the girl I had asked you to pray for. She passed Wednesday evening just moments after we arrived. Funerals here are very different and are actually a bigger event than weddings. The mourning commenced that evening and still continues. It has been a very interesting thing to witness and I am learning a lot about the people here through this. The mourners go to the home of the parents and congregate. all of the women sit on the floor in a large room covered in rugs, mattresses and blankets. As each woman enters she approaches the mother kneeling and either embracing her holding her hand or laying next to her as they weep for her. Then they find a place in the room and continue to mourn the loss. Hundreds of people come family, friends, friends of friends even the nurses that tended to her at the hospital 1.5 hours away. Outside the men gather under army tents to support her father, every time I see him break down I am moved to my core. He has 3 other daughters and she was the 2nd oldest, a godly woman who served the Lord with her life and lived as an example to those around her. As Evening approaches many of the woman remain and will sleep over night on the floor with the mother and the men will do the same for the father. This started Wednesday evening and continued until last night. This is what they call the "funeral" The family provides breakfast, lunch and dinner for all the mourners during this time. Today was the burial, they bring the casket down the isle of the church, something similar to a bride waking down the isle. We sing"when Peace like a River"' and "There is a Land that is fairer" One young man gets up and shares a brief life history of the girl, Likando who was just 18. Her 3 sisters get up and sing a song that speaks of with God they can get through anything. I know for me I could not have done that if I lost my sister, my tears would prevent me. Her father comes and reads scriptures and prays and thanks God for allowing him to have been able to had her for this time and that he realizes that ultimately she does not belong to him but to the Lord. What an evidence of Gods grace displayed, again I am weeping. The pastor shares the gospel message so powerfully and the Spirit was clearly upon him. We proceeded to the burial. As they lowered her into the ground I looked around the plains that surrounded her and gathered were at least 300, maybe 400 people. I am told this is common with all burials. They begin singing hymns of praise, weeping comes but only for a moment as the voices of praise rise and rise. They call the family forward to throw a fist full of dirt and then begin covering the casket with everyone there, loud thuds echo as the dirt hits the coffin. They then mix some cement and lay that..then continue on with the dirt until a large mound is formed. Then they call select groups of people up starting with the family to place flowers and wreathes. Each individual there kneels on the mound and places their flower or flowers in the dirt. As I place my rose they are singing.."It is well with my soul and then they begin singing it in their native dialect." I am moved by all that I have seen in this tragic event. Such compassion and love for those who have lost someone so dear. I was telling Pastor Wilbroad last night that it surprises me to see this. Why? Because death here is such a common thing, I would have thought that they would become calloused by now by death. But no, they stop everything to do as Christ calls us to do...mourn with those who mourn and they do it genuinely. It is very taxing physically and emotionally but still so much of an encouragement.
Well be well and I look forward to seeing you all in a week. I have much to do when I get back, Be in prayer that God will begin preparing the hearts of people to give generously and that he will continue to make his will clear to me. I am thankful to see him opening so many doors and I am in faith that he has much more to do in and through me.
With all my love,
Bonnie