A Structure Without Blueprints

We met him unexpectedly. It was Saturday again and we had just arrived at Dambilo for our weekly teaching time. We noticed him immediately in his navy blazer, tie, and of course the bright yellow flip-flops drew our focus to him. He was collecting an assortment of seats (stools, and tree limbs) and organizing them under the tree where we meet. As we introduced ourselves we quickly knew God was at work once again. We learned he left the village at 7 that morning and walked about 4 hours to meet us. But how did you know we would be here, we don’t even know where your village is. “I just heard Baptist missionaries were coming here every Saturday, and then he said maybe it was God who brought us together.”

His name is Alex. He began a Baptist church several years ago at the urging of another man. He had planned to start another church, not evangelical, but decided on the Baptist name instead. He has a rather large attendance of somewhere around 70+, and a new church building. Unfortunately he has yet to receive Christ as his personal Savior. The only ones in the church who have been baptized have come from another church background. They have little or no idea what a Baptist even believes. Most of their beliefs have come from a mixing pot of the 6 or so churches this man has belonged to during his life.

We were able to find and meet with Alex and several of those attending the church on Friday. They sang several songs for us and there exists an obvious hunger to know God. We agreed we will begin teaching with them on Saturday mornings prior to our visit at Dambilo. Alex appears quite humble and possesses a spirit to learn. One other exciting aspect is that the three groups are close enough to one another that they could help support each other through an association.

Another aspect of this story is that some months ago two men traveled in from this village to Siavonga Baptist Church. They requested the church come and assist them. The pastor met with the area churches and made plans for a group to do a mission trip to Nshoongo. They later invited us to travel with them. As time approached for the trip the days were cut from 5 to 3 because there was not sufficient money. Unfortunately at the last minute the entire trip was canceled because they were concerned the truck they planned to use would not make it due to some rain and the condition of the roads. So when we went on Friday we took the pastor with us. He had an opportunity to see, for what appeared to be the first time, the number of villages that exist and no evangelical churches. We believe his heart was burdened about what the existing churches can do to help reach the rural area.

The reality is, it is not easy for these churches to reach beyond their own immediate area. They simply don’t have a lot of resources. That statement leads me to the opportunity to thank you for your support. Southern Baptist missionaries, over 5000, are supported through the co-operative effort of Southern Baptist and the Lottie Moon Christmas offering. The money given not only provides for missionary housing, food, and essentials for daily life; but provides vehicles and the means to reach hard to reach people and places. Just this week we had to purchase new tires for our truck to help us get in during the rains. It is because of the part many at home play that missionaries around the world are able to share the Gospel story. Thank you again on behalf of all of our colleagues for the difference you make. If you are considering a gift for someone at this special time of the year consider an offering to some type of mission work which honors our Lord.

We ask you consider joining us as we pray that God’s Spirit would lead us in loving, teaching, and encouraging these three villages, Chuulu, Dambilo, and Nshoongo, and the lives they represent.

2 Thes. 3:1
Finally dear brothers and sisters, I ask you pray for us. Pray first that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes…

The Hidden Decay

Many times as we remodel things in the states we stumble on the unknown, the hidden. Sometimes we pull back a peace of paneling or maybe a sheet of drywall and discover termites; eating away at the structure from within. The decay causes weakening that is not obvious to the eye. Interestingly termites are huge here in Zambia. This time of year a light bulb is used to attract them, they will often fall into a small pool of waiting water below. Then trapped, the wings are removed and they are fried to a distinct crunch and consumed.

As we traveled in late from another day of stories our friend Victor began to share a story of his own. Not to long ago there was a particular lady who attended the small church Victor belongs to. This lady also happened to be a generous giver to the church, a rare thing in their culture. Sadly she had experienced the death of several of her young children. The church often met with her to console and affirm her in her times of grief. She happened to be the second wife of a local, rather prominent, businessman. When I say second understand he is still married to the first as well; again not uncommon in their culture. One headman, we meet with, has eleven wives.

Similar to the decay from within caused by termites this woman had her own decay that was not obvious to the eye. Finally overcome with grief and conviction she acknowledged to the church that her children had not died of natural causes but in fact had been “handed over” as human scarifies in the common practice of witchcraft. She even confessed that during their previous trips to console her she was in fact laughing at them on the inside. After her confession she did leave her relationship with the man.

Remember this was a person on the higher end of the social and economic scale in a town; not just someone from the village with little exposure to the developed world.

Witchcraft abounds in this country. It is used to sustain a business, as a means of vengeance, even to kill people who have seemingly betrayed you. Sadly the law even recognizes it and cases like this are rarely if ever prosecuted.

Should you be tempted to think it is not real or somehow explainable as a matter of physics or something similar, don’t. It is real, powerful, and evil. Tragically it is also the way of life.

Let me parallel this story with another short one. Just Saturday we returned to Dambilo to find our friend Petro had been bitten by a deadly Black Mamba on Sunday. Dambilo is a two and a half hour drive from Siavonga, if you have a vehicle. It is about a two or three hour walk to the nearest clinic in Chaanga, if you can walk. Petro, about 35 and a newly professed Christian, lives in the same village as his father. His father is son to Hachibozal. Hachibozal, tradition holds was one of the greatest witch doctors southern Zambia knew. Individuals would travel 1000 or more kilometers to seek his aid. When a witch doctor passes he leaves his spirit, or power, with the one he chooses. Hachibozal chose Petro’s father. Consider Petro’s dilemma. It was not explained to me what all transpired but I was told he took some medicine of some kind. He appears to be healing. Just the week before one of the father’s wives asked me what would happen to a medicine man that chose Christ. By the way, Petro’s father is the headman with eleven wives.

Would you consider praying for those whose lives have come to a crossroads, of a life steeped in tradition of spirits, and a heart change by the One True God?

And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in Him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, and how deep His love really is. Eph. 3:17-18

Building Always Holds Surprises

Whether it is homes or swing sets. I have always found the unexpected anytime I undertook another project to assemble something. Recently has proven no exception.

Friday we traveled once again the two and a half hour, 50 kilometer trek, through the bush, washouts, and river beds to Chuulu. Actually arriving a few minutes early we were well pleased with our progress. With a start time of 14 hours (2:00) we began to announce we had arrived; gathering under the shade of a large tree, in a dry, barren maize field, seeking protection from a scorching sun. Some 45 minutes or so later we had begun to sing some simple songs awaiting the arrival of a few more promising faces; Jesus Loves Me, Deep and Wide, This Little Light of Mine. Remember few of them understand English and we don’t claim to be singers, but they loved our awkwardness. By now there was a group of about sixty people. Finally with a go ahead to begin, my plan was to tell the story of Noah and the judgment of man with the flood, drawing attention to God’s provision of the Ark for the righteous man. We would then look at the story of Nicodemus in John and God’s provision of Christ. Something happened in the midst, my direction went awry and by the time we had finished 21 people felt led to accept Christ as personal Lord and Savior. I share this with all humility recognizing what happened occurred in spite of me.

You see this is not at all how we had envisioned things would transpire. We had imagined starting with just a few of half-interested listeners who really were present out of respect for their culture because a guest was in their village; thinking that after meeting some time hopefully some might bring a friend to join us. Possibly after an element of trust had been established we might approach the idea of forming a church.

We feel God has been at work in these hearts for some time. They want a church now! Naturally we have concern that it is for the proper reason and that it is sound as it emerges. That means among other things a need for continued discipleship, identifying Godly leadership, understanding the beliefs and ordinances of the church.

We pray for patience, God’s timing, and leadership of the Holy Spirit.

We ask you pray for the hearts of those in Chuulu and Dambilo for understanding of a personnel relationship with Christ.

That during the rains we will still be able to reach their villages for sharing and the example of faithfulness.

We also seek to continue to be amazed by what God wants to accomplish.

For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made us understand that this light is the brightness of the Glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. But this precious treasure-this light and power that now shine within us-is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies.