Revelation 4:11

Although there were a lot of disappointments associated with the safari (for me), it was totally incredible to see the extreme variety of creatures God made. His creativity was evident and enjoyed by all. We actually got to see, in the wild mind you, lions with cubs, warthogs with babies, kudu, storks, monkeys, a hippo, civets, impala, puku, vultures, and I know I am forgetting some.

And on a side note, if you ever get the opportunity to go on a safari be sure to invite Dianna - she is the queen of animal spotting!! Thanks Dianna!

"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power; for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." Revelation 4:11

Tracking...

One of the team activities we were able to do was to go on a safari drive - actually two of them. We went on one at night (I was so hoping to see some hyenas, but no luck) and saw several civets. Our guides told us that it was unusual to see civets, especially so many on one drive. But to be honest, they looked similar to raccoons but with different markings.

We were able to stop several times to track footprints. That was a very interesting part of the drive. The guide would see tracks as we were driving and then we would stop and get out to look - well, as the photo shows, we didn't all get out. Tee Hee! But we all had a great time - tsetse flies and all!

Hello Hippo!

While at the lodge we had the incredible opportunity to see a hippopotamus.... close up! It was eating grass and didn't seem bothered by us. In fact, it actually entered the main lodge/dining/relaxing area! And it fell asleep at the bottom of the stairs while we were up playing pictionary!! It slept there for a very long time and the only thing separating us from the hippopotamus was a little wicker couch - that the hippo could have totally moved! It was amazing to simply be in the presence of this creature!

Baobob Tree

While in Zambia we saw some incredible trees - baobob trees. (Again, my spelling my be a bit off but....) Because there had been no rain for months, the trees didn't have any leaves. But the trees themselves, the bare trees, were truly pieces of art. They were like statues - designed and crafted by God Himself. Amazing! Each and every one caught my eye. And the remarkable thing is that when we arrived back home, Randy found an article about the trees in the most recent National Geographic. The article told how the fruit of the African baobob tree is extremely healthy - more calcium than milk, more vitamin C than citrus, and just full of vitamins and minerals. It also shared how a company is working at exporting the fruit and importing it into our neighborhood grocery stores - after first processing it and using it as an ingredient. So be sure to keep your ears open for news of baobob fruit - the next big thing. And know that it comes from a beautiful piece of art!

Team Time

It really wasn't until Tuesday of our second week that we were actually able to be together as a team to process, discuss and take a break. Because we 'hit the ground running' when we arrived in Lusaka we were all ready to have a bit of time to relax, connect with Africa and with each other. I was so glad we had met so many times prior to the trip in order to get to know each other - but actually being on the field is a whole different ball game. We took two days and spent time as a team at a lodge near Kafue National Park - a few hours west of Lusaka. We had no agenda and no work. The lodge prepared all of our meals - that in and of itself was a treat! The lodge looked out over the Kafue River so we spent time simply sipping sodas and soaking in the view. Our stay included two safari rides and so we went together on a night drive and a day drive. Some of us also played pictionary - and you must know - there actually is a difference between diary and dairy!!

This was time for our team to relax and get refreshed - because our busiest day was yet to come.

UP theology

I believe that ordinary things can draw us closer to God and I believe that God communicates to us through a variety of ways. He uses His Word, people, nature, dreams, writings, etc.. And these beliefs were confirmed a few weeks ago when we had the privilege of spending time with people from across the country who have a passion for Jesus Christ. The individuals and couples we met were all beginning the process of becoming missionaries - some short-term and others long. And the conversations we had were amazing! (Not to mention the games we played!!)

One afternoon we were talking with a group about what it was that brought them to that point - the point to actually do something about their desire to serve the Lord in missions and not simply to think, pray, dream or find excuses. All the answers were interesting but Robert Oliver's answer was out of the box. He and his wife, Amber, are beginning the journey to serve on the field in South America. And what pushed them into the 'do something' stage? The movie UP. Yes, that is right, a Disney movie. Robert shared how in the movie the man and his wife had a dream, or a goal, and yet the wife died before they ever did anything about it - causing the man to became grumpy and regretful. Robert said that he and Amber needed to do something now - if one has a dream or goal or leading one needs to act upon it now - or what good is it? He does not want to end up old and grumpy with the weight of a house (the would have, could have, should haves) on his shoulders. So they decided to do something about it - now. It was then that Ray Hutchison coined the term ' UP theology.' Pretty right on, don't you think? So you see, God even uses animated movies for His glory.

Is there something God is leading you to do? May we be open to His will, see Him everywhere and use every moment to honor Him - now. And may we never have to pull a house around by balloons.

Gotta love 'em!!

I just had to share this photo - it is one of my favorites!! We wanted to get a picture of Riley and Hayley in Kafue National Park in Zambia. Just look how happy they are! And, wouldn't you know, they both had the same 'rabbit ears' idea - but they didn't know the other one was doing it to them.... I couldn't stop smiling! Riley and Hayley - thanks for the smiles - you two are super special!! I love you!

Rosemary

In a previous post -Seed Planters - I included a photo of Rosemary and me. Hayley asked me to add a bit more about her. Well, she is a hoot and a half and I just love her to pieces! Right after I finished my teaching she came up to me all excited and joyful. She took my hand, thanked me profusely and when it was time to eat she half dragged me into line and we talked and talked - and it was wonderful! She did want me to come back and change a few cultural things here in America. Rosemary spent several months in the states and she said it so frustrated her when she would go up to strangers on the street and they would look the other way, not return her niceties or worse. You see, in the Zambian culture people greet each other on the street, hold hands with each other and are seemingly more accepting. So, here you have it. Next time someone you don't know approaches you just smile and say hello - for Rosemary - an incredible woman in Zambia who welcomed me with open arms and who loves Jesus Christ with her whole heart. How was that, Hayley?

Church with Pastor Bruce

On one of the Sundays we were in Lusaka, Steve Allen took us to a compound and introduced us to a couple of the pastors who are in the class he is teaching. At the first church we stopped at we met an older gentleman (I so wish I could remember his name!) who is pastoring a church with his son. He was so happy we stopped by and he gave us a 'tour.' The thing he was most excited to show us was the new set of toilets they had just put in. After walking up steps there were two doors and then steps back down. The toilets were not flushing but the excitement that was displayed and the thanks given to God for them could not have been more if they were. Steve then took us further into the compound and we were able to attend Liberty Christian Church, pastored by Pastor Bruce. The church was small, dark and made out of cinder blocks but we truly met with Jesus that day! The Spirit was alive and in Lusaka! The worship in this church was free and lively, passionate and real. Pastor Bruce preached on Romans 12. He spoke in English and had an interpreter speak in the native language. The amazing thing is that the interpreter did not just translate - he actually spoke with the same passion that Pastor Bruce did! What an incredible experience! After church everyone, young and old, shook our hands and welcomed us and Pastor Bruce and his wife, Kristabell, invited us over to visit and have a soda. Now, you have to understand, their home is about the size of most dining rooms or master bedrooms here and the church brings in about $2 a week - sodas in Lusaka cost around $1.50 - and there were eight of us plus them and their son - so you do the math. What a generous gesture of love and friendship they gave us!!

On a side note - Pastor Bruce is scheduled to be in Bellingham in November - please pray for him as he travels, takes classes in the South, travels more, spends time in Bellingham, and travels home. Please pray safety, wisdom, refreshment and that he would be able to attend (or even preach at) our church.

The first photo above shows the team (except me) with Pastor Bruce, his family, Steve Allen and one of his daughters. The next one is Pastor Bruce and his interpreter - then worship time. The last photo was taken from the door of the church.

What is this?

While at Chilo Trust for the AWANA conference we saw this gorgeous flower/shrub/bush thing. (Can you tell I'm not a gardener?) It was super green, big and rounded with tons of these flowers growing upside down. It was amazingly beautiful! Does anyone know what it is called??

Seed Planters

Our team had the great privilege of teaching at the AWANA Zambia Seed Planters Conference. This was a week long conference where churches in Zambia were invited to each send two prospective leaders for the purpose of learning about AWANA - the whys and hows of this great ministry. (Forty churches ended up participating in this particular conference) Although we were only there the first day, those who attended to learn and teach all stayed the week at Chilo Trust boarding school. (I don't think I spelled the name right - but anyway...)

Randy started the conference off by leading the group in a morning devotion. (Our bus driver got a bit lost but everyone waited to start the conference until we arrived.) Dianna helped out with teaching game time activities. Remember, no one had ever even seen a game circle before. Rob taught on the leadership structure of AWANA in general and each club specifically. Hayley and Riley participated in worship, took notes and helped in any way needed. I took an hour session and taught on the importance of having a children's ministry. It wasn't until we were actually in Zambia learning about the culture that I understood the desperate need for this teaching. Remember in a past post I wrote about how children are treated? Even in the church children are overlooked and not thought of as important. They are generally pushed aside so that 'real ministry' can take place with adults. When we arrived at Chilo Trust I was overcome with nervousness - I so desired to be able to communicate clearly - and not say garbage when I should say rubbish. Jerry knew I was nervous and he encouraged me greatly. He prayed with me and God used him to speak to my soul. Although I am not sure if I said anything with lasting value (we never really know this, do we?) I had a great time!! I even made everyone laugh - too fun! And, most importantly, I was able to share the real need for those attending to go back to their churches and start a children's ministry.

While at the conference we were treated to a great meal of ... sheemuh! And we met some amazing people - all passionate about Jesus Christ. And to top it off, after the activities of the day were done we were invited to sit in with the AWANA Zambia leadership team as they went over the way the day went. We were included in their discussion and they encouraged us. It was fantastic!

Counsel Time

We all met up together in the camp chapel for counsel time. Esther and Jen led everyone in worship, Alex and Jerry covered announcements and prayer and I did the story. The thing is, I wasn't planning on doing the counsel time talk. I only found out I had been chosen to do it the night before. So, here I was in a different country, unable to fully communicate with the children and had an hour or so to prepare to impact their hearts for Christ. Yikes! But guess what? God filled me with peace and it was great! I used visual aids to explain 'garbage in/garbage out' and the importance of spending time in the Word of God. (If you don't know about 'garbage in/garbage out' just ask!) The only hitch was that in Zambia they don't have garbage.... they have rubbish.

This experience was great - and it is confirmation of something we heard two weeks after we returned from Africa when we had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with SIM missionary Bob Hay. Bob said, "We must ALWAYS be prepared to preach, pray and die." How true - how true. And how prepared are you???