Stew Pot

Ok, I know I must explain this photo. My angle was not the best while taking this picture but we had a hoot getting it ready. Before our trip Dianna's husband, Scott, was playfully sharing that all missionary comics are similar in the fact that they all show missionaries in stew pots. So needless to say when we had the big fire going it was a great opportunity to have fun with Scott and the whole stew pot scenario. We took a stock pot out to the fire and grabbed some vegetables. When Dianna stepped into the pot we couldn't stop laughing. It was just too funny!

Campfire

When we got back from our amazing day in Lusaka we were treated to a campfire, marshmallows and music. The families of Jilos, Boniface and Richard all spent the evening with us around a large campfire. We roasted marshmallows - but let me tell you, the marshmallows in Zambia do not taste like Jet Puffed marshmallows. They were good but different. Jilos also brought out some drums and led the others in worship. Although we could not understand all of the songs - we were all transported to the feet of our King through their passionate worship. The women and children danced for us before the fire went out. All in all in was a super great way to spend our last night together.

Happy Thanksgiving!

No matter what is going on in our lives may we truly cultivate a heart full of thankfulness.

"IN EVERY THING GIVE THANKS: FOR THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS CONCERNING YOU." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Orphans

After lunch we said good-bye to Joseph and Patson and then spent the afternoon visiting two different orphanages. The first one we went to was run by the catholic church. The property had several buildings and one was set aside for orphan care. The children who lived there ranged in age from newborn (we actually saw newborn twin girls) to upper teen. And, yes, there were a lot of children in the small facility. We spent the most time with the babies/toddlers. There were only two caretakers there - not nearly enough for the number of children. As soon as we walked in the children wanted us to hold them and if we didn't - and when we put them down - they cried. And cried. And cried. It was heart wrenching! There isn't anyone to kiss these children goodnight or hold them when they are scared to read them a story or ......

The second orphanage we visited was called House of Moses. It is run by an American woman and was located in a large, private two story home. The woman also runs two others and the children are separated by age. House of Moses is home to babies upstairs and toddlers down. Immediately we noticed huge differences. The home was clean and the babies were not starved for attention. There were three caretakers for the ten babies and a few more for the toddlers. The children had clothes that fit and toys to play with. However, like the children at the other orphanage, they, too, have no one to love them. And they will soon be transferred to the next orphanage to make room for more babies.

We were only able to visit two of the many orphanages in Lusaka and the many, many, many throughout the country. Aids has ravaged the country and poverty is everywhere - and these are but two of the reasons for the ginormous number of orphaned children.

God's Word tells us to care for orphans - it is not an option - it is a call to every Christ Follower. Please pray for the children without families, for those working to care for them and for God to reveal to you how you can get involved.

School

Several times in past posts I have mentioned free schools but I don't think I ever shared their true importance. In Zambia public schooling is free - however, each child needs a uniform, shoes, books, transportation, supplies, etc.. So the free education is not really free. There are a lot of private and boarding schools, as well, but these are also not free. Most children who live in the compounds do not attend school, do not get an education, have no hope of breaking the poverty cycle. This is how the muslim community is getting a foothold in Zambia. They saw a need and are providing a solution. Several muslim schools are popping up in the compounds. If my photography skills would have been better or if we wouldn't have been in a moving vehicle you would be able to see that the photo above is of a free muslim high school - and it is free. In downtown Lusaka we saw a muslim temple/church/mosque/building that is being built - and it is huge and extravagant. This is why free schooling is so important in Zambia - not only for education but for Christ. Please pray for the Christian men who saw this need and are sacrificing much and doing all they can to provide Zambian children with a Christ-centered education.

Patson

The day we prayed with the tiny, fragile babies and their mothers at the hospital was also the day we met Patson. He is truly putting Christ first in his life. Patson's story starts in neighboring Mozambique where he was born and grew up. He grew up there during a time of war and when Bibles were not allowed. His sister had one hidden in her suitcase and told him never to read it because it would get him into trouble. Well, he confessed that her proclamation just made him more intrigued so he snuck and read it - the whole thing. He fell in love with Jesus and the Word of God. As a teen he and his family escaped Mozambique and he has been in Zambia ever since.

Patson is now married, has five children, lives in a compound and is in Steve Allen's pastor training class. The humblingly remarkable thing is the way he lives. He is passionate about raising up children in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ. His passion is evident to all who live in his compound because, you see, Patson has given up a huge portion of his lot and home in order to provide free education for the children. Patson and his family live in a very small one-room plus one bedroom home and he has built an addition onto it that includes three classrooms, a library and an office. His neighbors wonder why he doesn't use the space for a large home. But that is not all. On the lot that they live is an individual well, a rarity in the compound as there is a community well. However, Patson was excited to share with us that they are going to be closing up their well and putting in two toilets - one for girls and one for boys - for the children who come to school. Again he is giving up another Zambian luxury for the love of Christ and the children. When others ask him why he is living like he is he simply shares Jesus with them. What a testimony. Patson was so genuine, humble and joy-filled - he had a huge impact on all of us!

For lunch the day we met Joseph and Patson, we went to a strip mall type restaurant. The strip mall included a grocery store, music shop, book shop, internet cafe, a few restaurants, movie theater and more. The place we went had a bit of everything - pizza (yes, pizza in Africa), Indian food, burgers, wraps, ice cream, just a huge variety. We were able to sit and visit with Steve, Joseph, Patson and each other. And then we all stood in front of the fountain for a photo.

Sons of Thunder

The day after we got back from our 'team time' was probably the busiest day - as far as doing tons of different things. We were able to visit two different pastors who are in Steve's class, minister at the hospital, visit two different orphanages and in the middle of it all we were able to take the pastors out to lunch. Joseph and his brother Peter were nicknamed 'Sons of Thunder' and although Peter was out of town we had the great privilege of being able to meet Joseph and spend the day with him. And let's just say Joseph spoke with such power and conviction I can see where he got the nickname!

Joseph and Peter live in one of Lusaka's compounds -see photos above. The top photo shows a bit of their vision and burden for their community - a free school and a Christ focused church. The building is right next to the area dump and the creek that runs through the compound. Although not what we would consider a great location, just think about it for a minute. Everyone goes to the area! Washing, water gathering, dumping garbage, walking through the compound, no matter what someone is doing they are sure to pass by this new building. The plan is to use half for a free school for the children and the other half for a church - with the hope of adding on and expanding by making both the school and church larger. The property was completely overgrown and a total mess but with hard work and determination it is looking great!

We were also given the opportunity to join Joseph and Luke (from Action Zambia) in ministering in the hospital in Lusaka. We spent time in the pediatric ward and let me say our hearts ached for the people there. The hospital does not provide food for its patients, neither does it change sheets or do any other type of care except medical. So those moms who bring their babies in from all over the country have no way to feed themselves nor their babies - they can't run home; they have no money to buy things. We brought in boxes of fruit - bananas for the children and apples and oranges for the moms. We also split up into two groups and went around and prayed with every person there. It was incredible! At first I was completely intimidated but God got a hold of our hearts and the power in that room was evident.

Joseph prayed with such passion and to every woman there he asked if they were going to heaven. If they said yes, he did not stop there - he asked how they knew. And to those who responded because they sang in choir, went to church or could pray, he said no and then proceeded to share the gospel - and four women professed faith in Christ that day!! Just watching the incredible boldness and passion Joseph has for the Lord impacted all of us.

And the children in the hospital, they were so precious and yet so sick. One child, Comfort, was in need of a brain scan but her mom couldn't afford it so she just stayed in bed with no hope. Comfort looked like death, unmoving, flies walking on her eyes, barely breathing. Our group was able to pay for her scan - but how many others will never get help? Many of the children we prayed for were not expected to live and our tears flowed freely. One baby boy reminded us of our son. He was in intensive care and his older sister was there with him because his mother had just died. He was starving to death and his little body was hooked up to IVs and his sister was doing the best she could for him - but there was little hope. Our hearts ached for her.

Joseph was so happy to be able to witness to and pray for those in the hospital - those literally without hope. When we left the hospital we were emotionally drained but he does it every week! Please join us in praying for the 'Sons of Thunder,' Peter and Joseph - for strength, perseverance, a continued boldness and for showers of blessings for their school and church.

Leaving the Lodge

After two days at the lodge it was time to get back to Lusaka. That doesn't sound too difficult, however, you must remember that in Zambia time is almost nonexistent. We were to be at the bus stop before noon and so we arrived a bit after 11:00. And three hours later we were still there - waiting. Fortunately our guide stayed with us. When a couple who had driven to the lodge was leaving our guide spoke to them and they graciously offered to give us a ride to Lusaka. Now, again, remember from past posts that we were a few hours out of the city - and we had no idea who this couple was - not to mention they drove a pick up truck and so three of our team members would have to ride in the back with produce and supplies. However, on the flip side, we had already been waiting for the bus for three hours and if/when it ever showed up there was no guarantee there would be enough empty seats for us. Then what would we do? We took the risk and rode in the truck.

And it was great! It turned out that the man driving was the Zambian Minister of Finance!! Rob asked him tons of questions and so he talked with us most of trip back to Lusaka. He shared his opinion on all kinds of topics. He stopped at a road side tomato stand along the way and bought a ton of tomatoes. He said he and his wife stop at the same stand whenever they are in the area and enjoy buying from the kids selling. Also, an added benefit was the fact that at the numerous police check points we were simply waved through. The trip back was much faster than the bus ride going - even though we had to stop for warthogs crossing the road and for storks and vultures eating in the middle of the lane. So although our plans were messed up and I was fearful of getting a ride with strangers - God had everything under control!!

The Itsy Bitsy Spider...

As I was going through photos I found this one and just had to share it. This spider is on the bathroom wall at the lodge and it is HUGE! Okay, it probably isn't still on the bathroom wall but it was when I took this photo and I'm sure it is still HUGE!

animals galore

Here are just a few more fun animal photos - we have a couple hundred more! The stork with the red beak is, how do I put this... actually GINORMOUS!! And in case you were wondering - there is supposed to be an elephant in the top photo. Hmmm....