Indaba

Greetings from Zambia!

This past Saturday the government of Zambia held the national Indaba (meeting) where representatives from various governmental and non-government organisations gathered to talk about the financial affairs of Zambia. Guests were invited from other countries and the vice chair of the World Bank was also in attendance. Many things were said, suggestions made and everyone had a "way forward" for the future. We don't actually know how many of these ideas will be put into action, but there was a frank discussion on issues of national and international concern. One of the issues floored was the fact that many of the plans for development are waylaid by bureaucrats who are comfortable with the status quo and simply fail to forward the proposals which, in some cases, have been sitting on their desks for years.

Sometimes in long established churches the same kind of neglect takes place. Last Sunday I visited a church on the outskirts of Ndola (20 miles from Luanshya) which had been started nearly 55 years ago. The members and leadership of the church were quite comfortable with their programs and the schedule of events was on a well-worn piece of paper that had seen many Sundays. As I preached, I talked about the fact that the Lord Jesus came to present something new to the world, but the organised religious leaders of the day were comfortable with the programs that they had known since childhood. Christ's new "love your enemy" philosophy contradicted the "Eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" mentality of the Scribes and Pharisees.

At the end of the service I spent two hours with the leaders in the church. They had many questions concerning church organisation and discipline. While discipline is important, it is also necessary to realise that those who have slipped into sin also need healing, not just punishment. Many in the church are more like police officers than doctors. They are ready to condemn rather than restore. We had a good time of bible study and prayer. They have asked me to return so we can continue the teaching. Please pray for this and other congregations as they leave their comfort zone and discover the true meaning of ministry.

Sherry's youth class will be meeting in two weeks time to discuss "The Living End" as seen from Daniel 8. A few weeks ago the young people learned about Nebuchadnezzar's statue. Daniel 8 reveals, in a sense, the nations represented by the statue, some of the events that will or have occurred since Daniel's day, and give a view of the impending end of this world as we know it. Many have been caught up in the studies and are expressing a deep concern for their friends an schoolmates, so much so that they have invited them to the meetings so they, too, can hear God's plan for the future, their future. Pray for the young people as they discover a new way of life, with vision.

Yesterday I had a meeting with Leonard Bwalya, the director of Encounter Zambia. This ministry is another “outside the box” outreach that works specifically with young adults. They are planning a two week series of meetings in the Copperbelt. I helped him design a brochure and tract for the outreach. We will be hosting one of their meetings in the Audio/Visual room of the Christian Resource Centre. This young man has a desire to reach the youth of Zambia and we are privileged to be a part of that dream in providing a facility and expertise.

As we enter this particular season, we remember the ultimate sacrifice that the Lord Jesus Christ freely made to purchase our salvation. We consider it an honour to serve Him in this place and thank you for making this service possible through your prayers and support.

Together in His Service,
Patrick & Sherry