Greetings from Zambia!
Yesterday I celebrated my 33rd anniversary of the day I first stepped onto African soil. Little did I know then what lay before me in the next three decades! I spent the day meeting with the Mobile Mission Maintenance International Alliance Board. MMM formally commenced in Australia in 1975 with two families becoming the first mobile mission maintenance team living in mobile homes travelling itinerantly from project to project at the direction of a Mission Council.
Their Mission Statement says: “MMM exists to enhance the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the ministry of building, both people and facilities, to serve Christian work and workers in God’s global Kingdom.”
Meanwhile, Sherry returned from South Africa where she went to assist in the care of Eve Jarvis as she prepares to return to Zambia later this week. She also counseled a young, deaf woman from Fellowship Chapel who has made some unfortunate life choices. She has had some substantial success. Sherry has also assumed the primary role of interpreting the services at Fellowship Chapel for the deaf.
Over the years MMM has expanded from Australia to New Zealand, Hong Kong and Zambia with plans to expand into South Africa. The operation in Zambia is unique in that we have a Bible Institute and Vocational Training Centre that not only builds churches, clinics and schools, but also actually trains students to build while studying the Bible.
MMM Zambia celebrated their 30th anniversary this year. Over the past 20 years MMM VTC has helped to build Sherry’s office, repair the driveway in front of our house and built the Fellowship Chapel. It was a blessing spending time with these selfless servants who strive to “Serve Those Who Serve.”
Two weeks remain in the second term at the Bible College. Sherry’s classes will sit their finals this Friday while mine will sit for finals next week. It is always encouraging to see the growth of our students. Speaking of which, this past week we participated in the graduation ceremony for the last set of students. In total there were 89 graduates who have gone into the world to be “salt”. We praise the Lord for having had a part in their lives.
Next Thursday Sherry heads back down to South Africa for, hopefully, the last review following her shoulder surgery. Your prayers are and have been greatly appreciated for this period of recuperation. Though there may be no further visits with the surgeon, physio will continue for another six months so she can gain full range of motion and return to regular activities.
Thank you for your faithful prayers and support.
Together in His Service,
