Greetings from the “topsy-turvy” land of Zambia! The elections here have come and gone without much
violence and with extraordinary results. There is a new president and a new majority party in the
country’s parliament (like the American congress). There is also a new mayor her in Luanshya. As in
elections everywhere, dozens of promises were made. Now we wait to see which were “authentic” and
which were “political.”
One immediate reaction to the election results was the re-evaluation of the local currency. It has gained
in strength against the US Dollar after a consistent weakening over the past several months. At one
stage the Zambian Kwacha was trading at nearly K24 to one dollar. Yesterday the rate was under K16 to
a dollar. Much of our food and building supplies are imported. Even those things that are locally
manufactured are dependent upon imported materials like fuel to run machines and fertilizer for
farming. What does this mean in “real” terms? We have lost 1/3 of our buying power. An item that cost
$10 last month (like a shovel) now costs $15. A tank of gasoline that cost $45 last month now costs over
$65.
Local suppliers assure us that costs will go down “in a few months,” but that has not been the case in
the past… So, we tighten our belts, conserve on expenses and use whatever stocks we have in reserve.
On the upside, it appears that the new administration will be less likely to restrict worship services and
Bible studies at churches. We await “official” notification, but the new president is an active member of
his church. We are cautiously optimistic! Pray with us during this time of transition!
Meanwhile, our one-to-one discipleship lessons continue since they are not considered “church
services” and Sherry’s Ladies’ Bible Study has not been affected since it is held at the Christian Resource
Centre and not on the chapel campus. She is careful, however, to keep it to the one-hour time limit set
by the Zambian Ministry of Health.
For those who have never lived in a place where there is no “Bill of Rights” for basic liberties, this is life
in the real world. We are grateful for the freedom to worship and the privilege to teach and train church
leaders, but we are also cognisant of the rules and regulations set by the government of the day and we
comply with Romans 13 to continue to serve. Our message has not been diluted, but our methods are
ever changing due to the circumstances.
We have been able to “visit” churches in the USA via Zoom and look forward to our Sunday afternoon
gathering internationally. We would love to “visit” with you if you have the time and technology to
“meet” with us.
Thank you for being a part in this ever-growing ministry.
In His Service,
