In a recent webinar entitled God’s Voice in the Desert, the topic was of hearing God speak and watching Him lead in times of trial. One of the participants asked whether or not we, as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, should actively seek the desert times so we can “hear” God speak. I mentioned the fact that our Lord was led into the wilderness after His baptism. Sometimes in the midst of progress we are met with challenges (the desert) and we move forward knowing that we are not moving alone. Often these challenges follow successes! (Satan is good at causing problems just when our lives are moving smoothly!
About 6 weeks ago I was driving to a presentation of school supplies to a school that Sherry and I organised several years ago. As I reached the toll booth, I heard a horrible screeching from under the hood of my 1999 Jeep. Ultimately, I discovered that the clutch had failed. It was only 27-years old with just over 195,000 kms (120,000 miles) so it was well used! The problem: Because it is a Jeep – an old Jeep – the new clutch kit was not available in Zambia! Our son-in-law, Jeff Wiginton in Midland, Texas, found the clutch and sent it on the way to us via UPS. After weather and war delays from Texas, Kentucky, Germany, Dubai and finally Lusaka, the kit finally arrived in Luanshya and the mechanic was able to put the Jeep back on the road again! The delay did hamper some of my ministry travel, but I was able to continue on my bicycle.
Two weeks ago, we realised that our water well pump had stopped working. Again, we went into immediate action to find the problem and restore water to the house and offices. The good news: The pump was working, but it was clogged with mud and small stones. The pump was lifted out of the well, disassembled and cleaned then returned to the well and is working today.
Both of these events are simply a part of living and working in Zambia. Frustrating? Yes. Distracting? Yes! After over 4 decades in Africa, we not only expect these kinds of events, but also know that God has prepared the way of solving the problems. We keep moving forward!
A local Interact Club (Rotary for high school students) requested to use the Christian Resource Centre Recreation Hall on Fridays. The young people will come for about 2 hours to play and have a short Bible study time in the midst of their time.
The local copper mine has asked us to assist their middle managers with their English conversational skills. We will be able to interact with Chinese nationals and will be available to answer questions about our work in Zambia. God is bringing the world to our door!
I received word yesterday that the government agency overseeing vocational schools has given initial approval to re-open the MMM VTC which includes the Bible institute. This is after a challenge for four years! We are seeing answers to prayers!
Prayer request: Zambia is entering “campaign season” with elections scheduled for August. Generally, the campaigning is mostly peaceful here in Luanshya, but some people get “excited” and violence is not uncommon. Please pray for candidates and campaigners so the situation remains peaceful throughout the period.
As always, your prayers are deeply appreciated as we remain…
