FROM THE SEED TO THE ROOT...

 While serving here, Mike and I have been questioned often by Zambians.  One of their top questions is, "Where is your church?"  We live in the town (boma) of Kaoma.  It is in the center of the Western Province of Zambia and is the largest district in the country.  We can drive for hours and still actually be in Kaoma.  We have touched several places in Kaoma and there are four with active Baptist churches.  There are many, many "churches" within the boma.  Church denominations are very territorial among the people here in Zambia.  Baptist is a very new church within the Western Province.  Lusaka, the capital city, the East, and in a few other areas there are a large number of Baptist churches.  Most areas that we visit, much of what will be said in whispers among the village people after we leave, is that the Baptists are Satanists.  They will base this on absolutely nothing, only fear from other local churches that the Baptist denomination will come in a take over as "church."  We have prayed about a church in the boma.  Several months ago a man came to us just wanting to start a Bible Study.  After many discussions, he opened his home as a place to meet and he began to invite local people.   

This was the first Sunday afternoon of Bible Study.

It grew bit by bit (kamendende kamendende).

It wasn't long before discussions at the Bible Study each week would lead to "where are we going to put this church?"  The discussions would always include the "rains are coming soon" and "no one will take us seriously just meeting at someone's house."  These concerns would be true.  The rains will return in October and we wouldn't be able to fit everyone in Austin's home.  Also, and on a much more serious note, is the fact that no one would take them serious without a permanent structure as a meeting place.  I have sat in many of our churches and felt the great concern of the members to show their community that they want to be serious followers of Jesus.  To them this includes a permanent structure representing them as a body of believers.  As we began to pray about this situation, the answer found us.  Austin was approached by a lady asking about our church and she recommended a place.  Within a few days we were able to secure the school room to meet in each week.  We decided to kick off our first Sunday by setting up a viewing of the "Jesus" film the  night before.

Mike, David and Evie prepare the film screen.

When Evie wasn't helping, she was busy confusing Chipango with sign language.  Evie is enjoying learning sign language.  Sign language is as confusing to Chipango as speaking Mbunda is to Evie, so it is all fair. heehee
(Imagine our surprise to find out that this school building we are now renting is also a school for the deaf children of Kaoma.  Evie is pleased!)

The make-shift screen is up and ready.

Kennedy Ciyesu, the choir leader from Katunda, was excited about leading the combined choirs.  Not to mention how he enjoyed hearing himself through the PA system.

Chipango, Evie and Alice are ready.  Even though you cannot tell by Evie's attire, it was terribly cold.  Evie has given Alice her coat to cover her legs.

You know you must be special when I allow you to use this blanket.  A close friend of our family, Kakoma,  was freezing and was just wearing a lightweight shirt.  Good thing he didn't mind leopard print, much less that it is pink.

There was much singing and dancing before the film as people began to arrive.

The prayer of salvation was on the screen during a time Mike spent speaking to the crowd.  Later when he went to visit a man who attended the church the next day, that man said that he memorized the prayer and wrote it down when he arrived back at his home that night.  That same man came forward the next day and gave his life to Christ.

Though it is hard to see in this photo taken in the dark, nearly 300 people were present.

... and the next day.  The room we have found to rent for the beginning of the church was already full on the first day.  We say "GOOD PROBLEM".  The disabled school located behind the hospital has allowed us to rent this room for the beginning meeting of Kaoma Central Baptist Church.  It is a wonderful location and building.  It even has indoor toilets.  We have to carry water to use them, but they are actual toilets that flush and are indoors.

Grace Muzala has been instrumental in working with members of the Bible Study to form the choir for Kaoma Central Bible Study.  The choir is an integral part of the Zambian church life.

Several members of Katunda Baptist Church, a three hour walk away, came to celebrate in the first day of their new sister church.  What a special time for believers spread across this province to come together and realize they have each other.  The members of their choir came before the new group to lead them in song.  What a privilege to see them united this way.

Tyler and Kasenya undertake the biggest game of Duck, Duck, Goose I have ever seen.

In true fashion, the handshake line!  Such wonderful day to see the fellowship of new believers.

There you have it!  The first Sunday of Kaoma Central Baptist Church.   

More to it then just "Brick by Brick"

Katunda Baptist Church, the building, is a work in progress.  Katunda Baptist Church, the people, the body of Christ, IS GROWING!!! 

Tyler and his mud-mixin feet.
Faithful to the work, the members gather for several days to work on bricks for the walls of the new church.  Tyler was very excited to go each day and help with this work.  He sacrificially gave up schoolwork to go play in the mud.  Actually, he did the labor and then made-up the work for school as well.

Kaiphus, Reuben, and Tyler

Duncan Kakoma has been a part of every construction project of Katunda Baptist Church.  Several years ago he helped carry bricks from another location to the present spot to build the walls of the former church building.  He was so small and it would take all his strength just to carry one block.  Today he stands taking a break from shoveling the remains of the old bricks he carried to make mud for new bricks.

Do not judge them by their size.  These young boys carried their weight throughout the day.  Hands of all colors and sizes would form those bricks throughout those days.

Much water is needed.  The water had to be brought from a nearby stream
and carried to the church.

I remember sitting at the meeting as they discussed what preparations needed to be made for the molding of the bricks.  It is quite an undertaking and if one thing doesn't happen or they are missing one necessary supply, the work comes to a halt and the days can be lost until they get what is needed.  Sometimes, getting what is needed, can be a little more tricky then you might think.  They do not have a Lowe's or Home Depot to run to and pick up any necessary forgotten items.

However, if you need more "cement", you just tear more of the "old church building" down and make more. Tyler likes "DEStructing" almost as much as CONstructing.  The people outgrew the original building quickly.  I remember some of the last few Sundays in that small building with children sitting on my feet to make room for each other.  We were all welcoming a new building where we could have enough room to stand and sing together.

Everyone plays a part in a days work, whether they lay a hand to the forming of those bricks or not.  The wonderful women of Katunda, when they weren't carrying water, would be found preparing food for all those working.

Bertha, Mwangolita and Pana.

Just another pot of nshima.

 Even me, whom they will not allow to stir the nshima pot, get to hold the babies while their Mamas cook.  

I mean holding the babies is an important job. Otherwise, they end up eating dirt like little Kaiphus does until I capture him.

But the work goes on and after three days there are over 600 bricks for the new walls.

WHAT MY FRIEND HAS. . .

Evie and Chipango have been the greatest of friends since the day they met.  Chipango is one of Reuben Ngusulu's daughters.  Their family lived with us here on our compound.

 When we first moved here Chipango and Evie would be out of the bed and outside before anyone and usually up the tree behind my room just chatting until they woke me up.  They would check the garden and play before Chipango had to leave for school.  They have made many memories together over the years and look out for each other just like sisters.  Between what southern draw Chipango has picked up from Evie and what Zambian English accent Evie now carries, you can barely tell which one is talking outside.  At Christmas this year Evie wanted something special for this special friend.  She had been working and buying Christmas since July knowing exactly what she wanted for everyone.  Which included buying for her brother first - WOW!  She came to me and said, "Mom, I know what I have for everyone, but, well, would it be ok if I spent more on Chipango?"  After discussing what she wanted to buy, I watched the look on my 10-year-old daughter's face as she contemplated how much money she had and how much money it might cost.  Did she have enough?  As I thought about it, all that I could hear was how my daughter wanted her friend to have just a little of what she has in life.  Not necessarily fancy clothes or the best food.  Not better health care or schooling.  Just a nice place to sleep.  As Evie tried to convince me why this was just necessary, I heard as she felt for her friend.  Chipango has slept on a concrete floor of a crowded house for most of her life.  Not because her family doesn't care for her or provide for her, but that was not a possiblity within their lives at this point.  Evie didn't talk about it much because she never wanted Chipango to feel bad about it or to feel that she was looking down on her and her life.  Mike took Evie into town, with an advance in her allowance that she was happy about working to pay off.  She returned home with her gift and kept it hidden in her room until Christmas.  She didn't want to wait until Christmas Day to give Chipango her gift and wanted her to have it Christmas Eve.  Late Christmas Eve we drove to the Ngusulu's new house and there in the front yard, by the light of the truck, called the family out to watch Chipango receive her gift.  Evie's excitement was as if she was awaiting a surprise, not giving one.  It was a delight as a mother to watch.  So, there the family stood, Chipango in the front with all eyes closed.  Imagine, being 11 years old and opening your eyes to find that you would not sleep on a cold concrete floor tonight.  Imagine seeing your best friend standing there holding a gift, just for you, because she loves you and wants you to have all the wonderful things in life.  I thank God for this moment and being able to be just a part of it with our families.

The rest of us stood and just enjoyed such a wonderful event!

At first, I thought they were both being silly and not letting go of each other and hugging FOREVER!  But, then after a few quiet moments I realized that Chipango was overcome with emotion and could not let go of Evie.  She was moved to tears and not wanting anyone to see her crying.  So, they just held each other for a bit and it was as if time stood still.  One of those moments in life that is etched onto your heart.  It was not a camera I even need to hold onto this one for forever.

Just a mat my friend, just for you!

GOD WILL BRING THE INCREASE

Katunda Baptist Church

Just a handful of these people met under a tree several years ago along with a volunteer team from the states.  Not far from that tree, every Sunday, that handful of people and many others gather at this place, Katunda Baptist Church.  It has not been without growing pains, but nonetheless, growing all the same.   I have watched them work through difficult issues facing the church and the community.  I have seen how God has used them to encourage each other, as well as, reaching out to those in the surrounding villages.  They press on though rumors abound as to the belief that they are all Satanists.  They press on though the other churches in the area believe them not to be serious because their building is not substantial enough nor does their choir have uniforms.  They press on though visitors may come and go.  They delight in the Word of God and its truth.  They delight in a grace given to them freely.  I have shared so many wonderful days with them as a church and as friends.    Pray for them as they continue to grow as believers and as they work together to establish the church.

Kasenya Ngusulu and one of his many guitars
fashioned from a 10 ltr oil container and wood.

If you have ever met this young man, you are most likely never to forget him.  He, and you are welcome to quote me, is the most genuine, sincerest, humble, gracious, and kind young men I have ever met.  He is the oldest of the Ngusulu siblings.  He is 18 years of age now and in Grade 12 at Kaoma High School.  His ingenuity has always delighted me.  His humble spirit, I have always admired.  I have been thankful to share in his life and he in mine and my family.  I have had the privilege to watch him live out a life before God and man in truth and honor.  Often he is quiet in the presence of adults and only speaking if spoken to or if someone needs assistance, but has much to say if given the opportunity.  He is humorous and gracious all at the same time.  Being the oldest of the brothers in his family, he stayed in the small house next to ours with the other brothers.  It was just a room that was used as the kitchen and as the boy's house.  One of my many fond memories of Kasenya is one of the many times I went to the door and knocked only to have Kasenya come to the door with Coke bottle-caps pinched into his eyes, looking like he had red bottle-caps for eyeballs, and smiling from ear to ear.  Another is one that includes my children.  He is ever watchful for their welfare and safety here in Kaoma.  We were attending a funeral of a member of a dear family to us.  It was such a very hot day here in Kaoma and we needed to walk far into the bush for the burial.  We had already been busy the entire day helping with the funeral and waiting at the home with the family.  Evie, not being to partial to the hot sun in Africa, was already tired for the day and we still needed to walk to the grave.  We had not been in Zambia long and she still had trouble keeping herself hydrated.  When the time came to leave for the burial, I was busy getting the family and the church choir into the truck with the coffin.  By the time the truck was loaded and Mike pulled away, I realized that I was alone and that Evie and Tyler had left with Melody and Reuben for the grave.  I wasn't concerned for their safety because the Ngusulu's consider Evie and Tyler family and treat them as such.  As I walked and walked into the bush in the hot sun, I began to worry about Evie and trying to do get there at this time.  I was so exhausted from the heat and the day filled with such great emotional stress.  I could only imagine how Evie was feeling and dealing with the same.  When I arrived at the burial site I looked over and realized she appeared to be doing okay and just a little flush.   Later, when we returned to the funeral house, Lulu, Kasenya's sister, and I were sitting and chatting about the day.   She expressed that they were worried for me after the truck arrived at the grave and they realized that I had put the family members in the truck and walked.  They realized that I was alone and walking.  They were happy when I arrived.  I just smiled and expressed how I had been so concerned for Evie the whole time I was walking.   I said, "I do not know how she made it this far in this heat!"  Lulu smiled and with a slight grin and quiet voice said, "It was Kasenya.  He carried her the rest of the way."  Evie was 8 years old and though she was just a thin little thing, I knew that wasn't easy for Kasenya.  

There are too numerous of stories to share about the spirit of this young man.  He does all things well.  I could only hope for those who read this that they may have the privilege of meeting him some day.  

Annual Mission Meeting 2012

Luau 2012 at our Annual Meeting

Every year we travel to South Africa for our annual mission meeting.  We are always excited to see many of our friends each year.  This kids try to squeeze in a year's worth full of fun with their mission family to make enough memories to carry them to the next year.  Each year a different church from the States will come and facilitate much of the activities for us and our children.  We travel 3 days through several countries to attend this meeting and, needless to say, there is always some excitement along the way.  This year we were turned back at the Zimbabwe border.  We spent a whole day traveling and ended up right back where we started.  In the midst of being turned back we wondered why do things like this happen here so often and why does everyone need to be bribed to do things they are already being paid to do correctly.  There is always frustration when you feel violated by corruption.  As you look into the eyes of a national and wonder how they do not see the wrong in what they are trying to do.  You want to pull your hair out and throw a tantrum at the terrible inconvenience they have caused costing you time and money.  Then days later you thank God as it was His hand turning you back and had nothing to do with evil or corruption getting in your way.  After returning to Lusaka on the same day we left, we needed to change vehicles and acquire different paperwork for that vehicle.  We left early the next day to cross a different border.  Success!!  The rest of the trip was without incident.  After arriving in South Africa we called our logistics coordinator and he advised us that another missionary in Lusaka had needed to use our vehicle (the other which we had originally planned to drive to South Africa and had to leave in Lusaka before trying to cross another border) and the transmission had completely messed up and had to be taken to the garage.  We would have been in the middle of Zimbabwe and broken down.  See!  I am reminded to listen to God even when I think He is not speaking.  Do not let the evil of this world bring you to compromise, even in the smallest of things.  We arrived at our annual meeting and shared a wonderful week together.  The wonderful members of the Perryton Baptist Church team were so giving to us and our children.  They made it such a memorable time with our mission family.  Already looking forward to next  year.