Greetings family and friends,
Most of you know I will be graduating from Cedarville University this spring. Besides studying youth ministries and world missions, I have spent my time working as a Resident Assistant, working with Athletes in Action (a branch of Campus Crusades for Christ), and starting a youth group as part of a church plant. I have also spent the past three summers working at Twin Lakes Camp as a counselor and as an intern. I have learned I have a passion for holistic ministry and for camp ministry.
For the past few years, God has been burdening my heart to serve Him in Africa. As I leave college and join the “real world,” my goal is to go into long-term overseas missions. Last summer, I was approached by Evangelical Baptist Missions missionaries Jim and Rachel Chambers to assist them they transition to a new ministry site in Zambia. Through much prayer and many talks, we agreed this would be a great way for me to get practical, hands on experience while also working toward my long-term goal. Even better, my brother Caleb is joining me for a month of the trip.
On May 20th, my brother and I will fly out with two other team members to Zambia. Most of our time will be spent in the small village of Nambaaza (the bush) and in Choma (a small town). While there, we will have much to accomplish. Mr. and Mrs. Chambers were donated 100 acres of wooded land next to Kaponde Baptist Church by tribal leaders to start a camp. Our main focus will be to assist in setting this camp up. We will be working alongside nationals to clear the brush and build buildings. We also will be installing a low-ropes course, training nationals how to use the facilities, and teaching the nationals how to teach through experiential learning opportunities. By the end of the summer, we will be running a couple of camps. Caleb will also spend some time shooting video for the Chambers to be able to use in promoting their new ministry. Finally, we will be assisting our other team members with running sports camps back in Choma. These will be the first steps in a much larger vision. Besides the camp, the retreat facilities will be used as a multi-purpose training center for nationals to learn about agriculture, trades, first aid/health, biblical studies, and church leadership. This will also be home to staff housing, a workshop, and a medical care unit.
As we allow God to lead us through this new adventure, please join our team. Since neither of us has done anything like this, we need much prayer throughout this summer (I will be there until Aug. 3; Caleb will be there until June 22). We also need financial support. Together, we need to raise $5500 (currently, we are a little under half support). This will go towards plane tickets, travel insurance, living expenses, a few supplies for the camp, and a three-month salary for a national to help us translate and navigate in a different culture.
If you can help us financially, please make checks out to Heather Hills Baptist Church. In the memo, please put Zambia Mission Fund. If you want a tax deductible receipt, do not put either of our names on the check.
We will have limited internet access throughout the summer. When able, we will be able to send out updates on what is going on, prayer requests, and posting photos. If you would like to be included in this, please provide your email as well. We also have a Facebook page (you can access through my profile) and a blog, joshuaipack@blogspot.com that we will update as well.
With His love,
Josh and Caleb
Checks can be sent to:
Heather Hills Baptist Church
1421 N. German Church Road
Indianapolis, IN 46229
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