A few days ago, Harrison was joking with me about staying around for awhile longer. We played around with the idea, but then we started really considering it. Because of the missionary travel agent I used, there were restrictions on my ticket. Yesterday, we drove into the capital of Malawi to speak directly with Ethiopian Airlines. The lady we worked with was a huge blessing and helped us out in ways she wouldn’t have had to. Eventually, we were able to get my ticket extended until October 25th (I’ll be landing in the states the 26th). We were also able to get everything worked out with immigrations as well, so they extended my visa for 90 more days.
There are a few things I will have to miss, but I’m sure you understand. Lance and Shelby: I love you guys…best wishes on your wedding. Camp friends: I won’t be able to attend the closing meeting like I said…you are in the final sprint of the marathon now…push through til the end. Lawlor RA’s: You’ll have to do Lawlorpalooza without me L
Harrison and Michelle’s Ministry: For those of you who don’t know, Harrison is a national pastor/missionary, who has been a part of ministry for over half his life. Michelle first came to Zambia in 2001. They were married in 2008 and now have two children. Since coming back from deputation, they have planted two churches (Bethlehem Baptist Church) in the Chipata area (one in town and one in a village). We had a meeting tonight about starting a third church plant. Two nights a week, he has men over for Bible Institute. Harrison also has a soccer ministry. The unique thing about the Banda’s ministry is that nationals are always welcome at their house, so people are always coming in and out of the house.
Past two weeks: Right now, Harrison has several things going on at once. He’s working on building two different churches. Every Saturday, the men from the church and us get together to make bricks. The church plot Harrison got in town is beautiful. It’s on the side of a mountain, where you will be able to see the church from all over the city. We spent two days clearing all the trees from the property. Soon we will be grading it. We’re also digging a borehole well on church plot here in town. Currently, we’re approaching 10 meters down and have been in solid rock the past couple of meters. We have also had to spend a great deal of time at the mechanics so some work could be done on Harrison’s truck. Lastly, we have spent some time scouting out locations for two different camps (that we hope to build in the future)
On Sundays, we preach at both churches. There is also a Bible study on Wednesday nights in the homes of nationals. Last week, we were allowed to have it in the house of a Muslim. Monday and Friday nights we have Bible Institute classes. We have also been running some leadership/teambuilding camps for the members of the two churches
Things to come/prayer requests:
-Beth, Jake, and Mary (the three interns I worked with this summer are currently making their way back to the states.
-We will be going to Lusaka tomorrow and Thursday for the Baptist Mid-Missions annual Zambia Conference. There’s been discussion that Harrison will at least be nominated for president of the missions. Be praying for the elections and the meetings that take place there.
-Last time I told you guys about a child named Junior who had 2nd degree burns on 63% of his body that Mrs. Chambers and myself were asked to treat. I found out that after suffering for 10 days, he passed away. Be in prayer for Mrs. Chambers (as I’m sure she took it hard) and for the family.
-For the building projects coming up: finishing up the blueprints and getting them back from the city council, bricks need to be burned, we only have two days left with the jackhammer (and we really need to hit water soon), that we can find a bulldozer to grade the church plot (for a reasonable cost).
-We are trying to schedule a meeting with the chief of Chipata (think governor of a state, except with the capabilities of military power...he considers his land to be his own little nation rather than a true part of Zambia).
-Now that we have 3 more months, we’ll be making plans on running some youth camps and other types of programming.
Closing Remarks: God’s truly been blessing us and taking great care of us. A couple of us got malaria, but have gotten over it quickly. Falls that have happened or accidents that have occurred that could have been bad, have amounted to know injuries. Even the smallest of prayers are being answered. I was able to hook my computer up to a screen to get my sermons and the camp manual off of it. This field here is ripe for the harvest. People are coming to know Christ…disciples are being made…churches are growing. It’s amazing to get to have a part in it.
When we were driving into Malawi to work on the tickets, I saw a sign on the back of a truck I wanted to encourage you with. It read, “Let God be God.” Sometimes we spend so much time trying to control everything (trying to stay safe…figuring out the loopholes in the clauses of the tickets), rather than giving up the driver’s seat and allowing God to work. God is good…and is plans are far better than ours. Dwelling in His plan and His safety are much fuller of peace and joy then we could provide on our own.
With Love,
Josh
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