Missionary Updates from ZAMBIA

The Missionaries in ZAMBIA don't currently have access to the internet. But their Team Leaders have been able communicate some of the following updates from the field by driving an hour away to an available internet cafe:

Jun 20 2008 04:45PM

Michael from says:

We started doing a VBS for a group of older boys and I thought \"Perfect! How can older boys tire me out?\" But managing a group of 13-14 year olds who speak a different language and are in a different culture was much harder than I expected! Some thought they were too cool, some were too quiet; some just spoke to each other in their language and laughed at us. It was hard to know how they could retain anything that we wanted to teach them.
But on the last day, kids we had given up on talked about how they learned the love of Jesus. They remembered what even I forgot we taught them! I smiled as they compared our love with the love that Jesus has for them. They could not ignore or understand how we would leave our homes and travel so far just to love them and set an example for them. It was such a blessing to be with them.


Jun 20 2008 04:48PM

Stephanie says:

Our ministry group was to discuss the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. I told Grant that he should share about becoming a follower of Jesus and lead the prayer. Grant said he was scared to lead so many children to the Lord; he had never done anything like that before! I encouraged him that with God anything is possible and that He can use anyone. So, Grant started the discussion and told them how Jesus wants a relationship with them. He glanced over at me to signal that I should lead the prayer, but I told him it is his turn and time to step out and stretch his faith. God brought him here for such a time as this! Grant smiled and continued to lead every one of those children in a prayer of salvation. Tears streamed down my face as I watched this transformation in the children as well as in Grant. The power of God was great in that moment and I will never forget it.


Jun 20 2008 04:48PM

Hannah says:

Monday we met the young girls from the orphanage that we would be working with. We sang songs with them and played games. At first they were shy and reluctant to interact with us, but as the day went on they became more open and relational. On Wednesday we shared the testimony of Jesus and his love for us; as a result most of the girls gave their life to Him! Beth and I shared our testimonies and answered questions for them.
God is doing a personal work in me through all this! When I was sharing I felt unequipped and that I needed to be more passionate, convincing, and acceptable. My MA prayed for me and opened up doors to how I can be used by Jesus by just being faithful to Him! I am so thankful for the work God is doing here in Zambia and in my life.


Jun 20 2008 05:20 PM

Ministry Update:
Hello from Zambia! Ministry is going wonderful here. On Saturday we had 300 children at a day camp were we were able to feed, play with, and share Jesus with them. This weekend we will be attending a church service with the Zambian people and also doing an afternoon camp in one of the villages. On Monday we will begin building an orphanage and doing another day camp with the children.
All of the students here are doing well! Thank you for your prayers and support; the Lord is being glorified here!

Stacy and Gus (Trip Leaders)


Jun 20 2008 05:07 PM

Shane says:

When we came to the village, there were hundreds of kids, young and old, and I could see they were all starved. Not of food but of love, affection, and truth. At first as we interacted many hung back and stared at us, but as we continued to relate they could tell we were friends to them. The kids were so real and genuine as they began to experience the love of Jesus as they never had before. My heart broke for them as I saw how much they needed true love. There are tens of thousands of people just like the ones I got to interact with! Being here has really opened my eyes to the need in the world around me. So many people do not understand the love of Christ, but I will do what I can to spread His message.


Jun 14 2008 03:07 PM

Today the teams visted some of the homes of the orphans they will be working with. This was an eye opening experiecence for them.
Tonight the teams will have a time to share stories and learn about specific ways to minister to the Ugandans.
Tomorrow they head to Churches of the families of the orphans.
On Monday they begin VBS with hundreds of the orphans in the camps. They will be working with the same orphans all week developing relationships and showing the love of Jesus.
They are in a more remote area of Zambia and internet access is over 1 hour away.


Jun 14 2008 02:58 PM

Although the Zambia teams do not currently have access to the internet, they have contacted the Global Expedition office to let us know that everyone has arrived safely! They are looking forward to starting ministry and are excited that the time they have been waiting and training for has finally arrived!