EVERYTHING -Z TO A
FEBRUARY 2012
Activities and Prayer Concerns
Mid-term Exams at Seminary – In February I will be giving midterm exams to all three of my seminary classes. It is both a test for them and for me – so pray that we both might pass.
Getting over “jet lag” – We have been back for two weeks now and our days and nights are still somewhat confused. My mind seems to have worked out the right time of day – but my body still wants to sleep during the afternoon and stay up all night. It is a big struggle right now. Pray that we might quickly get into a “normal” routine of sleep so that we will be well rested for the activities ahead of us.
Pray for Mary’s brother, Kennie Hancock. On Sunday night 22 January a very strong wind blew his mobile home completely off its foundation and upside down into the neighbor’s field. Fortunately, Kennie was not at home when the wind came. He lost his home and most all of his possessions in the wind. Pray for him during this difficult time.
LAND OF WORSHIP
We had such a wonderful furlough (Stateside Assignment) that as we considered our return my attitude was less than enthusiastic. One of the things that inspired me for our return was the prayer of one of the saints in our home church. Actually it was one phrase in his prayer that that Lord used to give me an attitudinal adjustment.
During our last worship service in our home church, there were a lot of “goodbyes” and “well wishes” expressed to us – and we were mentioned by name in more than one prayer. As one of our dear brothers prayed, he asked the Lord’s blessing upon Mary and me – but he did not say as we returned to Zambia, or to the foreign mission field, or overseas. He asked for the Lord’s blessing as we returned to our “land of worship.”
What a powerful way to look at your place of service/ministry – your “land of worship!” It is not difficult for me to see preaching in a local church or teaching in a seminary classroom as the “land of worship.” It will be a challenge to recognize the equal truth that as we deal with the more mundane matters, i.e. standing in queues, driving in traffic, waiting in offices, buying groceries, etc., that we are in those places still in our “land of worship.”
As if to underscore the point, the first sermon that I heard on our return was on the theme of “worship.” So, my personal aim in this term of service will be to offer unto the Lord a heart, a life, of worship. As Paul said to the Romans, Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship (Rom. 12:1).
WELCOME BACK!
Our return flights to Zambia were for the most part uneventful, and we arrived back in Lusaka a few minutes earlier than scheduled. We were thankful to see that all of our suitcases had arrived with us. We were even more thankful to see the warm reception of our missionary colleagues.
All was well at our flat, and we were joyfully welcomed back by many of the workers at the Baptist compound. Someone had put food in the flat for us and our missionary family had arranged meals for us for the first few days. Our pet dogs, JR and Muffy, were particularly pleased to see Mary (they were a bit less thrilled to see me). With such a wonderful “welcome back,” Mary and I settled in for some much needed sleep with a realization that we were back at our “African home.”
BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY OF ZAMBIA
We arrived back in Zambia on a Monday, and I was teaching my classes on Tuesday morning.( I had used the layover in the London airport to work on lessons for the first day.) My courses for this term are: Old Testament Survey 1, an exposition of the Book of Acts, and Baptist Beliefs. Pray that I might effectively and clearly communicate biblical truths in these courses.
I have already had an opportunity to preach in the seminary chapel services. Our theme for this term is stewardship and I challenged to give of our self, our service, and our substance. All in all, the sermon seemed to be well-received.
We have several new students at the seminary this year. Each of them is given an opportunity to share their testimony in our chapel services. It has been a real blessing to hear them share from their own spiritual pilgrimage.
In our most recent student testimony, the young man shared that he was an only child – or, as he expressed it, the “first born and the last born” in his family. He went on to express since his parents followed witchdoctors that he himself had been involved in practices/rituals not accepted by God. As a youth in secondary school he had often been involved in fighting – and he added that his motto at the time was “one man one commando.” But then he said in 2006 he decided to become active and to seek the face of God – and God found him and changed his life. In addition to being a new student at the seminary he is serving as the pastor of one of the local churches, convinced that he needs to do his best to teach them the things that he learns at seminary. As he said on chapel day, a church with a good foundation had a good future.
AUGUST 2011
Activities and Prayer Issues
- Travel and Stateside Assignment – Mary and I depart from Zambia on the 25th of August and arrive in Louisville on the 26th of August (via London and Chicago) – if all goes according to schedule. I am not a “good flyer” so we will appreciate greatly your prayer support (with a few extra prayers for Mary – she has often said it would be better if we travelled on separate schedules). This term has been almost four and a half years – so we are really looking forward to a “break.” Although the date of our return will be determined by when we get medical clearance, we are tentatively planning a return to the field sometime in January 2012. During our “stateside/furlough” we will mainly be in western Kentucky (around Owensboro), but undoubtedly we will be “on the road” quite a bit as well.
The “Impact” Team
One of the more exciting developments at the seminary has been the establishment of a group of students who make up what they call the “impact” team. The “team” is strictly a volunteer organization of students who want to go out with the good news of Jesus Christ – to help plant churches or to strengthen existing work (to make an “impact”). Along with other faculty members, I have had the privilege of working alongside this group.
Our most recent endeavor took us out east of Lusaka to five rural churches. I dropped off the students one by one at their place of service for this day. It was so inspiring to see their enthusiasm on what was one of the coldest days that we have experienced during our “winter.”
I stayed with the last student at a relatively new church. There were about 15 faithful adults who had made their way to their mud-brick building on this Sunday morning. (I said later to the students that a person would really have to be dedicated to the Lord to come out on a day like this.) Our hearts were warmed with His presence as we sang the songs of glory and listened to the proclamation of the Word of God.
I must admit that I was a bit distracted during an early part of the worship service. Although I was very appreciative of the grass roof, I was somehow disturbed when I spotted a rat climbing amid the grass and support poles of the roof. I did a quick check above my head to see if there were any other “creatures” stirring about. For a brief moment I pictured in my mind’s eye, a rat falling on my head or shoulder, with the immediate consequences of either people thinking that I had suddenly gotten filled with the Spirit or of an instantaneous addition of a new exit door to the church building (I do not like rats/mice).
But God’s Spirit drew me back to the matter at hand and I was quickly into His presence. My “student” was preaching on Jonah – and his disobedience to go out to Nineveh with God’s message. It was a powerful, convicting message – and delivered with a passionate heart.
On this day, we reached five churches, distributed a lot of tracks, sold a few Bibles, preached the Word of God, and strengthened believers. We made an IMPACT. How about you? Is your life making an impact on others for the Kingdom of God? Be a part of God’s “impact” team in your home area!
Final Exams
It is that time of the term when the stress levels of faculty and students alike are quite high. The students are sitting exams and the lecturers are busy grading exams and assignments.
To ease my “stress” I try to reflect on the students that are writing my exams. As they are straining to remember all of those things that we have studied together, I remember their “stories” – who they are and where they have come from. It is their time to do an exam – and it is my time to pray for them.
To my right is “L.” He is a young, single man who loves being at seminary. It is the fulfillment of his dream and what he has seen as God’s call. But it was not easy to get here. His parents were not particularly happy with his desire to come to seminary. They had other “plans” for this beloved son – a well paying career, etc. Yet, here he is – and God has made a way, including his parents’ blessing.
On my left, “P” is a policeman and the son of a chief. He knows full well the “evils” of this world – both from personal experience and from public encounters. I thank God that we have at least one born again believer among the police force (and I rejoice that I know that he is not the only Christian policeman in this land).
There is “D” and “C” – a husband and wife team who are both pursuing a diploma. He has a background in music. At one time he was a member of the somewhat famous Zambia Acappella singers.(I get amused when he reminds me that he has been in 21 of the states of the USA (more than me).) She likes music as well and sings in the seminary choir. Both have humble hearts and a good attitude toward service. They will graduate this year.
We do have another husband and wife team. I’ll call them “M” and “R.” They are in the beginning terms of their seminary studies. At this point they are like “sponges,” soaking up all the knowledge that they possibly can. They are a pleasure to teach – and I quickly pray for lots more like them to be added to our number.
Obviously, I could go on and on. They are all quite a group – coming from many parts of Zambia, representing many tribes and tongues, and seeking to follow the will of God. I count it a great privilege to be their teacher – and I shudder at the awesome ministry that God has allowed me to enjoy. James 3:1 penetrates to the depths of my being – “Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.”
Pray for our seminary. Pray for these men and women of God who, as they struggle daily with basic needs, are living examples of Christian perseverance. Pray for those of us who are their “teachers” – that we might be worthy of this high calling.
Fresh Touch
Fresh Touch Baptist Church is a very new church. It is being served by one of our seminary graduates. He has been preaching through the book of James and had asked me to come and preach on James 3 – the “tongue” chapter. In July I finally found the time to go and preach at “Fresh Touch.”
Since my sense of direction is pretty terrible, we arranged a rendezvous point and he sent a church member to guide me to their meeting place. Fresh Touch Baptist Church is currently meeting in a classroom at one of the local private schools. This school is in one of the most densely populated “compounds” of Lusaka. It is an area that certainly needs the “light” of God’s truth and the “salt” of God’s people.
When my “guide” and I arrived, they were in the midst of their Sunday school time. The children and youth classes met outside and the adults were in the classroom assigned to the church. The pastor, the teacher for the adults, was in the midst of a powerful study on being ambassadors for Christ. There was a lively discussion among the adults in attendance.
Eventually we began our morning worship service – and more and more people came into the classroom. The singing and praying was inspiring and powerful. I truly felt His “touch” as I got up to preach and I believe that I was able to faithfully deliver His truth as I shared on the “most dangerous member of the church” (the “tongue”). As I closed the message with a word of prayer, the congregation immediately started singing a chorus that basically says, “I have been bound with the cords of Satan, but today I have been set free.”
What particularly shocked me on this day was the attendance. In this classroom that would comfortably seat perhaps 30 adults, the attendance for the day was reported as 142. Now I do know that not all 142 were inside the classroom as I could see a lot of faces at the windows while I was preaching. However, I suspect that at least 80-100 adults were in the classroom as we worshipped. We were in “close fellowship” – both physically and spiritually.
JULY 2011
Activities and Prayer Issues
Seminary Open Day – Our “open house” has been poorly attended in recent years. So this year, we have decided to combine “open day” with the associational annual general meeting which is being held at the seminary campus on the 4th and 5th of July. As the church delegates come and participate in the annual general meeting we will provide information about the seminary and tours of the seminary in order to generate more interest. Pray that this might be a successful venture on our part.
Canaan Association – Our seminary outreach team will be encouraging and strengthening churches in this association on the 10th of July. We hope to reach 6 churches on this Sunday. Pray for our safety in travel and for a positive ministry in every church that we visit.
On the 15th of July I will be out showing the Jesus’ film – and then on the 17th, 19th, and 22nd I will be giving some support to one of our missionary colleagues and his volunteer team.
Preaching – On the 24th and 31st of July I will be preaching in local churches. Pray that the Lord will “loosen” my tongue and open my heart so that I will faithfully proclaim His truth.
Final Exam Week – The 19th through the 22nd of July will be the final exam week for the second term. Our students always appreciate the extra prayer support for this key week in their lives.
Bible Schools – During the last week of July there will be two sessions taking place simultaneously, one at Chongwe and the other at Luangwa. Pray for good health, safety, and a great learning experience for teachers and students.
Stateside Assignment – We are headed for the States at the end of August. There is a lot to do between now and then. Pray that we might handle our time wisely – and to His glory – in our various ministry activities and our preparation for this stateside assignment.
The Ministry of the Interior
“If you are not getting the hundred-fold more, not getting insight into God's word, then start praying for your friends, enter into the ministry of the interior. … The real business of your life as a saved soul is intercessory prayer. Wherever God puts you in circumstances, pray immediately, pray that His Atonement may be realized in other lives as it has been in yours. Pray for your friends now; pray for those with whom you come in contact now.” (My Utmost For His Highest” -20 June 2011)
During my devotional time this morning, I was convicted by the above words of Oswald Chambers – and I pray that you are convicted by these words as well. What a privilege we have in prayer – and what an awesome responsibility! Please join with us who are serving in the “ministry of the interior” – and as you engage in intercessory prayer, pray for us as well!
The “Owner” of the Journey
One of our upcoming graduates preached in chapel this week. He preached from Mark 4 on the text of the stilling of the storm. He added an interesting insight to the passage from his own cultural background. As the text begins, Jesus tells his disciples, “Let’s go to the other side of the lake.” From the African context, this meant that Jesus was the “owner” of the journey. In other words, as the one who gave the invitation, who extended the call to go, then he becomes the one responsible for the journey itself – for all of those that he has invited.
Within the African perspective, this alleviates a lot of worry and anxiety from the traveler. After all, the “owner” of the journey is responsible for the traveler’s food and lodging throughout the trip. If there are any mishaps along during the journey, the “owner” is responsible and accountable for all under his journey.
Brothers and sisters, those who are travelling this pilgrim way, remember that the Lord Himself is the “Owner” of our journey, our spiritual pilgrimage. Don’t become overly anxious about the “needs” along the way, the Owner Himself will provide. He is the Pioneer of our faith, blazing the trail before us. He is the Provider for the trip, and He is the “Perfecter” of our faith, arriving us to our final destination.
“What a fellowship, what a joy divine…”
It was a “cool” (by African standards) Saturday morning, around 0600, and I met with the men’s fellowship at one of the local churches. I had been invited to address the men on the subject of fellowship – of building a stronger fellowship within their group and within the church.
All in all I thought that what I had brought to them in the name of the Lord was very well-received. One of the men actually approached me as I finished and asked for a copy of my notes.
Truthfully, I was perhaps more “inspired” than they were. Here were about 15-20 men gathered on a Saturday morning just to study the Word of God and to fellowship with one another. They were enthusiastic, friendly, and seemed to genuinely enjoy the moment (I suspect that is a rather unusual thing for 6 in the morning).
On top of that, they (the “men’s fellowship”) were excited about putting their money together and purchasing a printer for the church office. I watched with some amusement as they teased one another as they went about collecting the money for the purchase. It is a rare and wonderful experience to see such joyful and sacrificial giving.
Mini-bus rules
One of the most common sights in virtually all African urban areas is the “mini-bus.” For the urban dwellers the mini-bus is a primary means of transport – and, at the same time, the mini-bus drivers are notorious for their “driving” and “bus” etiquette (or lack thereof). There are the rules of the road and then there are the “mini-bus rules” (which basically means that the mini-bus rules – does just what the driver wants to do and when he wants to do it).
The mini-bus rules are much more blatantly applied in the “suburbs” (compounds) where they operate in greater numbers and, often, outside the watchful eye of the police. They tend to stop where they want and when they want – and dare other vehicles on the road to interfere. (Who needs a bus stage when you can just as easily stop in the middle of the road?) No amount of “honking” (“hooting”) or shouting/complaining seems to deter them.
Recently, as I was delivering students to various churches for seminary promotion, I had numerous encounters with “mini-bus rules.” On one of the side streets two mini-buses effectively had traffic completely blocked in both directions. I noticed that the driver of the vehicle in the other lane was having a heated “discussion” with the mini-bus driver that had “blocked” me – he had determined that this was a good place to disembark his passengers and take on new passengers. Eventually, the mini-bus driver concluded that he had taken on enough people for him to move on. As the driver of the on-coming vehicle edged closer to me, he motioned for me to lower my window. Apparently, I must have looked quite frustrated by it all, and he remarked, “Don’t worry (don’t be frustrated)! Common sense is just not very common among the common people.” With those words, we both continued on our journey, ready for our next adventure with “mini-bus rules.”
Seminary Day
“Seminary Days” are when local churches invite seminary students to share about the seminary and try to challenge themselves to support this vital ministry. All in all I really enjoy the experience. I enjoy taking our students to various churches, meeting with leaders, and seeing how people do have a desire to help the seminary. Typically, I will drop off at students at four to five local churches and then remain to worship at the last destination – before returning to pick up the other students and to deliver them back to the seminary.
Our “Seminary Days” for this term were the 12th and 19th of June. I was so proud of our students in the way that they represented our school. I was proud as well of the local churches in the way that we were received into the churches. Many of the churches gave the “student preacher” a “gift” – which was much appreciated and much needed. Also, many of the churches, in spite of their own serious needs, gave a “gift” to the seminary.
At one of the churches that I attended, the congregation gave their entire offering to the seminary. I was humbled by their sacrificial giving. I was also reminded of another group of Christians (the Macedonians) who gave beyond their “means.”
“Give me a ‘J’…..”
It reminded me of those days in high school when the cheerleaders would challenge us as “fans” to get behind our team. I suppose that the “team” on this day was the church as the worship leader called out – “Give me a ‘J.’… Give me an ‘O.’… Give me a ‘Y.’…What is it?...In the name of…In the name of …” I think that you can figure out the overall gist of the “cheer.” It produced a rousing response and loud applause for the Lord Jesus Christ – and set the overall tone for the two hour plus worship service (and believe me, this experience is pretty typical).
I think that most visitors from the Western world who come to Africa and join in the worship services could not help but be impressed by the “worship.” Over and over again I hear volunteers comment about the worship – and, many times, indicate that they wish that the “folks” back home could “worship like this” or that “we could learn from these churches.”
You would get a lot of different opinions as to why the worship services here are so “different” than our typical worship service in the States. One key is a “lack” of “creature comforts” – when you don’t have “creature comforts” (padded pews, air conditioning, walls, windows, etc.) you don’t focus as much on yourself (the “creature”) and you tend to focus more on the Creator.
From my perspective, the other major factor in African worship is the ability to be “fully present” for worship. In our times of worship (for the two or three hours or so), everything “outside” (the suffering, pain, problems, trials, tests, etc.) is laid aside and we fully come into the presence of God (we “lay aside every hindrance”).
This next Sunday you don’t need a “cheerleader” – but do try to realize that there is “Joy in the name of Jesus.” Fully present yourself to God in worship this next Sunday – and enjoy His presence! Have a great day in the Lord!
Chinyunyu
Earlier this year I mentioned that the seminary outreach team had made a trip to Chinyunyu in order to try to assist in the planting of a church in that area. Also, I mentioned that we would be doing a follow up visit to witness and to show the Jesus’ film. This is a brief report on that follow up trip.
We went out to Chinyunyu on the 25th of June – three students and I made up the team. On our way to the meeting site, we made the customary visit to the chief’s palace. Since he is the “owner” of the entire area of his chiefdom, it is important to make your presence known and to ask his “permission” to work within his area. Although the chief was not at the palace, we did meet with the “chairman” and he registered our visit and allowed us to continue with our program.
In the afternoon, the three seminary students paired with the local church leadership and they went out into the community to witness and to invite people to attend the Jesus’ film. They quickly discovered that the local folks had a done a good job in publicity. But they also discovered that the hand of the Lord was at work. They returned to our meeting place with a report of several people who had prayed to receive Christ as their Savior. (While they were out, I had been setting up the Jesus’ film equipment.)
In the evening people slowly gathered to our venue for the film. We started the showing around 7:00 pm and were a little disappointed by the early attendance – but suggested to one another that it was perhaps too cold for folks to come out in the evening. Eventually approximately 150 people made the way to the “cinema.” During the preaching of a short evangelistic sermon when we paused the showing, over 20 came forward to yield their lives to the Lord.
Around 10:00 pm we were able to pack up the film equipment and get ready to go to our tents to try to get some sleep. Sleep would prove difficult on this night. Even in my sleeping bag I felt the “chilling cold.” In between my brief “naps” through the night, I would awaken to the singing, chatter, and joy of many people who decided not to go home at night – but who stayed around a few fires built around the “camp” just to fellowship with one another.
On Sunday morning (the 26th of June), there were about 45 of us who met for Bible study and worship – which was about double the number from our first visit. Our students taught the Bible studies (adults and youth) and did the preaching in the morning service. At the invitation, we again experienced perhaps the greatest miracle of all - a man (the “chairman”) came forward to give his life to Christ.
Finally, it was time to come “home.” We said our farewells and headed back to Lusaka – content with the knowledge that we had had a part in the birth of what the folks at Chiynunyu are now calling “Revelation Baptist Church.”
Home School Books have Arrived!
Once a year we receive books and curriculum pieces for our missionary families who home school their children. This year in January and February we ordered for eight families in Zambia and two families in Malawi. We have a purchasing agent at our Board in Richmond who receives and processes the various orders This year we ordered for children between Kindergarten and Grade 10. The books and materials were sent to Wynne Baptist Church in Wynne, Arkansas. The staff and church members received, unpacked and repacked all of our orders for us. When this big job was complete the boxes were collected and sent air freight to Lusaka. On 6 June I received the good news from our import agents that the books had finally arrived at the Airport. We received 24 boxes and since then I have been in the process of sorting by families and cataloguing all of the materials into our school database. The families anxiously await each year for their materials to come. Believe it or not many of the children see this as a “second Christmas” (at least the younger children do). So this week the first families are in Lusaka for a supply trip and will be able to take their school books and materials home to begin another school year soon. We have been much in prayer to get these books. Thank you Lord for providing the opportunity of home schooling for our children on the field in Zambia and Malawi.
Proverbs 4:23, “Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
June 2011
Prayer Issues
The 5th and 12th of June are seminary days in the local association. It is an opportunity for the seminary students to speak in local churches and to encourage the churches to be more involved in the support of the seminary. Pray that more churches than ever before might be willing to open their doors to the seminary students – and that many churches will be led to support their seminary above and beyond what they have done in years past.
Pray for Pat Carlisle and her three grown children as the mourn the loss of their husband and father.
A Day of Joy – the 8th of May
Last month I encouraged you to pray for the outreach by the seminary team on the 8th of May. I accompanied the “team” to a location where we are trying to establish a new church. Here is a report about the events of that day.
First let me share a bit of a background this location. Late last year one of our BBS students moved to this area. Of course, when he got there one of the very first things that he did was to look for a church home for himself and his family. All he could find were two “groups” – not really churches – that were meeting. One of these two “churches” was really a group that was heavily involved in African traditional religion. Therefore, he decided that he would start meeting with his family and others in the village and they would start their own evangelical church. Then he called for us to “come over and help us” – not a Macedonian call but a Chinyunyu call. We arranged to come on the 8th of May.
On the morning of the 8th I arrived at the seminary to pick up the “team.” The “outreach” team had chosen three students to go with me – and they were so excited about the upcoming adventure. They were all open and ready for whatever God had in mind for us. With a word of prayer we started on our way.
After an hour and a half on the tarmac road, we found our brother waiting to guide us to his home in the busy. (He had walked to the main road – an hour’s journey by foot – so as to be ready to lead us back to his home.) After a 20 minute drive (the road being much better than I had expected), we arrived and immediately started our Sunday program. There were 10 adults (in addition to our team) and about 20 children in attendance – and you would never find a more joyful and nervous group of people in your life.
One of our team members taught the adult Bible study and another taught the children. This was actually the children’s first “real” Sunday school experience. I was blessed as I observed my brother teaching these children. By the end of his teaching time he had taught the children two or three simple but powerful choruses – and he had helped the children to memorize John 3:16. Joy!
In the adult Bible study, our other brother taught from John 15 about abiding in Christ and bearing fruit. As the people interacted with him on the truth of the Word of God, there were so many smiles as the Word came alive in their own lives. Joy!
Then we started the main worship service. The young man that had been chosen to lead the worship did a good job – even though his nervousness was quite obvious. Our team, in a very non-obtrusive way, did their best to help him. They suggested hymns to sing and lead out in the singing. The team taught the local folks new choruses as well. Joy!
Our third team member did the morning preaching. He as well focused on the fruit that is given to us by the Father when we become Christians, i.e. peach and grace. It was a challenging message. Joy!
In an effort to encourage a new church plant, we assist a new group with some basic materials. On this day I gave the “church” a Sunday school book to use with the adults and I gave them four Bibles. They spontaneously started applauding as their way of saying “thank you!” Pure and simple joy!
Before we left, the “church” insisted that we stay and eat the meal that they had provided. What a feast we enjoyed! There was the usual nsima (the staple corn mush that is a part of nearly every meal) and the side plates of chicken, “greens,” and beef. This was good food and good fellowship – and we departed with a plan to return and do house to house evangelism and to show the Jesus film.
I will let you know about the next visit. Keep praying!
A Day of Sorrow – 16th of May
It was on a Monday morning (the 16th of May), when I received word from a dear friend about the death of Phil Carlisle. Apparently Phil had suffered a heart attack on the previous Thursday and had died on Friday the 13th of May. His death was surprising and sudden.
These have been days of great sorrow to me – in spite of my confidence of Phil’s eternal presence in glory. Although I had not seen Phil for years, we have a relationship that is “special” – and I miss him terribly. You see, Phil was my “father” – which may surprise you since he and I were about the same age (Phil died at the age of 58).
Phil was my “spiritual father.” He introduced me to Christ on the 27th of September 1972. Then he mentored me in my early Christian growth. So, he was “father,” friend, brother, and mentor – all rolled into one.
I mention him in this newsletter – not just because of my sadness – but because any of us could do what he did. We could (and should) be ever ready to introduce others to Christ. Who knows – that very next person that you witness to could end up as a missionary in Africa!
A Day of Shock – 21st of May
As Mary and I get ready for our upcoming Stateside Assignment, we are in the process of getting medical issues taken care of as much as possible before we leave for the States. As many of you know, one of the “requirements” for our return is medical clearance. It is cheaper (by far) for us to get physical exams and tests done here. Also, the more that we can get done here, the more time we can have for other things in the States.
I set up an appointment for my physical exam for the 21st of May. Other than their taking my blood, and tolerating a few uncomfortable probes here and there, all went well. But the shock came on the tuberculin skin test.
In his preparation for the exams, our doctor had checked with the various medical facilities around town and reported to me that no one gives the tuberculosis test. I guess that he could see the shock on my face and so he quickly offered the explanation. There is such a prevalence of AIDS here, with the accompanying tuberculosis, that virtually all who have lived here any length of time have been “exposed.” Thus, virtually everyone would show a “positive” for the skin test. The labs considered it a waste of time, and poor stewardship of materials, to give a test for which they already know the outcome.
A Day of Inspiration – 25th of May
The 25th of May is a holiday known as Africa Freedom Day. Although I am greatly inspired by those who gave their lives (and others who continue to give their lives) for freedom, that is not the reason that I mention this “Freedom Day” of 2011 as a day of inspiration.
On the 25th of May 2011 I had the privilege of being a part of the “prayer revival” for one of the local churches in Lusaka. While many in the city were “holidaying,” we met together on the subject of “praying.”
Upon receiving the invitation to come and share on the subject of prayer, I asked the pastor how many we could expect. His first response was that we would have probably 10 adults, and certainly not more than 15. On the morning of the “day,” I got a phone call from the pastor stating that there could be more than 15 – and when I arrived at the venue I was thrilled to find that there were actually 22 adults from the church who were ready and eager to learn more about prayer.
It was truly an inspiring experience. We started with prayer and praises – and sang some of the old hymn classics related to prayer. Then I was called to the front to lead out in a couple of sessions – and I was so humbled to see a people so eager to learn, to be challenged, to make changes, and to sincerely seek the face of God in prayer and intercession. As I taught, I was being taught by His Spirit – and I believe that we were all inspired.
In my preparation I was reminded of some very simple truths. We pray not because we love prayer – but mainly because we love Him. It is a great thing to talk with other people about God, but it is equally great to talk with God about people. The most important posture in proper praying is for the Christian’s heart to be on its knees at all times. Whoever prays most, helps most. When we pray coincidences happen, and when we don’t they don’t. Of all the great blessings that you can give to another person, perhaps none is greater than ongoing intercession.
Brothers and sisters, please pray for us!
MAY 2011
PRAYER ISSUES
- As we look forward to May, we start the second term of this school year at the seminary. Pray that we all may grow in wisdom, and in stature, and in favor with God and man.
- On the 8th of May the seminary church planting/strengthening team will be going out to help establish a new church. Pray that this new church will have a great beginning and a firm foundation on which to grow from strength to strength.
A Note about Stateside Assignment
Some of you have quickly replied about possible speaking opportunities during our upcoming stateside assignment (starting September 2011). We have tried to work out a good schedule for those events. However, we are fearful that we might have missed some of you.
If you replied through the Baptist Mission of Zambia website, then we might have failed to "connect" with each other. Most of those replies come to my inbox as if they were written in a foreign language. So, if you wish to contact us, please use the zambiavan@gmail.com address.
Baptist Bible School--Manenekela
As I write this I am sitting at a government school at a place called Mphanshya. During the school holidays we are privileged to use their facilities for our local leadership training. It is a day to be thankful.
I am thankful for the students that have come. There are five thus far - and we expect a few more later today. (After all, this is the school where one of the students comes 50 miles one way - by foot.) Each one who has come has made a sacrifice in just being here. I am inspired by their enthusiasm - and embarrassed by my complaints.
We just finished our lunch of corm mush, cabbage, and dried fish. I personally was not overly impressed - but for the majority of our students this is more food than they would normally enjoy at home.
Bathing will be from a bucket. The toilet is an "outhouse" (about a fifty yards or so from where we will be sleeping - and I am already praying that I will not need to make any night time visits to the toilet). The bed is a concrete floor. There is no running water (just a tap outside), and there will be no electricity.
Yet, we are all in good health. The "teachers" are all my "former students." It may well be that at "home on the range, seldom is heard a discouraging word," but here there are no discouraging words. God is with us. I am thankful.
IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE
So today I am a greatly blessed man. I needed to make a trip to town yesterday and I have returned to the BBS this morning - and I came bearing gifts.
One of our teachers had seen me share a pair of reading glasses with a local pastor. He asked that if I could ever find another pair would I please remember him. Mary had an extra pair that she sent by me - in just the strength that he had requested. He is praising God that he can see by candlelight now to work on his lessons. I am blessed.
It is a tough time of the year and the "school" is struggling with their budget to provide food. I have watched daily as the "teachers" (my "students") failed (amazingly) to finish their food and handed the remainder of to one of the students. As I shared with Mary about our struggle with food, she sent some apples and a bag of peanuts for the "teachers." I shared these "snacks" with the teachers this morning - and they were as joyful as if they had received a feast. I am blessed.
One of the teachers is tackling the tough subject of cults/sects/world religions. I brought him some material that I had gotten years ago through the Home Mission Board (NAMB). He received the materials over an hour ago and still has not put them down. I am blessed.
This morning I made a trip to the seminary to deliver some important papers before making this trip to the BBS. While I was there I suddenly "remembered" that there were some tracts in Chinyanja in one of the storerooms. I got a handful of two or three different ones - thinking that the students perhaps could use them.
When I got them out of the truck to give to the two teachers in the room with me - so that they could give to the students when they went to class - one of them immediately responded, "I had wanted to ask you about trying to get some tracts - but I had completely forgotten. How did you know?" (Truthfully, I didn't know - but God did.) I am blessed.
One of the tracts that I had picked up was about ministering to widows and orphans (using the passage from James about "perfect religion"). I had never seen it before and it was obviously not a witnessing tract - but I picked up some anyway. When I placed the tracts before these two teachers, the other one quickly picked up the "orphan" tract.
He asked, "Can I have one of these for my family - especially for my wife?" I told him to go ahead and take one - and then he readily volunteered why he was so keen on this particular tract. He shared that he and his wife had just taken three "semi-orphans" into their home. The mother had died - and the father was abusing these three children and this brother could not stand it.
It is more blessed to give than to receive!
THE MANGO TREE SUBSTATION
We laugh about it and joke about it - but these efforts at times only serve to hide our frustration. My fellow pastors and I are in a "dead zone." We are involved in a training session a couple of hours from home and would like to "connect" with family and friends via cell phone. But for the most part the whole place is a "dead zone."
Sometimes one of our phones will ring and you can hear the voice on the other end. And we laugh as we each take our turn of being the one to say "hello, hello, hello" over and over again - and then stare at the cell phone screen and announce to the rest of us "No Network!"
But we have been here before and, although we repeatedly try other places, we all know that the "place" of connection is at the mango tree. We call it our "substation" - because as soon as you get in the right spot you move from "No Network" to three or four bars - and a clear connection.
As someone who constantly looks for illustrations and analogies, the mango tree substation speaks to me so much of my own prayer life. God is always in the right place to listen and to speak. But there are those times in my own pilgrimage when I am not where I need to be to really connect with the Father. This month try to find your special place - physically and figuratively - where you can "connect" with "home," and spend some regular time there. Both you and your world will be better for it – and as you find your “substation” please mention us to our Father as well.
February 2011
PRAYER ITEMS
- 6th February – I will be preaching at one of the local churches in Lusaka. Pray that it will be a sermon that will speak to the people’s hearts. This is a church that is being served by one of the students in the seminary night classes.
- Accreditation – The seminary is in the process of regaining accreditation with the accrediting body known as ACTEA. Pray that we might have the stamina, insight, and patience to complete the process in a timely manner. Pray that the accrediting process would be God’s tool to make us into a better institution for the training of leaders.
Stateside Assignment
Yes, indeed, the time has come for us to make our way to the States for our “stateside ministry.” It will be a time of visiting family and friends; a time of refreshing body and soul; a time to conduct some stateside business. Of course, it is also a special time of bringing a report to churches of what we see God doing in our part of the world and through our ministry assignments.
We will be in the States from roughly 1 September 2011 through 1 January 2012. If you would like for us to come and share at your church, please contact us at your earliest convenience so that we can work out a schedule that will work out for all of us. It is a blessing and honor to serve as your missionaries here in Zambia, and we would count it a great privilege to “come home and tell what great things the Lord has done.”
A Quick Look Back
The year 2010 is one of those really memorable years for us and for the Baptist Mission of Zambia. Forgive me please as I start with us. In 2010, Mary and I celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary. In addition, the year 2010 marked our 30th year of foreign missionary service. We stand in awe of God’s goodness and grace – for I can tell you that neither of those milestones would be possible apart from Him.
As a mission, in 2010, on the 29th of November, we worshipped and glorified the Lord for the 50 years of ministry that God has done through the Baptist Mission of Zambia. Words are inadequate to describe just how wonderful and faithful our God is to His people and to the work that is done in His name and to His glory! It is true that there is a “time” for everything - and this was our time to be challenged to remember the past, reflect on the present, and reach to the future.
Manenekela Baptist Bible School Graduation
Due to some scheduling issues we were not able to conduct this BBS session and graduation during the usual time in December. So on the 10th-15th of January the Manenekla BBS met together to wrap up the final term for some of the students – and to graduate four of our men who had faithfully completed the three year course of studies and ministry.
Although a gentle rain fell on that graduation day, it did not lessen the joy we shared with our brothers who were graduating. Chitengele Baptist Church hosted us – and they did such a great job. We were all well fed – physically and spiritually.
Introducing a New Student
As a part of our chapel services for this term, each new student is given an opportunity to share his/her testimony. I think that I am safe in saying that we were all inspired by the young man who spoke today. As he started his sharing, he spoke of a great tragedy that took place in his life back in 1995. His wife abandoned him – an event so shattering that he often contemplated suicide. He mentioned that on more than one occasion he actually had the weapon in hand and was ready to pull the trigger, when a “voice” told him to stop. A Christian told him that there may be hope in Christ, and from that point he came to discover that hope and it has become a reality in his life.
Then he moved on to talk about what the seminary has already meant to him in his service. (Remember he is only in his fourth week of classes.) He said that the “doctor” (me) had taught him about what it meant to be a Christian and about baptism. Then he added that for the first time in his life he had really come to understand baptism.
To his surprise, at the church services he was given the opportunity to start sharing what he had learned. The people were amazed at his teaching and they immediately commented that this one has been to the seminary – and he felt like he was where he just needed to be. But then the “doctor” gave the class a quiz and he did not do so well – and he wondered if really God had called him to be at the seminary. But then he said that he realized that he didn’t have anything to bring to the seminary – but that out there, he could take what he had learned and serve the people. So, he had come to conclude that he had come to this place (seminary) with many empty “bags” that needed to be filled and he was ready to learn more.
Many other things were said by this young man – sometimes in a humorous way – but I was particularly struck by some of his final comments. He reminded us that he was a soldier and that it was very difficult (his words were that if you know soldiers then you know many of them are just “pagans”). He spoke that as a soldier you are taught that to be successful you must “see” the enemy before he sees you –and now he was able to “see” that his enemy was Satan.
Then, he raised his hands and said that to raise your hands means that you surrender. And then, he proclaimed, “I raise my hands in surrender to the Lord. Please pray for me.”
How can they hear unless….
One of my great joys is to preach the Word. Sometimes I realize that the congregation probably blesses me more than I am a channel of blessing for the congregation. That was just the experience we had on the 23rd of January as I preached at Fairview Baptist Church. I don’t think that I have ever preached to a more responsive congregation. They looked like they were listening attentively, they answered my questions while I was preaching, they took notes, they laughed, they praised the Lord, and they cheered – and all of this was done while I was preaching. I could have preached forever – well, not really, but I was certainly energized by that congregation. Pray for them as they are sincerely seeking the Lord’s direction for their ministry this year and beyond.
Pray for me as the Lord continues to provide opportunities for me to preach. Sometimes I just enjoy it too much and the Lord has to remind me that it is for His glory – it is for His name and not my fame.
A Few Final Thoughts
Well, maybe it is just me, but it seems like I have been all over the place with this newsletter. I will apologize for that. I do hope that you have read something that has challenged you to consider your own testimony and if you are “fully surrendered” to the Lord. I pray that you have been encouraged, inspired, and moved by the Spirit of the Lord. Most of all, I pray that in this newsletter, as in all our newsletters, God has been truly glorified.
We began again with revising our Scripture memory this year as we both have committed to read through the whole Bible in 2011 and to memorize at least 100 verses. Some of the verses we happened on for revision are those called “The Roman Road.” The Roman Road to salvation is simple but profound as the whole Gospel is summed up. Let us challenge you with these references. May you memorize these verses, mark them in your Bible, and share them with others this year that they too may know Christ.
Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8; Romans 10:9-10; Romans 10:13
December 2010
PRAYER ITEMS
Baptist Bible Schools. There are two schools which will be in session in December.
Our Chongwe school meets from the 29th of November through the 4th of December.
The Luangwa school meets the 6th through the 11th of December.
We appreciate your prayers for safety in travel for teachers and students. Also, pray that all will come with open hearts and open minds so that each one may clearly hear the Word of God.
Pray for us as we leave Lusaka on 2 December for vacation time in the U.S. We will be with our son Van Martin in Shelbyville, KY for most of the time. We will be in the States from 3 Dec -28 Dec.
Existential Experience
Years ago I sat in seminary class listening to one of the driest professors that I had ever heard in my life. I remember thinking that if all of the seminary professors teach this way then maybe I was in the wrong place. But then he would diverge from his lecture notes and relate what he called an "existential experience." There were many of them in his illustrious life - and as he shared them God confirmed to me that I was in the right place.
Through the years I have had my own share of "existential experiences" - when time seemed to freeze, when all of your senses were suddenly heightened and an understanding came to you like never experienced before. One recent, powerful existential experience came as I was driving to the seminary.
As usual I was listening to some "gospel music" as I made my way across Lusaka. As I drove out the gate of our compound, the song "People Need the Lord" was being sung in the background. Suddenly that song came alive to me. I saw children of all ages in their uniforms rushing toward their schools. Some were laughing with their friends and others looked as if they were carrying the burden of the whole world on their shoulders. There were the taxi drivers standing next to their vehicles waiting for their first "customers" of the day. I saw guards coming to work - and other guards who had just finished their shift headed for home. There were "hawkers" already on the streets. All of these people need the Lord.
Then of course there were the cars (of all shapes and sizes). Some people were driving like demons trying to get to work on time (not me – but I will confess that I was more impatient than I should have been). Here and there you would see a large truck filled with people. Mini-buses packed with people were crisscrossing the city. People need the Lord!
In that moment (my existential experience) I was struck by the lost-ness of people - old, young, rich, poor, educated, uneducated, etc. All of them were just people - people who needed the Lord more than anything else or anyone else.
In your day and in your place you will meet people - just plain, ordinary people. One thing will be true of them - they are people who need the Lord. Will you make that introduction? In the midst of your conversation with these people, will you be ready to introduce them to Christ? Will you make that intercession? As you meet and greet, will you make an intercession on their behalf to the Father? It is a great thing to talk to people about God, but it is equally great to talk to God about people. Finally, will you make that investment? Will you invest your time and “treasures” (your money) into the cause of Christ?
May this Christmas season be your “existential experience” that will change the course of your life forever! Determine to make that introduction, to make that intercession, and to make that investment – all to the glory of God!
“Care-fronting”
I am basically a non-confrontational person (at least from my perspective) – and so it is with some reluctance that I take up the task of approaching a brother in Christ on the issue of accountability. Recently, several of us have had to be involved in a “care-frontation.”
We had received word of the beginning of a new church. It was quite an exciting development since this particular area was strategic and quite difficult to reach. According to the information which we received from that area there were approximately 50 or so that were meeting each week under the leadership of an energetic and enthusiastic young man.
It appears that the young man was perhaps misrepresenting himself to his “flock” and so we did some investigations on our own. The “feedback” on this young man’s life and testimony was a bit unfavorable. So we deemed it necessary to make a couple of trips to try to discern what was going on.
I was involved in the second of those trips – along with various associational leaders and one of the seminary students. There were a number of things that took place on that day – but in a nutshell, we are optimistic about the future for this new “church” and this young man.
There are two or three “lessons” that I would want to emphasize out of this experience of “care-fronting” that can challenge all of us.
1. That which is behind us has a way of following us. I read once of a thief who was caught and convicted because he had left behind his “scent” at the scene of the crime. Our young man was starting this new group hundreds of miles from his previous employment, but his reputation and personal history had followed him.
2. On this particular Sunday my “student” preached for the morning worship. His message was simple, biblical and powerful – and it was in large part what I had taught him in one of my classes. I was a bit puffed up with pride (I am sorry; I just couldn’t help it); but I was also challenged. What else am I “passing on” to my students?
3. The body of Christ has an awesome responsibility to minister to one another. Yes, sometimes that means even confrontation.
Pray for the USA
One of the things that I have attempted to do over the last few years is to intercede on behalf of the nations. Instead of simply praying “God bless this world” – I have tried to pray for individual countries. The “tool” that I have used in this endeavor is a book entitled “Operation World.”
Sunday is my day for praying for the USA. Here is a selection from “Operation World” related to the USA.
“The US is the third largest country in the world in geography and population. It has the greatest ethnic-origin diversity in history. The USA’s role in the world during the 1990s has been unique as the sole superpower. Every policy choice in economics, politics and use of the armed forces has global reverberations. The US President wields awesome power. Pray for the President, his choice of leadership team, the Congress and Senate and their legislation so that decisions may be wisely made and well balanced between often conflicting domestic and international requirements. Globalization of the modern world is largely driven by US technology, media and culture. There are positives — the Internet communications revolution, widespread use of English, information availability that empowers people and exposes tyrannies, economic development, etc. There are the downsides, too — an insensitive cultural imperialism, imposition of a post-Protestant American individualism without its biblical constraints, a glorified perception of recently gained human rights, freedom and democracy that could generate anarchy and moral collapse. Pray for the restraint of greed and evil and the enhancement of the good in this revolution now taking place. The Pilgrim Fathers were determined to establish a land in which they were free to exercise their Christian faith. On that foundation has developed one of the largest and most dynamic Christian movements in history. In the USA are 19% of the Protestants in the world, 21.5% of the Evangelicals and 35% of all the world’s foreign missionaries. Evangelistic vitality, generosity and vision have been major factors in the surge of gospel progress. Pray that this may be maintained. The spiritual heritage of the USA is being eroded by an unholy alliance of humanists, New Agers and homosexuals. They exploit the provisions of the constitution and their control of the media to disparage and mock Christians and dismantle all they can of anything Christian in public life. Freedom of religion is becoming freedom from religion. They aim to replace ‘intolerant’ Christian absolutes with their permissive culture. There is scant tolerance for expression of religious values. Pray for a national re-awakening and commitment to that heritage — its loss would impoverish the world. The Christian Church is not impacting the nation as it should. The USA needs revival, yet the word ‘revival’ has been debased to mean slick mass evangelism and theatrics. The need of the hour is a true revival with conviction of sin, repentance and an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.”
Every week when I read this section I have a deep burden for the USA. We certainly covet your prayer support for Zambia but I would want to challenge you as well to intercede fervently on behalf of the USA.
We Pray that Christ will be in your heart and in the heart of your family this Christmas!
May you all enjoy peace and joy at this special season of the year!
November 2010
PRAYER ITEMS
Seminary Graduation. - This takes place on the 27th. It will be a
great celebration - and a major milestone in the lives of those graduating.
Some already have "plans" beyond graduation, and others have no idea of the next step in their spiritual pilgrimage might be. Pray that it would be a "good" day for the graduates, their families and friends, and supporting churches.
50th Anniversary Celebration - On Monday, the 29th of November the Baptist Mission of Zambia will celebrate 50 years of service in the land of Zambia with a special church service at he seminay. (Note: It is also 50 years for the Baptist Mission in Malawi as the work was opened by the same group of missionaries)
Our Baptist "partners" (the Baptist Fellowship of Zambia) will be in attendance as well. We will give praise to the Lord for what He has done, is doing, and will do.
At this same service we will receive our 30 year pin, recognizing these many years with the IMB. To God be the glory!
GRADUATES' TESTIMONIES
One of the great blessings of this term at seminary has been the testimonies from our upcoming graduates. Each has been given a chapel service to share a testimony of their seminary experiences. Personally, I have found these testimonies to be inspiring, humbling and challenging.
Repeatedly, these students who are finishing this phase of their theological education have thanked their fellow students for their support (not surprising); and the faculty for their "tireless" efforts in preparing and teaching lessons (very humbling). They have shared what a difference seminary education has made in their lives as individuals and in their ministry. As I have listened to these men and women share from the depths of their hearts concerning how positively their lives have been changed forever through theological education, I have never been prouder to be one of your missionaries serving in this vital area of ministry. Your investment in the Baptist Theological Seminary of Zambia is something that you should be proud of as well.
One of our men shared the struggle aspect of being a seminary student. Although a "supporter" helped with his tuition, he has had to deal with all of the expenses related to the upkeep of his family (food, rent, clothes, school fees, etc.) - and it truly has been struggle. He spoke of the difficulties of focusing on your studies when you would be met at home after classes with children crying from hunger and a frustrated wife who has had to deal with them. He told of days when he was nervous that the rumblings in his stomach would be audible to the whole class and reveal his hunger. He said that on more than one occasion the little cup of tea that the seminary provides during a mid-morning break would be all the food that he would have for the whole of the day.
But here is the thing that shook my heart. He shared all of this "suffering" without any hint of bitterness or anger. In fact, he said that God had used these things to remind his family that they should always depend on Him.
Also, he said that this was God's way of keeping him humble. He then added that this was how he came to realize just how important being a part of a community of faith had been - for his fellow students, and some faculty members, had been the "tool" of God to rescue him and his family and to minister to them. Indeed, he thanked God for helping him to reach graduation, and he thanked God for all that He had taught him in his suffering.
YOUTH CAMP
It's that time of year once again. Some of the youth of the International, Twin Palm and Central Baptist churches of Lusaka paid the equivalent of $10 to go sleep on the ground for two nights in temperatures well above 90 degrees - just to be a part of their "youth camp." Actually, the real motivation was not the sleeping on the ground, but the opportunity to minister in one of the "suburbs" (compounds) of Lusaka.
You see, their version of youth camp is to go and evangelize in a relatively untouched area of the city - and try to start a good foundation for a new church. So, while a lot of their peers were busy enjoying this holiday weekend, these young people were involved in personal evangelism, discipleship training, and True Love Waits.
Mary and I helped to "sponsor" a couple of the young people whose families could not manage to spare the needed $10 from their personal budget. Also, we helped out on the showing of the Jesus' film.
On Saturday morning they went out sharing the Gospel "house to house." Through their efforts over 30 people prayed to receive Christ as Savior. Then through the showing of the Jesus' film and th
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