Friday, February 26
It’s Friday. Sunday is coming and this Sunday we will be in Zambia—18,000 miles away in case you were wondering. That’s the equivalent of six round trips from Dallas to New York.
It’s Friday. We (Karen, Christin and I) are trying to pack light, travel light, dress in layers and psyche ourselves up for the twenty-two hours of flying time. At this point it is all part of the adventure. Months of planning, saving and praying is here. We are blessed and humbled to be able to go—to serve, teach, learn and grow in Christ for the sake of others.
It’s Friday and we are filled with anticipation. Anticipation is woven into the fabric of our faith as believers in Christ. Israel anticipated. The disciples of Jesus anticipated. Early Christians anticipated. Jesus told them what to anticipate over and over again. Some argued with him. Some decided to take things into their own hands. Some refused to accept it and left. Friday grief overwhelmed everything Jesus told them about Sunday—resurrection life.
It’s Friday. What are you anticipating, believing, and trusting God will do no matter what you are going through? To anticipate is to accept God’s promise—never will I leave you or forsake you. To anticipate is to have fire in your bones, a jolt in your spirit, and a reason to rejoice.
It’s Friday. Sunday is coming. It is a time of worship with believers in Christ. The resurrection of Christ is our holy anticipation.
Worship. Anticipate. Hope is alive in Christ and God’s people.
Thursday, February 25
We leave DFW tomorrow night at 7.30: fly all night to London (6 hours ahead of us). At Heathrow for 7 hours and then another all night flight to Johannesburg, now 8 hours ahead. A 4 hour layover, then 2 hour flight to Livingstone and two hour drive to Namwianga.
Just found out I am preaching at an evangelistic youth meeting of High School and college students. Will have a translator since they are coming from villages. It’s going to be great joy in Christ. All I have to do is preach Jesus and watch God work.
My friends in Zambia say they need more than “obey God or go to hell” messages. Sad. Fear may bring some to Christ (Jude says it) but John says, “perfect love casts out fear” (1 Jn). It’s going to be a blast sharing the love of Jesus. I Plan to explore the world imagined by Mark: the world of following Jesus in Kingdom living.
I am getting excited just thinking about it because I have been there before. A mission trip is a compass to what really matters. I am spoiled. You are spoiled. We are spoiled rotten in American ‘churchanity’ Jesus is our compass. Following him is the way.
I have always held to this philosophy of ministry: Hold to Christ. Be flexible. Serve others. No place to live it like Africa.
More later
Monday, February 22
Karen, Christin and I thank you for your prayers and support on our three week journey in Zambia. I have been to Lusaka teaching students at Mapepe Bible College in 2007 for 17 days. And co-facilitated a missionary retreat with Eddie Hendrix for W. Va. It was a humbling and wonderful experience. Missionaries are incredible people in God’s kingdom. My friends David and Lori are doing a great work at Mapepe.
On that visit I had brief stay at Namwianga with my good friends, David and Linda Gregersen. They have been teaching missionaries for the past five years. At Namwianga is George Benson College, and High School. In addition, there is an orphanage with several house parents, a clinic and of course, a church. It is an entire campus of about 1,000 people. It is located approximately two and one-half hours from Livingstone in Southern Zambia.
After coming home from Zambia in 2007, Christin and Karen both expressed a desire to go. Christin’s degree is in sociology from Texas A&M and she is exploring orphanage, child advocacy and adoption type work. Of course, having a new camera helps in going to Africa as well. She will be our “official” photographer. Both Karen and Christin will work with children at the mission. I will be teaching students to preach, going to villages with David, and sharing Jesus. Zambians always asked guest preachers to preach, of course.
I love the passion, spirit and music of the Zambian people. Can’t wait for Karen and Christin to experience it. We will arrive next Sunday, 28th in Livingstone. It is the end of the rainy season. Temps are 70’s and 80’s during the day. 60’s at night.
Sunsets in Zambia are incredible!
Onward. The long plane ride is worth it.