Saturday I received a text message from Sharon Chisala,
"I was in kawama visiting childrens and chola is very well now and I just want to let you know that."
I was rejoicing in this good news and immediately brought to mind what my friend Terry had said, "I hope he improves, that you will know it, and be able to tell us. I will be praying for him."
What a blessing to hear good news and know that God specifically answered prayers even in allowing us to hear the update and know that he was doing better.
I thought since many of you were praying for him, you would like to hear the news as well.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Pictures from last weeks HFA group visit
Some pictures from our group meeting with the Hope for the Afflicted kids and their guardians. I think I already mentioned, but when we met with them, we had them fill out a form telling us a little bit more about themselves and then I took pictures.
After that, Leah shared with them a bible story and then Jackson and Caleb passed out lolipops and then we got a group picture.
A few examples of the pictures we took. The kids filled out the forms and then I tool a picture of them holding their form ( So I wouldn't forget their name ) and then a regular picture.
Joyce, (she is HIV positive)
Florence
Christopher (He is 13 years old, but to me didn't look more than 8 or 9)
Leah sharing the story of creation and Christ's redemption
It was very dark in the room, so with the flash a few of the pictures turned out streaky (i think I was shaking the camera)
The boys passing out the Lolipops .
Jackson and Bupe (along with her younger cousin)
Ian and Daniel
Emma handing out the extra lolipops to some kids that were neighbors.
She counted how many were left after the kids in the house were given them and there was the exact amount. But as she was passing them out a guardian came over and took another one, so the last girl didn't get one. Emma felt really bad and the little girl started to cry. i was able to find a piece of gum in the car to give her, and I think that helped a little.
After that, Leah shared with them a bible story and then Jackson and Caleb passed out lolipops and then we got a group picture.
A few examples of the pictures we took. The kids filled out the forms and then I tool a picture of them holding their form ( So I wouldn't forget their name ) and then a regular picture.
Joyce, (she is HIV positive)
Florence
Christopher (He is 13 years old, but to me didn't look more than 8 or 9)
Leah sharing the story of creation and Christ's redemption
It was very dark in the room, so with the flash a few of the pictures turned out streaky (i think I was shaking the camera)
The boys passing out the Lolipops .
Jackson and Bupe (along with her younger cousin)
Ian and Daniel
Emma handing out the extra lolipops to some kids that were neighbors.
She counted how many were left after the kids in the house were given them and there was the exact amount. But as she was passing them out a guardian came over and took another one, so the last girl didn't get one. Emma felt really bad and the little girl started to cry. i was able to find a piece of gum in the car to give her, and I think that helped a little.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Update from Orphanage
Just a quick update from the visit to the orphanage today.
Leah and the girls and I went.
A few new faces. One little girl who had just come in today from the village. She seemed very frightened and was not eating anything. Her mom was in the clinic at the center and she was there alone. I held her for awhile.
We did the usual, changing diapers, feeding pooridge and playing with the little ones. Akim was still there and he even looked different. His face is filling out and his legs, though still very thin were starting to get some meat on him as well. He is even starting to get teeth. He is actually 8 months old, though he looks much younger.
One of the head workers came in and I was holding him and we were talking about another one of the sick kids who was malnourished and I mentioned how I noticed Akim was very sick for awhile. She said yes, he began treatment and medications at the same time as another one, though that one didn't make it. I asked if that was Wamasa. She said yes. So though I had thought she went home with her mom, when I didn't see her a few weeks ago, in the back of my mind I wondered. She didn't make it. She seemed stronger than Akim at the time, yet she was the one who didn't make it. She was six months old.
Even as we prayed for Akim when he seemed about to die, James mentioned about the blessing for that little one if they get to miss this difficult life and go straight to be with Jesus. Though it is sad to think of the loss of this little life, due to malnourishment, we trust Wamasa is enjoying that blessing with Jesus now. Where there is no more pain or hunger, sadness or loneliness.
Leah and the girls and I went.
A few new faces. One little girl who had just come in today from the village. She seemed very frightened and was not eating anything. Her mom was in the clinic at the center and she was there alone. I held her for awhile.
We did the usual, changing diapers, feeding pooridge and playing with the little ones. Akim was still there and he even looked different. His face is filling out and his legs, though still very thin were starting to get some meat on him as well. He is even starting to get teeth. He is actually 8 months old, though he looks much younger.
One of the head workers came in and I was holding him and we were talking about another one of the sick kids who was malnourished and I mentioned how I noticed Akim was very sick for awhile. She said yes, he began treatment and medications at the same time as another one, though that one didn't make it. I asked if that was Wamasa. She said yes. So though I had thought she went home with her mom, when I didn't see her a few weeks ago, in the back of my mind I wondered. She didn't make it. She seemed stronger than Akim at the time, yet she was the one who didn't make it. She was six months old.
Even as we prayed for Akim when he seemed about to die, James mentioned about the blessing for that little one if they get to miss this difficult life and go straight to be with Jesus. Though it is sad to think of the loss of this little life, due to malnourishment, we trust Wamasa is enjoying that blessing with Jesus now. Where there is no more pain or hunger, sadness or loneliness.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Thank you for Sharing
James just left to take pastor Andy Dunkerton to the airport.
Before he left, he prayed for us...I cried.
He has been such an encouragement to us this past week and the Lord has used him even to refresh us. He is the first American, pastor and friend to come over. Even last night James was saying just how nice it was to have someone to talk to and bounce things and ideas off of, get input and counsel.
He preached last night on prayer at Kabwata and I told him that it was so nice to hear preaching in our native “accent”. I had just been telling James sometimes it is just hard to pray. And then the next day he preached and encouraged us to seek the father through Christ, and what a privilege to come to our Father.
Even though the Lord has been blessing our time here, it was as if the weight of the week hit me this morning and with him leaving, I felt sad again. That little bit of home and the familiar.
We were so blessed by the Ladies in his church sending us a care package. Basically whatever we wanted they were suggesting. We mentioned craisins, so they sent us about 10 packages!
They sent sticker books for the kids, a DVD, a CD of some music for us, and lollipops. I think I mentioned it before, but tootsie roll pops and they sent 200! 200 of them. It was great, so we passed them out to the orphans at the Sunday school and then again at the meeting earlier in the week.
They also had collected some money to send for the orphans. The Lord gave great opportunity there as well in what we spent the money on. As we went to the homes, I realized that only about 2 out of 20 kids had a mosquito net. Then we were also asking about Bibles, if the kids had them.
So we were able to take the money and buy nets and bibles for the kids. That was truly a delight.
We gave them to Sharon to pass out and the Bibles to the Sunday school teacher to hang on to and give the kids at class and then eventually to have them bring them home .
The Bible for older children
And a story bible for younger children. We were even able to find a couple in Be,ba for the teachers to use in the Sunday School class.
Today is Caleb’s birthday “party”- a week late.
Then this week is busy as well with taking Leah to see a few orphan works here and we have a meeting as well at Kabwata with those in charge of starting the orphanage for girls.
I still have many pictures from meeting with the orphans in their homes to put up, but that will have to be another day.
Please pray for our week to go well and for the Lord to give good rest and strengthen us.
Please also pray for Andy traveling back. He should arrive home sometime Tuesday morning. (USA time) And I know his family will be so glad to see him!
Thank you to his family and church for sharing him with us. I know how hard it is to have him go.When James would travel over here he would remind me of the important job I have to stay home and keep things running well. And now I am on the receiving side, what a blessing to be part of encourgaing others and blessing others on this side of the world.
Thank you!
Before he left, he prayed for us...I cried.
He has been such an encouragement to us this past week and the Lord has used him even to refresh us. He is the first American, pastor and friend to come over. Even last night James was saying just how nice it was to have someone to talk to and bounce things and ideas off of, get input and counsel.
He preached last night on prayer at Kabwata and I told him that it was so nice to hear preaching in our native “accent”. I had just been telling James sometimes it is just hard to pray. And then the next day he preached and encouraged us to seek the father through Christ, and what a privilege to come to our Father.
Even though the Lord has been blessing our time here, it was as if the weight of the week hit me this morning and with him leaving, I felt sad again. That little bit of home and the familiar.
We were so blessed by the Ladies in his church sending us a care package. Basically whatever we wanted they were suggesting. We mentioned craisins, so they sent us about 10 packages!
They sent sticker books for the kids, a DVD, a CD of some music for us, and lollipops. I think I mentioned it before, but tootsie roll pops and they sent 200! 200 of them. It was great, so we passed them out to the orphans at the Sunday school and then again at the meeting earlier in the week.
They also had collected some money to send for the orphans. The Lord gave great opportunity there as well in what we spent the money on. As we went to the homes, I realized that only about 2 out of 20 kids had a mosquito net. Then we were also asking about Bibles, if the kids had them.
So we were able to take the money and buy nets and bibles for the kids. That was truly a delight.
We gave them to Sharon to pass out and the Bibles to the Sunday school teacher to hang on to and give the kids at class and then eventually to have them bring them home .
The Bible for older children
And a story bible for younger children. We were even able to find a couple in Be,ba for the teachers to use in the Sunday School class.
Today is Caleb’s birthday “party”- a week late.
Then this week is busy as well with taking Leah to see a few orphan works here and we have a meeting as well at Kabwata with those in charge of starting the orphanage for girls.
I still have many pictures from meeting with the orphans in their homes to put up, but that will have to be another day.
Please pray for our week to go well and for the Lord to give good rest and strengthen us.
Please also pray for Andy traveling back. He should arrive home sometime Tuesday morning. (USA time) And I know his family will be so glad to see him!
Thank you to his family and church for sharing him with us. I know how hard it is to have him go.When James would travel over here he would remind me of the important job I have to stay home and keep things running well. And now I am on the receiving side, what a blessing to be part of encourgaing others and blessing others on this side of the world.
Thank you!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Copperbelt Ministerial College
The CMC Class
The College went very well this time and the comments for both of the lectures were very encouraging on how the messages inmpacted them.
James Teaching
Andy Dunkerton teaching
Behind the scenes
The men working in the office to keep things running smoothly
"A Board Meeting in Southern Africa!"
James, Pastor Choolwe Mwetwa and Pastor Kabwe Kabwe
I was able to get pictures and names for all that attended so maybe at some point that will be made available on the Copperbelt Ministerial College website.
The College went very well this time and the comments for both of the lectures were very encouraging on how the messages inmpacted them.
James Teaching
Andy Dunkerton teaching
Behind the scenes
The men working in the office to keep things running smoothly
"A Board Meeting in Southern Africa!"
James, Pastor Choolwe Mwetwa and Pastor Kabwe Kabwe
I was able to get pictures and names for all that attended so maybe at some point that will be made available on the Copperbelt Ministerial College website.
Back Home
We are home in Lusaka. As we were driving in at dusk last night I told James, it was quite a different experience than my last time driving into Lusaka from Ndola. I was happy that we were heading to our home here.
The sun was setting and looked beautiful. (This picture is for my mom)
We loaded up everything in the car and strapped the extra suitcases on top and drove to pick up James and Andy at the church. It was rather crowded and as we were pulling into the parking lot one of the pastors was coming out and just staring at our car. I wasn't quite sure why and as soon as I got out of the car he said that one of the suitcases was slipping out.
He then came over and said he could help.
I told him thank you and my job was only to get it all to the church and that James could check it and fix what needed fixing.
We had planned to come back to the house and then load everything up because of all the luggage, but I thought I could figure something out to at least get it to the church. So while James was finishing goodbyes he and another man came out and tied all the luggage up again. The trunk space is very small in the vehicle. One of the other men said, "well, you are a real missionary now!"
These were funny. Jackson loading up in the car. We had our luggage, Leah's luggage and Andy's luggage along with several backpacks and 9 people in the Prado. Good thing the kids are still little. ( Some of them)
Then we had to stop a few times because one of the bungee cords came loose and James hopped on top to fix it. So this was the view from the window.
The sun was setting and looked beautiful. (This picture is for my mom)
We loaded up everything in the car and strapped the extra suitcases on top and drove to pick up James and Andy at the church. It was rather crowded and as we were pulling into the parking lot one of the pastors was coming out and just staring at our car. I wasn't quite sure why and as soon as I got out of the car he said that one of the suitcases was slipping out.
He then came over and said he could help.
I told him thank you and my job was only to get it all to the church and that James could check it and fix what needed fixing.
We had planned to come back to the house and then load everything up because of all the luggage, but I thought I could figure something out to at least get it to the church. So while James was finishing goodbyes he and another man came out and tied all the luggage up again. The trunk space is very small in the vehicle. One of the other men said, "well, you are a real missionary now!"
These were funny. Jackson loading up in the car. We had our luggage, Leah's luggage and Andy's luggage along with several backpacks and 9 people in the Prado. Good thing the kids are still little. ( Some of them)
Then we had to stop a few times because one of the bungee cords came loose and James hopped on top to fix it. So this was the view from the window.
Hope for Afflicted Sunday School
A few pictures from the Hope for the Afflicted Sunday School class we went to last sunday. We were hopeful they were meeting in the new structure at the house but that was not the case. They are planning now to buy a piece of land and put the structure on that so it will be all their own, rather than the house they are renting.
It was good to see the kids meeting together there and hearing the word.
The group was about half the size from the last visit due to not handing out as much food as before. The class size seemed manageable and I know they are thankful for that and for the opportunity to teach the children. About 1/3 of the children are children supported by Hope for the Affflicted. The other children are children from the area, in the shanty town.
This was priceless. The one boy on the left has one eye open watching me.
These two boys came in together after the service started and I noticed they were each wearing half of one pair of shoes. I was guessing maybe they were brothers, and sharing the shoes.
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