We're facing our first obstacles of the trip, but thanks be to God that nothing has difficult these first 3 weeks!
We're preparing for the medical aspect of the trip. Bernard has tried very diligently to prepare everything, but it seems every time he goes somewhere they tell him something else he needs. We must get a temporary certificate for Lana to practice here & some other documents, but we are now being told that there may not be enough time for everything to be processed. Bernard is going to travel to Lusaka tomorrow to try to go about everything the right way. If he is denied, we can still have the clinic, but we have to tell people we are surveying the land for a bigger clinic next year. From what we understand, this means we can still have the full-sized clinic we've planned, but we'll be doing it "illegally." We obviously want to do this the right way, but we understand that sometimes you have to go against the grain to do the Lord's work, and we know that what we want to do is not for us but for God & His people. Please pray that we can get all the documentation in a timely manner, and that if we can't that we can at least still have a good clinic.
We are working on the blueprints for the orphanage/school in Baluba/Misaka. Misaka is actually where all the real devastation is and where we've been doing home visits; Baluba is where the children meet us for the project. Once blueprints are drawn, we'll get estimates for building and materials. We've consulted with a school official so we can give these children a valuable education. Most schools here have 60+ students in one classroom - impossible to learn that way! We've been asked to give the orphanage a name, and we've chosen "Invisible Love Project" as the working title. It's based off a JJ Heller song, and we think it perfectly captures the love we're dealing with - our love from the states to these children, their love back to us and ultimately God's love to all His children. The love is there, but it isn't something you can see. Let us know if you think this is appropriate! It was a big decision for 3 young people to make.
I have so much more I'd love to share, but we're pressed for time. Love you all, please keep the medical aspect in the forefront of your prayers!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
July 22, 2010
We're doing so well! God has been so good to us, nothing has gone wrong or even been difficult so far! We love our Zambian family, and we're learning a lot.
This past Tuesday we visited the community of Baluba, which is where the orphanage project takes place. This town is not really supported by the government, because they people created it themselves. They could not afford to live anywhere else, so they just started building their own homes. And since there is no building to keep the orphans in, they live with whoever will let them stay with them. The conditions are so heart-breaking. No electricity, no running water, no furniture, no furnishings. They live in small homes with just a mat and a cooker. Most cannot afford charcoal to even cook. One home we visited has 16 people living in it, and 11 of them were young children. I have so much anguish in my heart for these people! When we arrived at the first home, I just felt hopeless. How in the world were we supposed to help these people? Any small thing we could do would be worthless in the grand scheme. I felt so discouraged and just could not stop crying. And children would follow us everywhere, just thankful to receive a handshake from us. Why have we been so blessed when it seems that these people have not?
As we continued on, I started praying. I think that God has brought us here to make a difference, but not just as individuals. I think we are supposed to make a difference as His church, state and nation. Just our church could make a HUGE impact on this place. The project has been "given" land by the government, but that doesn't mean it is free. They've really been given the opportunity to buy a large area of land, but that opportunity is taken away after 6 months. The project must pay for the land and start building to prove they are really going to develop something. So even if they pay for the land, it can be taken away. To buy the land is about $1,200. Please be praying about what we can do to provide some hope to a situation that truly seems hopeless. I have to take a step back, breathe and remind myself that our hope comes from the Lord, and all things are possible with Him.
We had to opportunity to visit the Luanshya prison yesterday. Meg and I spoke to the women, while Tanner spoke to the men. There were only 4 women, but they had 2 babies who had to live in the prison with them because there was no one else to take care of them. They were a bigger blessing to us than I think we ever could have been to them. So kind, so loving, so encouraging to us! Tanner spoke to about 100 male inmates and presented a salvation message. From what I could see, about 15-20 men prayed to receive Jesus Christ into their lives. Praise God!! We pray that they were sincere and will be able to grow. The church Bernard pastors wants to go every week and counsel, but they are only permitted to if they give gifts of soap or something else, which they can't always afford. They also have the freedom to preach on the street, but they don't have the money to buy sound equipment. So much could be done here if they just had the means to make it happen!
We thank you all for your prayers, and we're very excited to come home and tell you about the many other things we have experienced by the grace of God!
This past Tuesday we visited the community of Baluba, which is where the orphanage project takes place. This town is not really supported by the government, because they people created it themselves. They could not afford to live anywhere else, so they just started building their own homes. And since there is no building to keep the orphans in, they live with whoever will let them stay with them. The conditions are so heart-breaking. No electricity, no running water, no furniture, no furnishings. They live in small homes with just a mat and a cooker. Most cannot afford charcoal to even cook. One home we visited has 16 people living in it, and 11 of them were young children. I have so much anguish in my heart for these people! When we arrived at the first home, I just felt hopeless. How in the world were we supposed to help these people? Any small thing we could do would be worthless in the grand scheme. I felt so discouraged and just could not stop crying. And children would follow us everywhere, just thankful to receive a handshake from us. Why have we been so blessed when it seems that these people have not?
As we continued on, I started praying. I think that God has brought us here to make a difference, but not just as individuals. I think we are supposed to make a difference as His church, state and nation. Just our church could make a HUGE impact on this place. The project has been "given" land by the government, but that doesn't mean it is free. They've really been given the opportunity to buy a large area of land, but that opportunity is taken away after 6 months. The project must pay for the land and start building to prove they are really going to develop something. So even if they pay for the land, it can be taken away. To buy the land is about $1,200. Please be praying about what we can do to provide some hope to a situation that truly seems hopeless. I have to take a step back, breathe and remind myself that our hope comes from the Lord, and all things are possible with Him.
We had to opportunity to visit the Luanshya prison yesterday. Meg and I spoke to the women, while Tanner spoke to the men. There were only 4 women, but they had 2 babies who had to live in the prison with them because there was no one else to take care of them. They were a bigger blessing to us than I think we ever could have been to them. So kind, so loving, so encouraging to us! Tanner spoke to about 100 male inmates and presented a salvation message. From what I could see, about 15-20 men prayed to receive Jesus Christ into their lives. Praise God!! We pray that they were sincere and will be able to grow. The church Bernard pastors wants to go every week and counsel, but they are only permitted to if they give gifts of soap or something else, which they can't always afford. They also have the freedom to preach on the street, but they don't have the money to buy sound equipment. So much could be done here if they just had the means to make it happen!
We thank you all for your prayers, and we're very excited to come home and tell you about the many other things we have experienced by the grace of God!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
July 17
Our meeting with the girls went extremely well! We each shared our testimonies and presented a small study on a topic. Meg led one on staying sexually pure before marriage, Tanner presented the gospel message, and I discussed how to make career choices and future decisions. The career committee at the school actually has requested copies of my notes so they can have it & possibly utilize it in the future! I feel so insignificant, but God is showing me that He can use me despite my flaws.
We've been able to meet briefly with Christopher, Veronica and baby Johnna - what a precious girl! We also spent the evening at the Zitic Bible College in Kalulushi last night, so we were able to visit with Nelson and Sandra Hayashida. They are a wonderful couple and are true servants to God's people. Great things are happening at the college, and I am praying that our church will be able to be a part of the things that God has planned there.
Our first visit to the orphanage was yesterday. It is located in Baluba, which is 5-10 minutes away by vehicle. The surroundings are truly heartbreaking; children searching for food or toys in trash, broken down buildings, even a hotel that has been converted into a known prostitution house. We met (actually, were hackled by) some of the women who turn to this life; they just don't think they have any other means of providing for their children. And honestly, it seems true. Some businesses need to be started here to employ these women. Anything to keep them from falling into that pit. About 150 children came to our "program" as it has been called & many actually skipped school to come. We presented a Bible lesson on choosing to love others just as Christ loves us. The children only speak Bimba, so Bernard, Medica and the 10 volunteers had to translate for us. We did not expect this to be an obstacle, but Lord willing it will only be a small one. We also played games. Hot potato, frisbees (which they had never seen before!) and a parachute kept them smiling and laughing. It was difficult because the 3 of us were put completely in charge of the children. Hopefully we'll be able to work out a way we can get some more assistance with the leadership.
We were able to spend the evening with Sandra and Nelson Hayashida, the couple who runs the Zambia International Theological College. They told us of all the great things they have done and hope to do in the future. I am very excited to come back and share with our church. I feel strongly that we should be involved in helping with this ministry however we can. The local churches just are not stepping up to help them.
It is clear that God is using us for His glory here. I pray that we can remain humble servants with positive attitudes, and really seek out opportunities to do His work. We appreciate the prayers from home, and send lots of Zambian love!
- Jessica
We've been able to meet briefly with Christopher, Veronica and baby Johnna - what a precious girl! We also spent the evening at the Zitic Bible College in Kalulushi last night, so we were able to visit with Nelson and Sandra Hayashida. They are a wonderful couple and are true servants to God's people. Great things are happening at the college, and I am praying that our church will be able to be a part of the things that God has planned there.
Our first visit to the orphanage was yesterday. It is located in Baluba, which is 5-10 minutes away by vehicle. The surroundings are truly heartbreaking; children searching for food or toys in trash, broken down buildings, even a hotel that has been converted into a known prostitution house. We met (actually, were hackled by) some of the women who turn to this life; they just don't think they have any other means of providing for their children. And honestly, it seems true. Some businesses need to be started here to employ these women. Anything to keep them from falling into that pit. About 150 children came to our "program" as it has been called & many actually skipped school to come. We presented a Bible lesson on choosing to love others just as Christ loves us. The children only speak Bimba, so Bernard, Medica and the 10 volunteers had to translate for us. We did not expect this to be an obstacle, but Lord willing it will only be a small one. We also played games. Hot potato, frisbees (which they had never seen before!) and a parachute kept them smiling and laughing. It was difficult because the 3 of us were put completely in charge of the children. Hopefully we'll be able to work out a way we can get some more assistance with the leadership.
We were able to spend the evening with Sandra and Nelson Hayashida, the couple who runs the Zambia International Theological College. They told us of all the great things they have done and hope to do in the future. I am very excited to come back and share with our church. I feel strongly that we should be involved in helping with this ministry however we can. The local churches just are not stepping up to help them.
It is clear that God is using us for His glory here. I pray that we can remain humble servants with positive attitudes, and really seek out opportunities to do His work. We appreciate the prayers from home, and send lots of Zambian love!
- Jessica
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
July 14
Hello from Zambia! We are all doing extremely well! Our flights we fine and we arrived with all of our baggage, although each of our suitcases were gone through and mine & Meg's locks were completely cut off. Tanner and Dave are staying with Meg and I at the Mwepu's home, so we have been together thus far. The house is nice and the family is very loving; we truly feel like we are part of the family. Meg and I are in charge of cleaning after meals and Medica (Bernard's wife) says she will be teaching us how to be "good Zambian women." She wants us to teach her some American recipes - right now we're thinking spaghetti and grilled cheese - so if you have anything simple we may be able to do, let us know! The walk into town is not very far, so we have been a few times already. We haven't purchased anything except some drinks, roasted ground nuts, sweet potatoes and many tiny fish that look like minnows; Bernard says we will fry them and have them for dinner tomorrow.
The government here is involved in many aspects of Luanshya life. Zambia has declared itself a Christian nation, and this is very apparent; much more so than in the US. We met with the district commissioner today and all he could talk about was how great God was. The love of Christ is reflected in just about everything we experience.
Tomorrow we will be speaking to 500 Senior girls for almost 2 hours. Please pray for us as we each prepare on our different topics and our testimonies. Love you all!
The government here is involved in many aspects of Luanshya life. Zambia has declared itself a Christian nation, and this is very apparent; much more so than in the US. We met with the district commissioner today and all he could talk about was how great God was. The love of Christ is reflected in just about everything we experience.
Tomorrow we will be speaking to 500 Senior girls for almost 2 hours. Please pray for us as we each prepare on our different topics and our testimonies. Love you all!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
One more day!
Tomorrow (Sunday, July 11) at 2:30p, I will be on a plane headed to Zambia!
It has been such a humbling experience to see this all come together. When I was presented with this opportunity almost a year ago, I just knew that God wanted me to go. Many phone calls, emails, and gracious blessings later, I am on my way! I have felt a call to be a part of mission work for many years, and that is why I chose to go to nursing school. I've always felt that God wants me to use the skills and knowledge He has blessed me with to attend to His people's physical and spiritual needs. Lord willing, I will get to use some of my "nursing knowledge" on this trip, but I know the other spiritual gifts He has given me will be utilized, too!
A little about our trip (always subject to change as the Lord sees fit!)-
Meg, Tanner and I will leave tomorrow from the Tri-State Airport and fly to Cincinnati, then on to Atlanta. We will then get on a plane for an 18-hour ride to Johannesburg, South Africa. Once we arrive (Monday evening, 1:00am in WV), we will meet Dave Akers and spend the night in a Bible college. The next morning, we'll catch a plane to Ndola, Zambia and get a ride to where we are staying. Meg and I will be staying with Bernard Mwepu, his wife & 5 children, while Tanner will stay with Christopher Chanda, his wife & 2 children. Dave will stay with us for about 11 days and then head back to the US.
We will be helping with an orphanage. 200 double-orphaned children are registered, but there is no building for them to live in. They stay with whoever will take them in, and come to small area of land two or three days a week. We'll also be visiting the homes that these children live in and assisting the caregivers with whatever we can. We'll teach Sunday school, travel to & speak in the local schools, and take children to the hospital. We will simply be servants while we're there. On August 8th or 9th, Kristen and Lana Davenport will come over with medical supplies. We hope to set up a small clinic and screen as many people as we can, since there is no health care for the 25,000 people who live in the area.
Meg, Tanner and I will be gone for about 40 days, and Kristen and Lana will be gone for about 12 days. We'll all return together to the states on Aug. 19th.
Many people have told me they are praying for my trip, and I'm so thankful for this! I've asked some individuals and families to be prayer warriors while we're gone and pray for a specific thing. If you would like something specific to pray for, you can choose one of the aspects of the trip I've listed below. Or, you can pray for whatever you feel led to pray for!
- Safety: I truly have a sense of peace and security about all of this, and I feel that the Lord is going to keep us safe throughout this journey. Please pray for us as we are traveling to and from Africa, and as we travel to unknown places each day. We have no idea what we'll face while we're gone, but we know can face it with courage.
- Children: We've been told that the children we'll meet are not like "normal" children. Most kids are happy to just be around other kids, but theses children have no joy. They don't play or laugh and they rarely smile; they just seem to have nothing to live for. Please, pray for these little ones. We want them to enjoy themselves and their time with us, but most of all we want them to experience the true joy that comes from receiving Christ as their Savior.
- Medical clinic: Not much is set up with this. We have a few supplies, but we're not sure how to get them over to Africa. Uncertainty is all around this, but it's something we desire to do. Pray that everything works out for the best and that plans come to light in the next few weeks.
- Host families: Bernard, Christopher and their families have been gracious enough to let us be a part of their lives and homes. They will be our leaders while we are in Africa, so please pray for them to make wise decisions and lead us in a way that honors our God. Also pray that we submit to them wholly as our authorities.
- Team: We ask that you pray for us, since we'll be spending every hour with each other. Please pray for unity among us; that we will make wise decisions and have positive attitudes towards not only the people we come in contact with, but towards each other. Please pray that we will be aware of what God wants us to do and how to act in each situation we face, & that His love will be reflected to others by the way we show love to each other.
- Families: This has been really rough on our families! Please, please keep our parents, siblings, grandparents, and other family members in your prayers! They're very proud of us, but very nervous at the same time. Pray that they will be comforted by knowing that we are doing good things in the name of the Lord, and the the Creator of the Universe is in control of us and our safety! And pray that we'll be able to get in touch with them at least a couple of times on our trip! (:
- Emotions: I personally am afraid that I am going to become overwhelmed by what I see and experience. I'm not afraid of my heart being broken, but I am scared that I will get so caught up in despair that I won't be able to focus on what God has sent us to do. Pray for me and the team, that we will be able to realize that we have been sent to make a difference in these people's lives, and are able to do so through the power of Christ. I don't want to come back and feel guilty for what God has blessed me with, but I don't want to completely forget the pain and suffering I've seen. Pray for me to find a balance.
Hopefully I will be able to get on here every so often and update you with news of what is going on! I hope to see many of you in church tomorrow (I'll be a crying mess, but please come and tell me goodbye!), and I'll see the rest of you in about 6 weeks!
With love,
Jessica
"The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to Him." - Psalm 24:1
It has been such a humbling experience to see this all come together. When I was presented with this opportunity almost a year ago, I just knew that God wanted me to go. Many phone calls, emails, and gracious blessings later, I am on my way! I have felt a call to be a part of mission work for many years, and that is why I chose to go to nursing school. I've always felt that God wants me to use the skills and knowledge He has blessed me with to attend to His people's physical and spiritual needs. Lord willing, I will get to use some of my "nursing knowledge" on this trip, but I know the other spiritual gifts He has given me will be utilized, too!
A little about our trip (always subject to change as the Lord sees fit!)-
Meg, Tanner and I will leave tomorrow from the Tri-State Airport and fly to Cincinnati, then on to Atlanta. We will then get on a plane for an 18-hour ride to Johannesburg, South Africa. Once we arrive (Monday evening, 1:00am in WV), we will meet Dave Akers and spend the night in a Bible college. The next morning, we'll catch a plane to Ndola, Zambia and get a ride to where we are staying. Meg and I will be staying with Bernard Mwepu, his wife & 5 children, while Tanner will stay with Christopher Chanda, his wife & 2 children. Dave will stay with us for about 11 days and then head back to the US.
We will be helping with an orphanage. 200 double-orphaned children are registered, but there is no building for them to live in. They stay with whoever will take them in, and come to small area of land two or three days a week. We'll also be visiting the homes that these children live in and assisting the caregivers with whatever we can. We'll teach Sunday school, travel to & speak in the local schools, and take children to the hospital. We will simply be servants while we're there. On August 8th or 9th, Kristen and Lana Davenport will come over with medical supplies. We hope to set up a small clinic and screen as many people as we can, since there is no health care for the 25,000 people who live in the area.
Meg, Tanner and I will be gone for about 40 days, and Kristen and Lana will be gone for about 12 days. We'll all return together to the states on Aug. 19th.
Many people have told me they are praying for my trip, and I'm so thankful for this! I've asked some individuals and families to be prayer warriors while we're gone and pray for a specific thing. If you would like something specific to pray for, you can choose one of the aspects of the trip I've listed below. Or, you can pray for whatever you feel led to pray for!
- Safety: I truly have a sense of peace and security about all of this, and I feel that the Lord is going to keep us safe throughout this journey. Please pray for us as we are traveling to and from Africa, and as we travel to unknown places each day. We have no idea what we'll face while we're gone, but we know can face it with courage.
- Children: We've been told that the children we'll meet are not like "normal" children. Most kids are happy to just be around other kids, but theses children have no joy. They don't play or laugh and they rarely smile; they just seem to have nothing to live for. Please, pray for these little ones. We want them to enjoy themselves and their time with us, but most of all we want them to experience the true joy that comes from receiving Christ as their Savior.
- Medical clinic: Not much is set up with this. We have a few supplies, but we're not sure how to get them over to Africa. Uncertainty is all around this, but it's something we desire to do. Pray that everything works out for the best and that plans come to light in the next few weeks.
- Host families: Bernard, Christopher and their families have been gracious enough to let us be a part of their lives and homes. They will be our leaders while we are in Africa, so please pray for them to make wise decisions and lead us in a way that honors our God. Also pray that we submit to them wholly as our authorities.
- Team: We ask that you pray for us, since we'll be spending every hour with each other. Please pray for unity among us; that we will make wise decisions and have positive attitudes towards not only the people we come in contact with, but towards each other. Please pray that we will be aware of what God wants us to do and how to act in each situation we face, & that His love will be reflected to others by the way we show love to each other.
- Families: This has been really rough on our families! Please, please keep our parents, siblings, grandparents, and other family members in your prayers! They're very proud of us, but very nervous at the same time. Pray that they will be comforted by knowing that we are doing good things in the name of the Lord, and the the Creator of the Universe is in control of us and our safety! And pray that we'll be able to get in touch with them at least a couple of times on our trip! (:
- Emotions: I personally am afraid that I am going to become overwhelmed by what I see and experience. I'm not afraid of my heart being broken, but I am scared that I will get so caught up in despair that I won't be able to focus on what God has sent us to do. Pray for me and the team, that we will be able to realize that we have been sent to make a difference in these people's lives, and are able to do so through the power of Christ. I don't want to come back and feel guilty for what God has blessed me with, but I don't want to completely forget the pain and suffering I've seen. Pray for me to find a balance.
Hopefully I will be able to get on here every so often and update you with news of what is going on! I hope to see many of you in church tomorrow (I'll be a crying mess, but please come and tell me goodbye!), and I'll see the rest of you in about 6 weeks!
With love,
Jessica
"The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to Him." - Psalm 24:1
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