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
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