Hi all!!
Since my last update we've had: our last session of Bible school before graduation, a local traditional ceremony, revamping our women's meetings, a pet chameleon, lots of bulk shopping for our teams and our 2nd team of this year!! It's been full throttle around here but it's nice to stay busy.
It's an honor and treasure to teach people about Jesus and His life! And, as Christians leaders/pastors, to encourage them and build them up in their Faith so in return, they can do that for their congregations. I really connected with my first class I taught last year, but having a year under my belt teaching, I felt so much more confident this time around and really got to enjoy teaching!
At the end of April every year, the western province of Zambia has a traditional ceremony for the King when he travels down on the river from one house to another, HAND PADDLED by over a hundred Lozi men. (we have a president of Zambia, but the western province still has a King that deals with things too) The men wear traditional hats, skirts, and vests, and the ladies have a specific dress style to wear. It was the MOST fun thing and I really enjoyed experiencing another aspect to their culture that only happens once every year or so.
We've been trying to revamp our womens ministry by meeting monthly with a meal to share with one another. In the culture here, anyone under 30 is considered a youth (even if they have babies) so in our meetings, we have a wide variety of ladies. Everyone except for like 3 of us have kids haha. It makes ministering sometimes challenging but at the same time, besides being married/having kids is the only difference in our lives. We still experience the same thoughts, ideas, and struggles which helps. We've really been trying to build up the ladies community.
There are SO many chameleons right now!! We saved this guy from the road and took him home with us for 3 days and then he got angry so we let him go. The locals are scared of chameleons because they are told at a young age that if a chameleon bites them, they will die or turn into a white person haha!!!!! So, we think its funny to get the chameleon, and show it to everyone who works with us. They usually shake their head and run away, but always laugh with us. And, it is true - the chameleons DO change colors!!!
Our 2nd team of the year was here!!! It was our smallest team but it didn't stop us from going to 2 different villages, sharing the Gospel, healing the sick and possessed, AND starting 2 new churches! One of the coolest things about people coming on the trips are seeing their faith and confidence INCREASE! Everyone grew so much on this team and it was sweet to witness. During one of our nights of ministry, the crowd was really shy. But, slowly but surely, one by one, they came up for prayer and afterwards had the BEST dance party ever. Some of the ladies were coming up and grabbing the guys to dance with them and everyone was laughing and smiling. Then, the next day at our church service, one of our other churches that we started about 6 years ago, came and supported and helped the choir sing. The Kingdom of God is growing and building up the body of the church!
June is right around the corner and we have 3 back-to-back teams!!! It is going to be insanely busy but SO powerful. We are expectant at what God is going to do through these teams. I've been praying and thanking God for the miracles we will experience!
If you are wondering what you can pray for, please pray for our staff during the next month and for those we will be ministering to! For our staff: strength and health! With so many people coming and going and exerting ourselves most of June without any rest days, we need all the prayers! And, for those we are ministering to: they would be open and receptive to the Gospel and welcoming to us!
Here are some random photos of life recently :)
I can't wait to keep you all updated on all things happening in June! Stay tuned!!!
Much love!
Amanda
Comments