Three Updates

Today was quite the day!  Ministry is going great - and God is really working in this team.  We have the opportunity this year to work with schools and ministries that we have never worked with before - so it is great to see God using our students to reach into new areas of Lusaka.  Today however included working with two familiar ministries, so I will let the students do the talking.

There is also an update from our teacher Hershey - he is having a great impact as he leads the educational portion of our trip.  Yesterday three teachers accepted Christ at the end of the day!

If any of you who are reading this are early risers - pray for us between 4AM and 8AM tomorrow.  During those hours, our students are going to be partnered with Campus Crusade staff going door to door at the University of Zambia sharing their testimonies!  

Now - on to the three updates from Sarah Hall, Trevor VanAsselt and Hershey Card.   (Parents and friends, be encouraged to comment on the blogs, I am reading the comments to the students!)

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Hi guys, it’s Sarah!  Today was an awesome day, but at the same time, so draining.  The coolest thing is to see how God puts energy in us all day to see his work be done.   Our first stop was at a combined school/orphanage.  It was a really great way to start the day.  There was a lot of game playing, dancing and smiles.  

We then went into the city to a small gated complex that was in a back ally that was used as a service ally for broken down cars.   It was very dingy and had a small food shack that served 3 things - nshima, goats, and relish.  

Behind the wall was a small room that held a room filled with homeless boys from the streets.  All were between the ages of 13-20.  I had the opportunity to go to the room where we prepared the food.  It was a small dark room that was VERY dark.  All of the players were on the ground as food was dropped in.  I am very blessed to see how it felt to prepare, then to help give the food out to these boys.   This was a very emotionally draining moment for the entire team.

Our last stop was a home called Matthew 25 ministries.  This is a small home ran by one woman.  Even though her house is so small, she felt led by God to bring in children who had no home.  She had 16 children between the ages of 2-21 who all call her mom.   She took care of all of them including herself by faith alone.  She truly inspired me.   To just live life by faith seems so hard, but she has put her trust in the Lord, and has AMAZING faith.  All fo the kids were sitting around us, including one girl I noticed instantly whose name was Rose.   She was so shy, but had the best smile ever.  She stayed with me the whole time were were there, just sitting on my lap and putting her head down.  When we were told it was time to go, it was so hard to say good bye - I wanted to take her home with us.   As hard as it was to leave, they will always be in my prayers.  

Today was amazing, but very tiring.  I am so blessed to be here in Zambia, and I am taking in every moment.   Continue to pray - and thank you for your prayers and support.  I love you family!

-Sarah

P.S.  SHELBS I loved your letter!!  Zambia says HI!  

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Muli Bwanji!  It’s Trevor here!   Our group day began with us driving over to an orphanage named Balm of Giliad.  When we arrived the children were singing and dancing for us.  They also shared poems and Bible readings.  We then spent the next couple of hours playing games and singing songs with the kids.  I immediately felt led to spend time with one particular kid.  His eyes did not work together, and he had the greatest smile.  God has always given me a heart for children with special needs.  I am embarrassed to say that I could not understand his name.  He was five or six years old despite the fact that he told me he was 10 on one occasion and 30 on another.  This kid played soccer like a champ, because he would just tackle the other kids, it was hilarious!   This was the happiest kid I had ever met, and it was so awesome to have the opportunity to share God’s love with him.   

Also while we were still there they were digging a large whole to fill with fertilizer and grow agriculture so that these kids could be self sufficient in their adulthood as well as learning about nature.   I love serving God through physical labor, it’s a gift God has given me and it has always been a blessing to use it for his glory.  The ground was almost all rock, so it was difficult for them to dig.  It was cool to help them out as well as share with those watching along the way.  It was difficult to say good bye, but I knew were were heading to a feeding ministry, so I was ready to go serve the street children.

We arrived at the building where we would be feeding them - there were over 50 homeless boys there - many of them wasted or high, the majority of them younger than me.  I am going to try and paint a picture of what happens next, but it is something that words cannot describe.  Part of me is angry at God that something like this could happen, but I know for those who believe, their treasures will be in heaven.  Many of the children had slept in drainage gutters filled with piles of trash the night before, their clothes were covered in filth.  I was tearing up as we were packed tightly in a small room.  

We sang a few songs then Jack called me into the front of the room to share my testimony.  I love sharing my testimony, because I know how powerful it is.  I have seen God use it in ways that I can’t even describe.  This was different though - I had to tell a group of children who have NOTHING how depressed and hopeless I was before I knew Christ.  I had been blessed with so much, yet I was blind to it all.  I guess it is just proof that material will never fill that God shaped hole in our hearts.  My prayer is that God used my testimony to use just one kid think twice about there being a God who loves them.  

Then a boy named Sam spoke how he was once a street boy just like them.  He decided to live for Christ and put his trust in Him.  He then met a pastor who helped to give him an education.  Now Sam is entering college and making a life for himself.   Jehovah Jireh - God provides!  Now THAT is a POWERFUL TESTIMONY.   So cool!   

We then fed the kids and gave them a new shirt as many threw their old shirts in the trash.  One kid took off the beaten OPC Adventureland shirt that we gave out at the same home LAST YEAR.  Each kid only had one shirt, and they wanted more, but we couldn’t give them more.  One kid at the end of the line did not get a shirt - so Ben Landry took his shirt off and gave it to him.  Ben wore this kid’s dirty shirt onto the bus - it was one of the most selfless things I have ever seen - it was so cool!  

What an awesome day serving the Lord.  It was incredibly emotional, but none of our lives will ever be the same.  God Bless!  

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Hi all, Hershey here, reporting to you about our first two days working with the wonderful teachers of the Lusaka area schools. First of all, I want to say I am blessed to be working with a great group of students and staff of 707. I truly feel they have carried me to the classroom each day, God has given me the encouragement and strength to stand in a foreign land and speak of the truth of education in my life as a teacher in Farmington.  After the great blessing of working with these passionate teachers, I am once again embraced by this wonderful group that symbolically carries me home and honestly cares about how my day went.  So, I just want to thank you for the sacrifice each of you has made in sending one of your precious family members to this beautiful country.

The schools we are visiting are private schools and usually either for profit or non-profit. The teachers have various educational backgrounds, some have not been to a University but are trying to gain enough money to go. They have cherished the supplies and handouts we have brought them. I am speaking with each group of teachers for three to four hours and am able to bring to them different successes and failures that I have experienced with teaching and learning styles. We also talk about different strategies that might help us in teaching along with chatting about "best practices" in education. One of the more fun discussions I like having with the teachers involves creating an individual mission statement. I think so many people either do not have a mission statement or they lose focus of what their original mission was. I am guilty of this! I finally posted my statement in my classroom so I would be more accountable by my students and every time I see it! Yikes!! 

Here are two mission statements that were written by teachers I visited;

"...To impart knowledge and skills to my pupils for self-reliance in society

through hardworking."

"My desire is to redeem a poor Zambian child from the claims of poverty and all 

forms of vulnerability so that they can in-turn transform the communities in which

they live."

And lastly I would like to say a BIG HI to my beautiful family; Amy, Benji, Ali and K.C. and thank them for letting me travel to this beautiful country and work with the wonderful, giving people of Zambia! Thank you for your support and Love. 

I Love You and miss you!!!

There are soooo many experiences worth bringing to you - I am sure you will hear them eventually! That is all for now. 

-Hershey

Day 2 of Ministry

Hey everyone, it’s Rena.  Today was a great day!  We drove Glenda (our bus) to a school called Damakiso.   It was tucked away and surrounded by makeshift homes and shacks.  When we got there, we split into two groups, one to go with the older kids (5th-9th grades) and the other to go to another campus with the younger kids.  I went with the younger kids, but I have heard that many of our team had very deep conversations with the older kids.  

As for the little ones, most of us started the day with some fun games and songs with our small groups of children.  After only two days, I have learned many new games and songs.   Some games they play are the same as ours, just with different words.  After breaking the ice and laughing together, Lauren, Christina and I decided to explain how Jesus died on the cross for our sins and why accepting Him as our savior is the only way to heaven.  To do this, we used the bridge analogy.  Having the first jump from one line in the dirt to another that were close together.   Then drawing a line much further away and asking if they could make that jump.   All the wide eyed kids shook their heads staring at the giant space in front of them.   Then, we explained how we can not get from where we are to where God is through anything we do, but only through Jesus Christ.  We then drew a line in the dirt connecting the two lines for them to walk across to represent Jesus being the only way.   It was amazing to see how their faces lit up, and they understood what we were saying.

The children at this school were very blessed, because some of the teachers at the school are Christian and tell them about Jesus.  Not only that, but some of the children have memorized verses - even the very youngest ones!  

After teaching them some of our songs, and learning some more of theirs, it was time to head to a field that was between the two campuses to join with the rest of our team and students.  At the field, Tim lead us all in some fun worship songs, and the kids had a blast.   We bounced around and sang during the song “Undignified” and the kids loved it.   Following the skit, Ben and Sarah shared their testimonies - and they both did a great job explaining how their lives had been turned around by God’s great love.  By this point, it was not only the 250 kids from the school who had gathered, but it was the many kids from the village who don’t go to the school who were intrigued by the group of visitors.  

Following the testimonies and music, our team presented a drama which was beautiful.  Everyone did a great job.   Even better, many of the kids really understood the skit and asked great questions about it.  

After our gathering was done, the field was cleared and the boys played soccer against the village team.  By this point, my little ones had to go home so I connected with a group of older girls and I learned how to play netball!  Overall, it was another great day of ministry.

My favorite thing about Zambia and the people here is their genuine joy and love.   They love each other and all of us so much.   As soon as you wave to anybody, on the streets or in the schools, their faces light up and they wave back.   It is so different from the the looks you would receive if you randomly waved at a stranger back home.   Also - when our bus Glenda stop and we start to file off, all the children are crowded around wanting to shake your hand or give you fist bumps.   They are so welcoming and loving - I LOVE IT!

Well - gotta go!  Oh - and one more thing, Jack sprained his ankle bad on the pot hole filled soccer field, so please pray for him.  A quick shout out to mom, dad, Sophia, Maria, Niko, Marina, Yaya, Theia Olga, Theia Marina, Nora, and Mike, I love you all and miss you!  Thank you everyone for your prayers and support - can’t wait to continue to see the things that God will accomplish on this trip.

Love,

Rena Hertrich

First Day of Ministry

A great first day today - and the day ended with one of the most fun nights I have ever had with a missions team... for the record, Jay and Hershey were guilty (and no - we were not playing a game).  Parents, ask your students about this when they get home.  This team is really bonding!   Here is today's update from Katherine Harvey.


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Hey all - it’s Katherine!

Today was our first day of ministry, and one I will remember always.   Starting off the day, we ventured to the Campus Crusade office for devotions.  The team was greeted by a room filled with Zambian staff worshipping Jesus making 15 people sound like 100.  Joining in with them, sharing their passion for Jesus in both American and Zambezi worship was both awesome and humbling.  God is the God of all creation!

On the way to the school, Kelsey, Clare and I grew anxious and immediately stated lifting our anxiety to the Lord.  He completely dissolved all fear as we pulled in to our first school.

Kids were running to greet us - smiling and waving.  Their joy was exactly what we needed.   Getting off the bus, the kids aged 3 - 16 greeted us with high fives, hand shakes, and fist pounds.  After visiting with the kids for a bit, we were led to and open area where we were all treated to a choir of kids performing.   I will never tire listening to their joyful worship.   After Tim led the US team in worship from up front - the children responded enthusiastically.   We had a skit we performed, and the kids cheered the loudest at two different points - once when Colin cut in and danced with Sarah, and once when Jesus (Ben) prevailed.  

Right after the skit, Trevor shared his testimony with the entire school which was powerful and extremely well done.  While Trevor was speaking, I was relieved that I would not be the one sharing.  God immediately heard my heart and Jack said to me “Harvs, your next!”   Busted!  Standing in front of 232 kids with a translator by my side (to help translate for the younger kids) made me extremely nervous.  However, God calmed me down and gave me the peace I needed to share my faith.  Thank you Lord!  (Editors note - Katherine ROCKED it!!!)

After this, we divided into groups to talk to the kids and play games.  A group of girls quickly approached me, and we went off and I was able to tell them more about my faith, the person of Jesus Christ, and how to have eternal life.  They all expressed their belief in God and telling them about Jesus was amazing.  I shared with them the bridge analogy asking if they could jump to America and comparing that to being separated from God and needing Jesus to be the bridge.   

After this we played games together.  I loved how much they just wanted to be hugged and to have someone pay attention to them.  One girl I especially connected with was Natasha.   Her sweet smile and questions about Jesus are something I will never forget.  

Saying goodbye was a challenge, but watching what God did throughout the day made it beyond worth it.   Watching my team glorifying God along with the beautiful blue sky made this day unforgettable.  The anxiety is gone, and God has completely filled me up - I am so excited to see what tomorrow will hold!

A special hello to Mom, Dad, and Grandma!  My luggage is all here and Zambia is even better than we prayed - rest easy, I miss you guys and LOVE YOU SO MUCH.   Lauren asks me to pass on that she is alive to her family - wahoo!

Thank you all for your prayers and support for your team, we are excited to see how God uses this trip for His glory!!

Much Love, 

Katherine Harvey

We have arrived!

We have made it here to Zambia!  We arrived in Lusaka at 11:30 last night... and we are doing great.  Between our carry on luggage and checked bags, we have traveled here with over 100 pieces of luggage - and EVERY SINGLE PIECE made it - so thanks for your prayers!

This morning we went to a new church in Lusaka - the building seats 11,000 people!  Tomorrow starts our ministry as we head to Messiah Ministries to spend the day working with students.  

Our plan is to have students update the blog each day - but part of that will depend on our internet access.  Currently our access is limited, we are hoping that changes by tomorrow.  I know there are parents anxiously waiting to hear that we made it, so Jay and I traveled down the road to a small "internet cafe" to upload this update.  

Please continue to pray for us - we cannot wait to share with you all how God works through your prayers.

- Jack

We Leave Today!

Welcome to the 707 in Zambia blog!  We will use this as often as we are able to update you on what is happening on the trip!  Our flight leaves late tonight - so before you go to bed, and when you wake up in the morning, say a prayer for us as we will be traveling for about 22 hours!  Specific requests would be that there are no issues with passports, visas, or ticketing, and that all of our luggage would make it there.  We look forward to sharing this journey with you over the next 17 days.