We wanted to take a moment and make you aware of a unique open door that God has provided our (you and us) ministry here in Zambia. Romans 15:10-12 reminds us of the Apostle Paul’s desire to preach the Word where it had not been preached before: My ambition has always been to preach the Good News where the name of Christ has never been heard, rather than where a church has already been started by someone else. I have been following the plan spoken of in Scripture, where it says, “Those who have never been told about Him will see, and those who have never heard of Him will understand” (NLT). What Paul is describing is an opportunity that is becoming almost unheard of as the global community we know grows closer and closer together. That is in part why we are so excited that God has given Action Zambia ministries and opportunity to participate in an evangelistic outreach to a rural village in the remote areas of Zambia’s Southern Province.
Some of you may remember us writing a while back about a rural area called Cikankhata (Chicken Cutta – is almost how is sounds) which is located roughly two hours south of Lusaka. God has given us extreme favor and a growing relationship with the chieftainess of the area and we have been given an open door to be developing and growing the non-existent church in her chiefdom. We have included some pics of a recent trip Elise the kids and I took this past week to visit Chieftainess Mwenda and discuss the details of our upcoming outreach December 3rd – 6th. During the course of three and a half days we will be showing the Jesus Film in the local dialect of Tonga. The Chieftainess believes it will be the first time her people will be hearing the Gospel message in at least one of the villages we will be visiting (what an opportunity). We will also be hoping to identify and empower local elders who might develop into the spiritual leaders of any church body that may develop as a result of the outreach.
This ministry will include the participation of ten local pastors who are currently involved with programs within Action Zambia’s Pastoral Leadership Development ministry area. Some of these pastors have prior experience and some do not, so it will be a unique environment to watch their different experiences and gifts work together to advance Christ’s Kingdom here in Zambia. We are also planning Lord willing, to spend one on one time praying for the sick and oppressed that we are sure to find in these far outlying areas.
Would you begin to pray that God would, even now, be working in the hearts of those who will have (maybe for the first time) the opportunity to respond to the wonderful message of the salvation found in Jesus Christ! It is our hope, Lord willing, that these types of trips to the Cikankhata area will become a more regular part of how Action Zambia is being used by God to strengthen the local believers here in Lusaka.
As always we share this with you to remind you that your partnership with us is being used to accomplish amazing things both now and for all eternity. We are truly blessed to have your prayers and support. Of course we will be taking cameras along to document the events of the trip so you can expect some photos and an update upon our return. May God bless and keep you in His grace and mercy.
His Servant
Luke (for the fam) <><
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