Warm Mbunda Monday Afternoon Welcome

At this point in my western Zambian journey you have read about my visit to a Luchazi church on Sunday, then the Nkoya King on Monday morning and now I am taking you to a Mbunda church on Monday afternoon, but first I wanted you to meet the wonderful family ministering to all of these different people groups. This is Mike & Amy Smith with their two amazing children, Tyler and Evie. Pray for this precious family, for their health as they live in a small rural town, their kids as they homeschool and are a witness to their many friends and their ministry, as they bring the Good News of the Jesus Christ to so many.
As we drove up Mike was really surprised to see a church building underway in the Kakonge village area. At this point they have only thatched half of the roof. Thank God for the hard work of these new believers. Pray that their changed hearts and lives will stand out as a witness to the surrounding villages of God's mighty power.

There are over 172,000 Mbunda people living in western Zambia. There are also a number of Lozi believers worshiping at Kakonge Baptist Church. I hope you enjoy this little video of African singing. The believers are singing a song that is welcoming us as visitors, as they slowly walk to greet us. If you listen closely, you will hear them greeting "Mike-eee".

We walked a bit away from the church building and sat in the shade for a time of worship, sharing, and teaching. Charlene Hahn, whom I was traveling with, was able to share her testimony of salvation. The believers were very open about various struggles and triumphs that they had been through while the Smiths were in the states. Pray that they will stand firm on the Rock, not being swayed by the fears and jealousy that surrounds them.

After listening intently to Mike teach, they shared their need for prayer. Below you see everyone praying for an expectant mother. Infant mortality estimates in Zambia for 2011 are 66.6 for every 1000 live births. Pray that these babies and others will live and thrive as testimony to God, the giver of all good things.

Mike is standing with a 100 year old Lozi man. Very impressive, not only because of his longevity, but also that he knows. Many elderly people will just laugh when asked their age because they have no idea what year they were born. "Even to your old age I will be the same, And even to your graying years I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; And I will bear you and I will deliver you." Isaiah 46:4 Praise God for He alone is ageless.

There are also 153,000 Mbunda living in eastern Angola. At last report there were several strong evangelical churches among the Mbunda in Angola. Pray that these believers will boldly proclaim the truth that sets all men free, that their lives would be pleasing to God, pointing the way to Him.

The rest of my western Zambia journey will take place in the southern part of the Western Province. Charlene and I flew from the Smith family in the town of Kaoma to the Scott family in the area of Maziba Bay.