“For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.” Col 1:13

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Crossing the Bridge on Monday

It was a long road, but at least there was road, and not only a road but a bridge. We were on our way to an audience with the Nkoya King at his palace. There are approximately 70,000 Nkoya living in western Zambia, making their home in and around Kaoma District.
The Nkoya are one of the people groups with whom Mike and Amy Smith are sharing the gospel. Mike, Amy, and their children, Tyler and Evie left family and friends several years ago so that they could teach the Bible, spreading the love of Christ.
Charlene Hahn, IMB trustee and I were invited to join Mike on his trip to greet the king. The Smith family had just returned from the states and it is customary to greet your friends upon your return. When we arrived at the palace, we first went into the local court, where a cattle dispute was being settled. From there, Charlene and I were led through the woman's door into the palace, while the men went another way. When we met again, in front of his palace, we squatted down and began a series of rhythmic clapping to announce our arrival and desire for an audience. You do not rush into the presence of a king.
We sat on the floor while we waited for the king to arrive. Notice the men stretching their legs out, they are "relaxing" until the king comes in, when they will have to sit with their legs folded underneath, in a respectful pose. At the appropriate time the king will invite us to sit in the chairs.
Mike is looking through the newly published Nkoya New Testament. Praise God for this answer to prayer. The Smiths and their home church in Virginia, Deerfield Baptist, have been praying for the Bible translation project for many years. Pray that the Old Testament would be completed in a timely manner so that the Nkoya would have the complete Word of God in their language.
What a pleasure and delight it was to meet Mwene Mutondo, the Nkoya King. Several years ago Mike was instrumental in leading him to the Lord. The love Mwene Mutondo has for his people is obvious. Pray that he will lead the Nkoya people with God's wisdom and truth.
I was able to present a gift of white sugar to the king. Like most households, sugar will not last long. Pray that the Nkoya people will know the gift of salvation brought by Jesus Christ, a gift that is eternal.
This structure, named "kala", is located outside the king's palace. The prime minister explained its traditional purpose. If a person killed someone and the victim's family was in pursuit, they were able to run to the palace and grab hold of "kala", they then would receive instant mercy. No trial or further discussion was needed, mercy was granted and the victim's family was obligated to stop any sort of revenge permanently. Pray that the Nkoya people would run into the arms of the Almighty Lord, grabbing hold of His mercy, that is never ending and never failing.
These children are in the doorway of a nearly completed rural health clinic. Pray that construction would be completed so that the families in this area would have a place to come to in times of medical need.
Pray for the Smiths and all the national believers in the Kaoma District, that they would stand firm on God's truths, shining His light to their families and friends. Pray that many Nkoya would understand that sin separates each of us from God, for He is holy. Pray that they would comprehend the truth that Jesus Christ is the only way to God, He is the bridge, uniting us with our Lord.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Beautiful Sunday


I was blessed to be able to travel to western Zambia last week. My assignment was to accompany IMB trustee, Charlene Hahn, to meet and minister along side K2 missionaries. She and I drove out of the capital city of Lusaka early Sunday morning. As the sun rose over Kafue Game Park Charlene discovered elephants, zebra, and various African antelope, as well as, the importance of good shocks. We arrived in Kaoma in time to attend church with Mike, Amy, Tyler & Evie Smith.
Fellow missionary, Gerri Helton (in red) drove to meet us and is leading Charlene into church.
Praise God with me for the believers in Katunda village. This predominantly Luchazi church recently built this new thatched shelter.
Mike and fellow believer, Reuben are encouraging the church members. This was the first time the members had seen the Smiths since they returned from their Stateside Assignment (STAS). It blessed me to see the obvious love between the Katunda members and the Smith family. Pray that each of us would be known by our love for one another.
Pray that these Luchazi children would grow up with love for their Savior and the freedom He brings.
After the service it is customary to greet each person individually. Pray that the love of Christ would spread to neighboring villages.
Pray that these Luchazi believers would stand firm on the truth, that they would not be swayed by fear that grips and controls the lives of their friends and family.
With drums and voices, they lifted up a joyful noise to the Lord.
Charlene was able to meet the believer who wove this beautiful basket. Pray that our words and actions would be beautiful before the Lord, whether we live in America or Africa.