Last Update from Lusaka Conference
Mabuka (Good Morning),
We cannot believe it, but our time in Zambia is almost over. It is Sunday morning and we are preparing to leave for the airport. Janet and Eric will drop Albert and Adam off, then they will continue back to Livingstone for a second leadership conference. So, while Janet and Eric will have a long afternoon drive back to Zimba with some new Malawian friends, Albert and Adam face the loooong flight back. The four of us have had a great time together, so it will be sad to go our separate ways. However, Albert and Adam can’t wait to get home to see their families.
The conference ended last night with a worship service including Holy Communion, singing (they are amazing vocalists) and a message from a local pastor. It was a wonderful time to say goodbye and thank you to our hosts. They have been very gracious and accepting of us. We believe the conference went well. Based on the feedback we received from the participants, the leadership content we presented to them was very relevant and useful to them. They are a sharp group and are more than prepared to take the information to their local pastors. (Remember this group is made up of national leadership down to the District Superintendent level.) So, we think our trip has been useful.
We have learned many things since we arrived in Africa, including: it is best to keep quiet, you never know which of your friends is recording your words; the Zambian church has the same issues we have regarding varying worship styles; everyone has a cell phone and a memory stick, so technology reaches all over the world; certain concepts don’t translate here such as icebergs, the “status quo”, Vince Lombardi and “y’all”; don’t ask a question about husbands and wives when the Old Man’s wife is sitting next to him, he might think you are reaching cultural boundaries; “/” is read literally on a PowerPoint presentation as “stroke”; let Nshima cool before trying to eat it with your hands; they make great fried chicken; the old hymn There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood is beautiful to sing in Tongan.
We look forward to seeing everyone when we arrive at home. Thank you for your prayers. We can assure you they have been effective.
Meshali Kabowtu (We will find you well)
In Christ from Zambia
We cannot believe it, but our time in Zambia is almost over. It is Sunday morning and we are preparing to leave for the airport. Janet and Eric will drop Albert and Adam off, then they will continue back to Livingstone for a second leadership conference. So, while Janet and Eric will have a long afternoon drive back to Zimba with some new Malawian friends, Albert and Adam face the loooong flight back. The four of us have had a great time together, so it will be sad to go our separate ways. However, Albert and Adam can’t wait to get home to see their families.
The conference ended last night with a worship service including Holy Communion, singing (they are amazing vocalists) and a message from a local pastor. It was a wonderful time to say goodbye and thank you to our hosts. They have been very gracious and accepting of us. We believe the conference went well. Based on the feedback we received from the participants, the leadership content we presented to them was very relevant and useful to them. They are a sharp group and are more than prepared to take the information to their local pastors. (Remember this group is made up of national leadership down to the District Superintendent level.) So, we think our trip has been useful.
We have learned many things since we arrived in Africa, including: it is best to keep quiet, you never know which of your friends is recording your words; the Zambian church has the same issues we have regarding varying worship styles; everyone has a cell phone and a memory stick, so technology reaches all over the world; certain concepts don’t translate here such as icebergs, the “status quo”, Vince Lombardi and “y’all”; don’t ask a question about husbands and wives when the Old Man’s wife is sitting next to him, he might think you are reaching cultural boundaries; “/” is read literally on a PowerPoint presentation as “stroke”; let Nshima cool before trying to eat it with your hands; they make great fried chicken; the old hymn There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood is beautiful to sing in Tongan.
We look forward to seeing everyone when we arrive at home. Thank you for your prayers. We can assure you they have been effective.
Meshali Kabowtu (We will find you well)
In Christ from Zambia
posted by CUMC Team | 9:30 AM
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