Thursday Update From Zambia

Alfred and I returned from the south and it proved to be a beneficial trip. We first stopped in Choma to visit the World Hope leaders. The well drilling rig is due any day, but is still in transit. However, I met the man who has been hired to lead the rig's crew and they are getting me the list of wells to be dug since many of you have indicated an interest in providing the funds that will still be needed for the materials to cap each well. We also visited the Choma Secondary School to wrap up a few loose ends from the recent trip by our CUMC students.

We proceeded to Zimba and stayed at the Mission Guest House. Janet's flat is very nice, freshly painted, and just awaiting her personal items from the container that left Memphis in March...it is also due any day and she is quite eager for it to arrive. It is obvious that she has settled in very well...she is enjoying being there and the leadership in Zimba (and the national church office) are very pleased to have her. In fact, they already hold her up as a model for other missionaries. She has truly integrated into the Zimba community, living right with them on the hospital compound, and truly seeking to serve their needs rather than bringing her own agenda and priorities. It was quite obvious that the local workers view her differently than the other foreigners serving in Zimba. You can be very proud of the way she is representing CUMC.

The trip to Zimba provided Alfred and I several hours to discuss the state of the Church as well as the overall culture in Zambia and southern Africa. It is important for me to continue to learn about this, since such knowledge increases our effectiveness. They face very different social issues than the US, view God quite differently than Americans (especially before coming to faith in Christ), and the church faces some unique issues. This discussion was extremely helpful.

On the way back, Janet traveled with us to Lusaka. In fact, she wanted more experience driving in Zambia while Alfred was with her, so she drove us most of the way from Zimba back to Lusaka. Rather than driving on the left side of the road, the biggest challenge proved to be dodging the massive potholes in the highway!

Alfred and I will go back into Lusaka on Friday where we will be meeting with a local travel agent to work on details for our September medical team, and then pick up Janet for us to find a replacement for her computer (it was stolen last week...see her blog for details). Then we will be working on some computer and financial organization in the ILI office before heading to Zimbabwe on Saturday morning.

My health is still holding well and I have settled into a solid sleep pattern in the new time zone. The trip has been very productive and accomplished all of my goals so far. Thanks for your continued interest and your prayers. I am really looking forward to the pastor's conference next week.

Blessings from Africa...Matthew