Missionaries update their blog

"Our" dear missionaries living in Zambia, Jako and Amber Joubert, just added a significant update to their blog!

Scroll down on this page to Links, and click on "Misison Of Love Orphanage Web Site" to read it!

Lots of info about the orphanage governmental approval processes and standards, clearing more land for crops to feed the orphans, blessings of healthy and growing herds of cattle and sheep, and lots more!

Team Meeting #2 with our Zambia missionary couple

On Sunday (Feb. 1) we had a joyous team meeting at team leader Richard Wewerka's home.

Our missionary couple, Jako and Amber Joubert, graced us with their presence, prayed with us, updated progress on the orphanage, and reviewed the various possible work tasks we would accomplish next July.









This photo is of Jako and Amber Joubert at our meeting. A sense of humor is a must for missionaries and they have no shortage of it. Of course, this photo belies the very difficult life they lead in the Zambian bush where there is no running water, electricity, or grocery store, so please continue to lift this couple up in your prayers!







So...what IS the status of the orphanage?
The structure and accompanying kitchen and outdoor bathrooms are completed. The next task is to build all the children's beds and other furnishings. Meanwhile, all of the myriad governmental approvals of the structures, the future staff, and operations of the orphanage are in process. Progress is expected to be slow with approvals but there is hope that all will work to allow the orphanage to be operating by the time our FBCW team arrives in late July.

Jako & Amber in DC late January!

We are so happy that Jako and Amber (the missionaries living in Zambia) will be in Washington at the end of January. They'll be with the Zambia mission team for its meeting on Feb. 1 and will speak at FBCW the same day.

Jan. 4 team meeting

Looking forward to seeing all 14 members Sunday at 2 PM at FBCW for our first team meeting.

2009 Team Members & Schedule Annoucement

Exciting news! The fourteen 2009 Zambia Missions Team members are:

Bill Dane (returning)
Ryan & Candi Ervin (Ryan-returning)
Ed Windhausen (returning
Kerry Skinner
Ethan Skinner
Hannah Stokes
Jim & Liz Faison (Jim-returning)
Mandie Johnson
Michael Hock
Steve Rainwater (returning)
Tom Kopko (returning)
Richard Wewerka (team leader;; returning)

The first-time Zambia Missionaries are welcomed with open arms! The returning members, well.... KIDDING! But that's the kind of hard-working, fun-loving team this has been! The first monthly training session is January 4, 2pm, at FBCW.

The Missionary trip is tentatively scheduled for July 21 - August 8, 2009.

All are reminded of the Support The Zambia Orphanage Mission Team page on Facebook as an outreach and fundraising method.

Facebook outreach site - open for business

The Zambia Orphanage Mission Team's Facebook page is now fully approved by FBCW.

Zambia team members should take advantage of this outreach and fundraising opportunity by establishing a Facebook account, connecting with friends on Facebook, and reaching out about our Zambia Orphanage Mission Team on Facebook. The web page is accessible to your friends without Facebook accounts, too, and they do not have to join.

Once you're on Facebook, you can use the special tools in the Action Center to easily contact your Facebook friends for moral and financial support. There is even a special web address just for your fundraising which you can email to people who are not Facebook members. Facebook tracks donation credits for you if donations are made in those two ways - through the Action Center. Otherwise, donations are generic for the team as a whole.

I would note that there is a cost to raising funds this way, just like with sending cards or letters, as there is a 4.75% fee to account for credit card and processing fees. That's normal for Paypal and other online donation methods.

For more information, first please read the previous blog posting about Facebook and also check out the Facebook page. If you still have questions, click below and leave a comment!

2009 Team Members chosen

Richard - when can the 2009 team members names be posted?

Perspectives course - You Are The Salt Of The Earth

This is an optional course for Zambia team members. It's a great course and comes highly recommended to anyone, and geared especially toward international evangelism and missionary work.

You Are The Salt Of The Earth
Jesus calls us the salt of the earth, but how can we be used?
How can we fulfill the purpose He has for us?

Join the Perspectives course today:
-Discover what God is doing around the world.
-Learn how to use your skills and passions to glorify God no matter your location or vocation

Sign up by Dec. 15 for a $20 early bird discount, limited scholarships available, first two classes can be evaluated before payment, and course can be taken for graded credit or audit.

Spring classes are being held in Woodbridge, Alexandria, Vienna, and many other locations. Visit the Perspectives website or contact Richard Wewerka at rwewerka@comcast.net.

FACEBOOK page for Mission Zambia established and growing

Do you know Facebook? It's one of the top "social networking", "Web 2.0" online communities. No, it's not a raunchy place like MySpace is often considered to be. For example, First Baptist Church has over 90 people affiliated with it on Facebook. Facebook turns out to be an easy way to just keep in frequent touch with friends and acquaintances, especially in this too-busy world.

Why is FBCW's Mission Zambia team on Facebook? Because Facebook also has a place specifically for charitable causes, just like supporting our Mission to Zambia. People on Facebook will get automatic updates about the Mission. Facebook also has a well done Fundraising section with goals, donation pledges, actual donations, and matching donations. All donations still go to First Baptist Church and are still tax deductible.

How should we "use" Facebook? As another evangelistic outreach method to family, friends, and hopefully friends of friends. It can also accept electronic donations for the team's $35,000+ in expenses.

Do people have to join Facebook? No. The page is accessible without a Facebook login.

Is this blog still the primary web site for FBCW's Mission Zambia? Yes! Come here to the blog as the primary source of all mission information. The Facebook page will generally get copies of important blog posts and pictures.

Click here for: Mission Zambia on Facebook

Orphanage Building's Basics are DONE!

Anyone recognize this place?! It is "the" orphanage building that the team began digging the footers in summer 2007 and worked on summer 2008. Jako and local workmen put the roof on in October! The floor and wall concrete has also been put in. It's ready for government certification once the restrooms, kitchen and other supporting items are in place, besides furniture!

How To Support Mission Zambia

1. Pray for team members' wisdom, physical strength, and protection.

2. Pray for the full-time missionaries living in Zambia, Jako and Amber Joubert.

3. Contribute funds. Each team member's travel, food, vaccinations, and equipment expenses are $3500. Thank you - Click here to contribute! Or send a check with memo: "Zambia 2009" to First Baptist Church, 13600 Minnieville Rd., Woodbridge, VA 22192.

4. Bookmark this blog and Subscribe (see below) to receive updates.

5. Join Facebook to invite others.

6. Tell others about this blog and celebrate what God is doing in Zambia!

Nov. 30 deadline for summer 2009 mission trip

Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008 is the application deadline to be a part of the summer 2009 mission team to Zambia. If you have questions, immediately review the application and contact Richard Wewerka at rwewerka@comcast.net.