Zambia Debrief

The 2007 Mission team will be doing the debrief and discussing the Zambia Mission trip on Sunday October 14th at 6:30PM.

We will be sharing testimonies, pictures and video from Africa. Zambia is a majestic place that has changed the lives of several of our congregation. Please join us to hear about our experience and listen to see if Christ is calling you to Zambia.

Updated Links

I updated the links on the right today. The MOL mission, scrapbook and my diary are reposted at a new location and available once again.

Mission of Love Update September 2007

Written by Jako/Posted by Alex
Amber and I left for Zambia on Saturday the 1st of September to try attempt number three at getting our vehicle out of South Africa and imported into Zambia. We left for the border early and again nervously waited the whole day to get cleared afraid they would say we needed more paperwork but by 18:00 that afternoon we were cleared to go and took a huge sigh of relief. After more time spent doing paperwork in Botswana we slept right there at the border, exhausted from all the waiting. All in all, we had spent 56 hours at the South African border with all three attempts and we were now just happy to be through.

God gave us good traveling mercies through Botswana and we were at the Zambian border early on Monday morning. That took some time as well but wasn’t too bad, except on our nerves, hoping that there would be no problems here as we had in South Africa. After 4 ½ hours of waiting we got through the border in to Zambia at 11:30 and had to go to the customs depot in Livingstone (1 hours drive away) where they had to process the paperwork. We got our special clearing permit at 17:30 before they close and we could leave with the vehicle and trailer. That was a big blessing as we were unsure of the security measures there if we had to leave it overnight.

We left for Mukamba early Tuesday to go and drop off all our things there and get some information for the next leg of our trip. From there we left for Lusaka on Wednesday with all of the paperwork of the vehicle and headed to the Ministry of Finance to get vouchers because we were importing the vehicle on the Orphanage name. When we got there on Thursday the officials there were very rude to us (we couldn’t believe they were Zambians!) and basically said that they can not give us the vouchers because we were supposed to have apply for this vat number from them before and that we can apply now but it is not said that we will get approved and even if we get approved that they can not pay any import before the date of approval. They were very unwilling to help in any matter. The only option now that the vehicle was in the country was have to registered it on our name and that is going to be very costly.

We were heartbroken at this breakdown of communication. Everybody had told us a different story and we were just going along with what officials at the border had told us to do and were following their rules and now this. It was a difficult time for us (the money difference we would have to pay is HUGE) and we knew that this money could go to “better” use for the orphanage but we know that we needed a vehicle there as well. We talked and cried out to God and in the end He gave Amber and me peace about it and just reminded us that He was the one in charge and would provide for all of ministry needs, now and in future. We were just to do what He leads us to do and to leave the details up to Him. He also reminded us that He recently provided us with a large donation and if He was the one that provided the funds, He was the one that got to decide where it went to. With that our spirits were lifted and we were on the road again. He even provided another clearing agent in the area to help us with some paperwork, think things through, and just support us in all this confusion and through him we could see God’s hand of love, that we were not alone in all of this.

Our next objective was to go further up to Kitwe, Zambia to pick up two PET (basically a wheelchair that enables you to drive in the rough terrain bush with out any one pushing you). These Pet’s were for two individuals that are lame in the orphanage area that we had heard of two to three years ago. They had been on our heart to help for a while but knowing that regular wheelchairs were of little use to them out in the bush, we didn’t know how to help. Then the Lord provided a way through a contact to a Church in Kitwe that makes these PET devices. They hand them out to people in need and all we had to do was get some information about the people and drive the 11 hours drive (750km/469 miles) from Mukamba in order to go and fetch them. We knew it was far to go and would cost a lot of money for fuel but knowing that impact that it could make on these two individuals lives, we knew it was important. Through this God really impressed to us the distance that He goes to save just ONE person. It was a beautiful time being to a place we had never been before, listening to all that God was teaching us and then seeing the joy on the faces of those that we delivered it to.

One of them, Derick, is a Jehovah witness and we spend the whole Sunday afternoon talking to him about scriptures and it seems that He is really interested in knowing the truth about who God really is. He is very confused with what the scriptures really say about God and Jesus and we encouraged Him to keep reading the Bible himself and see for himself what it says and to ask God to reveal to Him the truth. It was a neat time of discussion, relationship building, and joy as we saw the excitement on his face for this new means of transport. We are looking forward to visiting him again and Petros said that he would visit also as well. Both of these men were so excited about there new way of transport around there homes and area that they could not stop smiling. There were just smiles all around as the crowd watched them cruising around in their new PET. It was awesome to be a part of that and we thank God for his provision, direction, and grace in all of this.

Now there was only one snag left. We had to get back to South Africa for a missions conference that we had been invited to but our vehicle (in the midst of all this paperwork issues) was not allowed to leave the country. In the end we parked our vehicle at Pastor Petrus’, walked the foot path to the main road, caught a lift on the back of one of the local maize/corn trucks, and then caught a bus to Livingstone, taxi to the airport, and flight back to South Africa. It was an experience but definitely worth it as the conference was a blessing and we could see God at work on many different levels. We made a lot of new friends and spent some good time with old ones. God is really good to us and we praise Him for all that he is doing not just for us but for every one on this world that is bowing their knees to Him.

Unfortunately we were unable to get any building work accomplished this trip because of all the paperwork issues and driving but once again, God knows our time restraints, and we plan on tackling the building hard this next trip up. We are planning to return to Zambia on Wednesday the 19th or the 20th to go and sort out the paperwork for the vehicle and to keep on working in Zambia. Please continue praying for this confusing and difficult process, that God would continue to remind us that He is the one in control and not us and to help us praise Him not matter what. This trip we will have a few weeks to take care of paperwork and continue with building before Amber’s mom and brother arrive for a visit from the USA. We are looking forward to having them here once again and are especially happy for the extra hands to help. We will return to South Africa the end of October (God willing with our vehicle) just in time to regroup, pack up more things to move and head up again in November. Lots of work left to do but with God’s grace and strength we are looking forward to it. Thanks so much for all your prayers, love, encouragement, and support.

Please pray:
For the vehicle process that we would get it sorted out with out any problems and that we can get it registered before October 15th (when Amber’s mom and brother (Josh) arrive)
For the building work that we would get the store room finished, our kitchen and get to floor level with the orphanage house before the rain comes.
For our health and for growing relationship with Jesus
For good stewardship over what God has given us.

May God bless you all and know that He loves you all
We love you all as well and are thankful for your support and prayers.

Jako and Amber Joubert
Mission of love community orphanage Zambia

Jako and Amber Back from Zambia Prematurely

From our and God's Missionaries:

After 3 full days of driving over 2,400 kilometers (1,500 miles) Jako and I are back in South Africa. We actually made it all the way to the Zambia border rather uneventfully until we were informed by Zambia customs that there was a problem. Although we were allowed to enter on our work visas, now that we are considered residents we are not allowed to drive a foreign vehicle, so our vehicle and trailer were not allowed to enter. Upon further inquiry we learned that we would need to import our vehicle into Zambia and get it registered there but in order to do that we needed paperwork and clearance from South Africa so back again we had to go.

Of course we were disappointed but since we had dedicated this trip to God before we had left we knew that all was in His hands, took it in stride, and even praised God for allowing this because we knew He had His reasons. We got back safe and sound yesterday evening and after checking with the proper people for the clearance we need this side we will try to get everything in order to leave again on Monday Aug 27th.

Please pray for us and this entire process- that all would go smoothly with the paperwork and be processed quickly. Once we get to Zambia it will be at least a full two to three day + process between Livingstone and Lusaka and us traveling in between them. Please pray for the safety of the vehicle as we might need to leave it standing overnight in the customs yard. Also pray that we will continue to put things into God's hands and not our own with all that we need to get done.

After sorting out the vehicle paperwok we plan to spend as much time in Mukamba working on the store room and orphanage building, as we can before needing to be back here for a missions conference in Vereenining SA the weekend of Sep 14th.

Thanks for all the prayers, support, and encouragement,

with much gratitude for your continued prayers,
Amber and Jako Joubert
Mission of Love Community Orphanage Zambia

Jako and Amber Depart for Zambia

From Jako and Amber:

Hello to everyone

We are planning to leave for Zambia. Our plan was to have left on Wednesday the 15th but we are too busy with things that we need to do before we go and we are planning to leave on Sunday the 19th August but we will see.

Please pray for:
Safe travels to Zambia and back
For the building that we have to go on with before the rain starts. We hope to get the building and store room up on a good level so that the rain does not wash the foundations away.
For the things that we have do get done before we move up to Zambia in a few months.

Enjoy the photo of how far the team got before they left.

Update from Jako and Amber - Zambia 2007

Jako and Amber made it back in South Africa. Thank the Lord that the Landy made it back home and everyone and all the vehicles made it back home without additional problem. We really appreciate being able to use Johan's vehicle for the outreach! Below is an update from Jako and Amber describing in detail the blessing of our mission trip. The big part that Jako left out was how much of a blessing it is for each of us to be allowed to join this journey with them for the Kingdom of God. I have already heard of 3 or 4 new people that have said that want to go to Zambia in 2008. Please pray and see where God is leading you. If you have been waiting for someone to ask you - consider yourself asked. Also seek God's will first in prayer, he will let you know if you are called. I became involved by supporting a friend 3 years ago and it has expanded my walk with Christ. I now feel like I am walking with Christ as a friend rather than following Christ. I pray that you can share in this immense joy.

YBIC, Alex (by God's grace I was able to post this while on vacation)

--- Jako's update ----

We were five people leaving from South Africa and although we had hoped to leave at 4am the morning of the 18th, it seemed that no matter how hard we worked we just couldn’t get going. We were very thankful to have Tunize, as well as Nick and Sheila coming to help us drive. It was definitely a God appointment because 1 ½ weeks out we were still without any help and then they appeared : ) We were eager to get to know them more and Amber was especially happy to have two other women accompanying and helping her host the 12 other men. Packing difficulties and lack of prep time really caught up to us and we were only able to pull out of the driveway around 11:30 but our delays didn’t end there. After a half hour we pulled into our first filling station and discovered some wiring problems on one of the three vehicles which took another hour and lots of patience to fix. Battling frustration but keeping in good spirits, God helped keep our hearts at peace that we were working on His time and not ours. When we reached the border we prayed for God’s mercy in helping us to get our 50 bags of cement through without difficulty. After 3 hours of “friendly” paperwork we were through and rejoiced in God’s faithfulness and goodness to us. We slept just inside Botswana and spent the next day and night there as well, as our traveling with all that weight was slow going. With us being behind schedule we were starting to get concerned that we might not be at the airport when the team arrives but once again God proved faithful with paperwork and we arrived to meet the team from First Baptist Church, Woodbridge Va, just in time. It was a joyous time of reuniting with old friends and meeting new ones. The 5 hour drive to Mukamba gave us plenty of time for getting acquainted.

Even though it was dark upon arrival and we still had to set up camp (including the tents we had to sleep in) the team got to work with great spirits and set things up in record time. Saturday they wasted no time and got straight to work measuring out and digging the footers for the first orphanage home. After the first full day in Mukamba it was evident to see that these guys came out to work and work they did – 110% every day and it showed. Sunday it was nice to be able to sleep in, we all went to a church service at Mukamba church, where Pastor Sergey, a native Russian pastor who was part of our team, had the opportunity to preach. To see a sermon translated from Russian to English then to Tonga was something quite incredible and we all had a blessed time worshiping together as brothers and sisters from all over the world. Just within our team of 17 (including Pastor Petrus and Roster who stayed with us the entire time) we had people from South Africa, America, Russian, Zambia, and the United Kingdom. What a truly humbling and awesome experience. That night we showed the Jesus Film on the soccer field. It was cold but God is good for more people got to hear His word. We pray that those that braved the cold got more out of it than just entertainment.

Monday we were up early to start with the days work. We drove to the river an hour away, where I normally get the sand we need to build with. However, when we got there it was evident that the river had flooded and took all the sand that was there with it. There was nothing that we could salvage. Some of the guys that was with me said that it could be God that wants to show us another river where there is more than enough sand to build with but knowing how hard we had to look for sand before, I was starting to get worried and figured they were saying that just to be nice. We drove back the hour to the camp discouraged. At camp, I spoke to Ronald to hear if he might possibly know where there was sand and he said that he had seen some when he went to the chief not too long ago. We drove and about two hours later we found a river in the opposite side of where I normally go to get sand and praise the Lord Jesus there were so much sand that we can not finish it. Even though it was much further than we previously had to go, now the team could start on pouring the footing. The sand was great for that but it was too ruff for the mortar we needed for laying bricks. The second time that we went to get sand, we took a short cut. While we were driving, off to the side of the road (if you can call it a road) a man stopped us and told me that there was sand here closer than where we were going and he showed us. God is so good and faithful, especially in prompting me to stop because I originally thought he was just flagging us down for a lift. The sand was white of color and perfect to lay bricks with so we started to load that when we had enough of the ruff sand. It was wonderful having manpower, two free vehicles, and two free trailers for each time we went we were able to bring back twice as much in half the time which really freed the rest of the team to keep on with the building instead of having to wait for the next load of sand. I especially enjoyed having other men around to help shovel the sand into the trailers because that is never an easy job.

Tuesday I went to Kalomo to go and buy building goods and found the last 10 bags of cement and once again God answered our prayers. I also got the telephone sorted out and when I got back to the camp I put it on and not even a half an hour later First Baptist phoned us. Our very first phone call in the bush! That was so amazing for us to get a phone call and that even out in the middle of no where we could speak to them. Praise God and God alone for giving us this way to communicate to the outside world. The team also helped us set up our permanent tent which was exciting as well. Our fist permanent home there! Tuesday night we showed the Jesus film at Fanwell’s house (our security guard) since he had to look after the camp on Sunday night when we showed it at the soccer field and to our surprise what was suppose to be just a private viewing for his family, ended up being a gathering of more than 30 people. God is good!
Everyone worked very hard the entire 9 days, working 6 days in a row and their effort paid off. Not only did they complete the footings and lower foundation of the entire first orphanage house and lay up to 3 bricks high on some parts– they were also able to lay the foundation for a new store room, put up and ground our permanent tent, make a brick bread oven for Amber and help trim and remove trees around the permanent tent . We are so excited about all that but especially the foundation for the first orphanage house. Things are really happening!.

Just to give an idea of how hard the team worked here are some statistics that we worked out.. All in all the team did - We did 12 sand runs – shoveled in and shoveled out 20 tons of sand and drove 212 miles(339.2km) to get it all. - pumped over 2184 gallons of water (8400 liters) for mixing cement, mortar etc- - loaded bricks and unloaded bricks over 1025 - laid 1025 bricks - spent 232 man hours on digging footings - 176 man hours on mixing concrete and pouring the footings - mixed 24 tons of concrete And that was just on the orphanage house – I get tired just writing about it! That was just some of the things done and when and when we totaled the hours and the work accomplished we realized that it would have taken Amber and me more than 8 months to do.

Apart from all the physical work that was being done there was also a lot of work being done within the community? Apart from building relationships with some of the local men that came to help, some of the team members spend three days at the local school teaching and playing with the kids. They loved the Bible stories and songs. Friday night we were asked to show the Visual Bible Book of Acts on the soccer field and despite the cold, there was a good turn out and the people brought coals and small fires to keep them warm. Even though the film was in English – the people seemed to enjoy it and we pray that it bore some good fruit. Saturday we had the privilege of showing the Jesus Film at the governors house. He is a very important official under the chief so when we were asked to show it we couldn’t refuse. Even though we were all exhausted that night, a full car full of us toughed through and were so glad we did. The response there was really good and they have asked us to return again so more people can see it.

Midway through the week, the Land Rover’s back diff broke and bent the one side shaft. Luckily we were near the camp when it happened but it still took three of us an entire day and half to work on it and see what we could do. For those that don’t know vehicles, anything having to do with the back diff is not an easy job. Not only did we have to take apart the whole back diff and take out the side shafts (no easy job because it was bent so bad – it took a lot of prayers and a few crowbars at one time to pop it loose) – we also had to clean all the millions of metal shavings from it. We had hoped to find a new shaft but when all attempts at that failed we decided to use the bent one. We had to take out the front diff to exchange some parts (which included stripping the whole front suspension), then put it all back together again once again cleaning everything of the metal shavings. Even though we had now lost our 4 x 4 ability and we had to drive very carefully for fear the shaft would break completely, at least it was running and we asked God to bring us back to South Africa with out any problems and once again God did. Thank you Abba Father.

Sunday, we enjoyed worshiping with the Mukamba church once again and this time Richard, the American team leader had the privilege of preaching. We were just as blessed with the worship as the first time, if not more. After church we were able to show the team the cattle and goat farm so they could see the fruit of their labors last year (they were the ones that built the goat pen). This time there were 26 goats enjoying it.
It was a wonderful way to end our last day in Mukamba. Early Monday morning we left to spend a few days relaxing, recuperating and enjoying God’s beauty in Livingstone and Chobe, Botswana.

Prayer Requests: Pray for our transition over to Zambia. Pray for cement in Zambia that we would get more with out any problems. Pray for the building that I would find a local man skilled and willing to build with me. Pray for the project that God will lead us in everything that we are doing. Pray for we are planning to leave for Zambia on the 15th of August to go up there for about a month that we can get a lot done please.

Enjoy the pictures of one of the days at the school, finishing out the footers of the foundation and how far the team got with the bricks being up to 3 high at places (there’s a lot more brick and work underground that it looks!) For more pics you can visit First Baptists Zambia Outreach website/blog at <http://www.missionzambia.blogspot.com/> www.missionzambia.blogspot.com

Thanks for all your prayers and support. With love and thankfulness to God for making all this possible, Jako and Amber Joubert Mission of Love Community Orphanage

Blog Updates

I updated the slideshow today. Hopefully, over the next few weeks we will have stories from Africa to share on this BLOG. I have asked the team to provide some short stories that had an impact on their lives.

I also heard from Johan who has the "Jesus Loves You Project". He mentioned that he heard the Mission Trip went well so I trust that Jako, Amber, Tunice, Nick and Sheila are all back home. We await information and their Mission report as Jako and Amber are already planning to go back to Mukamba to bring the Orphanage Building walls up higher before the rainy season comes to Zambia.

Team is Home and Safe

The Virginia based part of the team is home and safe. The team arrived back in the USA around 7:30 PM on Friday. Tired from two days of traveling we are resting and glad to be back in the USA. Although we each will quickly miss Africa we are glad to be home amoung our family and friends. A brief update on the trips progress and events is scheduled for Sunday's services.

Please stay tuned for stories from Africa. I have asked most of the team to provide stories to share with our extended Mission Team Partners here on this blog. In addition, we will be posting some new pictures from this year's mission trip over the next week.

Please continue your prayers for safety and passage for our South Africa based Missionaries and Pastor Sergey as we continue to wait to hear about the travel back home.

Flight info

Well they are on their way back to Virginia!!
Their Flight left from Paris (CDG) at 4:58 PM Fri, Aug 3, 07 and is Scheduled to arrive in Washington (IAD) at 7:09 PM, Fri, Aug 3, 07. This is great since this flight has been delayed more than this all week.

Please continue to pray for safe travels and that all of their luggage arrives back.

See you all tonight. Remember that it will take them some time to get thru customs once their plane arrives.

Counting the Hours Until We Are Home

We left Johannasburg and arrived in France after a10 hour flight. Sergey is headed back to Russia and we are awaiting our connection around 4PM (France time) to head home. We ask that you continue to pray for us, our travel, our bags. More importantly we are requesting prayer for our Missionaries Jako and Amber as the take the two day drive back to JoBurg through multiple border crossings and check points. The vehicles have taken a beating this trip so a prayer for the vehicles, drivers and a successful trip would be wonderful.

We have a lot of stories that we hope to share over the next few weeks on this blog. We hope to see our families this evening in about 13 hours. The team will also have a brief update in service on Sunday for the FBCW family.

Headed Home

Richard just called me from Johannesburg to let me know everyone is fine and they are on their way home. Dean Lay is a little under the weather with the same stomach ailment that has plagued them on this trip. Please keep him in prayer particularly. They have an 8 hour layover in Johannesburg and then a 6 hour layover in Paris. Richard asked for prayer for endurance for the trip. Everyone is tired and looking forward to getting home to their families. It has been a wonderful trip and they accomplished so much during their time in Mukamba. They are looking forward to telling us all about the trip and how God is working in Zambia. Richard said their team shirts have initiated many conversations during their journey and have given them an opportunity to be, not only ambassadors of Christ but also ambassadors of First Baptist Church Woodbridge.

Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow evening at the airport!

Thanks,
Montine

Back from Mukamba and in Livingstone

After an incredible trip the team is back from the bush. After battling stomache sickness, broken axles, suspensions and spiritual warfare we are back in Livingstone. It was an incredible trip and we have much to tell everyone. We were able to finish the foundation on the first Orphanage building, build the walls up for the building, teach about Jesus at the local school for three days, complete another foundation for a second storage building, build an oven and put up a permanent (tent) home for Jako and Amber. To top all of these wonderful accomplishments we also were blessed to teach and sing at the Mukamba church for two Sundays.

We just wanted everyone to know that we are ALL safe and in Livinstone. We will see you on Friday night!

Last day in the village

Today, Monday, the team should be cleaning up and packing up to start there trek back to Livingston. They will spend 2 days in Livingston debriefing before they start heading back home on Thursday.

We tried calling them yesterday afternoon, but were not able to connect with them. They should have spent the day yesterday going to church and visiting with the people.

Please continue to pray that the Landrover is able to carry them and there luggage back to livingston. Also, pray for their continued safety as they begin their travels back towards home.

Friday update from Crystal

I spoke with Dean today. He was so surprised to here from us. There are so many things God is doing over in Zambia Dean didn't have time to tell me all of it. Here are some highlights of things they are doing.....

They have been visiting the school for the past 3 days. The kids are beautiful, energetic and love to talk about God. The kids actually sung the National Anthem to the guys. How amazing would that be to hear. They were able to build an oven and added more bricks to the wall.

There will be another church service on Sunday. Dean says there are a lot of serving hearts there. They were able to show the Jesus movie again. Everyone is healthy and doing well. There are a few that have had a few stomach problems, but overall doing very well.

The group has a very important prayer request. The land rover they are driving is a 1964. Pretty old huh. They were pulling sand out of the river when the rear axle broke. A few of the guys took the one from the front and moved it to the back. They are pretty far from the nearest town. Please pray that the truck will get them to town safely on Monday. Pray that they all remain well.

God is so amazing. I can't wait to hear the stories when Dean gets home. It will be exciting to hear how God is working in the lives of the men who are there along with the people of Zambia. Remember to keep praying for our team.

God Bless,
Crystal

Work has begun

Pastor Sergey from Moscow entered Zambia successfully with his visa. Also - all the luggage arrived safely. Richard said the team prayed about the luggage all the way to Zambia as they were carrying not only their personal items but also some of the tools they needed for construction.

They had a wonderful worship service on Sunday with the Mukamba church. The service lasted 3 1/2 hours and they were very aware of God's presence. The team and the Mukamba congregation sang hymns to each other in their own languages. Ed Windhausen blessed them greatly with his guitar and harmonica. The team sung "Amazing Grace" to the accompaniment of Ed's harmonica and felt God's pleasure as they praised Him through their music.

On Saturday, they dug 160 feet of exterior footings by hand for the first orphanage building. The building will be 40 ft. X 40 ft. when completed. They also made four trips to the river for sand for the concrete. They also mixed and poured 7 1/2 cubic yards of concrete for the footings. Phanwell, the caretaker for the orphanage when Amber and Jako are not in Mukamba, had formed and baked 5000 bricks in the last few months that will be used to build the walls of the orphanage. The team will be going back to the river today to get more sand. Tomorrow, they plan to pour the interior footings and will begin laying brick as well. Amber and Jako were able to bring 50 bags of cement from South Africa and were able to purchase an additional 10 bags in Kalomo, the nearest town to Mukamba. One of the major issues in the construction has been pumping and transporting water to the work site. They had to fill and transport 10- twenty liter (4 gallon) water bottles eight times (80 total) to mix cement for the footings they have poured.

Three missionaries from South Africa have joined them on this mission trip. Nick and Sheila are originally from England. Sheila is a former Hindu who converted to Christianity several years ago in Tobago before moving to England where she met and married Nick. Both Nick and Sheila are teachers. Please keep the third missionary, Tunise in your prayers. She has been experiencing some stomach issues possibly dysentery.

The team sends its love to everyone and especially their family members. Please keep everyone in prayer - for safety, good health, and that the Lord will continue to bless all their efforts - both the building of the orphanage and the building of His kingdom.

They have had several opportunities to share their faith with many of villagers. They have been able to show the Jesus film once and plan to show it several more times during the next week. In the words of one of the team members - "God has been really blessing their trip, it has been a wonderful experience and they are making amazing progress on the building."

Wiping the slate clean

Zambia Missions Team

The Thursday morning Prayer Group was in prayer for the team and though the following would be helpful to those who speak a foreign language.
The Vacation Bible school had a craft that related to witnessing. The craft was a slate which the craft leader listed sins of the group, & then wiped the slate clean just as Jesus wiped the slate clean when we accept Him.. The craft leader used a small slate and a chalk.

TMPG

First full day

We can only assume that no news is good news, and that they have arrived at the Tongan village safely. They should have arrived and set up camp on Friday. Today, being their first full day at the village, they were planning to finish setting up camp as well as visit with some of their old friends they had met last year. They were also going to get things set up to be able to begin working on making concrete bricks for the orphanage on Monday.

Tomorrow (Sunday) they will be having their church service. I am guessing that it will be long again since they will not only be translating from English to Tongan but also to and/or from Russian. (Last year their church service was 5 hours.) I am sure it will be pretty amazing to see all these different cultures worshiping our Awsome God under one roof.

Good Morning from RSA

The team had breakfast today at the AIrport Grand Hotel and met with old friends Deon and Johan from our last mission trip to Mukamba. Johan started the Jesus Film mission in Africa and Deon is moving to Thailand for missionary work. We wish you well and we will be leaving for the airport in 30 minutes.

A room at the airport

After sitting in the airport for some time. Richard, Shawn and Sergey met some French missionaries. They too were staying at the airport. Evidently the airport has some rooms that are set aside for those that are not allowed to leave due to no Visa for Johannesburg, since they are passing thru. The French missionaries gave up one of their rooms so that Sergey could have a room, and Richard and Shawn could go to the hotel to their own rooms. They will meet back up with Sergey in the morning and head for Livingston where he should be able to clear customs with his Visa for there.

Please also pray that all of their luggage makes it to Livingston, as they were not able to pick up any of the checked luggage tonight.

On the way to Zambia

The team is successfully in the Republic of South Africa (RSA). After over an hour of flight delays in Dulles we made it to France. After a few hours of layover we met up with Pastor Sergey from our sister church in New Bethany. With only about a 45 minute layover he was able to clear customs, cross the airport and make it to the gate where the team was waiting. The team is now 10 strong. Tommorow, when we get to Livingstone, Zambia we will be 15 strong with Jako, Amber and the additional missionaries that will be helping the team.

After arriving in RSA the team cleared customs and entered RSA. However, Sergey was not permitted entry. Two of the team member are staying at the airport with Sergey. The rest of the team is tucked into bed for their last night of leisure. Our last night with running water, a bed and shower!

We are meeting for breakfast in the morning and we will be off to Livingstone around 10AM local time (that is 4AM Eastern time). Most of the folks are doing well with the jet lag, but the team looks tired and ready for bed --- I am running on the Holy Spirit sharing the team's information about our trip. With luck we will be able to provide some pictures before or after our return from the bush.

Please pray frequently for cement, building materials, health and for us to successfully reach local people that we meet that have never heard or understood the Good News of Jesus Christ.