Hello to everyone! We had a quick chance to update one last time before heading out of Livingstone. So we wanted to let you know we enjoyed our R&R and we are packing up to head for the airport.
We survived Chobe (sleeping by certain hyenas named Jako...) as well as having the privilege to view God's glorious creation among the spectacular wildlife and the brilliant sunsets He provided for us.
Victoria Falls was unusually high for July (we were told due to the unexpected rains in June). It was absolutely incredible... and wet :) We can check one of the 7 wonders of the world off our to-do list!
As you read this, we will be in flight on our long journey home. Please pray for safe travels and we will see you all tomorrow!
Team Zambia 2010
Showing posts with label 2010 Summer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2010 Summer. Show all posts
Friday, August 6, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
Our Last Day In Zambia
Hello all! We are back. And no, the generators didn’t fail or the computer didn’t crash. We lost internet connection for several days. We wrapped up the eye ministry on Saturday and have been busy working hard on jobs that Jako gives us as well – on top of the chores, such as cooking, pumping water from the well, and chopping firewood.
Mixing cement for the footers.
Pouring cement into the footer.
Ed leveling the footers. (note, this picture is specifically for Bill Dane :)
For those who have never been here, life is quite different. It isn’t as difficult as the first year’s team. There have been many improvements at camp, but as we have come to know the locals, we have learned much about their everyday life and the hardships that come with living in the bush. Having a car is a luxury. For most it is walking, unless you have the privilege of owning a bicycle.
Charles, whom we mentioned earlier this week, told us that on Wednesday, he went to get a physical from the doctor in town. Now for us, that is a jump in the car to get there by your regular scheduled appointment. And once you are finished, you drive back home the same as you arrived.
Charles’ only transportation was a bicycle over roads that I cannot even begin to describe. Dust, sand, dirt, ditches, holes, some of which feel like valleys, you name it. Here is the catcher… Kauwe clinic is 3 hours one way. Yes, you read that correctly. 3 hours on a bike. To a place with no scheduled appointments or determined times. Patiently waiting for your turn to get a physical. And then back on the bike for another 3 hour ride home. Could you imagine if you had to walk? Could you imagine if you had a loved one that was sick enough you had to carry them because it is the only way available? I could name limitless circumstances that would start with “Could you imagine…”
This is only one circumstance that people in Zambia face daily. Throughout the eye clinic this week, we saw people that were blind due to cataracts. We saw people with dust stained feet that walked miles just to see us. We saw people whose eyes were so red from bacteria that they had to cover their faces with their clothing because even a gentle breeze would cause their eyes to throb with pain.
We also saw hope. When a patient put their glasses on that had not been able to see, the joy and delight in their eyes was indescribable. All we heard over and over was “Twalumba” (thank you in Tonga) with smiles from ear to ear. And that tiny little bottle of eye drops to cure pink eye or that one pair of glasses they proudly wore was God’s invitation to His free gift.
The eye drops, free. The glasses, free. God’s gift of salvation, free. We are so proud to be a part of God’s work among the community here in Zambia. As we completed our last eye clinic today, 159 people were seen, 106 pairs of glasses and 28 pairs of sunglasses were distributed and 47 decisions for Christ were made. Little did we know when we started this endeavor how much of an impression the people of Zambia would have on our hearts.
This will be our last post because we leave the bush tomorrow morning for Livingstone and Chobe. We didn’t mean for it to be originally, but with the internet problems over the weekend, we haven’t been able to keep in touch like we had wished. So a few things to update you on before we sign off.
During the last day of eye exams, a small team, (Jako, Steve, Jeremy, Ethan and Kerry ) went over to the cattle farm to inoculate the animals. There is a disease spreading through the area that will kill the animals if they are not protected so Jako took a break from work to get this accomplished.
Yesterday was a great day, filled with sad goodbyes and we had our last day of church in Mukumba. Pastor Petros, Roster, Belita, Obi, Charles, Progress and many more were there as we said our farewells. Tears of happiness were shed by the team as hugs and handshakes were given while the tonga ladies sang their closing song. It was an experience that is difficult to put on paper.
Last night we ate dinner at the orphanage and spent some time with the children and house mothers. We had the privilege of listening to their songs, especially from Pamela, the oldest orphan at age 16, who led the music. Ed and Ben also played their guitar and sang songs to the children. We brought a tambourine with us to use in church and decided to give it to the orphanage. The kids shared the instrument and played along with the guitar. We showed them a few tricks with it and they could play better than us by the nights end!
Ethan and Ben holding the roosters that were caught for dinner at the orphanage.
Today we planned on visiting the local school, but we found out that it is a holiday. So instead we are staying in camp and trying to finish digging and cementing footers for the chicken coop and Charles’ house that we started on Friday.
Due to our inability to communicate, we haven’t been able to tell you about the Lorrie – it blew a head gasket last week and Mike is not able to pick us up tomorrow. So Jako and some of the guys (Ryan – you were missed!) worked hard to get the side shaft fixed on the Land Rover. It is a temporary fix that will allow us to drive at slow speed. Pray we make it to Kalomo (2 hours) so that we can switch out the Land rover for a van Mike has, to continue to take us to Livingstone.
Happy belated birthday to Becky Fraizer. Sorry we didn’t get it on the blog the day it was your birthday! Again, internet issues. And Ed would like to tell Briana – orange ninja. I am not sure we will be able to view any comments past this evening (which will be about 3 pm your time) but you are welcome to still leave them! Most of us will be reading the blog when we return and we will see them then!
Thanks everyone for your prayers and encouragement during our trip to Zambia! We look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday! Pray for a safe travels as we enjoy our leisure time in Livingstone and Chobe, as well as the long plane ride home starting Friday. We love and miss you all!
Team Zambia 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
A Quick Minute Of Your Time
The Zambia Team would like to wish Breanne's father, Tom Boyle, a happy 52nd birthday today! And Ed and Breanne would like to give a little shout out to Kirkwood Presbyterian Church! They miss you all very much!
Zambia Team 2010
Zambia Team 2010
Just a Few Updates!
We haven't done much more than what we have told you so far, so we don't have much to post. Everyday we send one team to the eye clinic and another team to the field to remove trees. We just wanted to give you a few updates and some prayer requests.
Yesterday the eye team was busy at Pastor Petros' house. The patients came in sporadically, so in between exams we asked Pastor and Roster (his wife) what we could do to help around the house. They took us to a huge pile of sunflower heads and showed us how to remove the seeds. It is simply beating the flower head with a stick and the seeds that matured will fall out!
We were able to accomplish a lot for them and the team that returns today will do the same in their free time. When they are finished, Pastor will take them to Kalomo and have them pressed to make sunflower seed oil. Roster used it to make some delicious sweet potatoes and tomatoes for lunch. Please continue to pray that God will send us the people that he wants to receive the gift of sight and that our eye teams work together well in accomplishing the task. The glasses are a wonderful tool to use to plant seeds for Christ!
So far, both teams combine have seen 83 people. We have distributed 53 pairs of glasses, many Visine eye drops and several antibiotic eye drops for pink eye. We also learned how to make a salt/water solution so the people have something to use to help make their eyes feel better - due to the dusty roads and smoke from their fires. We have also given out 26 pairs of sunglasses for those that have a sensitivity to bright sun. And now ...drum roll please... 23 people have made decisions for Christ and several others have made re-dedications! PRAISE GOD! Please pray for our counselors on our eye teams - that the Holy Spirit may speak through them to give them the words they need to witness to these people.
The other team spent all day trying to remove another tree and they were unsuccessful in getting it pulled down. The team that goes out today will attempt to finish. Please pray that the teams will be able to successfully remove the trees with ease, they have become quite a struggle.
Last - in the comments you asked for a picture of Amber, Jako and Jakob!
To close up today, please pray for team unity. The Enemy is working hard to cause frustration among us, but he will not succeed! "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4 Please send this out to your prayer warriors!
Zambia Team 2010
Yesterday the eye team was busy at Pastor Petros' house. The patients came in sporadically, so in between exams we asked Pastor and Roster (his wife) what we could do to help around the house. They took us to a huge pile of sunflower heads and showed us how to remove the seeds. It is simply beating the flower head with a stick and the seeds that matured will fall out!
We were able to accomplish a lot for them and the team that returns today will do the same in their free time. When they are finished, Pastor will take them to Kalomo and have them pressed to make sunflower seed oil. Roster used it to make some delicious sweet potatoes and tomatoes for lunch. Please continue to pray that God will send us the people that he wants to receive the gift of sight and that our eye teams work together well in accomplishing the task. The glasses are a wonderful tool to use to plant seeds for Christ!
So far, both teams combine have seen 83 people. We have distributed 53 pairs of glasses, many Visine eye drops and several antibiotic eye drops for pink eye. We also learned how to make a salt/water solution so the people have something to use to help make their eyes feel better - due to the dusty roads and smoke from their fires. We have also given out 26 pairs of sunglasses for those that have a sensitivity to bright sun. And now ...drum roll please... 23 people have made decisions for Christ and several others have made re-dedications! PRAISE GOD! Please pray for our counselors on our eye teams - that the Holy Spirit may speak through them to give them the words they need to witness to these people.
The other team spent all day trying to remove another tree and they were unsuccessful in getting it pulled down. The team that goes out today will attempt to finish. Please pray that the teams will be able to successfully remove the trees with ease, they have become quite a struggle.
Last - in the comments you asked for a picture of Amber, Jako and Jakob!
To close up today, please pray for team unity. The Enemy is working hard to cause frustration among us, but he will not succeed! "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4 Please send this out to your prayer warriors!
Zambia Team 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Lesson 1: How To Remove a Tree Stump Without a Bulldozer
Thank you so much everyone for commenting on the blog!! We love to receive them!! At our evening debrief around the camp fire I read them to the team and they love to hear from everyone back home. Friends, family and previous team members - thank you so much for the encouragement and prayers!
Today did not go as originally planned. We hoped to receive more people at the eye clinic, but we received less. About half of what we had yesterday showed - but we are excited to report 2 more decisions for Christ! We were in a very remote place for the last 2 days. Tomorrow we will be by Pastor's house so we expect more to show.
With the eye clinic so slow, most of us continued to help in the field removing trees and stumps. Others played with the local children. It was a blessed day. And I have to tell you, for those who have never been to a place such as Zambia, removing a tree without the use of one power tool or machine is a rather interesting and long process. So I thought I would share it with you!
Also, I know some people have not been pictured yet - the pictures I am using happened to be taken at the time these people were working. I promise you, everyone helps with the projects in some way. It took over 3 hours to pull this last tree down and most of the team members and locals chipped in! We were so excited when it came down, we took a picture with it! You will see it at the end of the post.
Step 1 - Clear Out Around The Stump
Jeremy, Melanie, Ben and Obi starting to cut through the roots
Step 2 - Pull The Tree Down With The Truck
Ben climbing the tree to attach the rope
Pulling the tree down with the truck
Step 3 - Remove Tree and Burn The Trunk
Burning the Trunks
Team Zambia 2010 on "THE TREE"
I will try and get a picture of Amber, Jako and Jakob on the next post! If we don't post tomorrow, it is not because we don't want to. It is only because our schedule changes a little and there might not be time. But we will get back to you as soon as we can!
Also, the question was asked about the weather here. The day time has been in the mid 70s and the evenings are in the 50s. It has been absolutely perfect! Weird thing to report, for previous team members, it has been overcast the entire time and actually started to sprinkle rain today! We were all just in amazement. We have yet to see a sunrise or sunset because of the clouds!
Zambia Team 2010
Today did not go as originally planned. We hoped to receive more people at the eye clinic, but we received less. About half of what we had yesterday showed - but we are excited to report 2 more decisions for Christ! We were in a very remote place for the last 2 days. Tomorrow we will be by Pastor's house so we expect more to show.
With the eye clinic so slow, most of us continued to help in the field removing trees and stumps. Others played with the local children. It was a blessed day. And I have to tell you, for those who have never been to a place such as Zambia, removing a tree without the use of one power tool or machine is a rather interesting and long process. So I thought I would share it with you!
Also, I know some people have not been pictured yet - the pictures I am using happened to be taken at the time these people were working. I promise you, everyone helps with the projects in some way. It took over 3 hours to pull this last tree down and most of the team members and locals chipped in! We were so excited when it came down, we took a picture with it! You will see it at the end of the post.
Step 1 - Clear Out Around The Stump
Jeremy, Melanie, Ben and Obi starting to cut through the roots
Step 2 - Pull The Tree Down With The Truck
Ben climbing the tree to attach the rope
Pulling the tree down with the truck
Step 3 - Remove Tree and Burn The Trunk
Burning the Trunks
Team Zambia 2010 on "THE TREE"
I will try and get a picture of Amber, Jako and Jakob on the next post! If we don't post tomorrow, it is not because we don't want to. It is only because our schedule changes a little and there might not be time. But we will get back to you as soon as we can!
Also, the question was asked about the weather here. The day time has been in the mid 70s and the evenings are in the 50s. It has been absolutely perfect! Weird thing to report, for previous team members, it has been overcast the entire time and actually started to sprinkle rain today! We were all just in amazement. We have yet to see a sunrise or sunset because of the clouds!
Zambia Team 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Our First Day of Work
Today we completed our first work day! Team A for the eye exams had a very successful morning distributing eye glasses to the locals! Word spread fast and we didn't stop for several hours once the first patient arrived. Richard and Alyssa gave eye exams, treating everything from vision problems to pink eye. Katie successfully handed out the glasses and Steve counseled. We had 9 decisions for Christ on our first day!
Pastor Petros came by and received his new pair of glasses! Richard gave him the eye exam. Then he stayed and helped counsel others as well.
Tomorrow the second team will depart and we expect many new faces because the word will spread fast that we are there! For the second half of the team, they were across the street cutting stumps out of the ground on the property Jako is trying to clear. They worked very hard as well and made much progress! After a few quick lessons on how to get the job done, they were off!
And yes! The girls pitched in and helped! Breanne was busy shoveling while Ed was giving Erin (a missionary from Florida staying with Amber and Jako) a lesson.
Another hiccup tonight. Because of the water issues, the men spent the evening emptying out the water tank and refilling it (by pumping) for several hours until they reached 1,000 liters. I was told that was around 200 gallons. It was well after dark when they finished. Praise God for giving them the strength to complete the job after a long day of work!
The women spent the evening at the orphanage, playing with the children and helping to prepare dinner. Erin, Alyssa and Breanne led a bible study for the children (Ed helped shortly but returned to the water pump once finished) and they had a wonderful time learning about Moses.
Last, if you have not already seen it from the comments, Karen killed the goat. Surprised? Thanks for the comments everyone! We are really enjoying them!! Keep them coming and keep praying!!
Zambia Team 2010
Pastor Petros came by and received his new pair of glasses! Richard gave him the eye exam. Then he stayed and helped counsel others as well.
Tomorrow the second team will depart and we expect many new faces because the word will spread fast that we are there! For the second half of the team, they were across the street cutting stumps out of the ground on the property Jako is trying to clear. They worked very hard as well and made much progress! After a few quick lessons on how to get the job done, they were off!
And yes! The girls pitched in and helped! Breanne was busy shoveling while Ed was giving Erin (a missionary from Florida staying with Amber and Jako) a lesson.
Another hiccup tonight. Because of the water issues, the men spent the evening emptying out the water tank and refilling it (by pumping) for several hours until they reached 1,000 liters. I was told that was around 200 gallons. It was well after dark when they finished. Praise God for giving them the strength to complete the job after a long day of work!
The women spent the evening at the orphanage, playing with the children and helping to prepare dinner. Erin, Alyssa and Breanne led a bible study for the children (Ed helped shortly but returned to the water pump once finished) and they had a wonderful time learning about Moses.
Last, if you have not already seen it from the comments, Karen killed the goat. Surprised? Thanks for the comments everyone! We are really enjoying them!! Keep them coming and keep praying!!
Zambia Team 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Our Journey Continues...
Thank you everyone who is posting comments on the site! I read each to the team this evening and they we so happy to hear from many of you back home. So please keep the comments coming! But if you choose to comment, we ask that you please leave your name at the end :) We know who we have received so far, but for future readings it will make it easier.
Also, the posts have been rather long the last few days because we have not started our work week yet. If they tend to get shorter it is because we have had a long, hard day and much sleep is needed (which is usually when the posting to the site happens - after hours). We will try and keep you as informed as possible!
Since yesterday you saw the orphanage, I thought today it would be fitting to see Amber and Jako's living quarters! The girls are staying in bunk beds within the house and the boys are in Amber and Jako's old house (the big tent). Here are a few pictures to keep you updated.
Amber and Jako's house
Amber and Jako's kitchen
The campsite toilets and showers
Today we started with church. Jako taught a wonderful bible study on Ephesians 4. And then we split into groups. Richard stayed in the big church to preach the sermon and a few of us left to conduct Sunday school with the children.
Bible Study before church
Richard preaching (Charles translating)
Melanie (a guest at the camp) teaching Sunday school with the children (Obi translating)
Some of us have a tendency to flock towards the children. They are all so precious and we love meeting them, seeing their smiles and having fun getting to know them. One particular little girl at church (around age 2) was very tired. Jeremy scooped her up and loved on her while she just laid comfortably in his arms!
Among other things that we did today, although mostly we relaxed, was to go visit the goat farm. While there, we met Obi's wife and children, as well as some of Frances' children. These are two men that live close to the goat farm to keep watch over the stock of goats and cows. They had lots of baby goats!
Alyssa with one of the baby goats
Not all were so lucky. This goat will soon be dinner for us tomorrow night. A lot of the team helped to kill and clean him. Ben, Ethan, Katie and Alyssa removed the skin with Richard's assistance. Jako removed the inner parts and Ed, Richard, Jako, Ben and Ethan cut the meat up for dinner tomorrow evening. Now here is a question for you to comment on... who do you think killed the goat? Reply with your answers using the comment section, as well as a little message to the team! They would love to hear from you!
Richard and Ben holding our dinner after Frances and Obi caught it for us
Well, time to get to bed. We will be in touch tomorrow if all goes well. So far there have been very little hiccups. The water got a little muddy this afternoon, but God fixed it for us without a hitch! The problem was resolved in less than an hour with little work done. So keep praying!
Also, the posts have been rather long the last few days because we have not started our work week yet. If they tend to get shorter it is because we have had a long, hard day and much sleep is needed (which is usually when the posting to the site happens - after hours). We will try and keep you as informed as possible!
Since yesterday you saw the orphanage, I thought today it would be fitting to see Amber and Jako's living quarters! The girls are staying in bunk beds within the house and the boys are in Amber and Jako's old house (the big tent). Here are a few pictures to keep you updated.
Amber and Jako's house
Amber and Jako's kitchen
The campsite toilets and showers
Today we started with church. Jako taught a wonderful bible study on Ephesians 4. And then we split into groups. Richard stayed in the big church to preach the sermon and a few of us left to conduct Sunday school with the children.
Bible Study before church
Richard preaching (Charles translating)
Melanie (a guest at the camp) teaching Sunday school with the children (Obi translating)
Some of us have a tendency to flock towards the children. They are all so precious and we love meeting them, seeing their smiles and having fun getting to know them. One particular little girl at church (around age 2) was very tired. Jeremy scooped her up and loved on her while she just laid comfortably in his arms!
Among other things that we did today, although mostly we relaxed, was to go visit the goat farm. While there, we met Obi's wife and children, as well as some of Frances' children. These are two men that live close to the goat farm to keep watch over the stock of goats and cows. They had lots of baby goats!
Alyssa with one of the baby goats
Not all were so lucky. This goat will soon be dinner for us tomorrow night. A lot of the team helped to kill and clean him. Ben, Ethan, Katie and Alyssa removed the skin with Richard's assistance. Jako removed the inner parts and Ed, Richard, Jako, Ben and Ethan cut the meat up for dinner tomorrow evening. Now here is a question for you to comment on... who do you think killed the goat? Reply with your answers using the comment section, as well as a little message to the team! They would love to hear from you!
Richard and Ben holding our dinner after Frances and Obi caught it for us
Well, time to get to bed. We will be in touch tomorrow if all goes well. So far there have been very little hiccups. The water got a little muddy this afternoon, but God fixed it for us without a hitch! The problem was resolved in less than an hour with little work done. So keep praying!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Adventures of Day 1
Well, we are not going to keep you in suspense any longer. First we will post some pictures of the orphanage so you can see how things have come along since last year.
Completed orphanage building
Orphanage's Kitchen
Orphans and House Mother's toilets and showers
Today we were able to take it a little easier because of the long travel period to get here. So we had the chance to meet the orphans and house mothers, play with the children, get adapted to the new environment, etc. But we still worked a little as well. We just fixed up a few things around camp concerning the septic tank and Amber and Jako's house.
Moving bricks into piles and cleaning up the septic field
Helping waterproof Amber and Jako's house
We also started organizing for Monday morning's first eye exam location. We were able to practice with Charles (who received glasses, as well as translated for us) and one of the house mother's from the orphanage.
Using the refraction kits to test eyes
Matching her prescription to a pair of glasses
And this evening, we had dinner with the children in the orphanage. Jeremy brought balloon animals and they had an incredibly fun time making them. We had a delicious dinner cooked for us by the house mothers. And we were also able to give out the VBS blankets that we brought with us to the children. They love them! We saw them traveling through the campsite tonight wrapped in their cozy warm blankets. What a blessing from God to let our children at VBS help the children here in Zambia!
Receiving their blankets
And last, we would like to introduce you to the newest orphan of the bunch, 5 week old Genesis. She is adorable! Amber and Jako took her in after her mother gave birth to her 2 months early. She was in a very ill condition, but they nursed her back to health and now one of the house mothers is her new 'mom' (after her mother passed away shortly after the birth). She is getting bigger day by day and is now at healthy 6 pounds - which is a vast improvement from the state she was in when she arrived at the orphanage.
Genesis (age 5 weeks)
It is now a little after 10:30pm again and time to hit the sack! We will catch up with you all tomorrow after church. Keep praying for us! 'Til then!
Friday, July 23, 2010
We Are Here!
We made it! It is a little after 10:30pm as we write this post to you. We are all unpacked, rooms set up, a small evening snack and we are ready to hit the sack after our almost 24 hour travel time period into the bush.
Thanks so much to Amber and Jako's friend Mike for helping transport us in his truck to the village. We had a wonderful lunch at the Hungry Lion in Livingstone before jumping on the road for our journey into the bush. It was an eventful 4 hour ride, consisting of almost the entire team being transported for the final 2 hours past Kalomo on the back of a Lorrie (3 ton pickup truck). Lots of dust and the cool night breeze! What better way to experience your arrival into Mukumba Village? :)
Charles (the local manager) and a few of his children welcomed us just after dark, excited to see we had made it! Jakob is so cute and everybody is anxious to play with him. He is already 7 months old, can you believe it?
We cannot wait until tomorrow when we get to meet the children in the orphanage! We plan on getting settled and working on the organization and practice run-through of the eye exam clinics. We will be in touch with updates and pictures once we are able. Tonight has been busy and it is time for some shut eye!
Zambia Team 2010
Thanks so much to Amber and Jako's friend Mike for helping transport us in his truck to the village. We had a wonderful lunch at the Hungry Lion in Livingstone before jumping on the road for our journey into the bush. It was an eventful 4 hour ride, consisting of almost the entire team being transported for the final 2 hours past Kalomo on the back of a Lorrie (3 ton pickup truck). Lots of dust and the cool night breeze! What better way to experience your arrival into Mukumba Village? :)
Charles (the local manager) and a few of his children welcomed us just after dark, excited to see we had made it! Jakob is so cute and everybody is anxious to play with him. He is already 7 months old, can you believe it?
We cannot wait until tomorrow when we get to meet the children in the orphanage! We plan on getting settled and working on the organization and practice run-through of the eye exam clinics. We will be in touch with updates and pictures once we are able. Tonight has been busy and it is time for some shut eye!
Zambia Team 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
On your Mark... Get Set... Go!
It's that time again! Team Zambia has finished their training and will be departing this Wednesday, July 21st at 5:00pm from First Baptist Church of Woodbridge! This year we have some exciting new challenges ahead of us. Please pray for us as we prepare to take off on our journey in less than a week!
The first task we have been given by local missionaries Jako and Amber is to clear 2 hectors of land, to include tree stumps and brush removal, in preparation for planting crops this winter (which is spring in Zambia time). With the orphans living in the first completed orphanage (yay!) they have many more mouths to feed! We are also taking some left over crafts from VBS to make with the orphans and we are very grateful to the VBS children (and Cheryl Lytle) from FBCW for contributing their time, materials and effort making enough blankets to give to each one of them. They will be very warm this winter!
Another ministry that we are very excited about this year is the new Eyeglass Ministry that we prepared for during our training here in Virginia. In May, FBCW hosted a seminar given by Dr. David Curtis to learn the basics in optometry and distributing eyeglasses for foreign missions. Almost the entire team took the seminar and we are well prepared for our task ahead of us! Through Dr. Curtis and the local Lions Club Eyeglass Distribution Center of Northern Virginia, we were able to acquire 1300 pairs of glasses to take on our trip.
It may sound so far, as if we just took a class and ordered some eyeglasses. But the process was much more than anticipated. Once we received the glasses, we had to sort each of them by prescription. And we could only use glasses that fit a certain criteria - so we had to weed out those we were unable to take.
After preparing each Ziploc package of glasses by prescription, we were able to arrange them into vacuum seal bags and secure them tightly for our trip (another 5 hours). We categorized each bag after they had been filled with glasses so we could catalog what we were taking. If for some reason we lose a bag on the way due to various airplane changes, etc. - we will know what arrives and what doesn't!
We hope to see roughly 300 people per day while administering the exams and distributing eye glasses in the bush. We are so grateful that God has given us the opportunity to give those who have no ability to see a doctor, much less the means to obtain glasses, the gift of sight! And not only will they be receiving free glasses, they will also have the opportunity to learn about God's free gift of salvation! We have 1300 powerful little tools (glasses) that God has given us to glorify His name. Can I get an Amen?!
Finally, at our last meeting we had an amazing demonstration given to us by Ed and Richard. In John chapter 13, Jesus washes the disciples feet. Particularly verses 12 - 17:
"When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."
As Ed and Richard washed each of our feet, our team gathered in prayer. Aloud we prayed for all parts of the mission, our family members back home, the people of Zambia, our fellow missionaries Amber, Jako and baby Jakob, safe travels and most importantly, that God may be increased in all of our efforts. Jesus, we are truly blessed when we do these things in Your name. Thank you so much for giving each of us the opportunity to share this with You. ~Amen.
The first task we have been given by local missionaries Jako and Amber is to clear 2 hectors of land, to include tree stumps and brush removal, in preparation for planting crops this winter (which is spring in Zambia time). With the orphans living in the first completed orphanage (yay!) they have many more mouths to feed! We are also taking some left over crafts from VBS to make with the orphans and we are very grateful to the VBS children (and Cheryl Lytle) from FBCW for contributing their time, materials and effort making enough blankets to give to each one of them. They will be very warm this winter!
Another ministry that we are very excited about this year is the new Eyeglass Ministry that we prepared for during our training here in Virginia. In May, FBCW hosted a seminar given by Dr. David Curtis to learn the basics in optometry and distributing eyeglasses for foreign missions. Almost the entire team took the seminar and we are well prepared for our task ahead of us! Through Dr. Curtis and the local Lions Club Eyeglass Distribution Center of Northern Virginia, we were able to acquire 1300 pairs of glasses to take on our trip.
It may sound so far, as if we just took a class and ordered some eyeglasses. But the process was much more than anticipated. Once we received the glasses, we had to sort each of them by prescription. And we could only use glasses that fit a certain criteria - so we had to weed out those we were unable to take.
There were about 25 of the rectangular boxes (shown in picture above) filled with anywhere from 75 to 100 glasses. And even though it was a long process to get through them all (about 5 hours), we had a little fun along the way!
After preparing each Ziploc package of glasses by prescription, we were able to arrange them into vacuum seal bags and secure them tightly for our trip (another 5 hours). We categorized each bag after they had been filled with glasses so we could catalog what we were taking. If for some reason we lose a bag on the way due to various airplane changes, etc. - we will know what arrives and what doesn't!
We took the blankets from VBS (mentioned above) and packed the glasses nicely in between each to give them a little cushion! We were also given a lot of clothes from various donors, some even brand new, to take for the people in Zambia as well.
We hope to see roughly 300 people per day while administering the exams and distributing eye glasses in the bush. We are so grateful that God has given us the opportunity to give those who have no ability to see a doctor, much less the means to obtain glasses, the gift of sight! And not only will they be receiving free glasses, they will also have the opportunity to learn about God's free gift of salvation! We have 1300 powerful little tools (glasses) that God has given us to glorify His name. Can I get an Amen?!
Finally, at our last meeting we had an amazing demonstration given to us by Ed and Richard. In John chapter 13, Jesus washes the disciples feet. Particularly verses 12 - 17:
"When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."
As Ed and Richard washed each of our feet, our team gathered in prayer. Aloud we prayed for all parts of the mission, our family members back home, the people of Zambia, our fellow missionaries Amber, Jako and baby Jakob, safe travels and most importantly, that God may be increased in all of our efforts. Jesus, we are truly blessed when we do these things in Your name. Thank you so much for giving each of us the opportunity to share this with You. ~Amen.
We hope that each one of you will continue to return to this blog daily and pray for us as we embark this Wednesday on our journey to Zambia, Africa for yet another amazing year! Thank you so much for each of your prayers and we look forward to sharing this time with you. Please do not hesitate to comment on the blog posts! We would love to hear from you while we are there!
Team Zambia 2010
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