Sharing Jesus and VBS

Today we were scheduled to share the gospel from hut to hut in the compound where we are planting a new church. Well- so much for plans!

There was a death among the membership of Joyful Baptist Church and in African culture the entire congregation attends the funeral. So, all our interpreters and the Pastor were suddenly unavailable this morning.

So, we went to plan B. Jeff Lowe the IMB missionary we work with has had a ministry with street vendors for over 5 years and has been training them to share Christ. So, they served as our interpreters and we hit the streets around the IMB Compound/Guest House.

Here are some testimonies that were shared tonight when we debriefed:

Bill Andrews: I was definitely the most scared, most nervous of anyone about sharing Jesus but when I opened my mouth- it just flowed. Three men I shared with prayed to trust Jesus as Savior. It's amazing what happens when you just get out there.

Greg Davis: For the very first time I was able to share the gospel, thanks to all the training we did before the trip. I started sharing with four men on the street when others started to join us. By the end, there was a total of 19 people that had gathered and were listening intently. It is amazing how hungry people here are for truth.

Gabriel Curtis: I loved sharing the gospel on the streets but what I was struck by is just how much I learned from being on our team and watching our African national interpreters. This is why we came all this way.

Cynthia Mate: Today I shared the gospel with someone for the first time and to think it was in Africa! I wasn't really nervous, it was weird. I knew what to share but it was hard to get started. I got to watch Jeff Lowe and Donnie share first and it gave me confidence. When I started to draw the illustration called Two kingdoms in the dirt with a stick- it just flowed from there.

Grace Krenzer: Before we came, I had prayed over and over that I would be able to lead at least one person to Christ while in Zambia. It was so amazing when the one person was the very first person which whom I shared the gospel.

Ashton Collida: I was very nervous about having to share the gospel so I asked several people to go before me. When it was my turn the words just seemed to come. And, then I couldn't believe that later I asked "Can I share next?" It's awesome.

160 Kids at VBS!

This afternoon we arrived at Green Villa Private School and were met by the Headmaster and Owner of the school. They welcomed us officially and brought the students outside for our opening rally. We sang songs with them and then sent them to their respective groups including Bible Story Time, Crafts and Recreation.

Grace Krenzer doing craft times with children who have never seen crayons.

The parachute was a HUGE hit with the kids. These are simple things, but they are so new to these kids. 

Zambian are generally of a small stature.  These children have never seen a man as big as Greg Davis.  They were facinated.

The heart of the gospel is shared each Jesus in our Bible Story time.  Pictured are Gene Krenzer, Jessica Weinheimer, Hadassah Lowe, and Lydia Hogan. 

Prayer Requests:

• Continued health and energy for our team during these long days.
• The hearts of the people of Zambia that we encounter to be open to the Gospel.
• That the evangelism efforts in Chazanga compound will be successful toward planting the new church that will meet at Green Villa School. 
• Boldness to share the Gospel.

It is so encouraging to know that so many of you have visited this blog and prayed for us already.  Thank you for your faithfulness.  

"I planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase." 1 Corinthians 3:6