A Slow Opening
At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the reports we received was to expect the continent of Africa to be hit hard. It’s our joy to report that the case, while many in several countries, have not been nearly as bad as predicted! Zambia’s cases increase but the deaths from this virus are nearly nonexistent. Praise God!
President Lungu has started opening businesses, restaurants, and churches again. While there are still restrictions in place (mask in public, no nonessential meetings, no groups of more than 10 people gathered together, only exam grade students allowed to begin classes) it’s a step towards a return to normal. Or as President Lungu says, “the new normal.”
What does this mean for our team in Zambia? Ministry has begun on a restricted basis. Our team is limited to day trip to nearby villages, focusing mainly on visiting people at their homes and taking proper health precautions. As the government of Zambia makes adjustments, so will we.
While I haven’t been back to Simwatachela due to waiting for part for my truck, I was able to join some of our team in Musokotwane. It’s a chiefdom I’m well acquainted with even from when I used to lead our expedition teams during my first five years on staff with Overland. It’s an area that transitioned to full Zambian leadership several years ago and we have thew chance to bring encouragement and vision to some of the leaders.
The men and women on this team have been doing such an amazing job and the testimonies were incredible! Areas that once relied on witchcraft are now meeting together regularly for the sake of the Gospel. Group of children numbering into the hundreds are being raised up knowing the Truth and who they are in Christ.
We spent a lot of time developing vision and strategy with the team to keep pushing forward with the Gospel. It was wonderful to see their excitement and passion for this next season of ministry.
A Look at June
This next month has a lot of potential for getting back to a normal schedule. My truck parts have finally arrived and will be worked on this week. Once it’s all good to go, Abigail, Bernard and I plan non meeting with Chief Simwatachela. We want to discuss with him about opportunities for ministry and how this pandemic has affected the chiefdom.
As soon as more restrictions are lifted, we’ll begin meeting for bible studies and camping in the villages during the week. Until then, we can reach a few places within a day trip and will make that our focus until things change.
Over the Past Weeks…
I’ve seen many posts online saying that 2020 is a waste. We’ve experienced a pandemic and terrible injustices in the taking of innocent lives. But God hasn’t written off this year and neither should we. I truly believe we will look back at this year and see how God has moved in incredible ways. Let us continue to pray in full faith for a radical move of the Lord in every nation, and that the Holy Spirit will move in ways that have yet to ever been seen!
“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.'” Rev 7:9-10
I’m praying for all of you, your families, and the nations. Please feel free to reach out to chat, pray together, and to encourage each other.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support. It means a lot to me and is making a difference in the lives of the people we are reaching in Zambia!
Blessings,
Laura
