Out of Africa ;-D

Well, there are only 24 hours left of our month in Zambia. The last 2 weeks have absolutely flown! Since the crusade in Kabwe, we’ve been busy each day teaching - Dean continuing with leadership training at Matero CCAP, and Sandy teaching Grades 1-3 at Matero community school and the Women’s Guild.

Mustafa, Shadreck & Wisdom from the Community School

Azbusa (Pastors) Dean Carroll and Chizason Chunda

We have been so encouraged to hear people from the Matero congregation reflecting on our work here. So many in the leadership training seminars have changed their thinking on all sorts of issues as we’ve searched God’s word for answers together. It seems this kind of intensive training and Bible study is very rare here and this is something we are able to offer to the African church. And, as always, we have been the recipients of blessings, too. The beautiful Zambians have shown us such generous hospitality and warmth.

Sunday was the highlight of the past week. During the morning service, Dean baptised 10 young people and 2 babies (wearing the mandatory robe borrowed from Chizason), and 14 young people were confirmed. Dean was also asked to preach and gave a message from Luke 2, when Jesus was presented at the temple and greeted by Simeon and Anna. It tied in well with the baptisms that morning. Once the main worship part of the service was over, we were farewelled in true African style - lots of speeches, singing, dancing and gifts of African clothing and a clock in the shape of Zambia! We also presented some Aussie gifts and gave speeches. For all you Aussie Presbyterians, be encouraged - the Presy church here loves you and they are praying for you!

Dean baptising 10 Catechumen graduates

Our gifts from the Matero Congregation

Tomorrow evening we fly to the Middle East to visit friends working there. More adventures still to be had before we return to Oz! This will be our last blog entry. Thanks for reading. See you all soon....

Anyone for a banana?!