Donald At Samfya: Tears at Nseluka

After hearing the report of the graduates work here in Nseluka this evening, I am not ashamed to say I had tears in my eyes as I was overwhelmed by the commitment and drive these brothers and sister have in the work of the Lord. There are eight of them working in a region that has 12 churches – there were only 3 churches when the first graduates began their work here. They have sent out 5 graduates to other regions to pastor churches, some of whom we have meet on this road trip. This group of graduates are highly organised and effective in their ministries. They strategise evangelism activities together in remote areas, teach around the churches here, equip youth and children’s work, women’s ministry… They are passionate and motivated.

They travel many kilometres to achieve their work in these various churches, and one pastor has been sent 80knms away in this region – they try to regularly visit him and his church to encourage their fellow believers, a five hour ride over dirt tracks. To do this work effectively we can help these dear brothers and sisters – here are some areas of urgent need:

· They have identified 6 married couples who would like to study at Samfya Bible School next year. They need sponsorship to help this. Four boxes of Bemba Bibles that they can sell to their congregation people would cover the years fees for these students. One box costs around NZ$300 or $10.75 each.

· New bicycles are needed for the many ministry trips that they are doing. We can actually get a strong bike for NZ$100! Four would be great (one would be given to Pastor Tobias who lives 80kms away and the other three would be held and used for ministry trips). Eight bikes would be even better as they often take extras along for training and exposure in mission.

· When targeting new areas for evangelism and church planting, the village head man will grant a plot for them to live on, however there is no accommodation. Tents are needed to provide shelter for these times. They can be purchased locally for around NZ$85, slightly bigger and better ones for NZ$110. 3-4 tents would be fantastic. Also Solar lights for night time evangelism events in these areas would help. We do not yet have a cost on these.

Such simple needs, but so worthy of help. Would you please pray about this with us. If you would like to support please send me an email at pastor@fpbc.org.nz .

The ongoing needs for Bemba Bibles is beyond what we can even imagine. The generous support that we receive for these Bibles is appreciated, however we are only covering a small part of the needs. Oh to see each family in these churches in rural Zambia with a Bible that they are reading and applying to life.

Thank you for your prayerful interest. I have so much more to report but that would be too much detail right now. Pray for us as we have a church meeting tomorrow here at Nseluka. It is quite cold in the tent tonight – snoring is happening around me! We travel back to Samfya tomorrow afternoon over 560kms – prayers valued!

some of the prospective students