"For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness", has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." 2 Corinthians 4:5-6
In the last few days people have been asking, "where are you moving to?". Well, we are glad that you asked! The International Mission Board requires all career missionaries to complete a year or even 2 of language school before actually beginning to fulfill the job request we are assigned to. Kendall and I have completed our one year of language school in a town called Chipata. (Chipata is located 20 minutes west of the Malawi border.) On Monday, we are moving to the town of Nyimba (Nee-m-bah) which is 2 1/2 hours west of Chipata and is located 3 1/2 hours from the capital of Zambia, Lusaka.
Nyimba is where we are called to encourage and strengthen the leaders of the local churches. Nyimba is also the best place for us to live in order to reach the unreached people group, Nsenga (N-Sang-a) of Mozambique. Missionaries in Mozambique cannot reach these people because there is a mountain range separating them, therefore, reaching them from the Zambia side is the most efficient way to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. From what we know about the Nsenga is that there are only about 80 Christians and just 11 churches. The road to Mozambique is very rough because it is not maintained. The road is also dangerous and full of active land mines left from the war that took place there several years ago. We are so excited to move to our own home! Yes, our apartment at seminary was our home and our many homes between but this is a house with a yard and trees and we are so ecstatic! Lily asks daily, "is today the day we go to Nyimba?"and we reply, "Monday, we go to Nyimba to live!" So, I only have a few pictures of our house but there will be more as we get settled in so you all can have a glimpse into our dwelling in Zambia!
-Pray for the logistics of moving that everything will go smoothly.
-Pray that the truck will not breakdown on the way there.
-Pray that satan will not put doubt in our minds and that the peace that comes from
Jesus Christ and passes all understanding will flood our hearts and minds.
Thank you for continuing to follow us in this amazing journey! Soon, we will have pictures of the Nsenga and will know more about them as a people group!
Kitchen, utility room, and pantry
Front door and dining area
5 comments:
Greetings from Texas! I enjoy keeping up with your family through your blog. You had said in this post, "The road is also dangerous and full of active land mines left from the war that took place there several years ago.
We are so excited to move to our own home!" What a great attitude! Keep it up! Your new house looks absolutely beautiful! Can't wait to read all about your new adventures as you finally get to move to your new place of service.
i had no idea that you guys were in Chipata just for language school. YEA for your new house!! i know you will dearly miss the friends you have made in Chipata, but I know that your time there has been life changing for those you befriended. Can't wait to hear your stories about reaching out to the Nsenga people!
Hey! I am always so blessed when I visit your blog. I pray your move goes (or went) well and that you settle in quickly.
We saw your prayer card on the wall at Wedgwood Baptist Church last Sunday. This was our church for four years when we lived in Ft. W. many moons ago. It was fun to see friends up there.
We are returning to Moz. from STAS next month.
Blessings!
Wow, it looks beautiful. Look forward to hearing more about your new place and service there. We will continue to pray for y'all!
JOY!!!! Hi! It's Christie (Smith) Elliott =) I found your site through Stephanie's. I had no idea what all you & Kendall were up to! Praise the Lord! I just read about 50 posts, dating back to when Lily was born. Hehehe! Wow. I can't believe you have 3 kids, too. It is so great to be in touch! God bless; you will be in my prayers!!
Post a Comment