(Several years ago, Dwayne Mitchell was the missionary here in Nyimba this story is true and was shared with Kendall and I recently).
As missionaries, we teach Bible Studies in rural villages weekly in order to disciple believers and lead the lost to Christ in a personal setting. One week as Dwayne was traveling to a village approximately 10-15 kilometers from his home in Nyimba he became lost. In order to find this village, where he had only been to one time before, he ended up driving through a certain village several times. This village is steeped in witchcraft and wants nothing to do with Christianity. Dwayne had no idea the spiritual state of this village at the time, so he proceeded to get out of the truck and try to ask someone directions to his destination. Paul Masiye, Dwayne's guard and our gardener now, was with Dwayne to aid him if any trouble occured. As Paul realized that the men were not happy and disturbed by Dwayne's presence, Paul got out of the truck and tried to help resolve the situation. The residents of the village got angry and 3 of the men took Paul and drug him away and Dwayne got in the truck and the residents began to stone the truck. As this was happening, Samson Lungu and Chief Ndake heard of what was happening and they ran to resolve the situation. As they were approaching the 3 men were carrying Paul away to slay him because of what he was there to do, share Jesus Christ alongside a missionary. Chief Ndake was most upset that was happening in his area because he openly welcomes and invites missionaries to serve and minister to the Zambians in his area. He used his position as Chief to protect Dwayne and save Paul's life. Samson Lungu was willing to sacrifice his name and possibly his life for Paul and Dwayne. Paul was willing to die in order that Dwayne would be safe and return home to his family and he never stopped to think about his wife and 3 sons at home, he trusted God and knew that in all things God was in control.
I tell you this story because Kendall has now met all 3 of these amazing men. I have been honored to meet 2 of them. I am humbled by their willingness to do whatever it takes to make sure that their neighbors and fellow Zambians come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. I know that God is honored by the dedication and willingness to serve that were exhibited by the Missionary, Gardener, Chairman, and Chief that day.
Kendall and Chief Ndake Pray for Chief Ndake as he leads and governs the villages around our home.
Kendall and Samson Lungu (Nyimba Baptist Association Chairman)
Pray for Samson Lungu as he leads the Baptist Churches in Nyimba. Pray also for his 10 year old son, Meshach, as he has a severely swollen ankle with no diagnosis.
Paul Masiye
Pray for Paul, his wife, and 4 sons that they would be protected from harm and illness and that they would continue to serve God boldly.
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