Utilizing the Gift

"Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ." Ephesians 4:11-13

Several pastors in Nyimba have been meeting with Kendall at our home to learn more about their role as pastor and the role of the church. It is a great time of teaching and fellowship for these men to gather together each month. About a year ago, we began asking our prayer partners to intercede with us for these men that they would actually want to come to the times of teaching that Kendall was offering them. PRAISE THE LORD that He answered our prayer and moved in their hearts to desire to know more! Please continue to pray for these men, some of them are facing some difficult circumstances in their homes and in their churches.

From left to right: Benjamin Phiri (Chisomo Baptist), Gordon Phiri (Chansanje Baptist), (purple shirt) Lazarus Phiri (Kapulu Baptist), (next to Kendall in the back) Samson Lungu (New Jerusalem Baptist), Gideon Tembo (Madalitso, Golgotha Baptist), Pastor Benson (Chiyanjano Baptist)

Samson Lungu is one of Kendall's best friends. He has been ministering with Kendall since the first day that we arrived in Nyimba. He is a man of God and loves to share Christ with people in Nyimba and Mozambique. After his harvest, he took the money from his crop and bought a motorbike. Samson has used his motorbike as a ministry to the people in his village and others in Nyimba. He transports sick people to the hospital and transports goods to and from his village. Just this past week he returned home from spending two weeks in Mozambique where he went to some very remote places (that are considered to be a part of our ministry area) to survey the villages and preach. At one location, 72 people prayed to receive Christ and another location 73 people prayed. At this location, Samson was able to plant a church there. This Sunday, Kendall will travel to that village to preach and encourage them. Praise the Lord for Samson and his dedication to sharing the love of Jesus Christ with those who live near him and far away.

All of the pastors have a bike, our yard is like the bike parking lot when they all come to our house! I just thought that this was a unique picture because they all came to learn more about God's Word and now they are being sent out to live and teach what they have learned with their churches and family.