Church Under The Mango Trees

100 kilometers (61 miles) from our home, down a rocky and steep road, lies a village. 400 meters from that village next to the Luangwa River lies a beautiful orchard of mango trees. In that orchard underneath the trees sat 175 people singing praises to the Lord and joyful at the arrival of the missionary and his family. They greeted the family with open arms and welcomed them in song. The breeze was gentle but was a relief from the extreme heat, the shade was abundant, and the Holy Spirit was there, it was church as I had always imagined in Africa. In nature, with my brothers and sisters of another tongue, sitting on the ground on a reed mat, and truly worshiping the Creator in His creation. What better place for Kendall to preach on John 3:1-21(eternal life and baptism) than a church that lies on the banks of a river?

"How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!" Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." John 3:4-8

Praise the Lord for Ledson Baptist Church along the Luangwa River. Praise the Lord for the young leaders that are desiring to learn more about Jesus Christ! Praise the Lord for the 35 people that prayed to receive Jesus Christ today. Pray for the rains to be plentiful but not in excess this year. Pray for a good crop, good health, and continued willingness to know more about Jesus Christ!

The road that we traveled on for approximately 3 kilometers. This picture makes the road look good, but it was a 1st gear 4-wheel-drive kind of road!

In the distance you can see the village that we would eventually arrive at. It is so dry right now, so the beauty of this area is lacking right now, but when the rains come it is beautiful!

The children were so happy when we arrived! They ran alongside and in front of the truck from the rocky road all the way to the village! Kendall and I were amazed at their physical stamina in the heat and then running barefooted on those sharp rocks!

The village

Walking from the village to the mango orchard which lies on the Luangwa River banks.

Ledson Baptist Church welcoming us with a beautiful chorus. I love the drums, the coke bottle lid tambourine, and the beautiful untrained voices that God has blessed them with!

Before worship began

The women and children of Ledson Baptist.

Ledson Family

The men of Ledson

Lily sitting with Daddy after church was over.

The view from Ledson across the river. The sandbar is all that you can see right now, but how beautiful this would have been with water!