An Eternal Friendship

A year ago, God used a tragedy to bring about hope and encouragement for two missionary families living in Nyimba, Zambia. We pulled into our gate from an early morning outing when suddenly a man who was afraid and desperate came asking if Kendall could transport his wife to the hospital. He said that he saw the "Baptist Mission of Zambia" logo on our truck and knew that we would help. He then explained that he was a Reformed Baptist missionary and that his wife, Anna, had just miscarried their baby and she needed medical attention immediately. Who knew that out of that tragedy, God would bring a family into our lives that has blessed us so much.

"But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." 

Acts 6:4

Charles and Kendall have become excellent friends. He comes over once a month or more to discuss ministry and culture with Kendall. Charles is originally from Petauke and he is Nsenga. God has allowed him the awesome opportunity to attend seminary in Botswana and is now a home missionary that is sent out from Kabwata Baptist Church in Lusaka, Zambia. Rev. Conrad Mbewe is the pastor of Kabwata and has been called the Spurgeon of Africa and has an amazing vision of church planting in Africa. Charles is a missionary that has been sent out from that church.
Charles has faced much adversity in reaching the people of Nyimba for Jesus Christ. He is a faithful man of prayer and has been striving for more than two years to see people come to Christ. He is so faithful to pour his heart out to Kendall concerning the cultural issues plaguing  Nyimba, the witchcraft, and the true lives of those around us that are considered to be Christians. Charles is honest, transparent, and a true follower of Jesus Christ. His life's goal is to see the Kingdom furthered by people coming to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and the eternal salvation that only HE can give.

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'"  Matthew 25:21

Today, Charles came over and was sharing with us about the missions conference that he will be speaking at this weekend. As I was typing some information for him to share, I couldn't help but be awed by the perspective that he presented. As an American, we see things through different "cultural glasses" than a Zambian would. Charles' heart was truly defined today. Here are his words in regards to the challenges that he faces on a daily basis:
CHALLENGES

1)     - The growing demand for the right personnel with a vision to lead new ministries.

2)     - False conversions and gradual growth for the converted.

3)     -  Procrastination and laziness breeding lack of commitment and inconsistency, bearing poverty as its fruit. 

It 
    His heart continued in his prayer requests:

P

- That God may raise for us men who will faithfully execute God’s will in His household.

2)      - Pray for radical and genuine conversions.

3)      - Pray against the spirit of procrastination and laziness.

4)      - That God may help us build the main Sanctuary as He raises men with a (flame/burning) conviction to do the work.

     I am humbled. My heart is opened even more to the perspective of our national brothers and sisters who truly follow Jesus Christ with all of their hearts. Please pray for Charles and Anna and their two children as they seek to complete the work that God has called them to here in Nyimba. Continue to pray for Nyimba Reformed Baptist Church, there are now 21 members all who are followers of Jesus Christ! Pray for continued growth in their lives. Life is not easy for them but God is faithful and we are so blessed by their friendship. I know that no matter what, the Mwanza family will always be near to our hearts. Pray that Anna would have a healthy pregnancy and delivery of their third child. Pray for Charles not to be discouraged as he continues to plow the "hard ground" in Nyimba. Pray for them that God would continue to provide for their every need.

    It is so awesome to know that Paul in his missionary journeys had men just like Charles to encourage him as well. Read what Paul writes to the church at Colosse regarding these men.

    "As to all my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information. For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts; and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of your number. They will inform you about the whole situation here." Colossians 4:7-9

Anna and Charles in the field that their church has planted using a tool called "God's Way of Farming" which is a way of farming that is better for the earth.

God's faithful laborers, despite the adversity they have faced, they are faithful and persistent in all things. Praise the Lord for their hearts and lives!

The corn in the church's field.

Peanuts or as the Zambians would say, groundnuts.