Saturday, July 30, 2011

Final Thoughts from Kelli

Hi All,
I can't believe that my stay here in Africa is coming to a close. We have one more day to evangelize here in Nyimba and then on Wednesday we leave for Lusaka so I can catch my flight out on Thursday. This time has gone by incredibly fast but will never be forgotten!
Much has occurred over the past couple of days and I'm sorry for not providing an update more often. Since last Thursday, we have visited various parts of the Boma (the area here close to Joy & Kendall's house) and have shared the gospel with over 15 people, many of whom prayed the sinner's prayer and asked Christ into their hearts. Many of them also claim to attend some of the other local churches but have never heard the foundation of the gospel and the truth about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. One of the individuals we met with today has studied the Bible and was very interested in the end times and so he is planning to come for a visit tomorrow for a bible study of Daniel and
Revelation. I'm looking forward to this conversation as I find the end times very interesting as well.
In addition to doing evangelism here in the Boma, we have visited 2 villages: Petauke & Chitepo. In Petauke, we went to the market and I was able to purchase some "chitenges" which are the wraps that women wear around their legs. (On Sunday, we salted them and washed them so they will hold their color. They are very beautiful.)


After our visit to the Petauke market, we went to see Zeria's
sister and her family. We visited with them, sang songs, had lunch, and Joy provided a word of encouragement. I was also given the opportunity to carry water on my head like the Zambian women do. These pictures are great as well!

 It was a wonderful visit and they are truly a Godly family who is in need of our prayers! 
 That afternoon we also visited with Amai Tembo who, with her husband, are Zambian missionaries. We laughed, ate again and sang more songs. 

Bertha and her daughter, Cynthia, went with us and I had a great time playing with Cynthia. She is a precious 4 year old that can sing beautifully and is full of joy and laughter! 

When we got home, there was very little electricity so Joy had to light a fire and we had chicken fajitas.

On Saturday, we visited the village of Chitepo. When we got there, a group of villagers were already
singing and waiting for our arrival. After brief introductions, Samson stayed with the group to deliver a message and Joy, Jumbe, Zeria and I ventured into the village to meet with individuals. We presented the gospel and gave our testimonies to several individuals. 

It was also a great visit and based on the things we learned, Kendall is going to continue efforts to plant a Baptist church within the village. I've learned that the hardest part to "church planting" is finding a good leader. I pray that a good leader will surface for the people of Chitepo!
On Sunday, we visited the New Jerusalem (Baptist) Church which is where Samson is the pastor. During the service, they officially welcomed me and I was also able to give my testimony. Zeria gave her testimony and Kendall delivered the message. When we first arrived, there were not many people but as the service continued, people kept arriving and there was a good number of people there by
the end of the service. After the service, I stood outside and each member came by and shook my hand to welcome me. After which, they all gathered together and I took their picture. This will be a great memory as well. Everyone was so very nice and welcoming!
I guess the only remaining item to report is that Kendall and I have continued our Bible Study of Acts and Revelation. I've really enjoyed our discussions and have learned so much in such a short amount of time. Please pray that even when I return to the States that I can continue to be excited and diligent in reading God's word. Since studying with Kendall, I've come to realize my laziness in studying God's word and how much knowledge and strength can be obtained from Bible Study. This was one of my main hopes in coming here! God is good!

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