Friend of Encouragement

"I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints; and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ's sake, For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother." Philemon 1:4-7



A week after we got home to Nyimba, we received a phone call from a dear friend, Iwell Phiri. He was calling to see if he could make a trip to Nyimba to welcome us back and to visit with us. We were delighted to have him come for the day. He came on a day in which Kendall was attending a meeting of all of the leaders in Nyimba. It was a blessing for Iwell to be here and to encourage and challenge the leaders of Nyimba. In April of 2007, we met Iwell for the first time at our month long orientation, 40/40. Little did we know that he would hold such a special place in our hearts. Iwell loves the Lord with all of his heart and he truly desires to see Zambians come to know Christ. What is even more encouraging is that he is leading a group of 9 men to a remote place in Mozambique to plant a church where there is none. The timing of his visit was perfect. We were both really frustrated and down about our ministry and some of the things that we were dealing with and Iwell truly encouraged us from God's word and with much wisdom. It is so amazing to know that we have brothers and sisters here that love us enough to travel to visit us and to give us a loving "boost" to continue on in the work that God has called us to. When I read the letter that Paul and Timothy wrote to Philemon, I can't help but think of Iwell. Praise the Lord for friends like him that will walk with us in all circumstances of life. Pray for Iwell and his family that they continue in good health. Pray for him as he leads a church in his town of Sinda. Pray for us as we go to Sinda very soon to show the Jesus Film at a new church plant! Pray for Iwell and the 9 men from Sinda that are traveling to Mozambique to plant churches. Pray for him as he travels to Mozambique to teach at the first Bible School in Zambue next week!