"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perserverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2
Today was our goodbye gathering with the leadership of Nyimba. Kendall and I both were excited yet sad about this time. We have made so many good friends here and seen the Lord do things we never thought we would have been blessed to be a part of. Seeing lives changed and people truly following Jesus for no other reason but that they love Him so. The past 5+ years have been a blessing. We cannot wait to see many of these faces again one day in Heaven for we know that will be a day of true rejoicing when we meet each other again but more importantly we see our Savior face to face!
The leaders of the churches of Nyimba that gathered for the leadership conference and were there to formally say good-bye. We are overwhelmed at the love that they have shown us and that this many people came in the rainy season to see us off! God is good and we cannot wait to sing, dance, and praise our Savior in Heaven together one day!
My three Zambian sisters, Zeria, Amai Tembo, and Bertha, were there for our special day. I am going to miss these three women so much. They have known our family since May 2007. We have been through some amazing, scary, and memorable times together!
Kendall preached with all of his heart this morning. He preached through the passages of Scripture in the book of Matthew where Jesus called disciples and asked them to follow Him. He was emotional and the people were able to see the depth of his love for them.
The association presented us with tablecloths that had been hand sewn and reminded us not to let our hearts be troubled but to keep our eyes on Jesus!
My sisters in Christ...Amai Tembo and Bertha. These women have truly encouraged me, loved me, and taught me so much about true faith in the Lord. I will miss laughing with them, teaching with them, singing with them, and dancing with them!
Jumbe has become a part of our family! Praise the Lord for the God-ordained meeting on the road one hot October afternoon. From that day on, Jumbe has grown in the Lord and truly desires to follow Jesus in all things!
A meeting is not official without an outdoor kitchen, smoky fire, and some food being prepared to feed hungry mouths!
My girls love Cynthia! She truly is a dear friend!
Eating nshima with Amai Tembo, Cynthia, Zeria, Melvin, and Bertha. This is a tradition that we will all miss dearly!
As Kendall looked out among the leaders today and saw this man, Victor Zulu, his eyes filled with tears as he remembered the first time meeting Victor. A drunk with no hope. Today, he praises Jesus with all of his heart and was the first man in Nyimba to plant a second generation church, Mbuzi Baptist. Today Mbuzi is still going strong and growing after only 3 years! Praise the Lord!
These three young men: Zebron, Peter, and Whiteson are three youth who are doing an awesome job following the Lord and desire to grow! They are leading the youth. Pray for them because they are the future of the Nyimba Association!
Easton cries when he thinks about not seeing Melvin again.
What better way to say goodbye than making FUN memories with our best friends!!!
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