I have failed to write out many of notes the past few days just because the immense amount of meetings and field work that the Lord has provided us with. I'm sitting here in the internet cafe finishing up another long hour of writing up my journal entries maybe 20 miles away from Linda. It's hard to believe that the same country can have such a nice interent cafe and the run down what some may call slums.
The last few days have a few important notes that I'd like to describe.
For most of my time here in Zambia, I, like most college students have done my best to sleep in, this however hasn't meant the 10 or 11 am that most have the luxury to, but nearly 8 or 8:30. The problem with this time however, is that most Zambian days start around 6 or even 5:30 am. Wanting to try this out, and under the encouragement of Nicholas, I have started my day at 5:30 both of these past days and went out running with Nicholas. We have done sprints up and down some of the local hills. While this will never rival the workouts that my brother often does for track, I feel blessed to have the opportunity now to watch the sunrise each morning as I jog around and do some workouts. This gives me time as well to reflect and think about how God has blessed me in such incredible ways in Zambia, not only in keeping me safe but teaching me valuable lessons that I never would have thought were possible. Aside from that he has blessed me with amazing parents and friends who have cared for me. He has blessed me with you the reader, allowing me to place these thoughts on paper and than convey them at a later time to you. Your support and prayers are felt in immense ways. It really puts a whole new perspective on Paul's 1st Corinth's chapter 13.
We got a surprise visit from good old Justin Makowski and his brother's Will and Nathan yesterday. It was great to meet other fellow brothers in Christ. Nathan and Justin were finishing up a 10 day trip here in Zambia where they visited their brother Will who is serving in the peace corps. Justin was able to join up with me in practicing with the soccer team yesterday. Justin and Nathan flew out this afternoon back to the states. As excited as I was for them to return, I can't help but wonder what feelings I'm going to have 6 weeks from now, it just gives me the shivers on what it's going to feel like to leave this place, my transition from college to here was so fast, I'll be honest college now feels like a great but distant memory.
I feel like I'm just rambling now, but thank you again for reading, and God bless you all. If you have any questions or just want to write, my most used e-mail address at this point is samuel.tzou@hope.edu. know that I'm praying for all of you as well. God Bless. Until Next time.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Tuesday, May 24
We spent an extended amount of time today washing sand for the morning for the water filter. What surprised me is what a large following our group got as youth from the area were all interested in helping out with washing sand. It took nearly 3 hours to wash sand. When washing sand for the water filter, it is necessary that the water in the sand must become completely clear. This process was most tiring even with the help of the local youth including Warren, a 21 year old soccer player who has recently began hanging around LOH since my arrival.
The lord today also provided a few opportunities for us to have a few meetings with area officials including a local college official who may allow LOH to hold a basketball clinic. While I'm def. not the most qualified basketball instructor for a team in the US by any means, basketball is quite a new sport to Zambia, which has allowed me to coach a lot of the local youth on the sport including my host brother Jospeh, who as I have mentoined looks a lot like Miami Heat power forward Chris Bosh.
Our bible study tonight also was most enlightening. I think what I have found the most amazing at my time in Zambia has been the immense amount of spiritual support that has came from different corners of this organization. one inidvidual I have really grown to appreciate has been pastor Kris, a pastor currently serving in Mozambique. He is currently serving there, but was visiting pastor Stranter Phiri. His testimony of faith and understanding has truly been one of incredible enlightment as he preached on Matthew 24:14, when I have more time I will write his full inspiration out from the evening.
The lord today also provided a few opportunities for us to have a few meetings with area officials including a local college official who may allow LOH to hold a basketball clinic. While I'm def. not the most qualified basketball instructor for a team in the US by any means, basketball is quite a new sport to Zambia, which has allowed me to coach a lot of the local youth on the sport including my host brother Jospeh, who as I have mentoined looks a lot like Miami Heat power forward Chris Bosh.
Our bible study tonight also was most enlightening. I think what I have found the most amazing at my time in Zambia has been the immense amount of spiritual support that has came from different corners of this organization. one inidvidual I have really grown to appreciate has been pastor Kris, a pastor currently serving in Mozambique. He is currently serving there, but was visiting pastor Stranter Phiri. His testimony of faith and understanding has truly been one of incredible enlightment as he preached on Matthew 24:14, when I have more time I will write his full inspiration out from the evening.
Monday, May 23
(As the days blend together, it seems that the only thing that can keep things straight is when I sit down with my journal to think about it.)
Our finance meeting lasted a total of 4 hours today. As revealed by the lord through our meeting, we found that this program has little to no sustainable programs. The fact of the matter is almost all work here is completely voluntary. What administrators eventually came to realize through our discussions, is why should they spend all the $$ on the soccer team when they could spend it on the discouraged volunteers who have to back off their responsibilites because they have no job and have a family to support. Even Nicholas, one of the soccer players who has been extremly helpful here at LOH with my water sanitation project, spoke up that he believe in the interest of LOH, unless improvements were made, he believed the soccer team should be dropped.
Nic is a 23 year old carpenter, who had a 11th grade education before dropping out. His english is pretty good, and he wears his hair like Ronaldinho. He's cool calm and collected, what I found so interesting about the statement he made was why he did it with a lot of conviction. Here was a plyaer, who once confided in me that his goal in life at this current point due to his lack of education and due to his lack of support from his family, was to become a professional soccer player. This team his one of his main opportunities to move on to the next level and showcase his talents ( he's one of the best players on the team). And here he was willing to lay it all on the line and say that if it was God's will he was willing to drop the dream via LOH for the good of the organization. He was an individual with true faith. It's moments like these that really make me stop and think what am I willing to give up for the Lord.
In the evening the Lord gave me an opportunity to speak with some of the coaches. The Lord opened their hearts in my opinion, because I'm not sure otherwise if they would have accepted my opinions abut how the team needed not just the discipline in practice and on the field, but that it needed the discipline that the organization represented. This Saturday we are hoping to plan a workshop for the players for them to truly understand what LOH does to serve the community, because we believe maybe even some of the players don't understand what sort of services the organization that they have played for and freeloaded equipment and gameplay off of for the last 2 or 3 years.;
Our finance meeting lasted a total of 4 hours today. As revealed by the lord through our meeting, we found that this program has little to no sustainable programs. The fact of the matter is almost all work here is completely voluntary. What administrators eventually came to realize through our discussions, is why should they spend all the $$ on the soccer team when they could spend it on the discouraged volunteers who have to back off their responsibilites because they have no job and have a family to support. Even Nicholas, one of the soccer players who has been extremly helpful here at LOH with my water sanitation project, spoke up that he believe in the interest of LOH, unless improvements were made, he believed the soccer team should be dropped.
Nic is a 23 year old carpenter, who had a 11th grade education before dropping out. His english is pretty good, and he wears his hair like Ronaldinho. He's cool calm and collected, what I found so interesting about the statement he made was why he did it with a lot of conviction. Here was a plyaer, who once confided in me that his goal in life at this current point due to his lack of education and due to his lack of support from his family, was to become a professional soccer player. This team his one of his main opportunities to move on to the next level and showcase his talents ( he's one of the best players on the team). And here he was willing to lay it all on the line and say that if it was God's will he was willing to drop the dream via LOH for the good of the organization. He was an individual with true faith. It's moments like these that really make me stop and think what am I willing to give up for the Lord.
In the evening the Lord gave me an opportunity to speak with some of the coaches. The Lord opened their hearts in my opinion, because I'm not sure otherwise if they would have accepted my opinions abut how the team needed not just the discipline in practice and on the field, but that it needed the discipline that the organization represented. This Saturday we are hoping to plan a workshop for the players for them to truly understand what LOH does to serve the community, because we believe maybe even some of the players don't understand what sort of services the organization that they have played for and freeloaded equipment and gameplay off of for the last 2 or 3 years.;
May 22
We attended a couple of church services today in the area, making connections with local pastors as well as ministers to get a better understanding of the Linda Compound. I found a new and a better appreciation for the church's in this area after giving about 3 sermons the past few days to have the word of God opened and hear what God has laid on someone else's heart.
We hope that the Lord may use these connections in the future for us to work with additional churches in the near or far future. Time and time again the lord has laid on my heart to stress to the community here about the importance of the Body of Christ, and how together we can meet our spiritual, physical and mental needs. It's become evident at least for now under the spirit's guiding, that nothing that it's going to be the motivation of the locals that we get any of these projects done. For it's they that can't pay $$ for their son's education, it's they that have to live with a meal or 1/2 a meal a day. It's them that end up in bars as they are bored out of their minds. They have no job, and can't seem to get off their different addictions. As much as my observations are present, I think it's time to rethink how we work.
Tomorrow we are sitting down to go over some of the finances of this organization. On a side note, the soccer team won its game today at a goal in the closing minutes. during the celebration all of the players ran over the corner that Bianca and I were standing and celebrated in a sort of huddle around us. It was quite an interesting way to be mobbed by a group of players.
We hope that the Lord may use these connections in the future for us to work with additional churches in the near or far future. Time and time again the lord has laid on my heart to stress to the community here about the importance of the Body of Christ, and how together we can meet our spiritual, physical and mental needs. It's become evident at least for now under the spirit's guiding, that nothing that it's going to be the motivation of the locals that we get any of these projects done. For it's they that can't pay $$ for their son's education, it's they that have to live with a meal or 1/2 a meal a day. It's them that end up in bars as they are bored out of their minds. They have no job, and can't seem to get off their different addictions. As much as my observations are present, I think it's time to rethink how we work.
Tomorrow we are sitting down to go over some of the finances of this organization. On a side note, the soccer team won its game today at a goal in the closing minutes. during the celebration all of the players ran over the corner that Bianca and I were standing and celebrated in a sort of huddle around us. It was quite an interesting way to be mobbed by a group of players.
May 21
I'm in a very on fire mood as I write this blog post ( well actually I wasn't really seeing that I'm typing this a week later) however, today the Lord for some reason chose to give me some insight as well as give me the courage to speak up about some of the aspects here at Light of Hope is experiencing.
As much as the organization here is providing new and incredible services to the community, the organization at times lacks man power, but in addition the mere motivation to move forward. One of the biggest points that I can't understand is how much this organization takes to support its soccer team. The program costs for transportation as well as league payments are unbelievably high. Morever, what really makes it hard for me is that the program in my eyes at least so far hasn't accomplished what it set out to do. As great as the team is, the program struggles to truly build up the leaders of tomorrow. Talented soccer players show up drunk every day. The team lacks the chemistry that would be present at times of a Hope college intramural basketball team. Struggling to see if these were observations that the lord wanted me to share, I kept quiet for some time, however the director as well some of the players have been approaching me recently asking me on how they view the organization's finances. Only then under the spirit's guidance have we negotiated a series of meetings with coaches and the players with the goal of perhaps having the players come to the point of understanding for this organization on how they can better improve their team system and make it a sustainable soccer team vs.one that is draining money out of a NPO.
As much as the organization here is providing new and incredible services to the community, the organization at times lacks man power, but in addition the mere motivation to move forward. One of the biggest points that I can't understand is how much this organization takes to support its soccer team. The program costs for transportation as well as league payments are unbelievably high. Morever, what really makes it hard for me is that the program in my eyes at least so far hasn't accomplished what it set out to do. As great as the team is, the program struggles to truly build up the leaders of tomorrow. Talented soccer players show up drunk every day. The team lacks the chemistry that would be present at times of a Hope college intramural basketball team. Struggling to see if these were observations that the lord wanted me to share, I kept quiet for some time, however the director as well some of the players have been approaching me recently asking me on how they view the organization's finances. Only then under the spirit's guidance have we negotiated a series of meetings with coaches and the players with the goal of perhaps having the players come to the point of understanding for this organization on how they can better improve their team system and make it a sustainable soccer team vs.one that is draining money out of a NPO.
May 20
We came into town today to buy some additional equipment for the Aqua Clara water filter. It was quite a short trip, after a short visit to the internet cafe we grabbed a bite to eat at small pizza shop. What's interesting here is that pizza's in Zambia are all very small, about the size of a pizza hut personal pan pizza and the expect us to split one between 3 people. So when we ordered one for each of us as well as for Joseph, who came along once again, we got quite a few strange looks from the locals. To our sorry surprise, this was the first time that Joseph had ever tried pizza before! He claimed it was one of the best food that he ever ate.
The Lord provided in the afternoon several individuals in the area who will be working with us on the water fitler with us. This will save us significant amounts of time as these plumbers and workers will save us time from having to go into town to finish some of the work.
It's hard to imagine that it's been only about 10 days since arriving in Zambia, harder to believe is that 14 days ago I was checking out residents in Wyckoff Hall. Everything just feels so far away. The Lord has given me an opportunity to speak at the local nutrition bible study once again tomorrow, I will be speaking on 2nd Timothy as well as Job, when describing what true faith is as we have it rest in God. Please pray that the lord provides with me the words to speak and the energy and passion for him for his direction.
The Lord provided in the afternoon several individuals in the area who will be working with us on the water fitler with us. This will save us significant amounts of time as these plumbers and workers will save us time from having to go into town to finish some of the work.
It's hard to imagine that it's been only about 10 days since arriving in Zambia, harder to believe is that 14 days ago I was checking out residents in Wyckoff Hall. Everything just feels so far away. The Lord has given me an opportunity to speak at the local nutrition bible study once again tomorrow, I will be speaking on 2nd Timothy as well as Job, when describing what true faith is as we have it rest in God. Please pray that the lord provides with me the words to speak and the energy and passion for him for his direction.
Friday, May 20, 2011
May 19
Today was the longest day of my life, and I'm still not quite sure why or how to describe all of it. I woke up early around 7 to meet with Pastor Phiri about the state of the community of Linda. We discussed the different churches in Linda as well as the large amount of growth of Jehovah's witnesses that have created a popular following here in Linda. All we can do as of now is to continue to show love towards these individuals. Please pray that the Lord would give us more opportunities to share our faith with these individuals. We also began more construction today gathering sand and pea gravel for the Bio Sands water filter. We are very excited to get this project started.
The main reason behind this is because the filter will provide, lord willingly, 40 liters of water a day for families. This clean water is much better alternative to those who are drinking out of local area streams and wells. Many of these families also reject drinking water with chlorinated content as they claim they are "allergic to chlorine".
In the afternoon Jospeh and I took another trip to the local college by bike to play basektball. Thus began a series of unforutnate events. On the way there, I lost control of a bike in a dark alley and ran into these trees on my right, these trees sent me flailing to the left where I hit the brick wall and then bounced back into the trees. Fortunately by the grace of God I was not seriously hurt save a few scratches. We traded bikes, but this bike's chain kept falling off, which slowed our 40 minute trip to almost an hour. At one point the chain fell off as I was by a drainage ditch . And my bike started slipping into the deepest drainage ditch in Zambia. ( Zambia almost has no drainage ditches, which is what made this so special.) I was able to jump off the bike before it landed into the ditch or else I would have been seriously injured.
We somehow arrived to the basketball court, and started playing. Now that I have shaken off the rust of playing on a different continent. I was able to play more comfortably as a point guard. With Jospeh, myself and Mike, one of Jospeh's friends, and two other locals we were able to dominate beating 3 different teams that came our way. I also met my first actually ripped Zambian today, he happened to be on the other team. The size of his arms made him look like a D.1 football player which was most interesting, because most Zambians don't have access to the gym here. I'd like to suggest that together Mike Jospeh and I are Boston's Big 3, (my least favorite team), but we don't really have a Ray Allen. I suppose we could be Miami's Big 3, because Joseph looks like Chris Bosh, but I am definitely not a Lebron James, and for sure there was no D-Wade on the court. (Maybe we can be the pistons, when Greg Monroe starts to dominate in the next few years?) Nonetheless, my series of unfortunate events didn't end despite our winnings, I suffered the worse charlie horse as we finished beating the third team from the college. I could barely walk on one leg as I hopped to the bike. Fortunately however, after praying for the leg, God miraculously allowed my leg to instantly become able to bike back to Linda. It was only by him.
There are so many other spiritually amazing things I would like to share, but I only have some many minutes to type. Until next time my brothers and sisters. God bless you all.
The main reason behind this is because the filter will provide, lord willingly, 40 liters of water a day for families. This clean water is much better alternative to those who are drinking out of local area streams and wells. Many of these families also reject drinking water with chlorinated content as they claim they are "allergic to chlorine".
In the afternoon Jospeh and I took another trip to the local college by bike to play basektball. Thus began a series of unforutnate events. On the way there, I lost control of a bike in a dark alley and ran into these trees on my right, these trees sent me flailing to the left where I hit the brick wall and then bounced back into the trees. Fortunately by the grace of God I was not seriously hurt save a few scratches. We traded bikes, but this bike's chain kept falling off, which slowed our 40 minute trip to almost an hour. At one point the chain fell off as I was by a drainage ditch . And my bike started slipping into the deepest drainage ditch in Zambia. ( Zambia almost has no drainage ditches, which is what made this so special.) I was able to jump off the bike before it landed into the ditch or else I would have been seriously injured.
We somehow arrived to the basketball court, and started playing. Now that I have shaken off the rust of playing on a different continent. I was able to play more comfortably as a point guard. With Jospeh, myself and Mike, one of Jospeh's friends, and two other locals we were able to dominate beating 3 different teams that came our way. I also met my first actually ripped Zambian today, he happened to be on the other team. The size of his arms made him look like a D.1 football player which was most interesting, because most Zambians don't have access to the gym here. I'd like to suggest that together Mike Jospeh and I are Boston's Big 3, (my least favorite team), but we don't really have a Ray Allen. I suppose we could be Miami's Big 3, because Joseph looks like Chris Bosh, but I am definitely not a Lebron James, and for sure there was no D-Wade on the court. (Maybe we can be the pistons, when Greg Monroe starts to dominate in the next few years?) Nonetheless, my series of unfortunate events didn't end despite our winnings, I suffered the worse charlie horse as we finished beating the third team from the college. I could barely walk on one leg as I hopped to the bike. Fortunately however, after praying for the leg, God miraculously allowed my leg to instantly become able to bike back to Linda. It was only by him.
There are so many other spiritually amazing things I would like to share, but I only have some many minutes to type. Until next time my brothers and sisters. God bless you all.
May 18
I slept in today mainly because my phone ran out of battery so its alarm didn't wake me up. We ran some surveys this morning with the women in the community on PMTCT practices as well as other public health realted practices. What suprises me here is the education level of many of the people that we interview. The average education level that we have interviewed is less than 7th grade, for women, it's around 4th to 5th grade.
We also started to build a filter, we are still searching for a plumber in the area who may be able to provide us with some PVC material and threading practices. We also got to meet with the director of the local health clinic ran by the government and he was very interested in meeting with us in the future.
In the afternoon I went to train with the Light of Hope team that the shoes were donated for. We ran a drill where we played soccer 1 v. 1 the entire field. I learned today despite the fact that God has blessed me with stamina (somewhat) and the ability to sprint (okay, so maybe not that fast), my legs are no match against Zambian legs when we are playing on gravel and dirt. Even so most players claimed I held my own in other defensive drills stopping the offense from scoring.
I got another opportunity to lead a bible study today as well. God has given us the opportunity to meet each night around 6:00 by candleight with about 4 local pastors, Bianca, John, the director of Light of Hope and some of the soccer players. This is a great opportunity for us to witness to each other and give testimonies about what God has done in our lives including God's miraculous works such as the healings that I experienced last week as well as large conversions towards christ that have occured in Linda and elsewhere across Zambia. What's so special about this bible study is that it combines the current and future religious leaders of the community as well as Bianca and I. It's a true demonstration of the body of Christ.
We also started to build a filter, we are still searching for a plumber in the area who may be able to provide us with some PVC material and threading practices. We also got to meet with the director of the local health clinic ran by the government and he was very interested in meeting with us in the future.
In the afternoon I went to train with the Light of Hope team that the shoes were donated for. We ran a drill where we played soccer 1 v. 1 the entire field. I learned today despite the fact that God has blessed me with stamina (somewhat) and the ability to sprint (okay, so maybe not that fast), my legs are no match against Zambian legs when we are playing on gravel and dirt. Even so most players claimed I held my own in other defensive drills stopping the offense from scoring.
I got another opportunity to lead a bible study today as well. God has given us the opportunity to meet each night around 6:00 by candleight with about 4 local pastors, Bianca, John, the director of Light of Hope and some of the soccer players. This is a great opportunity for us to witness to each other and give testimonies about what God has done in our lives including God's miraculous works such as the healings that I experienced last week as well as large conversions towards christ that have occured in Linda and elsewhere across Zambia. What's so special about this bible study is that it combines the current and future religious leaders of the community as well as Bianca and I. It's a true demonstration of the body of Christ.
May 17
The last two days have been hectic to say the least. We went into Lusaka twice the past two days go get some logistical things done for the program. We went back into town today. Bianca and I took Joseph, the host brother I live with, alongside because we were expecting to go carry some equipment. During the day we went into down to buy some PVC connectors as well as some piping. Since there is very little structure here in Zambia I found myself in a bargaining war even when trying to purchase tape and equipment which is never fun especially with little experience with the local dialect Nyanja and their poor english. It was quite frustrating in the sense to spend so much time in town as we don't have time to actually do any surveys or contribute to the community while we stay here doing paperwork. However I'm sure that God has been using this time in town for some good. We made some connections with organizations and missioanires the past few days just in passing, which I'm sure will be a good opportunity in the future of the demonstration of the body of Christ.
When we got back today, (May 17) Joseph and I went to go play basketball. We rode our bikes to the ground which was over 40 minutes away. What I didn't realize was that this trip was on very rocky and dirt terrain. I felt like I was mountain biking for 40 minutes. The road was so bumpy that I would often times have to stand up in order to not fall off the bike. Once we got to the courts, I was already so tired my gameplay wasn't up to par as usual ( excuses excuses, I know). Fortunately Jospeh ( A 6'5 giant) has improved significantly since I taught him how to play basketball 2 years ago, played like a Christ Bosh like beast. Giving us a slight advantage in most of the games. Our bike ride back was just as tedious because it was downhill through the rundown streets of Linda. It gets dark here in Zambia around 5:30 at night ( its winter ), so most of the streets are pitch black as 1 in 10 families perhaps have electricity. Most of these streets that do have lighting are mainly run down, dirty bars and clubs that compete with the number of churches in this compound. As we rode back we had to dodge street trash fires that lighted up the night. With no trash system in the area they find it necessary to simply burn their trash in the streets! It's quite the site. Praise God for keeping us safe as we arrived and finished the night with another great bible study.
When we got back today, (May 17) Joseph and I went to go play basketball. We rode our bikes to the ground which was over 40 minutes away. What I didn't realize was that this trip was on very rocky and dirt terrain. I felt like I was mountain biking for 40 minutes. The road was so bumpy that I would often times have to stand up in order to not fall off the bike. Once we got to the courts, I was already so tired my gameplay wasn't up to par as usual ( excuses excuses, I know). Fortunately Jospeh ( A 6'5 giant) has improved significantly since I taught him how to play basketball 2 years ago, played like a Christ Bosh like beast. Giving us a slight advantage in most of the games. Our bike ride back was just as tedious because it was downhill through the rundown streets of Linda. It gets dark here in Zambia around 5:30 at night ( its winter ), so most of the streets are pitch black as 1 in 10 families perhaps have electricity. Most of these streets that do have lighting are mainly run down, dirty bars and clubs that compete with the number of churches in this compound. As we rode back we had to dodge street trash fires that lighted up the night. With no trash system in the area they find it necessary to simply burn their trash in the streets! It's quite the site. Praise God for keeping us safe as we arrived and finished the night with another great bible study.
Monday, May 16, 2011
May 15
Today I woke up entirely refreshed with my rash entirely gone from my
arms. It was truly a mircale. I was asked last night to give the
sermon at Light of Hope's newly founded church. The crowd was only
about 15 people, but it reminded me so much of a small church that I
attend, Manna. The people there were full of the spirit, and asked
questions. As I opened the word that morning, I could sense that this
crowd was one that seen the wonders of God.
My message that morning that God provided for me to speak on was on
Lazarus and the faith of Mary and Martha, and how important it is for
us to have faith not only in Christ's power, but that everything will
be given for his glory ultimately.
Mr. Shawa told me afterwards that my sermon would make him cry. People
keep asking me where I went to seminary, and all I can say is that I
am not a pastor, merely a messenger from God. I don't think I
necessarily woulld like to be a pastor. That is why each time I have
been asked here so far, I have to pray about it first before saying
yes to giving a message.
In the afternoon we went to the soccer field to watch Light of Hope
play the the top team in the league. The team ended in a 1-1 draw. The
players were pleased with their importance, as they were facing the
top team in the league. It was morale booster for us.
After the game Pastor Phiri approached us to talk about having another
bible study. I was obliged to say yes. We had a small bible study with
John Shawa, Pastor Phiri, Joseph, my host brother, and Mr. Shawa by
flashlight ( LOH had its power shut off a couple months ago,
because they couldn't pay the bills, it also is dark here in zambia by
6:00).
The message for the night was incredible and we closed in a word of
prayer. We are hoping to do this more consistently in the future in
order to make sure that LOH as well as our trip would be confided in
God and not by our own pride or our own means.
I finished the night talking and praying with a soccer coach about the
importance of faith. He was a very knowledgeable man, and knew the
bible very well. He told me he will be coming to the bible study
tomorrow.
While some of these thoughts have still yet to be fully processed,
what I do know is that Christ's provision is great, and that it is by
his grace that he is using me in this way currently in Zambia. I'm not
quite sure what the future will look like for this trip as we have
another 50 days in Zambia, but I cannot wait to see what else God has
in store for us, as we try to continue to confide in him and work in
an attitude of humbleness by his mercy and his love.
arms. It was truly a mircale. I was asked last night to give the
sermon at Light of Hope's newly founded church. The crowd was only
about 15 people, but it reminded me so much of a small church that I
attend, Manna. The people there were full of the spirit, and asked
questions. As I opened the word that morning, I could sense that this
crowd was one that seen the wonders of God.
My message that morning that God provided for me to speak on was on
Lazarus and the faith of Mary and Martha, and how important it is for
us to have faith not only in Christ's power, but that everything will
be given for his glory ultimately.
Mr. Shawa told me afterwards that my sermon would make him cry. People
keep asking me where I went to seminary, and all I can say is that I
am not a pastor, merely a messenger from God. I don't think I
necessarily woulld like to be a pastor. That is why each time I have
been asked here so far, I have to pray about it first before saying
yes to giving a message.
In the afternoon we went to the soccer field to watch Light of Hope
play the the top team in the league. The team ended in a 1-1 draw. The
players were pleased with their importance, as they were facing the
top team in the league. It was morale booster for us.
After the game Pastor Phiri approached us to talk about having another
bible study. I was obliged to say yes. We had a small bible study with
John Shawa, Pastor Phiri, Joseph, my host brother, and Mr. Shawa by
flashlight ( LOH had its power shut off a couple months ago,
because they couldn't pay the bills, it also is dark here in zambia by
6:00).
The message for the night was incredible and we closed in a word of
prayer. We are hoping to do this more consistently in the future in
order to make sure that LOH as well as our trip would be confided in
God and not by our own pride or our own means.
I finished the night talking and praying with a soccer coach about the
importance of faith. He was a very knowledgeable man, and knew the
bible very well. He told me he will be coming to the bible study
tomorrow.
While some of these thoughts have still yet to be fully processed,
what I do know is that Christ's provision is great, and that it is by
his grace that he is using me in this way currently in Zambia. I'm not
quite sure what the future will look like for this trip as we have
another 50 days in Zambia, but I cannot wait to see what else God has
in store for us, as we try to continue to confide in him and work in
an attitude of humbleness by his mercy and his love.
May 14
I woke up early today to pray before giving my sermon. The crowd was
large and had a diverse amount of people. Aside from mothers with
their children, there was a large group of senior citizens in the back
as well. The message the lord had me speak on was on the body of
Christ and how it connects with Love. This was found in Chapters 12
and 13 of 1st Corinthians. My translator, Mr. Pozo and I combined to
speak for about over an hour. The suggestion I really made in the
message was the importance of God's love.
Afterwards we ran more surveys with the community to get a better
understanding of the public health state of the community.
At around 2 in the afternoon, players began coming to Light of Hope to
see the shoes for the first time. They will be using the new shoes for
their game against the top team in the league tomorrow. The players
thanked me formally at the practice and promised to do their best
against the best team in the league. Afterwards I was asked by the
players to lead them in a bible study at night. Fortunately most of
these 20 players weren't at my sermon this past morning, so I was
allowed to give a similar message. Which talked about as great as the
shoes are that God was able to provide to them through me, it's by the
grace of God and his love that is actually everlasting. These shoes
wil get holes, and the soccer balls will wear out, my water filter
will break eventually, and sustainability can only last as long as
God's grace allows it to. At the end of the day the main message and
our top priority should lie in the love of God.
Around this time however I have developd a large rash on both my arms,
and they are absoultely on fire. It wasn't until I asked a local
pastor to pray for me, that the rash has died down, but there is still
a burning fire in my arms that I can't explain. While I am scared I
must come to the point of having faith in the will of God of whatever
results from this rash.
large and had a diverse amount of people. Aside from mothers with
their children, there was a large group of senior citizens in the back
as well. The message the lord had me speak on was on the body of
Christ and how it connects with Love. This was found in Chapters 12
and 13 of 1st Corinthians. My translator, Mr. Pozo and I combined to
speak for about over an hour. The suggestion I really made in the
message was the importance of God's love.
Afterwards we ran more surveys with the community to get a better
understanding of the public health state of the community.
At around 2 in the afternoon, players began coming to Light of Hope to
see the shoes for the first time. They will be using the new shoes for
their game against the top team in the league tomorrow. The players
thanked me formally at the practice and promised to do their best
against the best team in the league. Afterwards I was asked by the
players to lead them in a bible study at night. Fortunately most of
these 20 players weren't at my sermon this past morning, so I was
allowed to give a similar message. Which talked about as great as the
shoes are that God was able to provide to them through me, it's by the
grace of God and his love that is actually everlasting. These shoes
wil get holes, and the soccer balls will wear out, my water filter
will break eventually, and sustainability can only last as long as
God's grace allows it to. At the end of the day the main message and
our top priority should lie in the love of God.
Around this time however I have developd a large rash on both my arms,
and they are absoultely on fire. It wasn't until I asked a local
pastor to pray for me, that the rash has died down, but there is still
a burning fire in my arms that I can't explain. While I am scared I
must come to the point of having faith in the will of God of whatever
results from this rash.
May 13
Amon and Nick, two soccer players and I went out to do some surveying.
We are using teh KPC 2000, a WHO survey method of examining a
community from the perspecitve of sanitation as well as education. I
was so touched as we walked from house to house. Thye were very plain
and honest about their sad states. Many of them had no idea of child
health, were scared but yet have no idea how to stop HIV, and most
children never see a clinic for vaccination. We finished a total of 10
surveys, but my heart was eternally scarred by how poor of a state
this community is in.
At around 2:00 in the afternoon, we started giving away the equipment.
It was beautiful, the caregivers got so excited for the soccer team at
Light of Hope, some started crying. The director was stammering
something about how he didn't konw how to say thank you. It was quite
a joyful time. The boots will be used for the community team to
compete against city teams, as they continue to use the shoes as a way
for the players to reach the community.
In the afternoon the players asked me to join them in soccer training.
Wearing my climbing shoes, I slipped and slided across the dusted
ground, running with the players. While most of the time, most players
weren't very accepting of my gameplay, the few that work for Light of
Hope would pass it to me, at one point, I was given the opportunity
that sent a left footed cross lofting it over the goalie and in for a
header. The coaches all erupted in applause. I suppose they may let me
train with them again.
I have been asked to lead a bible study tomorrow at a nutrition group.
The crowd is about 40 Zambians, I will have a translator. Please pray
for God's provision and for his words to speak.
We are using teh KPC 2000, a WHO survey method of examining a
community from the perspecitve of sanitation as well as education. I
was so touched as we walked from house to house. Thye were very plain
and honest about their sad states. Many of them had no idea of child
health, were scared but yet have no idea how to stop HIV, and most
children never see a clinic for vaccination. We finished a total of 10
surveys, but my heart was eternally scarred by how poor of a state
this community is in.
At around 2:00 in the afternoon, we started giving away the equipment.
It was beautiful, the caregivers got so excited for the soccer team at
Light of Hope, some started crying. The director was stammering
something about how he didn't konw how to say thank you. It was quite
a joyful time. The boots will be used for the community team to
compete against city teams, as they continue to use the shoes as a way
for the players to reach the community.
In the afternoon the players asked me to join them in soccer training.
Wearing my climbing shoes, I slipped and slided across the dusted
ground, running with the players. While most of the time, most players
weren't very accepting of my gameplay, the few that work for Light of
Hope would pass it to me, at one point, I was given the opportunity
that sent a left footed cross lofting it over the goalie and in for a
header. The coaches all erupted in applause. I suppose they may let me
train with them again.
I have been asked to lead a bible study tomorrow at a nutrition group.
The crowd is about 40 Zambians, I will have a translator. Please pray
for God's provision and for his words to speak.
May 12
These posts were written on Monday May 16 in Lusaka but were kept as a
journal on May 12.
We arrived at Light of Hope today via taxi and were greeted by John
Shawa. Most of the day was spent going over the potential program that
we had described via e-mail. What really surprised me as we went
around the compound was how much of an impact God allowed me to make
as two full years have passed since we've been together. It's only by
God's grace that these changes have been made.
Last time my host brother Joseph was a very lukewam christian and was
struggling to find a hobby as he didn't like soccer. I introduced him
into Basketball, and since then he has become like a Chris Bosh. The
ball I gave him he has taken great care of, he's even built a
basketball hoop out of wood and a cardboard box. More importantly
however, his faith has caught fire, and he tries to read the word at
least an hour a day.
Warren, a fellow soccer player introduced me to his girlfriend and
claimed he was trying to become more pure and draw closer to god.
When we were packing up the stuff, we found a giant list on the wall
left by the Zambians that stated "20 day countdown to when Sam and
Bianca Arrive" It was quite the site to see how much they loooked
forward to us coming. Mr. Shawa himself told me that he thought we had
forgotten him, but this time, we had really came in with a bang. I
told him this bang was only the power of God and nothing more.
At around 7 that night we met to talk about organizations and
potential projects in cluding water sanitation, basketball, soccer
programs, bible studies and much more. As we totaled up the
connections we found we had over 13 connections sponsoring me to come
here to Zambia.
journal on May 12.
We arrived at Light of Hope today via taxi and were greeted by John
Shawa. Most of the day was spent going over the potential program that
we had described via e-mail. What really surprised me as we went
around the compound was how much of an impact God allowed me to make
as two full years have passed since we've been together. It's only by
God's grace that these changes have been made.
Last time my host brother Joseph was a very lukewam christian and was
struggling to find a hobby as he didn't like soccer. I introduced him
into Basketball, and since then he has become like a Chris Bosh. The
ball I gave him he has taken great care of, he's even built a
basketball hoop out of wood and a cardboard box. More importantly
however, his faith has caught fire, and he tries to read the word at
least an hour a day.
Warren, a fellow soccer player introduced me to his girlfriend and
claimed he was trying to become more pure and draw closer to god.
When we were packing up the stuff, we found a giant list on the wall
left by the Zambians that stated "20 day countdown to when Sam and
Bianca Arrive" It was quite the site to see how much they loooked
forward to us coming. Mr. Shawa himself told me that he thought we had
forgotten him, but this time, we had really came in with a bang. I
told him this bang was only the power of God and nothing more.
At around 7 that night we met to talk about organizations and
potential projects in cluding water sanitation, basketball, soccer
programs, bible studies and much more. As we totaled up the
connections we found we had over 13 connections sponsoring me to come
here to Zambia.
May 11
Bianca and I arrived in Zambia today after a 14 hour flight to South
Africa and then a two hour flight to Zambia. We were all incredibly
exhausted by the day's events. We arrived at around 2 pm Zambian time.
We bought some equipment at a local shop in town, including a
basketball and a few pumps for the soccer balls. The basketball will
be used for a basketball clinic at Light of Hope that I will
potentially be running. The mall is a reflection in some ways of the
western world, as it was very diverse full of individuals from the
middle east, asia, as well as europe. What brought that Japanese lady
here whose buying the pepperoni rolls, and that man buying 3 rolls of
toilet paper? What brings him to Zambia. The locals themselves, I
wonder what they think of the area. In some ways I can't wait to get
out of the city and into the country of Linda Compound, where these
distractions are eliminated. However this mall presented a very good
metaphor in my head of just God's distinct plan for each of us, We are
here to praise God and serve him in the different dimensions of this
world. We head back to Linda tomorrow where I will spend about 6 weeks
there. Prepared for whatever god has in store. We will be without
electricity and running water. Please pray for our safety as well as
dilligence to confide in the lord.
Africa and then a two hour flight to Zambia. We were all incredibly
exhausted by the day's events. We arrived at around 2 pm Zambian time.
We bought some equipment at a local shop in town, including a
basketball and a few pumps for the soccer balls. The basketball will
be used for a basketball clinic at Light of Hope that I will
potentially be running. The mall is a reflection in some ways of the
western world, as it was very diverse full of individuals from the
middle east, asia, as well as europe. What brought that Japanese lady
here whose buying the pepperoni rolls, and that man buying 3 rolls of
toilet paper? What brings him to Zambia. The locals themselves, I
wonder what they think of the area. In some ways I can't wait to get
out of the city and into the country of Linda Compound, where these
distractions are eliminated. However this mall presented a very good
metaphor in my head of just God's distinct plan for each of us, We are
here to praise God and serve him in the different dimensions of this
world. We head back to Linda tomorrow where I will spend about 6 weeks
there. Prepared for whatever god has in store. We will be without
electricity and running water. Please pray for our safety as well as
dilligence to confide in the lord.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Trip Overview
Thanks for taking sometime to read my blog for my trip to Zambia this Summer. Prior to departure, I think it would only be nice if I took sometime to give an overview of what exactly the Lord has laid on my heart as well as what opportunities he has revealed to me so far and what it may entail for the future. This post is especially long just because of the fact that there has been a ton of preparation that has gone into this trip, and so many wonderful people to thank for their support. Just a side note, any attached pictures in this post are from my trip to Zambia two years ago. With the slow internet connection, I'm not so sure I'll be able to attach any pictures from this trip throughout this summer or next.
Below is a pretty prolonged summary of the different potential projects that God has laid on my heart as well as on Bianca's Heart. For those of you who would like a reader's digest version, just read the below paragraph, and then skip to the very bottom where I have listed some things you can pray for. This summer Bianca and I will be spending a total of 8 weeks in Linda Compound of Lusaka Zambia. In my trip with Bianca and Tiffany two years ago, Bianca and I were blessed to spend about a week in that community.
Linda is a population of about 25,000 people, a rural area farming community. Linda can be reached with a 20 minute bus ride from the capital of Zambia. Linda is a very impoverished community. While statistics cannot be for sure, based off of the national averages, 1 in nearly 5 adults in Linda compound is HIV positive. With only one local area clinic that provides some medical care, HIV patients are pretty much helpless. The community has limited to no electricity, no running water, no sanitation system, as well as not internet whatsoever.This summer we will be working with a local NGO named Light of Hope ran by Zambian Nationals. This organization's main goal is to serve the HIV positive community and has now expanded its services to combating issues of Malaria care, water sanitation, child care, alcoholism. The main vision the lord has laid on my heart is to enter into conversation with this community what are the resounding needs of the community coming from the community leaders, what has the lord blessed me with, and what are the potentials of meeting those needs if God would have me return the next year. With that here is a program by program summary.
I]. HIV Palliative Care Focus
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| LOH Caregivers |
About under a decade ago, Light of Hope was founded by Zambian nationals: a pastor and a carpenter. The two created a care giving program that kept track of the HIV positive patients of the community serving them in terms of trying to improve their lifestyle, praying with them, as well as providing Antiretroviral drugs if they don’t have TB (while ARVs are free in Zambia, most can’t be administered because patients have TB). What was once a caregiver program of over 50 individuals, has since then turned into a program of about 6 caregivers due to lack of incentives for the volunteer program. This summer, much of the 8 weeks will be exploring possibilities on how the organization can provide sources of profit to support caregivers. We will also explore ways to internally keep the organization together providing support to the caregivers themselves.
Aside from the research about best forms of profit for the organizations, the group will also explore ways to better utilize caregivers in terms of educating the community on issues such as sanitation, (latrines) as well as drinking water, to improve the lifestyle of HIV positive individuals in the community.
II]. Water purification and Sanitation
As stated above the focus of this research group is exploring is how to improve the living circumstances for HIV positive patients and the community in general. Working with local NGO, Light of Hope, the group hopes to work to understand certain needs in the community, look for ways that God has blessed us in the states and see how we can look to improve their lifestyle in the future.
Through connections through Aqua Clara as well as SWIM, the group will be bringing in two types of water purification technology into the community in order to explore what’s the best method to provide water in the most efficient and cost effective way. The team will also be conducting tests on e-coli and cholera content of water sources for the HIV patients that Light of Hope serves. This summer will consist of understanding the plausibility of providing these pieces of technology in a sustainable matter and seeing how God would use it to extend his kingdom.
One of these needs includes latrines for sanitation. These issues include ways of garbage disposal in alternative to burning. Light of Hope would also like to explore the easiest way of owning a pit latrine and also best methods for drainage systems for the community. Houses in the community are close quartered and the terrain consists mainly of dirt, gravel and reddish clay.
III]. Soccer Program
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| LOH Player, Michael Trying on donated shoes |
In this last decade Light of Hope has started to tackle the issue of alcoholism. In order to confront alcoholism, the organization worked to start a local area soccer team. In the last 3 years, the team makes no cuts for its girls and boys teams. The boy’s team has over 50 players. The key to these organizations is the fact that all the youth enjoy coming out to play soccer and practice daily thereby keeping youth out of bars and off the street as well. This summer under the blessings the Lord, God has provided many compassionate organizations including: Charity Ball/ Vox United, the Hope College Soccer Team, Calvary Baptist Academy of Midland Michigan, and Calvary Christian Schools of Holland Michigan. Through these organizations, we will be taking 15 brand new soccer balls, 20 pairs of soccer cleats, as well as two sets of uniforms, two sets of goal nets and 4 sets goal keeper gloves to support the efforts of Linda’s soccer program.
Please pray that under this program the Lord would just use this blessed equipment to extend this kingdom. Please also pray for accountability and wisdom for Bianca and myself as we would know who exactly to distribute all this equipment to amount these team members. Also pray that the Lord would raise up leaders among these team members that have a desire to create accountability groups to keep their fellow team and community members from making the mistake of falling into alcoholism and other damaging practices.
IV Clothing Program
In April of this year Manna Vintage Faith in collaboration with a multitude of wonderful volunteers across Hope Campus and the Holland Community held a large rummage sale at Manna. All proceeds from the fundraiser went towards a clothing fund that we will be establishing lord willing in Zambia this summer. The fund will be used to purchase clothing to distribute into the Linda Compound. Clothing will be sold to those in Linda can afford it to replenish resources, but in addition be given to the families (specifically those who are HIV positive) who can’t afford it.
*That the Lord would bless the ministry of LOH and provide many opportunities of
sharing the gospel through the spreading of used clothing to HIV + communities
*That the Lord would give Sam discernment during the evaluation and informational
interviews of the community on what the Lord would have him do to proceed.
*That Sam and Bianca can connect with local organizations in Lusaka to bring the
entire body of Christ together in serving one another in doing the Lord’s work
*That the Lord would be glorified through all things said, thought, and done on this
trip, Amen.
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| LOH Staff from 2009 |
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