Question 5

"What type of accommodation do you have in Zambia?"

My "home" on the base has changed quite a bit over the last 5 years. The majority of it has spent living in two very different types of tents. For the first 2 years, I stayed in a little 3-man "A" frame tent, which was quite cozy. There wasn't much room for anything but my sleeping mat and clothes, but it was home. As our base grew, new tents were built for those staying long term on the base (staff and amt students). They're called safari tents and are the 5 star equivalent of tent living. I lived in this for 2 and half years and loved it. My tent was on the edge of the gorge, had a bed, and even wicker wardrobe. Every night I would fall asleep to the sound of the Zambezi river. This past year, I was extremely blessed to be moved into a real house. Solid walls and all! While I loved my tent, it's great to have a place that feels more permanent and like a real home. I'm still working on decorating it, which will be one of my personal projects when I get back. However, I still use tents whenever staying overnight in the villages. Don't want you to think I've gone soft! ;-)

Question 4

"What is it like to support raise?"

Support raising is a foreign concept to the world. The idea that one

would have to raise their own salary for a job doesn't make sense to many. To me, it makes perfect sense and I wouldn't have it any other way. In a way, it's similar to investing in a company. Only, no matter what amount you invest, every one gets the same return- the Gospel preached in unreached areas. I love my support team and I love what the Lord accomplishes through us. I don't go into the villages alone. Every single person who is on my team is there with me. In God's eyes, we are all equals. We are all accomplishing what He's called us, His children, to do: go into all the nations to preach the Gospel and make disciples.

Of every ministry experience I've had, I think that support raising has grown my faith the most. It actually comes easier to me to believe for someone to be healed then to be fully funded. However, God has never once let me down. ALL of my needs have been met and I've never gone without. I'm working on raising the last portion of my monthly budget so I can return to africa right now. There's been days of discouragement and days of joy. Never once have I doubted that God will provide. I know with all of my heart that this is what He's called me to do. I know with all of my heart that He will always provide for His purposes. God wills it!

Question 3

"What are church services like in Africa?"

I've never been in a church service in the USA that is anything like church service in a village in Africa. The service begins with a prayer meeting as everyone arrives. Service may be scheduled to start at 9:30 am but Africa runs on an entire different schedule. People will arrive throughout the morning. Once the worship team has arrived, the fun begins. Break out the hand drums and get ready to dance! An hour of praise and worship breaks out with the entire congregation breaking into song and dance. After about an hour long sermon, be expected to share as a guest in the church. There are times you'll be given the entire sermon on a moments notice, as a special guest. Be ready in season and out! :) The service closes with prayer, more singing and dancing, and the congregation wide hand shake. As everyone files out of the church a line forms where everyone greets each other with handshakes, and possibly more singing and dancing. There's nothing quite like it!

Question 2

"Please tell me about someone who you're close to in Africa"

Winnie is one of my good friends in Zambia. She's about my age an

d is from Nsongwe Village, just down the road for our base. I first met Winnie when she volunteered to be an interpreter on one of our expeditions in 2008. We quickly grew to be close friends as she continued helping with our teams. It was awesome to watch God move through her as she started sharing the Gospel with people in villages, not just translating. She has grown to be a woman on fire for the Lord with a passion for bringing the Gospel into the rural villages.

Question 1

"What is the weirdest thing you've ever eaten?"

This is the most common question I think every missionary is asked. The answer really depends on what your definition is weird. Two meals that come to mind is the one night we had hippo curry and the local dish called kapenta.

The story about the hippo curry is that we live on the Batoka Gorge, overlooking the Zambezi river. Certain times of the year (when the river is high) animals will wash over Victoria Falls and usually end up at our base. This one instance, a hippo was found (dead) in the gorge and the local villagers butchered up the meat. A portion was

given to our base which was served in the form of a curry that evening. I can't say it's my favorite meat but it wasn't terrible. :)

The local dish, kapenta, is a small, dried fish served. It's cooked in oil with onions and

tomatoes. Many people can't get over the little eyes staring at you from your plate. I just can't stand the salty, fishy taste that they have. However, if you enjoy sardines then you'll probably like these.

I did have goat heart in a village last year, which I really enjoyed!

Keep the questions coming! Send them through the comments, email, facebook, or twitter!

30 Day Challange

Lately I've been thinking of different topics I can blog about. I'll hopefully be back in Africa in a month and until then I'd like to do a post a day. Every time I meet with people and share with them about the ministry I do in, I get all sorts of questions. These questions can range from "what's the weirdest thing you've ever eaten?" to "how are you received as a missionary by the local people?". For the next 30 days I will post a question commonly asked to missionaries with an answer from my personal experience. I hope that you all get to know me, the Zambian culture, and Overland Missions a lot more. Feel free to post questions that you'd like answered via the comments section, email, facebook, or even twitter. Look for the 1st post tomorrow!

Blessings!

Simple Gospel

Last week was 3/16/11. While driving, I was listening to K-Love radio and they were sharing about how it was declared "John 3:16 day" and were encouraging people to share the love of God with at least one person. It got me thinking about how often we (Christians) overlook that beautiful, yet simple verse. Many times we just assume everyone has heard it before. We're looking to share some new, revolutionary idea that will completely change the world as we know it. We've gotten away from the fact that this is the truth of the Gospel. "God so loved the world that He gave His only, begotten Son so that we shall not perish but have eternal life." That is it, my friends. Easy, simple, and beautiful beyond words. You matter to God. You are His heart's desire. How cool is it to be the very desire of God? It blows my mind...

Many of you might be wondering what is the update on the ministry in Africa. I'm so excited for the upcoming changes in ministry and cannot wait to be back in Zambia. Currently, I am raising up my ministry budget in order to return to Africa before summer. I'm in Chicago meeting with family, friends, and churches. If you're in the area, please let me know. I'd love to meet with you and share what God has placed on my heart for the rural villages in Zambia.

Twalumba! (Thank You in Chitonga)