An Unfolding Significance

How do you measure impact? For us, we measure impact by the life transformation we see in our students and the multiplication that results as they live out that transformation. During our Phase 4 training in Mumbwa (May 7-15), it became apparent that the impact was real, and for that we are delighted.

As Abby taught “Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible” and Doug taught “Church Planting,” we began to notice that the questions raised were deeply reflective. We had several significant discussions during class and several meaningful one on one discussions during breaks. The pastors were struggling with a variety of significant issues, some potentially life changing.

On our fourth or fifth day, one of our students made this comment, “I said yesterday that you are provoking us and I want to go even further today. I think you are causing a revolution in us. And we are very grateful.”

The revolution he was talking about was in his understanding of prayer and the nature of the church. And for him, it was a penetrating and life changing revolution.

The life of a Zambian pastor is tough, very, very tough on so many levels. For example, the vast majority of pastors are not paid, have no health insurance, and no pensions. Most have not been formally trained in any meaningful way, although there are some exceptions. Many lead churches that have been infected with the so-called prosperity gospel being spread by traveling false prophets.

So when we train them over time, the real questions begin to be asked. The real concerns begin to be expressed. The difficult decisions they must make reveal themselves. And this opens the door for transformation and multiplication. In our students and in us!

As we left Mumbwa for Livingstone, we felt profoundly grateful. And our gratitude would only deepen as we worshipped on May 18th with the CCAP church in Livingstone led by Rev. Abednego Kunda and his wife, Loveness. Abby was privileged to preach and her sermon was very edifying. The worship was filled with joyful music, and the congregation was warm and welcoming. We enjoyed dinner with Kunda and Loveness two days later and began getting to know one another better.

Our gratitude deepened further as we trained BWTC’s leadership team for four days (May 19-22) on “Discovering My Life Purpose.” Intermixed with this we shared leadership principles we’ve learned through experience over the years. The team is young, smart, committed, and beautifully led by Percy’s spiritual son and our spiritual grandson, Dan Mayeya, BWTC’s Africa Director. What a wonderful four days!

Some of the comments we heard were, “When I walked in the room and saw Abby’s face, I knew I was in the right place,” “I love to learn and you have taught me so well,” “When I look at Doug, I see Percy and Dan and better understand the DNA of BWTC,” “I never knew that I had a life purpose and this really changes things for me moving forward,” “Sometimes women are not given the same freedom to lead as men in Zambia so we are grateful for BWTC and your encouraging training,” “No one has ever told me before that I ask good questions,” and many others. We were deeply, deeply encouraged. And excited about the impact these young leaders are already making and will make in Zambia and beyond.

Friday morning (May 23), Abby met with the CCAP Women’s Bible Study and had a great time getting to know them better. On Saturday (May 24), Abby led a CCAP youth Bible study and we both enjoyed being with them.

On Sunday, we left early for Katima Mulilo, Namibia and on the drive saw some elephants, a kudu, an ostrich, impala, baboons, a bunch of mongoose, and wart hogs. Cool, huh? We began five day (May 26-30) Phase 2 training on Monday with pastors who traveled about two hundred miles from Divundu, Namibia and some local pastors and leaders, as well. The group is fantastic, but that’s the subject for another blog.

Following this, we’ll return to Livingstone on Sunday, June 1st and then fly out on Wednesday, June 4th, arriving home on June 6th.

As you can tell, it’s been an eventful and encouraging trip. We hope you enjoy the photos below. Regrettably, we’re having difficult adding captions for some reason. We do want to point out that the “smoke” rising in the upper left corner of the hippo photo is the mist rising from Victoria Falls, known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” or “the smoke that thunders.”

We are so grateful for your support, encouragement and prayers. Thank you again. And remember, where we go you go!