Old Friends and New!

When we left home, we had several goals. We wanted to introduce Laura Rumple, a dear friend, recording artist, worship leader, and vocologist, to Zambia’s great need for vocal and leadership training among its worship leaders. We also looked forward to team teaching here for the first time with a GTN colleague, Michael Brogna, during our Phase 3 training in Namibia. Additionally, we wanted to launch Phase 1 training with a new partner, Pastor Tom Siachitema, who has established Rural Hope Africa, and had asked for our help to train church planters. Excitedly, we anticipated Abby’s ordination by the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) and a week’s training with its leaders afterwards. And, finally, we were anxious to spend time and strategize with the new Director of BWTC’s Church Planting Academy, Bosco Kutoma.

Well, how’s it been going? First and foremost, Laura Rumple has adapted beautifully to Zambia and has already made an amazing impact on many worship leaders with whom she has had one-on-one vocal training. Last Friday evening she led about one hundred worship leaders and praise team members in heartfelt musical praise, followed by a provocative and enlightening teaching entitled “Five Things I Want Every Worship Leader to Know.” She has clearly caught the vision for the great need here for her ministry, and is already thinking ahead about how to multiply her gifts, knowledge and skill in Zambia through our Biblical Worship Academy.

Laura has also had the chance to worship in a small church in the bush about an hour north of Livingstone where she was exposed to joyous traditional worship. She loved it! Also, this past weekend, we took Laura over a very, very difficult road to Mwandi village where our work with Percy Muleba began. We wanted Laura to meet Percy’s mother, Gertrude, and see what village life is like in the bush. It was an intense two days, but well worth it. Traveling with her has been a delight, and we have spent a lot of time over meals processing her experiences with her.

If you’d like to hear directly from Laura, you can find her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/share/1F39Wig9JY/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Disappointingly, no sooner had we arrived, than Michael Brogna wrote to tell us that he would not be able to join us this year because of a sudden and unexpected medical concern. He and we are very disappointed because we’ve been working toward teaching together for several years. Our concern now, of course, is Michael’s health, and we would appreciate your prayers for him as he undergoes some tests.

As far as working with Pastor Tom, our Phase 1 training with sixteen Pilgrim Wesleyan church planters was fantastic. They were ready, welcomed us with open arms, and were extremely responsive to our approach. As usual with Phase 1, Abby began with “Wounded Healers” and Doug began with “Understanding Guilt, Shame, and Fear.” As we concluded, one student speaking on behalf of the group said, “Our approach to ministry will now be different because of your training. Thank you!” Given this, Tom, Percy and we have decided that working together in the future is a must.

At this point, Namibia, Abby’s ordination, and church planting strategizing still await, but it’s been a really, really great start apart from Michael Brogna’s situation.

As always, your encouragement, support, and prayers mean the world to us. And always remember, when we go, you go with us!