Surprising New Opportunities

As we drove out of Namibia, we sensed a shift which we guess isn’t surprising because it seems like we have transitioned to new opportunities about every five years. We’re currently ending our third five year cycle and have just entered our fourth. What lies ahead? Well…

Today, Zambia has perhaps the youngest demographic of all the African countries. Approximately seventy-five percent of its population is under thirty years old. It’s not surprising, then, that when we taught three different groups in Livingstone they were dominated by young people.

First, we trained a group of students at Pastor Tom Siachitema’s Bible school. Unlike the first group of pastors we had trained at Pastor Tom’s invitation, these were all young, with only one student over the age of twenty-five. Drawn from various villages in the wider region, most of these students had finished high school and a couple had college degrees. After we sorted out our American accents, they were eager to engage, some in Tonga (translated) and many in English. As usual, we began with “Understanding Guilt, Shame and Fear and “Wounded Healers.” Our approach was new to them, but they liked it and seemed to thrive in our interactive style. By the end of the week we were posing for pictures with numerous students, all being taken on their ubiquitous smartphones. We were especially encouraged by the international vision of the students. Many shared that they are looking at making a missional impact beyond Zambia, and they want to be well prepared.

Next, we spent a little time with Pastor Esau’s Multiply Church leaders, many of whom are young. We challenged them with a shortened version of “Discovering Your S.H.A.P.E. for Ministry” which we modified to begin with a general discussion of the life flow of a healthy church which differentiates the biblical roles of pastors/shepherds and members/disciples. This is something new we’ve been working on and it was very impactful. One student enthusiastically commented, “We have never had training like this before.”

Finally, at the invitation of Pastor Francis whom we met several years ago and whom Percy has since gotten to know, we met with his church planting team for two afternoons. The Linda South Primary School graciously gave us classroom space. Again, we presented the newly modified “Discovering Your S.HA.P.E. for Ministry” and we can safely say that it was a bit revolutionary to Pastor Francis and his team. One student put it simply, “I want more of this training!” As you might imagine, we intend to work more closely with Pastor Francis’s team next year.

Whew! What an amazing two weeks in Livingstone! It’s clear to us now that our training must shift to focus even more strongly on younger students, especially those below the age of thirty, and to be prepared for their international outlook. Smartphones have opened the world to their generation. They’re ready to make an impact, and so are we.

The pictures below are of these trainings, along with some of the wildlife we’ve seen in the Livingstone area in the last two weeks.

Always remember that when we go, you come with us in your support, prayers, and encouragement. We deeply appreciate you!