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Before we left for our trip to Zambia, I got in contact with a man who I hold in phenomenally high esteem to get some various "pointers" about ministering in African culture. He is the son of African missionaries and has spent the majority of his life (so far) laboring to bring shalom to this continent. His advice to me was thus: "When you are ministering in foreign cultures, you listen first, learn second, and serve third," an extremely useful bit of advice.
As a team, our experiences visiting and working in the 3 crisis nurseries and all the different schools was life changing. The work being done in Zambia is blessed of God and we were humbled to be a part of it. Covenant Presbyterian had been supporting Alliance for Children Everywhere for 4 years before our team made this trip. We are excited to know our Church’s giving is making such a significant difference in the lives of so many children.
It has been said that the situation in Zambia is bad. That is certainly true, and by the Spirit's power, it should move us to radically different patterns of living. But it is not the whole truth. There is, even here, real physical and spiritual healing at work. There are, even here, strong redemptive forces at work. And though these forces are much stronger than any of us could fully comprehend, we are blessed to be included in their projects. The God whose creative power brought Zambia into existence, is still creating-- making things new-- here by the power of our risen Lord, Jesus Christ.
Forbid that we misunderstand the "bigness" of God's redemptive work as a release from our earthly responsibilities. Rather, may it help us to understand our comparative smallness-- for this is the starting point for humility, obedience, and beautifully ridiculous living.
In the name of Jesus, through whom all people have a living hope,
Matt
Covenant Presbyterian Church Racine, WI
Read more:
Carol's story about ministry to abused girls.
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