Home Sweet Home

Thank you all for your prayers. We hope you enjoyed sharing as much of the adventure as we were able to post. I will add pictures soon. It is amazing to get on the stupid side of faith and watch what the Lord will do. In our own minds we determine what walking by faith entails, go beyond that … trust God for something extraordinary and watch how He and only He can bring it to pass. Our God Is An Awesome God! And the really cool part is He wants to have a personal relationship with you. The creator of the world, the maker of sunsets and waterfalls wants to you to come to Him personally so He can forgive your sins and create in you new life. See you soon or in heaven. Jim and Elaine.

Flying with the angels.

This trip was entirely in the hands of God. We were broken into 3 different departure groups. One group never left Livingston, the other left the hotel at 5am and then Elaine and I left with the third group about 11:30am. When we arrived at the ticket counter in Lusaka, we found they did not have computer service…so all entries had to be done manually. After about 1 hour delay in processing, we were probable the 20th passengers to check in, checking their list they couldn’t find our names anywhere on the roster, the question we had in the back of our minds, were we even going to get out of the country? Remembering back to Unity Camp … T.I.Z … This Is Zambia, we prayed and left it to the Lord. Finally with a boarding pass in hand, we walked the 100’ tarmac towards the plane. Everyone in our group was able to board, and then it was time to wait a little longer. The plane’s paperwork required manual confirmation or something to that effect and again another hour. We were had about a 2 hour layover when we were to arrive in Johannesburg, but that was now reduced to about 45 minutes. We were still go … or so we thought. The plane flew without incident and we actually arrived in Joburg a couple minutes early. Johannesburg is an international airport like Dulles or JFK. They used busses to transport people from planes to customs etc. We were split up, but finally reunited on the plane. By the time we got to the ticket counter for our new boarding passes; after transport and customs the line had to be at least 75 people ahead of us. Then the line to go through the passport check and security was ½ again as big. Our 50 minute window was just smashed to about 20 and we knew it would have to be a God thing to board the plane to the US. Again would we be able to get home? Pastor Grace was among our group; he was such a comfort telling of his experiences sleeping in the airport, being charged hundreds of dollars to change airlines and waiting days to catch the next flight. Again an absolute God thing!!! Obstacle then miracle. I checked my watch as we received out boarding pass, 10 minutes before departure. Passport check, security clearance then about 20 gates once inside. He must have stopped the clocks because we were seated with 2 minutes to spare. The flight was fantastic. The food delicious, service was with a smile and movies were decent. We arrived at Dulles without incident and 10 minutes early. 2 hours and 10 minutes should be enough to catch the next plane home … right? NOT WHEN YOU’RE FLYING WITH ANGELS. We were transported to baggage claim only to find 1 of our bags was missing. We had our dirty clothes, souvenirs and electronic equipment, I don’t think Elaine minds too much to get a new wardrobe. Sue Anderson was with us as she too had trouble locating one of her bags. She finally did but the rest of the group continued on ahead. Well we filled out the paperwork then hustled to the ticket counter for our boarding passes. United Airlines must schedule every plane to leave between 8:30 and 9:00 because the line was about 200 people deep. I went outside to see if we could use the curb side check in but was told because it was within the 45 minute limit I had to wait in line at the ticket counter. I am so glad I am secure in my salvation because … We waited through the line only to find the self service ticket machines. The counter people were now frustrated with the hundreds of people before us and told us to move to another line where they would be able to help. It is now 7:55 and we were scheduled to leave at 8:25. Once through the second line the charming lady NOT!!! told us she had rebooked our flight for 12:05pm because we were within the 45 minute window. Now it’s becoming a joke, but I’m not laughing. Sue was put on stand-by for her original flight leaving at 8:35. Security ahead and then who know where to board. Prayers do work, but not like the genie in a bottle. God promises everything will work together for His plan and His children. I just needed to have a little heart to heart with him. While were running to the gate, we talked. Sue told Elaine that she needed to catch her breath so I went on ahead. Sue’s gate was about 1 mile after the shuttle drop off point, and there was no way we would get her there on time. We arrived about 10 minutes late only to find the crew from Kansas City waiting there as well. Their plane had mechanical problems and had been delayed now about 45 minutes and they had not yet called Sue’s Atlanta flight which was in the next gate. I spoke with the ticket agents and they said the Atlanta flight was waiting for a flight attendant … way to go God … and they should be there momentarily. SUE MADE IT TO HER FLIGHT, if she hadn’t the next one for her was 4:30 pm. The flights for Atlanta and Kansas City boarded almost simultaneously who would have guessed. Elaine and I strolled down the concourse saying goodbye to all, waiting to board our flight at noon. We knew the trip would be adventure filled, but never guessed what sort of adventures. God is good ... all the time.

From Livingstone to Lusaka

It’s hard to believe the condition of the single main ‘highway’ from the tourist center of Zambia to the capital city was in such deplorable conditions. Our driver was a little more aggressive on the return trip. What took 7½ hours, not counting the time pushing the bus, took about 3. We saw 3 different road crews along the way. Village children filling bags of dirt and pouring it into the pot hole a few hundred yards ahead of us, then holding out their hands for payment as we pass. The second road crew consisted of young men each with a brand new shovel and pickax digging a trench about 50 feet from the road. The third crew consisted of a grader and bulldozer and maybe a dozen men. The machines were widening the shoulder of the road as the men watched. Nothing was being done to fix the roads. I don’t understand… there must have been many hundreds of tandem tractor trailers using the 2 lane road alone with busses, other vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians yet nothing being done to improve the infrastructure. We left the hotel about 11:30am and midway into the trip, after ‘the road’ area, a police man came running into the middle of the road requiring us to stop. He told the driver to be aware there were reports of 2 men dressed in black stopping busses at gunpoint. He said because of the pirates, the checkpoints would be open and we were not required to stop. What a rush! Another obstacle to lean upon the Lord. Passing through the next town, I saw 4 police officers talking with 3 men dressed in black, I never thought this would be a potential problem in Zambia. Unity Camp in reality! As we cruised along the highway, remember this is about the size of Parker Street in front of the church, we were traveling about 130 – 150 K or 80-90mph passing slower vehicles as needed a bull decided to cross the road about 50 feet in front of us. Dennis had passed the bull while it was on the shoulder and blew the horn trying to distract it, I guess that’s where the term bull-headed comes from, because it just kept on going. Our driver locked up the brakes, we prayed; rather cried out in total panic and swerved into the oncoming traffic which was light, and missed the fool thing. That I somewhat expected at some point. Continuing more than ¾ of the way back to Lusaka it became dark. This I think was the most terrifying ride I have ever been on. The lights from the oncoming vehicles just blinded me; I prayed the driver could see. We would go from 70 mph to about 30 mph as the vehicles approached. Then there were the pothole that was about every 100 feet and the pedestrians walking or riding their bikes who knows where in the dark. I was scared! At about 7:30p in the dark of the night, we came upon a tandem tractor trailer that had driven off the road. The driver didn’t appear to be hurt, but it just added to our stress. Finally about 8:30 we arrived back to the hotel in Lusaka. Dennis released the bus as we were leaving in different shifts to the airport the next morning. We had dinner in the Hotel restaurant and were the only ones there. They told us the menu, they had 2 steaks, 4 pieces of fish and plenty of chicken or pork chops. I brought me back to the reality of Zambia vs. the United States. This hotel was built I would guess in the 1940’s. It must have been beautiful in it’s day. They seem to have upgraded in the mid 60’s and not done anything since. We had no hot water, when you turned the valve, nothing came out. We had cold at the sink so long as we didn’t flush the toilet. The room was clean, the people sweet, but both Elaine and felt the depression within the walls. We all miss home, and are looking forward to seeing everyone in a few hours. Our plane leaves at 1:50p to Johannesburg and then 6p back to the States. God has done some amazing things within and through us. Life here is simple and will continue that way long after we leave; hopefully for those lives we had the privilege to touch it is a better place. As the crew from Kafulafuta disperses throughout the United States, I pray we will be bringing a little bit of Africa home to share. When you are touched by God, you are never the same. Thanks for putting us in that position. Jim and Elaine

Back at the ranch

John sent a text to Kevin saying the Mission has been without power for 2 days … not hours, days! God was gracious to us in many many ways.

Zambien Sun

4 stars does not describe the hotel. Coming from the Mission and Hotel in Lusaka, the shower alone was a little slice of heaven. This place is beautiful! A short walk through a wild life sanctuary and we are at the edge of Victoria falls. Monkeys, zebra, giraffe and small deer roam the hotel grounds. They are wild! The monkeys like potatoes chips and don’t bother to ask when they want some… bring back memories for those who were here????
As diverse as the group is, so were the choices of activities selected. One of the girls in the group is going to set up a sharing location for all our pictures. I went white water rafting starting just below the falls and floated through category 5 rapids, jumped off a cliff into the river, swam with alligators that were 30 yards away (we saw them after getting back into the boat) and hiked what seemed to be a mile almost straight up to come off the river. Others went 4-wheeling, flew in a helicopter, rode and elephant on a safari, or like Elaine went into town to the market to shop.
We leave today back to Lusaka along the dusty trench filled road then to the airport on Thursday and home. We miss you and thank you all for your prayers.

Arriving in Livingstone ... almost

About 20 minutes outside the city of Livingstone, we heard the driver say oh… we did not take that as a good sign as we coasted to the side of the road. We ran out of fuel. What comes next can only happen in Africa. 25 muzungas pushed the bus that was being steered by a national. WE HAVE PICTURES. I called Dennis and told him if he wanted to see the sight, he should come out to us as he will never believe our story. We pushed the bus up a slight hill and encouraged the ladies to jump in for the ride down. Many of us just enjoyed walking, refusing to get back in the bus. It is now 4:30 and we should have long been at our destination. The bus and its passengers began rolling down the hill that turned out to be over a mile long. When we reached the bottom, we could see what seemed to be a truck stop just ahead. To the left was a cement plant and the driver was within the gates trying to negotiate fuel for our crippled chariot. With nothing better to do, we began pushing the bus up the hill. When we got to what we thought was the truck stop, we found it to be a check point. The military police saw us coming and let us push by, maybe because it really was not a motorized vehicle at that moment. As we passed the checkpoint, I noticed a tractor trailer parked along the side with a container of diesel attached to the side. Two guys were looking in the trunk of a taxi parked behind the truck as we walked up. I asked if one was the driver, without looking from deep in the trunk of the taxi, one of the men responded. We asked about purchasing the fuel and noticed they were going through someone’s suitcase and pocketbook. I could see us getting into a situation that I really didn’t want to be involved when in drove our rescue. Dennis and Bobby pulled in and allowed us to walk away without incident. Unable to get a container, Dennis and Bobby drove off after a good laugh. Having nothing to do, we started pushing the bus again. We have all determined that in total we pushed the bus 3 miles up and down the countryside before receiving fuel.
One of the problems when running out of fuel we were told is priming the pump. All the junk from the bottom of the tank including water was sucked into the engine. We were later told a story by Pastor Grace of his adventure in the States taking 1½ hours to restart the engine. While we were pouring the fuel in from the container Dennis and Bobby were finally able to bring, God did another miracle. Up drove the ice cream cart. A man on a bicycle with the ice cream chest on the front saw an opportunity. We saw it as a gift from God. He had just enough for everyone to get their choice and he took American dollars as payment $1 each. That doesn’t just happen! I have never seen the good humor cart in Africa nor will the nationals accept dollars. With the bus fueled, the guys began to prime the pump. 2 tries and 15 minutes and nothing. We began to load the pickup to shuttle everyone to the hotel and the bus started… another miracle!
We loaded the vehicles and headed to Livingstone. Almost into the city, we passed the bicycle that once passed us so we knew we were making up time. We arrived at the hotel at 6:30pm. About 10½ hours after leaving Lusaka … but what a story! God allowed obstacles then provided miracles, one after another.

On the road again

Breakfast was by Zambian standards superb. Unlimited eggs, bacon, beans, oatmeal, fruit, muffins, juice and coffee. Elaine and I opted for the coffee - instant (Zambia’s only option), mango juice and homemade muffins. I don’t know what her reasoning was, but I knew the ride ahead and didn’t want to temp the ‘big D’ as it had been referred to by the group.
The caravan left the hotel in Lusaka about 8am. 2 pickups loaded overflowing with suitcases tied to the back, we must have been a sight to behold. Our driver was very sensitive to the jarring effect of weaving in and out of traffic and cautiously passed vehicles leaving ample room for a gentle entrance and exit of the other lanes. He was extremely sensitive of speed bumps and rolled gently over each. After what seemed 4 or 5 hours of traveling, the troops demanded a potty break. One of the nationals investigated the local latrine, and in his words it was disgusting. We continued along the road with no reservation, but the need still demanded a stop in the bush. We were on the only road from Lusaka to Livingston, used by cars and trucks alike. It was suggested that the ladies hold up a blind of shatangas, but they were packed in the suitcases that were by now hundreds of miles ahead. Yankee ingenuity and female persuasion prevailed… we took the curtains off the windows of the bus and the ladies marched into the bush.
In the mean time, it didn’t take the guys long to get into trouble. I found an old walking stick and we began to get creative in its usage. Doc directed 4 guys to hold the stick above their heads so one of the medical students, Jake, could perform is morning workout. In the middle, a highway patrol car pulled up. This was the one and only police car we had seen in the hundreds of miles we had driven. They checked on us, laughed with us and were on their way. When the ladies came from the bush giggling we knew they felt a whole lot better, and off we were again. We stopped at the same museum as last year for those who didn’t venture into the woods almost an hour later.
The final leg of our journey was before us. The road of pot holes!!! There was a strip just before entering Livingston I remember being about 45 minutes long of horrid conditions. Either the road was extended or last year we flew through them, but this year it seemed endless. We knew it was ridiculous when the national said we were not going over pot holes but trenches… I have a picture of us driving on the shoulder rather than along the road. Our driver refused to sacrifice our comfort for speed, and at one point a bicycle passed us. We are both laughing now, but grateful for the attitudes then. The dust was unbearable then all of a sudden, the bus air conditioner which was broken began to work. The driver was unable to explain why it began to work, so we did; the Lord allowed us to close all the windows and drive through this arid countryside in comfort. Finally after what seemed to be 3 more hours, we were traveling along an almost pothole free pavement.

Hanging out in the hotel bathroom

It’s 5:09 am and I have to laugh, again I find myself writing while sitting upon the thrown. Not for any reason, praise God, other than not to wake Elaine, and excited to share the adventures of the last few hours. Watching the Lord protect us, direct us and provide for us was unbelievable in reflection. When we arrived in Lusaka, the area of the hotel has the power shut down. This happened daily during the Conference, but one of pieces of equipment outside the gate was a military surplus generator. I don’t think we were without power for more than 5 minutes at any given time. Zambia, like South Africa is unable to provide power for all the country, so they arbitrarily shut down grids. The hotel was black when we should have arrived. Dennis said they had to fill out the forms by candlelight.
Well, the driver turned left rather than right at some point and we were lost. He, unlike the American male species … stopped and asked directions. We could have told him we were lost, especially after seeing some of the same sites 3 times, but he didn’t ask us. The bus was a great adventure. We started singing songs, and eventually digressed to the Gilligan Island song, to which Elaine and I almost lost it, texted Tracey and asked her to share. She too must have thought we were crazy as we received no reply. Well after a good hour of roaming the city of Lusaka, the driver asked some guy walking down the street for directions. The next thing we knew, he was in the bus with us. He later told us he had just come from church, heard the songs coming from the bus and was for some reason afraid of us. I guess the driver was able to convince him we were not from the loony bin, because he spent the next 10 minutes telling the diver when to turn. We went down dirt roads, back alleys and city streets only to arrive back almost across the street from the gas station where we could have told him he was lost in the first place. When we arrived, the power was on.
Elaine is now awake and as I am writing she is reading. She just shared a verse that almost says God is watching and reflecting as well, and He had fun protecting us so we did not arrive to the hotel while the power was out. Psalm 2o:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. This is also appropriate for the adventure from Lusaka to Livingston, but that is another story.

Movin' on...

Sunday morning, bitter sweet, it was amazing to see the Lord bring 32 people from all over the United States together to work in harmony and unity. There were moment of extreme joy and then those private moments when the tears just flowed as He spoke to our hearts. He stretched us, molded us, shaped us and at times even beat us up like the Good Potter should to His clay. We will all be better because of the experience at Kafulafuta and those who invested in us.
Yesterday there were 3 different chiefs attending yesterday. We transformed one of the housed into a dining hall for them after all their speeches. It was amazing that the conference theme 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: was lived out. After lunch, there were over 80 individuals baptized by 10 of the pastors both American and Zambian. I have not heard any total numbers other than about 3000 attending the Conference. They said the fuel shortage really contributed.
We are in Lusaka. The hotel is different from the one we stayed last year, and will let you know our opinions after. We had dinner at the same mall, and now we are exhausted and looking for a good nites rest.

VBS started tnnight

The Nationals asked that the Conference be extended, so we are starting Saturday evening, two sessions on Sunday, morning 10-12 and afternoon 2-4, three sessions on Monday morning, afternoon and evening 8-10, then final wrap up on Tuesday morning. Pastor Aaron Sheira, the Children’s Pastor from Decatur Alabama is coordinating the program and asked me join their team. What a thrill, it was awesome to hear from those kids who remembered last year’s program.
He plans to travel through a story board backdrop showing that God knows them, God loves them and God want to be their friend. He has asked that we pray specifically for Monday evening’s program where he will be offering a time of invitation for the kids.
We have all been asked not to download pictures etc in an effort of keeping the internet usage down, therefore I will add some after we get home. There were lots of improvements made around the compound. The Tabernacle has been improved. The platforms where the dignitaries sit and preachers speak in now concrete rather than the dirt. The area where they worshiped, danced and we performed now has a concrete floor again no more dirt and dust. Benches have been installed within the Tabernacle and it too has been enlarged. They moved the cooking area away from the Tabernacle closer to the milling area which is not the distribution center for the food. New latrines were built for both the men and women. They also a general store (round hut style) where the kids can buy sweets and the adults other goodies.

The Nationals have seemed to connect well with Kevin and both John and Lorna look great. She said that John has many days of pain, not from his liver but rather his back. He has a bulging disk that the doctors here said is inoperable. If Lorna hadn’t said anything I would never have known, he looks great and refuses to slow down.

I would ask that you keep me in prayer Sunday morning. For those of you that walked the 5 mile journey to church last year, I have the privilege to preach there tomorrow morning. I want to honor Him and be used to encourage His people and also know firsthand the battle that is going on here.

Thanks for your prayers, God is listening, He is responding and we are being used!!!

Glory be to Him

Jim and Elaine.

Oxymorons

I am here in the bush of Africa, typing on my laptop, checking my text messages and even able to call anywhere in the world … so long as there is a satellite signal. The deaf here use their cell phone as a note pad to share their thoughts with you and we I have seen color TVs playing in huts. Gets you thinking as to where our society is going and how much influence the western world has upon the rest of the world. With that said, what has frustrated me most the last couple days is the inability to send an email on AOL. Unbelievable the battles that rage within us at times isn’t it?

19 additional team members have arrived today. There are 8 medical and dental students as well as a high school friend that have joined Doc and his assistant Dee. Doc gave everyone a bracelet and tract just before leaving the states. I commented to one of the students (Jake) as I showed him mine and asked him about it. He told me Doc had given them out but he didn’t have time to read the card yet… 25 hours of travel… :)

Please keep that crew in prayer and that we would be a light during the conference and they would meet the Lord first hand.

For His Glory

Jim

Saturday Morning

Hey all T I A
This is Africa for those who needed to know. :(

Despite trying to access AOL at various times for the last 12 hours, I read 2 emails and don’t know if any were sent. I tried again this morning and wasted a lot of their web time. They pay by the kilobyte used not monthly as we do. . The blog connected immediately so I will respond there. There is an area that you can respond or post so feel free, we would love to hear from the ‘outside world’. Text us as needed, but I don’t think I will waist anymore of their time.
Ed, I don’t know if you received the email, our condolences and prayers are with you and your family.
Elaine and Jim

Dinner at the Casino

We went to the Casino and had another encounter with the Lord. No, we didn’t earn the Time to Build monies, rather were able to amaze the staff from the Game Lodges of God’s provision. 5 of us had a fabulous dinner at the Queen of the Nile buffet. Delicious! When I asked the waitress if we could split the check amongst ourselves, she said no. We laughed a little and she brought the bill. The 5 of us complete with drinks came to 47 Ran the South African Currency. I paid with my credit card and asked about leaving her a tip. She said whatever I wanted and wouldn’t tell me what was customary. So like in the US, I gave her my credit card, and wrote in 9 Ran as a tip. She said that I couldn’t do that. I then asked her to process the card a second time for the tip and she said she was not allowed accept the money. I thanked her and left her with a tract. She seemed very grateful, we were very full and all was well.
It wasn’t until later that we realized the exchange rate was about $1 Us to $7 Ran. That means the complete bill for the 5 of us was just over $6 US. We walked around the Casino for a while, were in and out of the shops enjoying the sights and called the Game Lodge to pick us up. When we asked the driver what the Casino usually charges for a meal, he said 100 – 240 Ran, and asked why, We told him the story. He laughed and said we couldn’t buy drinks for that little. He even asked if we felt guilty. When we got back to the hotel, he must have told the other worker because I was asked to show the receipt. He too was amazed and said we had received a gift. We agreed and testified to him who had provided that gift.
Thanks for your prayers
Jim
p/s no internet service, but not really a surprise.

Johannesburg

We arrived safely. God was gracious through Customs etc. Those of you who participated in Unity Camp will appreciate what happened while in the parking lot were met the van from the Game Lodge. I notice a guy nearby watching us. We had piled our luggage together and the ladies were talking while I was watching for the van a little ways off near the street. Remember the giant Soccer ball? I called to Elaine and pointed to my eye. She also saw the single individual, and positioned herself to keep an eye on him and the luggage. When the van arrived, he stepped in to ‘help’. We were able to control the situation and not lose a laptop, violin, or any of the other dozen or so pieces of luggage. After getting into the van, we thanked God for His protection, and one of the ladies stated he was only trying get a tip. I added or a piece of luggage and driver laughed aloud, I then asked him if I was lying. He said no and we thanked the people that brought us through Unity Camp Training.
The battle has begun.
Elaine and Jim

Does your toilet water swirl clockwise?

Haven’t you ever asked yourself that question? It’s 2am here and I think I am up for the day. We are 6 hours ahead of you, and my body has no idea what is normal any longer. Elaine is asleep; I think I slept more on the plane. I’m in the bathroom trying not to wake her reflecting on a couple of the conversations. Does your toilet water flow clockwise? We are now below the equator and I checked, here it flows clockwise. Are we looking at the bottom of the moon? It was ½ full tonight. It was beautiful, round on the bottom and flat on the top. Is that normal? Hope you too had a chuckle. We leave here at 7a for our flight to Zambia. Thanks again for the privilege of representing all of you.
To Him be the Glory,
Jim

3 1/2 hours and we head to the airport

A huge heartfelt thank you goes out to every one of you that are supporting us. Your prayers have astounded me! I am not surprised that the Lord has provided, He promised that He would Philippians 4:19. He also promises that the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man (and woman) availeth much. James 5:16 and they have!!! We are on our way.
As of this morning, our trip is entirely paid!!! Praise God!!! And above that, we have spending money and will be able to give a gift to the Mission in excess of $1000 … ABOVE AND BEYOND WHAT I COULD ASK OR THINK. What’s more I was able to outline a couple messages to share in Zambia and everything fit into the suitcases :)

Kevin Pestke, director of the Conference and Mission sent us a note recently asking that we pray for the weather during the coming week. Most of the 10,000 people coming will be sleeping outside under the stars and the weather forecast is unseasonable cold. Daytime highs are in the 80’s but overnite lows are forecasted to fall into the 40’s and 50’s.

John and Lorna are doing well. John asked in an email last Sunday if I could pick up a Zambian and a Christian flag to bring along with us. Now what do you think the odds are that a mom and pop flag store here in Springfield will have an African flag in stock. I laughed when I read the note, but told him I would try. There was no time to order them on line, so it would have to be a God thing for it to happen. Now have you determined what you think would be the odds of them having it in stock? Oh ya, the odd that John asked me was either 1:40 or he asked everyone, but the email was addressed to me personally. Ready for this … they had both in stock. Trust God at His Word personally and you will see Him working in everything.

Dick Jarvis will be at the Conference, but Eve will not be joining him until September. I don’t know the details, but were asked to keep them in prayer. Finally Dennis and Sue Anderson are there and I think Bobby Bonner as well, but Becky did remain back in the States.

To Him be the Glory, serving together with you.
Elaine and Jim