Team Africa July 2007

Everyone is home

2007-09-22T19:17:00.000-07:00

We hope you have enjoyed following along on our adventure. The last crew got home Thursday about 2:30 in the afternoon...after 34 hours of travel. It was wonderful to have everyone greet us at the airport.

The adjustment to Boise time hasn't been too bad, and we really (and we mean really) appreciate our lives here. We are blessed to live where we do.

Our time in Zambia was a blessing for many reasons...for the Zambians and for the teams. We look forward to sharing pictures and telling stories. Thank you all for your prayers while we were gone.

-The team

Grateful in Africa

2007-09-17T18:49:00.000-07:00

Good Morning World!!!

I am giving a morning devotion on Tuesday about waiting on God with earnest expectation of a mix of HOPE and FAITH as a power source. This will lead to a life of transformation. It is 3:00 AM ZAmbia time. My buddy Steph has frequently gotten up at this time as our inner time clocks seem to be rather "off". She uses her time to blog, so I thought I would see what I am missing!! Anyway, as I woke up this morn thinking about "waiting, hope, faith, and transformation, I realized I have been experiencing the perfect people who represent this process, the Zambians....

Yesterday I had the amazing opportunity to be a small part of watching a dream being fullfilled for 11 of them, the Mapalo Vineyard Worship Team. Josh and I had a desire to help them record some of their original songs at a recording studio while we were here and produce the CD's for them and us. All 15 of us, (Steph joined us for this) trekked on foot complete with instruments and walked to the nearby studio at the Catholic Church for our booking.Of course we had to walk through the guard station where the families of the prison guards live on the very edge of the Ndola prison. We also waved and said "Hello" to the prisoners on the inside of the razor wire and the outside, as they work gardens on the grounds outside and inside the fence. WE also walked right by the open sewer where they draw the "water" to give nourishment to their crops!! Early on in our visit here as they invited Josh and I to join their team on Sundays and for practice on Saturdays, we both felt such a heart connection with the team members and became one with them in the trueast sense. I believe that our personal worship experiences will never be the same after spending quality "heart" time with our friends on the Mapalo Vineyard Worship Team. There were a few points in my time photographing and videotaping them recording fresh worship songs in their Bembe language, that tears ran freely down my cheeks. At one point in particular, I was in the studio with the men and they were laying down the drum track for the Cd. There were about 10 of us in this little tiny, stinky room!! Four of the "men", one was 10 years old, were playing four different native drums in complete unison of beat at TOP volume to the faint background music of the actual voices and guitars of the song. Those drums sounded like THUNDER for the LORD, because they worshipped to HIM with every ounce of passion God had given them. I literally transported to the throne room of the LORD through that experience. I felt GOD's very heartbeat, I think.I was so honored to be there and share hearts with God and men in that stuffy tiny room. I will never forget how I was transformed in that moment.

Back to waiting, hoping, trusting....FAITH!! The Zambians live in the worst poverty and disgusting situations I have ever seen, yet they exhibit the most joy and faith in God that has ever been shown to me. They have true poverty of spirit, (Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven...) as Jesus talks about in Matthew 5 in the Be-Attitudes. I wish ALL Christians, everywhere could come spend time with these folks and learn, as my friend, Ken Moore says, "How to be a Christian." I LOVE YOU ALL and thank you so much for your prayers. Isn't our Lord, the God of over the top, MORE??? I sure have seen HIM here!!!! Nicci

We did it!

2007-09-14T09:32:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord. all the tables for sewing and 10 pews are sanded and ready to go to church...We won't be able to take them over till Sunday since there are no windows or doors yet.

We all got up at 6:00am to work while it was cool and finished by early afternoon, can't wait to see everyone sitting in them.

Took Francis to four chemists today to buy him a machine to test his blood sugar to keep him from getting ill again, but they have to order them so we will got that handled.

We are eating so well, very creative with the soups, adding vegetables and a little meat. We are going to celebrate tomorrow night and take the pastor and his wife out to dinner.

We are all well, miss our familys. Just four more days till we start back. Have so many storys to share.

Love to all,

Barb Haynes

Production in Zambia!

2007-09-13T18:46:00.001-07:00

Ahhhhhh, yesterday was an amazing day and the team was able to accomplish much (physically and Spiritually!) We completed 7.5 Pews, we only have to sand the 8th one and build two more and all 10 table tops were assembled, so we will finish building those today. We worked along side one another and along side the Zambians and it just makes your heart sing to witness the relationships that are being built...it is truly precious!

We start each day with devotionals amongst ourselves and the Zambians and it is powerful! And the team ends each night with a devotion from one member of the team, talk about getting filled up! WOW!!!

We still have much work to do and it is quite amazing to see how God has calmed our spirits, how we have settled into Africa and how we are learning to simply "BE". This is a time that I am sure we will not soon forget.

We apologize that we don't post more, but we each promise to share our hearts and stories with all who are willing to listen! We love and miss you!

2007-09-12T09:44:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

Since the last post, we've been pretty busy. Saturday was kind of an off day. Nicci and I got blessed to go to the Mapalo Vineyard's worship practice and participate. IT WAS AMAZING!! We played and sang and prayed for like 3 hours. During that whole time we played a whopping 3 different chords. However, there was an annointing there that was sweet. Two nation, two tribes, two tongues, and one heart bent towards Jesus!! Our team has been under attack from the enemy, however we have been having fantastic devotions and team meetings that have been bringing great unity towards each other and Christ.
Sunday, we had a fantastic experience at church. The fabric and sewing machines were presented to the women at the church, and they broke out in spontaneous song and celebration. Their worship services are really rich!
Monday Tim and Tempe left Zambia. The ladies went to the Mapalo church for a sewing lesson with the women of the congregation. The men stayed behind and worked on the pews, while Phil has been playing the part of taxi. He's getting awesome at driving on the left hand side of the road. We have devotions with the Zambian's , led by Pastor Francis in the Mornings.
Tuesday, we went out to Pastor Francis's farm and saw the operation "Farming God's Way". That was really in the bush. Talk about your picture of Africa from National Geographic. Also we went on a pump repair with the crew from SHIP to a school. We had a great time playing and singing with the little kids there. They are so curious, and accepting of us.
Yesterday we went to Mapalo. To the marketplace, and Francis and Felix were our guides. The sight, sounds, and smells, are pretty much beyond words. "Chebulele" means the "rotten thing". It was a place in this open air village where they threw the murdered bodies. It was a hole in the ground. If someone turned up missing it was said they were in "Chebulele". Pastor Francis filled told us that this place has been slowly being redeemed by the grace of God for the last 22 years. It used to be a place where even the police wouldn't go. Now you can pretty much walk around in the market with no fear. Extreme poverty though. The Lord had him start this church 4 years ago by simply walking around the village praying and meeting people. Now people who don't even go to his church recognize him as a pastor. Hope is budding, and the christians here have an amazing faith, and fortitude is ministering to us greatly.
We miss you dearly, and can feel your prayers.
Love lots.

P.S. Krispy Kremes and a Mocha sound pretty good

We're back in Ndola :)

2007-09-07T12:51:00.000-07:00

Well, Team 1 is on their way home and Team 2 has just arrived here at the SHIP Mission House. BTW, SHIP stands for Seeds of Hope International, which is where our Boise Vineyard teams are being housed out of here in Ndola.

Tim & I left 2 days ago and flew from Ndola to Livingstone at the exact time that Team 2 was arriving from the USA. Both planes were on the tarmack at the same time, which seemed like such amazing perfect timing. We were so glad to see each other. We spent the next few days viewing the magnificant Victoria Falls, exploring the safari game park in Botswana, and just some special time of regrouping with Team 2 before heading to Mapalo to work for the next 2 weeks. This is the first missions trip where we've taken 2 teams back to back for 2 weeks at a time. Since both teams trainined together for 15 weeks prior to coming, each team has been praying for the other, knowing that we would be in Zambia at different times, but working with the sames purposes in mind....to share God's love with this beautiful people group.

Ken, Laurie and Phil are the 3 staying for the full month, so they were waiting for us when the bus arrived late this evening into the SHIP house. It's great to now have Team 2 here and we're ready to start working tomorrow, with whatever the need is; loving and building relationships with the Zambians, helping with construction of the Resource Center, and helping with hygeine training & well drilling. God has opened the doors for amazing relationships with the Zambians. It's been sweet to see the impact that Team 1 and the Zambians have encountered, and to now start moving forward with Team 2 is another exciting adventure, with God leading the way.

While Tim & I were gone, Phil, Ken & Laurie built shelves in the store room here. WOW...they did a great job. They also started on the pews for the church and the tables for the sewing machines for the Resource/Training Center in Mapalo. Yea....teamwork :)

Our next job is to move an anthill. By the way, ant hills here are bigger than a house.
Check back this week & we'll post you a picture of what "moving an anthill" looks like.

Tim & I arrive home on 9-11 and Team 2 arrives on Sept 19. We love you and are praying for all of you.
Tim & Tempe & Team Zambia

2007-09-06T11:26:00.000-07:00

We saw the first part of team one off today. They are headed home. Those of us who remain are looking forward to the second part of our team coming. We had a bit of napkin withdrawal tonight. Jen had been folding napkins since the beginning, and she is gone. And, when we say fold, we don't mean just in half. We've had birds and soccer balls and all sorts of stuff. Today, we just had napkins.

Ken worked with the guys today - or so he says. I guess he's probably right, cuz he came home very dirty. -and guess who washes those clothes????

Tomorrow, the second part of our team arrives, and we are looking forward to a productive time.

Time of transition

2007-09-05T11:35:00.000-07:00

Well, we have heard from Tim and Tempe - Team 2 (or Team 1, Part two) are in Livingstone with all their luggage. YEAH!!!

We split up today with part of the team going to the farm, and part of the team doing work around the SHIP (Seeds of Hope International Partnership) house where we are staying. This is also the current location of the biosand filter factory.

Ken, Rich and I went to see the progress on the church, and it really is coming along...window frames are made and off site, and the roofing tresses (made of rebar) will be ready on Friday. The welding on the rebar took place in the middle of Mapalo market, in the old polcie station...no indoor lighting, and the guy doing it wasn't wearing any eye protection. Yikes.

It is our last night together as the first installment- Many of us head home tomorrow, Ken, Phil and I will be staying. We will really miss the team that is leaving, but are looking forward to the new friendships that will be built stronger with the team coming in.

Keep us all in your prayers.

-The Team.

15 team members in Africa

2007-09-04T13:53:00.000-07:00

Well, if all went as planned with team 1 part 2, all of us are on African soil. Today was quite a day. Some of the guys built shelves, some moved containers, and some of us cooked all day.

Tim was feeling bad, cuz we hadn't got to go to church at Mapalo. So, he basically invited the church for dinner. We planned a big pot of spagetti, but ended up also doing nshema and relish. It was a really quiet time as 25-30 of us ate. But, before we ate, we had worship and a short service. Now, I have been talking with one of the office staff. We had talked about the differences between Americans and Africans. Africans eat to get fuel. Americans eat to socialize. Now I realize this is a generalization, but it was definitely evidenced this evening...When Africans eat, they eat. It was quiet. After dinner, we presented the sewing machines and some of the fabric too. You want to see gratitude, have an African congregation thank you for something. They use words, they use song, they use body language. God's presence was evident and it was a great way to spend our last night together as team 1, part 1.

Tomorrow, Tim and Tempe leave to greet Team 1, Part 2 in Livingstone. On Thursday, Dave, Stan, Rich and Jen start there trek for home. Ken, Phil and Laurie will be here to greet team 1, part 2 when they get to Ndola on Friday. We've had a great time as a team and feel good about our progress with our "projects" and relationships...

OK, it's late...more later.

Life in Zambia through the eyes of Stan Bracy

2007-09-03T12:36:00.000-07:00

I want to thank everybody who has prayed for us because we can definitely feel your prayers.

As a result, this team has been incredibly unified. It's been like one big family, loving and appreciating each other. So much like a family, that when one team member gets sick, we all join in. Ok, all joking aside, a few of us ate something funny yesterday....but we're all good & healthy today.

Each night our team spends a few hours together eating, and debriefing the day's events. We've discovered that many chefs in the kitchen are actually a lot of fun. The camaraderie and teamwork is amazing. There's no set schedule on who does what because we all just really want to help. After dinner we have a time of devotions & we each take turns. Last night was my turn to share, and God had put on my heart to encourage Pastor Francis Feluka & his wife, Flavia. We each had the opportunity to affirm them and the work that is going on here in Ndola and Mapalo, that they are so instrumental in overseeing. The church is growing and the Resource/Training Center is just about complete. Mapalo is a poverty stricken area of over 50,000 people and the Resource Center will impact and possibly save many lives. Just today we cut the wood that the sewing machines will be placed upon. These machines are a result of The Vineyard family participation in giving. The Resource Center will train women in Mapalo to learn skills necessary to earn an income to feed their families, something we often take for granted.

I've also experience the well-drilling rig in action as the team is drilling an additional well in the heart of Mapalo. Fresh water is the difference between life and death. How exciting that the Vineyard can come along side Seeds Of Hope to bring life to a village.

Thanks again for your prayers. God is faithful.

Stan/Team 1 Zambia

Pictures from the first few days

2007-09-03T10:40:00.000-07:00

Sunday in Zambia...from Ken and Rich

2007-09-02T12:13:00.000-07:00

So, we had quite a day today. It started with church here in Ndola. There is a Vineyard conference, so there were representatives from churches all over the area- including at Mapalo, which is the church we are helping to build a training center for.

The afternoon, we had planned to minister to the street children (with Rhoda from the Project Zambia video), but Pastor Francis had different plans for us. We ended up going to a very nice home and joining a "couples retreat" which was more than just couples for this one only. We ate well.

We then went out to the church property and hung out with kids and discussed some construction stuff. On the way home, we stopped to see where Rhoda's brother, Gift, had his own business selling kerosene and candles. It costs 3,000 Kwatcha for 6 candles which is only 75 cents in US dollars. What a bargain. :) He has been doing this for 3 years and is only 18. To get to him, we walked through the market in Mapalo, which is too much to describe. It is amazing how many people and little businesses can fit in a small area. It was starting to get dark, but for a Sunday evening, it was still quite busy.

We had Pastor Francis and his wife Flavia for dinner...unfortunately, we hadn't had time to stop at a grocery store so that was a bit stressful for the kitchen staff (Laurie and Phil and Dave tonight) So, it was a day of relationship building. We buy the lumber tomorrow (say a prayer that they have what we need) for building tables for the work center and benches for the church.

Dave is hopefully getting some hydraulic fluid and then will be training the Zambians to operate heavy equipment.

What are they doing in Ndola, Zambia?

2007-09-01T10:09:00.001-07:00

Drilling wells!

Loving The Children!

Training hygiene and sanitation skills!

Feeding 300 people/ Zambia Vineyard Conference

2007-09-01T08:20:00.000-07:00

An update from Phil and Jennifer:

Today is Saturday. We slept in (as in we didn't get up until 6:30 this morning). Most of us even slept through the bells that ring from the Catholic church every morning at 6am!

For our morning adventure, seven of us began Phil's driver's training. There's a shortage of drivers around the SHIP complex, so Tim and Phil have taken on the task of driving on the left hand side. Between potholes, people, roundabouts (did we mention you drive on the left here?), missing street signs and no maps, navigation is a true advent-ure. We only made 5 wrong turns/ "explorations," but everyone is home safely.

Laurie stayed behind to help a group of ladies from the Mapalo Vineyard cook lunch for the Vineyard Conference (300 people). This consisted of chopping and gutting 25-30 chickens into 12 pieces each, chopping up 30 heads of cabbage, chopping and peeling a bushel of tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cooking and stirring huge vats of nshima over hot fires (the main dish in Zambian meals). As a reward, the women treated themselves to chicken liver in the middle of the morning. Yum, yum!

Zambians from Vineyard churches all over Zambia are in Ndola this weekend. Stan was asked to share at one of the afternoon sessions. At the beginning of the trip Stan felt the Lord would ask him to share at some point, and this was a confirmation of that. He gave a great, spirit-filled talk about the importance of unity and strong relationships within the church. His talk was supposed to start at 1400 hours (2pm) but when we arrived at the church lunch still wasn't ready (see above story of lunch preparations) so we sat back to wait on "African time." Speaking through a translator is always interesting - the Americans would laugh at his jokes right on cue, followed several minutes later by the Zambians after they heard the translation.

All team members are healthy and happy. We're so blessed to be here. Thank you for your prayers!

Children Of Zambia-Ndola

2007-09-01T07:10:00.001-07:00

Jennifer and Helgah.

Children in Helgah's Village

Cute little feller from Africa

2007-09-01T07:07:00.001-07:00

Dave Atwood-Live from Ndola

2007-09-01T06:39:00.000-07:00

So....here's life from Dave Atwood's direct from Ndola, Zambia...

After 2 days and 2 trips to the battery-charging store, we were finally able to get the tractor started, for our quasi-grading job. The drive to the gas station to air up the tire was a real blessing from God. No, seriously....it really was. :) From there we drove thru the streets of Mapalo...myself and 3 passengers riding on the fenders. After a brief stop at the new well site, we made our way through the narrow dirt pathway filled with children, to the street where the piles of ryealite (a 3/4" base dirt mixture) were. At that point we met the City Council and Public Relations Director. After a brief interview we started grading the road only to have the tractor decide that grading was not in it's scope of work today. ARG ! So, we gave it a rest, started it again and, well, you get the picture....it started !! From there we went to the police station for a much needed tractor rest. Sheesh. All joking aside, God has His hand on this work and what we're doing here. Maybe not in our "perfect" timing, but definitely in His.

So, as I sit here typing, my diesel-infested dust-ridden pants from today are soaking in a special formulated bucket of cold water outside.

The amount of work to be done here looms large. Little things are much more difficult to accomplish than they are at home. (3 stops to find 3 gallons of hydraulic oil).

Through all of the difficulties, we are seeing major blessings from God through our new relationships here with our Zambia friends and the unity of our team.

Thank you for your continued prayer. We appreciate it so much.

Dave

Pictures of Team One in Zambia

2007-08-31T12:44:00.000-07:00

It looks like we have Phil, Tempe, Jenn, Dave and Stan on a boat? I'm not sure if that's Rich in the back of the boat or not?

Hmmmmm, looks like Dave and Stan are doing something....not sure what?!

T.I.A. This Is Africa....

2007-08-30T14:36:00.000-07:00

Life from the other side of the planet..........

Mulishawni again from Ndola, Zambia Africa.

Well, it's been another full day so we thought we'd send a note to keep you posted. 1st of all, this is my last night to write for awhile. Starting tomorrow each of our team members will fill you in from "their" worldy perspective of life in Africa...that's the cool part about being on a team...sharing. And we've done a ton of it.

So, what do: visits to airports, blue toilet paper and "dealing in the millions" have to do with each other ?

The answer: "TIA" meaning That Is Africa.

The money here is in kwatches: 4000 to the $1.00. Get's difficult when you start dealing in money beyond $50.00. Doesn't take much to become a millionare here...in kwatches that is.

Blue toilet paper - just haven't quite discovered why blue ??? Must be covering up something.......

Visits to Airports - awh...so glad you asked.

Ok, here's the new update. Of the 24 bags that we started with, 22 arrived. Yeah, you guessed it, the 2 that didn't arrive belonged to Tim & I . One was fabric for the Zambia Project, the other personal. In my personal was something I really cared about: my cd player with our worship music for the team. Team 2, arriving next week, has a few worship leaders, but we don't so I brought my cd player.
Ok, so after 3 country border crossings, 3 different airline contacts and countless times of being told that "your luggage has been found", it really was found.....kinda. Of the 2 bags we got 1,and of that guess what's missing ? You guessed it. Our worship music and cd player! ARG! Well, we can only image that the theif will enjoy getting to know Jesus since all the music is about Him. What the enemy tries to use for bad, God will use for good. :)

We had an amazing day in Mapalo today with 10 million kids. WOW...our hearts were touched and broken by the children and the poverty. It's both simple and difficult to love in situations such as this.

Some of the team had a chance today to go to the Village Quansee to be a part of some hygeine and sanitation training. We hope to go again on Saturday.

Our team and our hearts are being bonded daily with each other and with the Zambians. Each night we spend a few hours together around the table just being real and vulnerable. God is moving. We came with no expectations and it's a good thing, because each day is a new day of the unknown of what may happen that day. We're learning to trust God in what His plan is and not ours. Today's devotion was the scripture "cast your burdens on the Lord, because He cares for you". We had a really sweet time understanding the depth of that scripture and encouraging each other.

Our cultures are vastly different and learning to do life in Africa is much different than life in America. There's no Home Depot here. Our power goes out on Thursdays. You don't always flush the toilet paper, you brush your teeth with bottled water, you always carpool and normally with at least 6 others...no matter where you're going. BUT, the common bond...love. God's love. It's why we're here. We're not only building a building, we're building a church...a foundation...a light in the darkness...a place for people to come and be loved. We're helping plant seeds in fertile soil. Thanks for helping us all be a part of the Zambia Project :)

Well, that's it for now. Know that we are praying for all of you. We are all well and excited for what each new day brings. It's truly the unknown. :)
Tempe & Team Zambia

Team One update

2007-08-30T04:46:00.001-07:00

Mulishawni to our Idaho friends and from Mapalo Vineyard to Boise Vineyard,

It's another beautiful (but smoky) day in Ndola. They're been burning off the fields here so the skys are like home...ok...that's an "Idaho in the summer of 07 knock". Tim & Ken say it looks different from when they were here 10 weeks ago because the tall African grasses have been burned. Apparently they do that to run out the animals to kill for food, and also because the rainy season will start soon and the grasses start to grow again.

Well....on to people. Our team is great. We're happy, healthy and yes, we all love each other :) God has hand picked each team member and it's so great to see the team dynamics...reminds me of the scripture where "2 are better than 1". We help each other, cover each other and are getting to know each other more. Each morning we have devotions with our Zambian friends out by the bio-sand filter mixing "factory", and each evening our team meets together to replay the day, encourage each other and hear a team member share devotions or whatever God has put on their heart to share. It's been a sweet time. We've had our share of minor roadblocks, but thru prayer, God has has showed us grace, mercy and His amazing power. We're reminded of the scripture where Paul talks about adversity and trials and how they are for the purpose of building character, perseverance and reliance on God. We have really seen God answer prayers since we've been here. Our team is so encouraged.

Well, the on-going joke is whether or not Tim & I will ever get our luggage. It's seems to have missed the plane from Jose' (that's Johannesburg to those over 30), and never made it to Zimbabwe with the team. Imagine that, 24 bags that we all brought, many full of fabric, and the 2 missing are 1 fabric and the one belonging to Tim & I with many personal items, but more critically my cd player and our worship music. You wouldn't think that to be such a big deal, but you haven't heard us sing either. JUST KIDDING :) We're great. :) But, the joke is the ongoing dilema of trying to find it. We were in 3 countries in 3 days, and crossing borders is not always easy, so being a piece of luggage looking for an American home is even more difficult. Phone #'s don't always make sense and people are sometimes tell you something positive like "oh yes, it will be in soon", but they make not mean it, so as not to dissapoint you. Oh......the differences in culture. So, we're getting to know the Ndola-airport road well :)

Some of the team is heading out this morning to meet up w/some of the trainers in hygeine and sanitation. Others will work with the Zambian construction team to support where they need us.

Frances Feluka, the precious pastor here is not well. Please keep him in prayer. He is a man of amazing wisdom. We've had many great conversations and have a learned a great deal from each other.

Well, that's it for now. We've tried to send pictures for the blog, but they don't seem to come across. The e-mail is a bit sketchy here...sometimes works and sometimes not. We've taken some great pics and video to share when we get home, but in the mean time, text will have to draw it's own picture for you.

We love you guys. We're really excited for Team 2 to arrive. Please share this with your friends and family and could the "blog team" post this to our site.

You're in our prayers daily,

Tempe & Team 1 Zambia :)

From team 1 in Ndola!

2007-08-28T10:56:00.001-07:00

Today was a wonderful day....our first full day here in Ndola.Wow...we had great devotions with Frances, Felix and about a dozen Zambians involved in the project. An amazing woman named Masey did the devotion from John, I believe chapter 15 about the vine and the brances. It was so powerful and precious to be sharing our hearts and love with these amazing people, as they so freely share theirs w/us. Of course we all have an instant bonding because of our love for Jesus.
We went to Mapalo today to see the progress of the work. It's quite amazing. The walls are about 4' high. We also experienced shopping at the market for 9 people. WOW...the stores are very full and busy and very expensive.
The team is great. We're all healthy and excited to be here. It's hot here, but was cold in Joberg. Nice to feel the heat again. We've had 2 lost bags and also 2 team members have lost their cameras, so keep us in prayer for retrieving those items.
Victoria Falls was beyond words in beauty. I can't even imagine how incredible heaven will be after seeing the hand of God in His works. Also, we went to Botswana for a full day safari. That was incredible. We were 2 feet from a crocodile in a little 18' boat, and about 20 feet from towering elephants as we floating just under them on the shore of the Zambezi River. We also saw zebras, elephants, a leapord, and a ton of other wild African animals just running free. It was beautiful....a great start for our team.
So, we're here now in Ndola for the next week and a half. We've bonded well and really seeking God for our time and relationships here. We're really encouraged about how He's opening all of our hearts, and also for the work here. There's lots to do and we're prepared to work. The team is so diverse in giftings, it's great to see each person just settling in and pro-actively just doing what comes so naturally.

It's eyeopening...the poverty, but also the love of this church for others.We feel really blessed to be here serving and continuing to build relationships through the Vineyard church and in the name of Jesus.

We love you and are so excited & praying for Team 2 to be here. Oh yeah..the 11 hour bus ride yesterday across central Zambia was truly an experience of it's own :) Something everyone should do at least once :) Yer gonna love it :)

Pictures from Jeff and Darcy's Zambia trip

2007-08-25T14:39:00.001-07:00

I'm guessing lots of readers might like to get a look at what the current Zambia team is seeing and doing. My wife Darcy and I just got back from Zambia August 4th. We also went to Ndola and stayed at the same guesthouse and got to know the same people. Our trip was with Lifewater International and we taught a sanitation training class to the Seeds of Hope staff. Its great to know our friends from Boise Vineyard are getting the opportunity to participate in what God is doing in Zambia. Today I finally found time to post some of our pictures to the web on Picasa. You can access them here...
http://picasaweb.google.com/jeffanddarcyanderson/Zambia

Like us, the Boise team will be spending a couple days seeing Victoria Falls and the vast array of animals in Chobe National Park before taking the 10 hour bus ride from Livingstone to Ndola. It will be exciting to see the changes to the training center by the time they are finished.

EXCITING

2007-08-24T07:19:00.000-07:00

Went to the airport yesterday morning and saw off our first enstallment of the Africa Team ZAMBIA!! Team 2 is now in countdown mode. That God is freshly changing each one of our hearts is an understatement. This trip is launching each of us into a whole other level of FAITH. It is so sweet and new. There is also a powerful unity in our team that feels mountain-moving to me. We have deeply bonded during the past 4 months, and the LORD is in the midst of us. He is the wall of fire all the way around us, and has gone before us to prepare the way. I can't wait to worship HIM in AFRICA!!! May the GLORY of the LORD fill the whole earth through every nation, tongue, and tribe....I want to shout HIS awesome NAME in Africa!!! May we all fall more deeply in love with Jesus daily according to Revelations 3: 14-22, and may signs, wonders, and miracles follow us as we proclaim the beauty of Jesus Name......1 John 5:14-15 Love & Peace to All, Nicci

Less than 24 hours to departure of first team

2007-08-22T10:08:00.000-07:00

I have talked with various team members...and from the e mails that are going out, the excitement is palpable. Ken and I are busy preparing the house for a month without us. We went to the post office last night and weighed suitcases. We determined flight times and stopovers...in Boise Time and in Zambia time. In other words, we are waiting...waiting... waiting. The excitement and stress are a fun aspect that I hadn't quite anticipated. In any event, we will hopefully be in the air tomorrow at 7:30ish. So, the blog postings should be more interesting and more frequent going forward. Pray for all of us! -Laurie

A Month Away

2007-07-22T20:03:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow will be one month away from departure for our first team. As we were visiting today, many commented on how we don't feel like two teams, we feel like one and it will be hard for many of us to not be able to be with all of the group. Ken and I feel truly blessed to be able to be there with everyone. This is a true adventure for us and we are so thankful for everyone that is a part of it.

To update, the women's ministry at the church has been busy. They have collected a large (like really a lot) amount of fabric and related notions for us to take. They had a get together at the church on Wednesday night to get the drive started. We also got to see the Zambia Project video which was particularly fun for me - I kept getting glimpses of Ken. It continues to amaze me how much we are supported here at home - I recognized the faces of many of these women, and to know they are here and part of our support is very special. I know there have also been home groups raising money in various ways for our trip. Thanks to everyone for your prayers and support.

Then, If you haven't done it yet, check out the blog in "Favorite Links." This is Jeff and Darcy - who are in Africa now, and who have been a part of our team from the start. They went to Africa with Lifewater, and we originally thought we would be there and the same time...but, they had to go early, and we were delayed. Instead, they are our info team.

That's enough for today. I know it's disconnected stuff, but it is in the interest of keeping those interested updated.

God bless!

Relationships

2007-07-16T20:33:00.000-07:00

Our friend Jeff Anderson (Seeds of Hope International Partnership) with Pastor Francis and Kennedy, standing on the freshly poured foundation for the resource centere.

Hygiene training

2007-06-16T20:24:00.000-07:00

OK, this is my first blogging attempt. I think part of this blog is to let our friends and family that aren't coming along know what is going on, right? Well, let's just say while we are not yet in Zambia, we are becoming quite a team. Many of us have had the pleasure of Hygiene training with Kirk (from Seeds of Hope/ Vineyard) and Diane (from Lifewater/ Vineyard). The training is intended to be cross cultural and interactive (participatory), so there are many skits, pictures, and discussions with laughter being a common denominator. It was intense. Thank you both for coming to Boise.

Many of us were wondering what we would do while the builders build...and this just might be part of it. Water, how to keep it clean, and what happens when it isn't are huge issues in Zambia. We learned how to make a solution that can save a baby's life. Diahrea is bad...but worse, when babies get it, unknowing parents stop feeding or giving drink to the baby. The dehydration can kill within 48 hours. The solution of water, salt, sugar and fruit is simple, and parents can make it for their babies. I think being able to help a mother save her baby would be a pretty cool thing to be a part of.

In many villages, kids play in the same area animals relieve themselves. This leads to many diseases. In one village that received training two years ago, the animals are now penned. There is no more cholera. Maybe we can be a part of that for other villages.

The percentage of children under the age of 15 is huge. I'd throw out a number, but I can't remember what it is and don't want to lie...so I'll just say humongous. These children are living with older siblings or grandparents...who are working all day trying to provide. The kids are "daytime" orphans and many are just plain orphans. We want to physically and spiritually hug these kids who don't get hugs from anybody else. Or talk to them. Or play with them. Or pray with them. Or just be with them. After talking to Kirk and Diane, we know the possibilities are endless.

Some of us (me included) are first timers. Others of us have been many times. We are all committed to building a building and building relationships. We want to serve. I have seen that in my team members and am proud to be part of what is happening. There are many differences between us and the Zambians. There are also many similarities. We are all God's children, and I think if we keep that at the forefront of our thoughts, we can't help but be successful.

alive in Barbados

2007-06-15T09:27:00.000-07:00

Hello Team, I can't wait to see you again. When I look east from this island, the nearest continent is Africa. Barbadians have their roots there. I have seen the strength of the enemy stronger than I ever have, yet God's authority has prevailed, and I believe a massive takeover has occurred in this country. His standard will fly over this island. Praise be to God!! N.

Coincidences

2007-06-09T09:48:00.000-07:00

In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Ephesian 2:21-22

That is how we feel about all the coincidences that have been occuring in our lives lately leading us to Boise, the Vineyard and now Zambia! Its fun to see God laying block - even if he is using them to build an outhouse in our case! We also started a blog to help friends understand what we are preparing to do, to find out more go to:

http://whenyougottago.blogspot.com/

We are looking forward to the days we'll be sharing the Seeds of Hope guesthouse with everyone from Boise!

blessings, Jeff and Darcy

Real Evangelism

2007-06-02T15:52:00.001-07:00

Changes can come from the power of many, but only when the many come together to form that which is invincible...The power of one. It's all about RELATIONSHIP and UNITY!

Favorite Verse for Africa

2007-06-02T08:04:00.001-07:00

"The Lord looked down from His sanctuary on high, from heaven He viewed the earth, to hear the groans of the prisoners and release those condemned to death."

In a way that's all of us, but considering the state of affairs in Africa, I think it's especially for them.

Josh

Favorite Verse for Africa

2007-06-02T08:04:00.000-07:00

I came across this verse a while back, I think right when I decided to go, and I thought it was really relevant to Africa, and especially to Steph's blog:

Imiti iikula empanga (Bemba)

2007-05-27T19:36:00.000-07:00

"The young trees are the forest" - This is a saying in Bemba that implies that it is the children who are the future of tomorrow.

"...The oppressor must be liberated just as surely as the oppressed. A man who takes away another mans freedom is a prisoner of hatred...the oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of humanity. "- Nelson Mandela

The people of Africa have been oppressed for far too long. The history of this vast continent and her people is filled with violence, war and hatred. No-one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People learn to hate and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.

Let's go love on the Children in this violent yet beautiful land; let us be living examples of His perfect love; it is all we have to offer and it's the only means to bring about change, revival, and transformation.

I am honored to be part of such a team as this.

Stephie