We Bought Land!
Back in August, we announced our vision to build a ministry base in the heart of Chipata. Since then, we’ve made a lot of ground- literally! We’ve been eyeing a beautiful five-acre plot of land for years, but it wasn’t on the market. So, it was quite a surprise when the owner asked about our plans for the land after we inquired about it again.
Once we explained our desires for the Hope Zambia base and the ministries we were involved in, she said she’d get back to us. The “don’t call us, we’ll call you” line was what we were used to at this point, so we didn’t have high expectations. Surprisingly, she called an hour later to discuss terms for purchasing the property! It’s been an incredible journey since then, and we’re grateful for the generous support from several individuals and churches. We’re excited to announce that we already have the funds to purchase the land, clear it, and put up a security fence! We’re just days away from closing and obtaining the title in our name. However, we still need help with two remaining goals as we wrap up phase two of the project: drilling a well and putting up a small storage building. This is a big project, but we can make this dream a reality with your continued support! We’re grateful for all the help we’ve received and are excited to see how fast everything is coming together! This work will tremendously impact the Gospel in Eastern Zambia and the regions beyond!
Earlier this month, we organized our quarterly Bible school. This 4-day event always ignites our zeal for village ministry. During this meeting, we emphasize the importance of sound doctrine as we work on deepening the commitment of our disciples in the rural areas. Despite the busy season as local farmers prepare their fields, we were thrilled to have twenty-one students registered. Each student independently covered their expenses, showing a significant step towards personal responsibility for their education and ministry. This initiative embodies our present and future commitment to the village as we advance our mission of equipping and empowering local believers. The knowledge we’re passing on is being taken to far more places than we can travel. The doctrinal studies we’re printing are being preached to local congregations in a way they can relate to. The investment we’re making is yielding a far greater reward as Christians become disciples. Please continue to pray for this work and us as we labor for Christ’s Kingdom!
A Little Letter From Lisa:
A mere 18 months after beginning this term, I am getting around to hanging some vinyl wall decals in our school area that I had picked up on furlough. Progress! This particular phrase is five words long, so I centered the middle word and then finished the phrase before going back and applying the beginning two words. My ten-year-old walked in mid-application to what she didn’t know was the ending of this inspirational phrase, “Do hard things!” To which she responded, “Well, that’s kind of depressing.” I showed her a picture of ALL the words, and they’re much more encouraging in context! “You can do hard things!” Like…finally apply an inspirational phrase to the wall, apparently!
Hope Bible Baptist Church – Chipata
Our city ministry is moving forward, and we’re seeing steady growth! Hope Bible Baptist Church of Chipata averages around fifty people weekly, and many are involved in group or one-on-one discipleship. Establishing this ministry in our own community with people we see every day in Chipata has been such a joy! Our church is built on preaching the Gospel, establishing the family, and raising disciples for Christ! Please pray for this young body of believers!
Advancing the Gospel!
Looking again at the Bible school, we’re so pleased with how the work in the village is progressing. Out of the twenty-one registered students, all seven of Chiyembekezo’s leaders were present! This is exciting because these are the men that we’ve personally led to the Lord and discipled. We have so much invested in our group at CMB, so to have 100% participation is encouraging! We often talk about empowerment, and this school is a perfect example of how we’re achieving this goal! This quarter’s topics included sharing one’s testimony, the local church, the word of God, sanctification, baptism, and the Charismatic movement. We’re giving these believers the tools they need as they minister to their own people.
Subscribe to our Podcast:
Have you subscribed to our podcast, Let’s Talk Missions? Join us as we review the great commission from the vantage point of the American church. How can we get involved, and what should we know? Stay updated by LIKING our Facebook page or by following us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon / Audible, Pandora, Podbean, Google Podcasts, or wherever podcasts are found!
How Can You Get Involved?
People value working with us at Hope Zambia because of our good name and hands on experience in the field. We’ve earned the trust and confidence of many people, churches and organizations throughout the last 22 years in Zambia. From our time with mission teams and college internships to making sure donations are secure and wisely used, we take our job seriously. Would you consider joining #TEAMHOPE in financially partnering with us as we minister the Gospel in Eastern Zambia?
Leave a Comment