Home sweet home!

Greeted by Charlie along with many family and friends, Team Zambia arrived home safely about 11:30am Friday morning. Our trip was life changing. Many of us are evaluating what the Lord allowed in our lives these past couple weeks. Some sense the call to a foreign land, some back to Zambia, and still others our own backyards. Thank you again all that supported us with prayers and finances. Without you I know this trip would not have had the impact. We will never be the same.
You are all invited Sunday September 2nd during both morning services as the Team shares testimonies and pictures of the amazing trip to Africa.
Please continue to pray that the world, as Jesus spoke of in the parable of the Sower, does not choke the seeds that have been planted.
Thank you again.

The phone was off the hook....

We arrived safely in Livingston. What an amazing place. At one point it was mentioned, how can anyone say that there is no God. We were corrected; they don’t say that in this country. Victoria Falls was breathtaking, the marketplace was exhilarating, the safari was invigorating and hotel was rejuvenating.
Per normal, AWA, Africa wins again! The internet connection was more than slow, it reminded us of how much we truly have. When we complain about dial-up, imagine sending an e-mail and then go to pick up bread and milk, come home and make a sandwich with a glass of that milk and you may be able appreciate the speed of the connection, PLUS being charged.$2/ 5 minutes, or $10/hour.
We are all safe and longing to see our families. Thank you for all that kept us in prayer, God is good ALL THE TIME.
Jim

On the road again

Passing thru Lusaka
Charlie to airport, we to Livingston
All is well, tired but well
God is good every day!

WOW!!!

Bobby summarized the Conference Totals up to but not including tonight. VBS had 1992 registered children attend. 122 Churches have registered people. There are 7942 adults registered, making the total this week of people on the Mission property OVER 10,000 including and the staff. There were 767 kids, 150 from visitations (including visiting the area Churches last Sunday), 198 adults not including tonight for a total of 1115 salvation decisions. This afternoon we had the privilege to see 127 individuals baptized in the river about 1km away. It was an aw some picture to see the individual baptized, and a member of the church walk out into the water to meet them and from that moment on, become a disciple/discipler Pastor Brown spoke on the armor of God this evening and many hearts were encouraged. We are off tomorrow after service for R+R, and may not have Internet abilities as we do not have a computer of our own with us. Keep us all in prayer, it has be an amazing week. See you soon Jim

God is working

Bobby shared some numbers this evening. Currently there are 7900 people here at the mission. These are registered individuals from the church lists to receive food etc. The total professions of faith including the Bush Church visits this past Sunday are 970. We are unsure if today is included in that figure. They were praying for 1000
Today the guys from Washington had the nationals teach a presentation developed just for the mission. Their prayer is to use the presentation in the Zambian schools. Over 450 kids showed up, we assisted dividing the kids into 2 groups by age.
Our teens sang and put on a skit they had developed just for this presentation. Chantal shared of the good shepherd with Justin in costume. Jim played Satan outside the building trying to distract and get in. The little kids loved it!
The Nationals after their presentation, gave an invitations and over 300 kids made professions of faith. Our teens were unable to perform their skit a second time as they were busy helping lead the Zambian young people to the Lord. Twice, adults had to be taken from the main conference to help talk with the young people.
In all, 250 names of children were written down, yet many more came forward.
What a sight to see, 450 kids packed into two 30X50 classrooms, all praising in song, listening and then streaming out the doors, around the compound, on bleachers, in the shade, out in the sun; groups of 30 - 50 kids. At one point Pastor Smith from Washington said there were 15 different groups from the first invitation, and more responded when the 2nd invitation was given.
God is moving in the hearts of Zambia!

Sorry Gang

We've been trying for hours to upload pictures, but TIA, this is Africa! The connections will usually allow data transmission, occasional e-mail hosts, but the picture uploads take tooo long.

The Natives are Wrestless

Hi all,

It's us Carolyn and Becca. "The Natives are Wrestless" does not mean what you think. Since we as believers are only pilgrims in this world. We are referring to the Spiritual Natives who long to see God's plan thwarted. Last night was extremely intense. Heavy smoke filled the air and the intensity of the spiritual battle was evident as the tabernacle was packed and even overflowing with bodies. God's Word however, went forth with much power and many, many came forward. It is absolutely incredible how receptive these people are to the purity of the Gospel Message. We have been blessed and stretched beyond measure. If it were not for having families back in the states, many of us would just stay. But we know that God has work for us in the USA. Today a session was held for the children of those who were attending the adult conference(over 4,000). The kids were packed shoulder to shoulder in a room. Hundreds of children and even babies. Again, we saw the power of the Holy Spirit move in the hearts of these children and many were saved. Several of our teens had the privilege of leading them to Christ. We are dirty, we are tired but we are filled with such joy that God would privilege us to be part of this mission. Who would have thought that such a motley crew could be used. But, that's how our God is. Takes the ordinary and turns it into something extraordinary.

See you all soon. Please Pray. Please Pray. Please Pray.

From us.

Jim Heilman this is for you, everyone else cover your eyes :)

Hi
I am doing fine. Teaching went well. I also taught the woman's group. Today is Friday Aug.16th. I have been helping Dr. Ellias in the dental clinic several times. I really enjoyed it.
On Sunday we are leaving for Lusaka. Monday we are going to Livingston. On Thursday we will be leaving on our way home arriving Friday JFK 7am.
Love in Christ
Edna

Please pray for the Preaching and Teaching

There are 2 preachers each morning, afternoon and evening. Many men will be encouraging. These are the times for individuals from Team Zambia.

Preaching / Teaching
Thursday 16th
5:00am - 5:40 est Joe
5:45am - 6:40 est Denis Anderson
8:30am - 9:30 est Carolyn, Edna and Elaine with the pastor's wives
2:30pm - 3:10 est Dave
3:15pm - 4:15 est Pastor

Friday 17th
5:45am - 6:40 est Bobby Bonner
8:30am - 9:30 est Sharon, Tracey and Chantal with the pastor's wives
2:30pm - 3:10 est Dr. Elias
3:15pm - 4:15 est Pastor

Saturday 18th
3:15pm - 4:15 est Pastor

Sunday 19th
4:00am - 5:00 est Edna Sunday School @ Mission Church
5:30am - 6:45 est Pastor Sunday Service

Our men and women may again be encouraging local churches Sunday morning if asked by the missionaries John and Lorna

Wednesday Evening

VBS is complete. I am so proud of the team. Each teacher and performer brought the Gospel to life with their own special gift. A second invitation was given to the children as they stayed in their seats and were lead in prayer. We are excited to hear the results or see many of the children in heaven some day. A special thanks to all the warriors that made our part so easy.
After the close of VBS many of the team went to an open air market. A Customs officials would not let the team proceed because we were carrying copies of our passports rather than the originals. The real truth is they probably wanted a friendly handshake but we refused to pay. Returning to the Mission, with actual passports in hand, no officials were to be seen. Many stories and treasures will be shared upon our return.
Keep praying. Dee is joining in with the team and is asking questions.
The Adult Conference is beginning tonight. Bobby Bonner is the only speaker. Dave, Joe and Pastor are scheduled to speak in the coming days.
Some of the ladies will also be sharing with the wives of the Pastors Thursday and Friday afternoon.
Everyone is health and in good spirits, but tired. It has been a busy couple of days
Love to all
Jim

a bush church

team zambia

367 saved and 52 rededications

2nd day of VBS, and God is only beginning to work in the hearts of the kids. An invitation was given this morning after the lessons of Redemption and the Blood of Jesus Christ.
Messge tonite is God uses Kids, the loaves and fish and then tomorrow is a second opportunity with the lessons of cleansing and growth.
The clinic is running like a clock. Doc just was able to hook up his drill... now the fun begins :)

We made it to Africa safely as you could probably tell by us writing in this blog. The flight was exhausting but it went by faster than we expected. It was a good time to sit and pray and get to bond with the team even more. Aaron and Edna made it to JFK safely and joined the rest of the team. We expected customs to be one of the hardest parts of the trip, but in fact we just walked through the gates both times. Praise God! The whole time we were traveling we felt the prayers of everyone back home. When we finally got to the airport in Ndola we were greeted by Dennis Anderson, Lorna Serra, and Bobby Bonner. We loaded all of the luggage into a huge truck, along with some of the men from the group. The women and the rest of the men loaded and squished into three other small vehicles. We arrived at the Mission exhausted from traveling, but there was a wonderful meal waiting for us. After eating chicken sandwiches we had a team meeting then headed to bed. The next morning we woke up excited to go to the bush churches. Everyone split up into small groups of three or four to go with a preacher and interpreters. The bush churches were nothing like we have ever experienced before. The music was absolutely amazing! When these people worship God they are so full of joy. After the service we had lunch at the churches. The food was mainly chicken, rice and enshima(?). By the time we all got back to the Mission it was time to eat dinner. That night was the kick off of the VBS. We got the opportunity to sing and dance with the children. The kids here are so attentive to everything that we are sharing with them. Today was the beginning of VBS. Edna, Debbie, and the drama group did awesome! The kids loved each and every part of the presentation. Tonight we will be going back with the kids and hopefully have some more dancing lessons. Some of us could use them.

Jewish Lady Needs Prayer

Dee, assitant to Dr. Elias (the dentist), and our ladies' housemate, is Jewish. She was much guarded at first as she related to all of us, but through the different interactions with our people and the spirit here, she seems to be warming up to us. Chantal has had some opportunities to witness to her, and we all are praying for her. Please pray with us for her that she might come to meet her Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, this week.

Some things that God is doing.

UPDATE: Zambia folks having issues posting to blog. Working at fixing that. In the meantime:

They are all well. There is, however, a situation with Charlie's Mom; apparently, she has taken a turn for the worst. Please pray for God's Grace to sustain Charlie, whether or not he knows about this, and for His will to be done in both of their lives. I don't know his Mom's spiritual state - if someone does, please share it so we can pray more effectively.

Thanks, and God bless!

T.I.A.

This Is Africa!
We arrived last evening as scheduled. The flight, although long, was uneventful. Thank you John and Tommy for fighting New York traffic to get us to the airport on time.

Praise the Lord, we were able to check our baggage through to Zambia and not re-collect everything in Johannesburg. Thanks for your prayers

Customs in Johannesburg was sweet! God made the way for each of us processed through without a single issue. Our paperwork processed, passports examined and not a single team member had to have their baggage inspected. We were instructed, with a smile, to continue along when we stopped at the inspection station. Praise the Lord!!!

We ask you to keep our next inspection point before the Lord. We have been told that Zambia can be very difficult. We know that the Lord is in control.

Team Zambia
Saturda
Saturday Aug. 11,2007 7:30a (1:30a est)

A.W.A.

Africa Wins Again!
We have some wonderful pictures, but are unable to upload them at the hotel. We are praying that at the Mission Station we will have the ability. Ro.8:28

Phil. 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God

Thank you all for your prayers,
I wanted to tell a testimony to the team but didn't seem to get the chance. It is a praise of answer to prayer from God. Last week was one of the most difficult weeks of my life. On Monday my mom was brought to the hospital beacuse her foot was discolored. On Tuesday, I was tod that she didn't have circulation in her foot or leg due to a blood clot. Because I have the power of attorney I had to make decide on removal of my mom's leg because complications of her leg dying could cause her to get infection in her whole body and cause her more harm. I went to the church to put her on the prayer list. I went to the nursing home for support. That night I cried and prayed all night thinking about what would happen and was in great difficulty for the next day. The next day at work I received a call from the hospital telling me her leg would not be removed and she was going back to the nursing home Later that day I went to visit my mom. The nurse there told me that her leg was wa rm showing that she had circulation to that area again. PRAISE GOD!
Thank you all for the encouragement in my life, so that I might be a better person for God in my life,
Love in Christ,
Charlie

He was betrayed for a kiss

Jesus Christ willingly gave His life to be the perfect payment for our sins, the gift of salvation. It is our personal choice whether to accept or reject that gift. The team will share with words and drama God's love. John 3:16 from God's Holy Word, the Bible says For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Our sins are paid, Jesus Christ was that payment. Trusting that He is the only way to heaven, believing His payment is all that was needed, admitting you are a sinner in need of a Savior, and asking Jesus into your life is receiving that Gift.
If this is your desire, we would love to share with you presonally. contact us if we can be of any help.

God is still in control!

Sin entered the world

God created a perfect place called heaven for his most loved creations. They had freedom throughout the entire garden and free to eat of all, except one, the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Satan begiled Eve and Adam chose to eat of the fruit. Sin entered the world!

I can't read a single word!

During our VBS in Zambia, we will be presenting the Gospel or Good News of Jesus Christ through the concept of a wordless book. Each page represents a different aspect of God's Word.

heaven is beautiful

VBS Practice

Sunday morning we had the opportunity to practice an abbreviated version of the VBS. Thank you to the parents for allowing us to go longer than anticipated. God was good, the weather was great and the kids listened intently. There were no professions from our kids, but the message was clear and God promises that His Word will not return void. We trust that the seeds that were planted will grow strong.
Please pray that what we learned through the practice, will be executed in Zambia.

THANK YOU

Tracey, Sandra and the teens, thank you for all you time and effort.
The backdrop is incredible, and I can only imagine what it will look like in Africa. God has called each of us to present a small part of His love, and thank you again for sharing yours with us. To Him be the praise and glory
Jim