July has been our fourth month in Mongu this year. The mornings were chilly but the afternoons warm.
Kevin was often called for maintenance repairs on the base but also managed to make progress in getting the workshop to run more effectively. He cleared the forecourt and within the building so that he could use the vehicle lift that was installed previously. The blue car which now has new CV’s and brake pads is used daily by the Child Protection officer for all her home visits and Children’s Church activities. The white bakkie needed bash plate and other repairs, it is used weekly by the man in charge of Village ministry to reach remote areas. So, ensuring the vehicles are safe and operational keeps the gospel moving.
Kevin completed two taps to the clinic, one to the community outside the base and one for within the base from the Solar water treatment plant. Having safe water is really important for the health of everyone.
Carine had less hospitality duties so was able to spend some hours knitting and crocheting with the House Mothers. The idea being that these home making skills also be taught to the teenage girls. Relationship building is so important and the conversations and songs are really special during these times. Carine also had the privilege of spending two days in Livingstone with missionaries part of a new initiative between churches there called, Transformation Livingstone. She was en route to a family reunion to celebrate her Mom’s 80th birthday.
Within the bigger picture of Village of Hope and The Zambia Project we welcomed Gillian Pinder into the Occupational Therapy dept. whilst Megan is recuperating. Her sister and Jacob a friend were here for a while, hands on, helping paint walls and participate in Youth ministry. We enjoyed hearing news from them as they are part of Quentin and Anneldi’s fellowship.
We said goodbye to the last SA visiting team and reflected on all the teams had done since April. Facelifts around the base, progress at the new church building, and most of all many encouraging reports from villages where they had encouraged, evangelized, discipled and enjoyed fellowship with Zambians young and old.
The Bible Translation team comprising overseas consultants and local translators then arrived to begin translating Matthew into five different dialects.
The head of VOH Africa also came to encourage the staff and visit the Children’s Homes.
Thank you for taking time to read this, to give to the varied ministries, to pray for the Lozi people and to communicate with Kevin and myself via mobile phones and Emails.
Thank you to each one of you reading this for your contribution to our time here.
KC
