Okay, my favorite eatery in Zambia is Food Fayre. Apparently I am not the only one, as it was very busy today. Chicken Stir fry...for a moment I felt like I was back in the US. I was quickly reminded not so...as there was no seasonings to write home about.
How spoiled are we Americans? So many small things are overlooked such as seasonings or you can't buy lunch meats yesterday at the grocery because they are out. We have a whole counter at the grocery of bologna, ham, turkey, chicken, sausage and so forth. We even have different brands of lunch meats. For us it not whether they have the meat, it is the decision, which one is on sale. Can you imagine? They have no SUGAR!!!!
Eating Chicken stir fry suddenly becomes a gourmet meal. I went to buy a 1 lb block of mild cheddar cheese and realized this puppy is going to cost me 35,000 Kwacha or $10.00. What?
The average worker gets paid around $16.00 per week in Zambia. That's right!!! Half a weeks wages to purchase a one pound block of cheese and we talk about doing without a coke or burger....Baby, that is nothing!! Dropping a coke here and there is absolutely no sacrifice...who are we fooling?
You want to be missional in Christianity? You want get out of your comfort zone! Go live among the hurting and downtrodden. I do not say these things to thump my chest and claim some type of incredible spiritually. Just the opposite! I am ashamed that I have not sacrificed more for those who do not have the means or ability to achieve some level of self-worth. I am sure Zambians ask, "How do I end the cycle of poverty in my family? How do I care for those I love so much?"
Whether Zambians recognize their poverty or not, that does not dismiss the compelling need for Christians to provide assistance to them. Innocent men, women, and children die every day in Zambia from disease and malnutrition. Will the Christians band together to help the broken and oppressed people of the world? When will we look across the street and around the globe and reach out to those who cannot help themselves? I believe, now is the time.....
If our mission team brings only one cup of cool water to a struggling brother, then we have helped one more person. I pray that God will use my fellow team members to bless thousands. We are here to serve, not to serve. Seems like someone very important once said, "I came to seek and save those who are lost." Many people in world today have lost their way.
May everything we do be done in love and compassion. Let us do all things to the Glory of God and the advancement of His Kingdom!!!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
DAY AT THE MARKET
Sunday afternoon was spent at the market. Trinkets as far as the eye can see.
More thoughts from members of the team to come...
GAS PRICES
Think twice before complaining about gas prices in the US. Notice sign to the left, 7750 Kwaca converts to $10.00 US per gallon!
SUNDAY WORSHIP IN ZAMBIA 2
We had the chance to worship with the Mampe bible students this morning. It was a blessing as we sang traditional songs along with Zambian songs.
Joe was asked to participate by sharing thoughts before communion. He shared some thoughts from the book Hebrews.
SUNDAY WORSHIP IN ZAMBIA 1
This is the group participating in the Sunday church tradition of greeting each individual after the service.
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