WE ARE HERE

Hello faithful followers of the blog. Each member has now arrived in Zambia. We are all gathered at the French's house getting organized. The group that just arrived is trying to catch their breath before we hit the mission field. The status of the blog is undetermined. We are not sure what the internet connection is going to be like, but if we are able to blog, we will. We know that each of you are anxiously awaiting updates of our trip, so we will try to provide them.

FISHY LESSON

I just witnessed a cross cultural lesson. Shema Man (Mark Taylor) has gained a good amount of rapport with the construction guys at Mapepe. They respect him and enjoy his company. Today he was able to use that influence to teach a lesson.

Some of the guys complained about their portion of the gifts they were given when "the container" came over the other day. The container is a large box shipped from the States. It contains things the French's cannot fly over, things people donate to the French's and to the medical mission. The French's joyfully give packages of clothes, towels, etc. to people they know from the school and this includes the construction workers. One of the things furiously complained about was the length of a towel. It was a verbal attack so strong against someone who they felt got more than them the woman was sick from crying. When Mark and I learned that this was some of the guys we have grown to be fond of we were quite disappointed.

It should be noted that jealousy is a strong part of the Zambian culture. These people are born and raised in survival mode. They do not find it fair if someone gets even the smallest amount more than them.

Today Mark was able to use his influence and teaching ability to encourage them to act better. He bought them fish for the third time. This helps not only the workers by feeding them, but also helping the woman who is selling the fish. After dividing out the fish he gathered them all around. He explained to them, "This is a gift. I am sharing this gift with you. Some people around you are not getting this gift at all. They could be jealous because they are not getting the fish." He explained, "When you receive a gift you are to accept it for what it is. You are not to become jealous when someone gives you a gift, because they could choose not to give it to you."

Mark used a teaching tool to cross cultures in teaching about jealousy. Although we may not fully understand the roots of jealousy in their culture, it is important to teach against the principle, which Mark did well.

READY TO GO

I have been here a week and a half. I have been able to get my body clock aligned with Zam time. I have learned a bit about what Zambia is like. Met some new people. I have had my worldview enhanced, been able to explore some of my natural assumptions, some of which I have posted here. Developed some solid friendships with the guys and gal who have come early from the states. That in itself has been a wonderful experience.
Now, we are two days away from starting the actual mission and I am ready. I am very anxious in doing what I came to do. Serve. I am ready to go out into the communities and help the Zambians with their physical ailments and showing them Jesus in the process. Although I am not a medical expert, I will be glad to assist in whatever way to help out the mission. Please continue to pray for our effort.

THEM ZAM NIGHTS

Friends and family back home may be interested in knowing how we pass time during the Zambia nights. Last night we were entertained in a good ol' sing a long led by Shema Man and Mapepe Joe.

Shema Man jammin' out with the old time classic-"Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash.

Mapepe Joe thrilled the crowd with old rock and roll classics. The highlight was the Monkees, "I'm a Believer".

airport

I rode with Syndey today to pick up three of our team at the Lusaka airport.The others are scheduled to arrive in Lusaka tomorrow.Stephanie's aunt Margaret arrived with Dr.David Moore and Judy Floyd.David has been before and is one our team's eye doctors.Judy is a nurse at Vanderbilt hospital in Nashville.Maragret is a retired nurse from Ohio.We enjoyed a time of fellowship and had another good meal.We are making plans for the rest of the team's arrival with bedding and other logistical issues.Again I will say the memories made are tied in with the challenges,fatigue and dealing with the issues that come up with any project.I am looking forward to sharing what we can from the villages once we arrive.

Bus Severely Damaged

Two nights ago Moonga and Wisdom (two of our Zambian friends) barely escaped with their lives in a terrible bus accident. They had just finished delivering students to our mission villages, when they encountered a Tanzanian Trucker driving on the wrong side of the highway. Moonga maintained incredible control by avoiding flipping the bus that was towing a trailer during the accident. The bus ran through a ditch a hit a group of roadside markets before coming to a stop.

Moonga received lacerations to his left hand and Wisdom has a deep gash on his left hand and a major contusion on his face. Neither are feeling well at the moment. It was a close call. I have included a picture on the blog of the front of the bus.

We have now made new arrangements to borrow a bus from a brother in Kabu and we continue to pray for the arrival of our new bus. The new bus should arrive tomorrow. Two buses and our other vehicles should provide satisfactory transport to and from our village clinics.

Our main group should be on the way to JoBerg, South Africa as I write. They will arrive in Lusaka in two groups tomorrow. The first group around 1 pm and the second group at 5 pm.

Please be praying for the safe arrival of our team.

If Ever there was a Time to Pray

It was nearly 10 pm Zambia time (3 pm Central US). As we prepared for bed and a good night sleep, we made the decision to pray for our coming mission trip and our group in route from the United States. For what do you pray? Safety? Good Health? How about airlines following travel schedules?

I am sure that I do not always know the best words to share or the most important requests to make before God. I am thankful that as a Christian that the spirit speaks in my behalf. I like the old King James version that says, "Groans in our behalf." Groaning is exactly the FEELING I have right now

After spending an entire year preparing to share our medical expertise(Not mine personally as I am not in the medical profession) with the people of Zambia we meet mighty opposition from the evil one. He has injured some of our Zambian workers in a Bus accident. This tragedy has completely removed one mode of our transportation (One bus down and out). He is stalling the arrival of the other bus. He has put the travel plans of our group in a total mess as they try to make connecting flights.

Yet I know that we will serve no matter what occurs. If we have to setup a clinc right here at Mapepe Bible College, then we will. We came to serve not to be served. We must not be led away from our goal or the devil wins.

Now is the time for all Christians to pray without ceasing for the Mapepe Medical Mission. We must lift our voices as one to God. Let us not lose sight of our goal and purpose. "For the Son of man came not to be served, but to be served, and to ransom his life for many."