Settling In?

The CPC Zambia Task Force (ZTF) returned from Zambia a little more than one month ago.  But, I don't think the words "settling in" would truly be applicable to any one of us.  Of course, life--and its attendant responsibilities--goes on, but the images in our minds, the experiences we shared, and the unity we felt are not easily dismissed.  Nor should they be.  The challenge before us now is effectively communicating to our CPC family how essential it is they participate in the unique opportunities God has placed before us to serve the wonderful people of Zambia.  How can we help CPCers become enthusiastic participants in this vital endeavor?

Our prayer is that CPC members will wholeheartedly embrace the work of Jubilee Centre and World Vision Zambia.

A great start would be sponsoring a child in Moyo through World Vision.  Someone once said, "Money is a means for making our time and energy portable."  Going to Zambia and witnessing firsthand what ZTF members experienced would be wonderful.  But, if that isn't a possibility for you, the next best thing would be giving your time and energy via child sponsorship.  The monthly sum you contribute helps not only your child but all the children in the particular area of Moyo to which we are committed.  This World Vision Area Development Project (ADP) is one of the finest examples of providing a "hand up" rather than a "hand out" I've ever seen.  Helping indigenous leaders and volunteers develop infrastructure such as water and sanitation facilities, schools, nutrition resources, medical facilities, and access to entrepreneurial opportunities will enable the community of Moyo to move toward self sufficiency.  And, we have the privilege of participating with them from the very beginning!

It's an exciting time to be part of a church that challenges its members to "live missionally."  May we do so with God's help and God's guidance.

An Opportunity to Listen, to Learn, and to Grow

In less than 24 hours, our eleven-person Zambia team will be sitting in the Atlanta airport preparing to board our flight to Johannesburg, South Africa.  It will be the longest leg of our journey.  From there, we will fly to Lusaka, the Zambian capital.  Based on the e-mails being exchanged by team members this week, it appears all of us are excited to meet with our Christian brothers and sisters in Zambia.

I'm viewing this visit as an opportunity to listen, to learn, and to grow.  I suspect everyone on the team shares this perspective.  Having been to Zambia in November of 2008, many of us are looking forward to rekindling friendships and discovering what God has in store for us as we work with our partners, Jubilee Centre and World Vision.  We want to bring words of hope and encouragement to our fellow Christ followers and to experience their daily lives firsthand.  More importantly, we want to observe and learn from their unwavering faith and how it is revealed in their acts of selfless service.

We surely desire the prayers of our CPC friends!  Thank you for remembering us as we go as your representatives to a wonderful country and a remarkable people.