Scattering the Seed

“A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell…” -Luke 8:4-15 On Monday, I had the privilege to be there farmer in this parable. I went with one of my teammates and 5 Zambians to the village of Mitukutuku. A few weeks ago, the missionaries were sent a letter from a group leader in this village desiring for us to come and teach the word of God to him and his surrounding community (providing a great example of how God works on peoples’ hearts and those who seek will find). After traveling several kilometers into the bush, we came upon this man’s house. From there we packed up our bag of seeds and started sowing. The group leader took us from village to village introducing us to the people and giving us an opportunity to throw out the hope of Jesus (I used John 10 as people here fear greatly and hearing there is a great Shepherd that will protect them is a good draw for them to get to know him). Once I finished sharing the Word, we invited them to a regular Bible study that will be held at the school, which is the village center. This is very exciting to think that there is a potential preaching point here, which could lead to a congregation. As I was walking along the dirt paths surrounded by tall grass and thick foliage scattering the seed from village to village, I couldn’t help but think about the four different places it could land. I would like to invite everyone to pray that seed sown found it’s way to the good soil and not the rocks, paths, or weeds. We will find out on Monday as we see who all will show up for the study. Also pray that as we study with this new village that the Word will grow up in their hearts and that they will come to know Jesus and the hope of his Kingdom. Pray for all of our young churches here that the seeds of the Kingdom will continue to grow and mature bearing much fruit as God transforms the hearts and lives of the Mumena people. -Jeremy

Bush Life

We have been in Mumena for one month now. The first month had its rollercoaster moments, but we lived through them and feel stronger and more prepared now. Our houses are set up, and I am quickly learning how to make everything from scratch. (Jeremy is quickly learning that he is going to have to sweep out little termite mounds from our house as soon as I see them popping up every day)

Last week, our entire team was sent by our supporting congregations on a team retreat to Lake Kariba, located between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It was a great week of relaxation and discussing team strategies and policies. We were able to spend time catching up on what has been going on in Mumena and what we are preparing for.

This week, Jeremy and I found out the names of the three church plants we will be working with while we are here. They need some developing, mentoring and love, so we are going to begin visiting each church and developing relationships. One church is fairly close to our house, but the others will be a bumpy ride to get out to. We are very excited about these opportunities. This is definitely something Jeremy has been dreaming to do now since the first summer he visited here.  

We are really working to learn the language- kikaonde. Jeremy and I try to learn a few phrases each day and then walk around and try to use them with the villagers. It can be quite humorous sometimes, but it is so fulfilling when you actually use a word correctly.

There is plenty to work on in Mumena, and we are working to pace ourselves.  Thank you so much for your continued prayers!

Below is a picture of Jeremy giving a Bible lesson during a church service at one of the church palnts. Also, a picture of a sunset over Lake Kariba, the land you see in the back is in Zimbabwe.