We are
planning to post in our blog a little more regularly and share updates as we
adjust to life and ministry here in Zambia, Africa. We wrote this update
for Hands On Mission and decided to share it here as well.
Christ the Power and Wisdom of God
For the message of the cross is
foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the
power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
And bring to nothing the understanding of the
prudent.” Where is the wise? Where is the scribe?
Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the
wisdom of this world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through
wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message
preached to save those who believe. For Jews request a sign, and Greeks
seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling
block and to the Greeks[foolishness, but to those who are
called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of
God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of
God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 1:8-25 (NKJV)
Muli Bwanji? (How are you in Nyanja)
Our family
has now been in Zambia, Africa for six months and God has been so gracious to
us! It has been a big adjustment to make this our new home and land but the
adventure of it has been amazing. God is very clearly seen in our lives here
and we have had opportunities to join God in His work here in many ways. We
have been privileged to share, preach, and teach in local churches, new church
plants, discipleship groups and training classes. We have been able to teach
children and we were extremely blessed to see and participate in the giving out
of Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes! It was an unbelievable gift as we had
hoped we would be able to see them delivered while we were here.
As we have
moved around our new town and country, we have encountered people inside and
outside the church, people of various faiths and beliefs. We see many different
and competing ideas of “Who Jesus Is”. Wrong ideas even in the church. Christian
perverted ideas range from Jesus as a genie to grant self-edifying wishes if I
only do the right things to a legalist taskmaster demanding performance to earn
love and acceptance. The other faiths such as Muslims and Jehovah Witness,
denying the deity of Jesus and totally missing the point of who He is. We know
many in the world doubt if He ever existed. “Who Jesus is?” is the critical
question for our world, past, present and future. As we approach Easter and the
day we celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The world
rejects Him as their Savior and many think it foolishness. For those that call
upon His name, it is our very existence! The world knows Him as a good guy,
prophet, angel or myth. This wisdom of the world, these deceptions of Satan
lead many to death and onto the broad road that leads to destruction.
In our
time here we have been able to share who Jesus is and help many people get to
know Him. Helping people understand more about the One that they believe in and
we pray that will lead to a deeper more abiding relationship. To the ones that
do not believe, that it would be to their salvation. Our aim is to build the
body of Christ, to encourage believers, and make new worshipers of Him. At
times things seem to move to slowly, other times overwhelming. Thankfully, it
is God’s mission, and He is the director of the timing, tasks, and results.
As we
reflect on all that God has done and allowed us to do in these first six
months, we are amazed! Zambia is becoming our home. Our children are developing
friendships and adjusting to time away from family. God has provided and
protected us in so many ways. Ministry has started strong and we are enjoying
our service here.
Discipleship
training in church cell groups up to three times a week has been going on for a
few months. Pastor and leadership training began this month as Saturday
intensives in two locations. Plans are to conduct week-long trainings at the
more remote locations after rainy season. Our desire is that this would spur
and excite more to go deeper into the Word.
Last month
we took a relief trip to a village near Kaoma, in Western Province, after a
fire destroyed many homes in a village. In the Kaoma area we are looking for
wisdom and direction on assembling the equipment to show the Jesus film at
night, after the day-long training classes for the leaders. If we do get the
set up and equipment needed to show films in villages we could extend that to
Southern Provence as well. It would be an excellent evangelistic tool and we
would love to follow it up with discipleship classes.
We have
also started up a program of encouragement to visit more of Bishop Alfred’s
Kanjuye’s churches. Last Sunday we spent the whole day in the village of Mpande
and had a great service. We give God the glory for the great things that He has
and is doing in Zambia.
Thank you
for your prayers and please continue praying. Watch for
photos and updates on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/thecarpentersmission
Our prayer
requests:
Language
learning, More Interpreters, Guidance/wisdom/finances to set-up Jesus film,
Leadership training program, Church(s) encouragement, Children’s ministry,
Short term teams, Revival/awaking in Zambia, Our children’s education, Family
friendships
Mutsale
bwino! (remain well
in Nyanja)
In Christ,
Daniel and
Jennifer Carpenter
