The Blogging Pastors Wife

Genesis 46: The One True God

2026-03-26T21:26:00.003-04:00

A journey through Scripture and praying it chapter by chapter.

The reading today was rich and full of insight—it wasn’t hard to quickly identify a Core 4. So what is a Core 4? Simply put, it’s four key takeaways from a chapter of Scripture.

I use this Core 4 to help frame my prayer time. It gives me starting points to talk with the Lord, while also creating space to pause, reflect, and listen for what He wants to say.

It’s a simple way to stay focused, go deeper, and turn reading into a real conversation with God.

1. Hā’êl - Only true God

In verse 1, Jacob (Israel) offers sacrifices to Elohim—a general name for God. But in verse 3, God speaks and uses Jacob’s name twice, almost as if to say, pay attention to this.

“I am God…” — Hā’êl, the Mighty One. Powerful. Strong. The ONLY God.

What’s interesting is that this specific name is used only twice in Genesis, both times when God speaks directly to Jacob (Genesis 31:13 and here in 46:3).

God is reminding Jacob of something foundational.

Yes, you’ve encountered many gods, rulers, and people—but I am not one among many.

In a world surrounded by many “gods,” I am the ONLY true God.

2. Do not be afraid.

This isn’t a one-time statement—it’s a pattern we see throughout the lives of the patriarchs. God says it to Abraham. He says it to Isaac. And now, He says it to Jacob (Israel).

Just because you are a leader doesn’t mean you won’t feel afraid.

We see in the previous chapters that Jacob certainly did fear. But God, in His kindness, speaks directly into that fear: “Do not be afraid.”

God doesn’t call leaders because they are fearless—He calls them and then gives them the courage they need.

He guides those He raises. And part of that guidance is this steady reminder:

You don’t have to be afraid.

3. I will go down.

“I Myself will go down with you to Egypt.”

There’s something powerful in that phrase “go down.” It literally means to descend to a lower place.

We’ve heard Jacob use this language before. In Genesis 37:35, he says he will “go down” to Sheol in his grief, believing he has lost his son. For Jacob, going down was tied to sorrow, loss, and his deepest fear.

Now God uses that same language—but He reframes it.

It’s as if God is saying:
It may feel like a descent into the unknown, but I am going with you.

There’s also an interesting contrast. When God spoke to Isaac, He told him not to go to Egypt. But here with Jacob, God says, “Go—and I will go with you.”

The destination may change, but the promise remains the same:

God’s presence.

4. Rest in God’s plan.

Remember a few chapters back when Leah, Rachel, Bilhah, and Zilpah were all caught in that painful struggle over children? Especially between Leah and Rachel, there was constant tension, longing, and comparison.

But now, in this chapter, we step back and see the bigger picture.

We see the names—the descendants of Israel—and what becomes clear is this:
God was faithful to all of them.

Every one of them was blessed with children.

And yet, there are unique layers within that faithfulness. Leah, the unloved one, not only had more children, but she also carried the line of Christ. God saw her. God loved her.

Rachel, though she struggled for so long, was given Joseph—the one God would use to preserve the entire family and ultimately protect the line of Judah.

So both women, in different ways, were deeply blessed.

And that’s the tension we live in, too.

In the moment, it can feel like chaos—like we’re unseen, unheard, or unloved. But when we step back, we begin to see the faithfulness of God woven through every detail.

If we could fast-forward and see what God is doing, we probably wouldn’t have room for worry or fear.

But we don’t live in the future, we live in the middle of the story.

Rest in His plan. It’s always best!

PSALM praying

Using the P.S.A.L.M. acronym as a pattern can create a deep, meaningful way to pray. When we pray God’s Word, it carries weight—because His Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12).
As we pray Scripture, we’re not just speaking our own thoughts—we’re aligning our hearts with His. His Word takes root, dwells within us, and shapes everything about us, including our prayer life.
There’s no perfect formula or “right” way to pray. This is simply a tool—a way to help us grow in depth and then magnify Him as we see His marvelous, mighty deeds come alive before our very eyes.

Praise

Using Genesis 46, praise Him for who He is and what He has revealed to you through His word.

I am praising Him that He is the One. True. God. He is the Mighty One, powerful and strong.
He is Courage, Strength, and Might. I don’t have to fear because He holds all things together.
I am praising Him today because He is with us. He will never leave us or forsake us!
God’s plan is perfect. He IS rest, and we can rest in Him and His plan for us.

Silence - be still

Today was full of joy and awe as I sat in the mind space of Him being the mighty, powerful, and most awesome God.

Ask

Asking will look different for everyone. For me, the Core 4 is something I am praying on behalf of many things and people, as I use this time to intercede for what God brings to mind.

Lament - confess

As I shared above, the things that God brings to light in my life lead me in confession. What are we lamenting and bringing to the Lord in confession?

Mission- pray for church. circle. community. country. cultures/great commission.

This is where I use the Core 4 to pray over my church, my circle, my community, my country, and the world. I use the 5 C’s as a guide to stay intentional about who I’m lifting up in prayer.
One of the most powerful parts of missional prayer is what comes next—encouragement.
I set aside the final portion of my prayer time to reach out to 5–10 people God has placed on my heart. A simple message, a word of encouragement, or a verse that I’ve specifically been praying over them.
This is where it all comes full circle—where prayer is woven into action, and what begins in the quiet flows outward into the lives of others.

Genesis 45: The Great Reveal

2026-03-25T18:32:00.003-04:00

The Great Reveal: Genesis 45

A journey through Scripture and how to pray it chapter by chapter.

The Great Reveal: In this chapter, Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers — but there’s so much more beneath the surface. Here are my four main takeaways:

Core 4

1. God’s plan is bigger than us, although He chooses to use us.

God’s plan is always bigger than us, yet He chooses to use us.

Joseph wasn’t placed in his position for himself, but for a greater purpose:
“God sent me before you to preserve life and a remnant.” (Genesis 45:7)

In the same way, John the Baptist was sent ahead to prepare the way for something far greater than he could fully see.

When God sends us, it’s never just about us.
We often focus on what feels small, temporary, or insignificant—but God is always working with the bigger picture in mind. In this passage, we see God’s plan unfolding in ways that no one saw coming.

2. A grief so great. Grief is not sin; it’s a beautiful emotion God knit into the fabric of our being.

Grief is not sin, but a beautiful emotion God knit into the fabric of our being. We know this is true because even Jesus Christ was moved with deep sorrow, even to the point of tears.

But grief without action can leave us overwhelmed, as waves of sorrow threaten to consume and drown us. Grief was never meant to leave us stagnant—it is meant to move us.

We see this in Genesis 45, where grief does not paralyze, but leads to intentional response.

What we do with grief matters. It reveals who we are, who we trust, and the direction we are headed.

3. Unfathomable provision

Pharaoh appears incredibly generous in this passage, but if we’re not careful, we can miss something deeper—he isn’t giving from his own provision, but from God’s.

The abundance he extends to Joseph’s family is only possible because of the seven years of plenty that God provided beforehand. What looks like Pharaoh’s generosity is actually the overflow of God’s provision.

In reality, it all traces back to the hand of God—He is the source, the provider, and the one orchestrating it all.

This challenges us: we are not called to hoard what God has given, but to steward it well. Just as God lavishes provision, we are invited to live open-handed—freely giving, blessing, and caring for others from what was never truly ours to begin with.

4. Dwelling

When we think about dwelling or abiding, we have to remember where that space comes from. From the very beginning, God is the one who creates the space for life to exist. In Genesis 1, He forms and establishes, and then He fills. He creates the environment before anything can dwell within it.

The same is true for us.

When we dwell, we are dwelling in a space God has already created and structured. When we abide, we are abiding in something He has carefully formed and knit together. We are not creating the space—we are responding to it.

This gives deeper meaning to what happens to Joseph. Not only was his family invited to dwell in the land, but Joseph himself had already learned what it meant to dwell in God’s sovereignty. Long before there was physical provision, there was a spiritual abiding—trusting that God had ordered every space he walked through.

God is still the One who creates spaces of dwelling and abiding. Our role is not to strive to make them, but to recognize them, enter in, and remain.

PSALM praying

Using the P.S.A.L.M. acronym as a pattern can create a deep, meaningful way to pray. When we pray God’s Word, it carries weight—because His Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12).

As we pray Scripture, we’re not just speaking our own thoughts—we’re aligning our hearts with His. His Word takes root, dwells within us, and shapes everything about us, including our prayer life.

There’s no perfect formula or “right” way to pray. This is simply a tool—a way to help us grow in depth and then magnify Him as we see His marvelous, mighty deeds come alive before our very eyes.

Praise

Using Genesis 45, praise Him for who He is and what He has revealed to you through His word.

For me, I am praising Him because He has a perfect plan that will not be thwarted by anything on earth. He will accomplish what He sets out to accomplish. His Word is SURE!
I praise Him for the emotions that He so uniquely and beautifully gave to us. Whether we are laughing with joy or weeping with great sorrow, these emotions are created by God.
I’m praising the Lord for His great provision in our lives.
I’m resting in His amazing sovereignty. I’m so thankful that He has a plan and is holding all things together.

Silence - be still

Today, God made His Word come alive in my heart as I sat and meditated on the space He creates for dwelling and abiding in Him. We could never dwell or abide without Him creating the space to do so.

In the stillness, He gently showed me the weights and encumbrances I’ve been carrying—things that were never meant to remain. One by one, He brought them to light.

And in that same quiet place, the beauty of His provision came alive again. He reminded me that He alone is the giver of all provision.

Ask

Asking will look different for everyone. For me, the Core 4 is something I am praying on behalf of many things and people, as I use this time to intercede for things that God brings to mind.

Lament - confess

As I shared above, the things that God brings to light in my life bring about confession. What are we lamenting and bringing to the Lord in confession? It can be for us or those around us. Many times, like Job, I bring my children to the Lord, lamenting on their behalf for things that they may be doing that go against the nature and character of God.

Mission - pray for church. circle. community. country. cultures/great commission.

This is where I use the Core 4 to pray over my church, my circle, my community, my country, and the world. I use the 5 C’s as a guide to stay intentional about who I’m lifting up in prayer.

One of the most powerful parts of missional prayer is what comes next—encouragement.

I set aside the final portion of my prayer time to reach out to 5–10 people God has placed on my heart. A simple message, a word of encouragement, or a verse that I’ve specifically been praying over them.

This is where it all comes full circle—where prayer is woven into action, and what begins in the quiet flows outward into the lives of others.

God Desires Intimacy

2026-02-06T12:54:00.002-05:00

I’m exploring the relational and intimate nature of God as it unfolds in the early chapters of Genesis. In Genesis 3:8, we see God walking in the garden with Adam and Eve—an image of closeness, presence, and unbroken relationship. God initiates intimacy; He is near, audible, and relational. After the fall, that walking is disrupted, yet it appears again with Enoch in Genesis 5:22. Enoch “walked with God,” echoing the kind of relationship God originally intended. His intimacy with God was so deep that he was taken up, emphasizing that nearness to God leads to life and communion beyond the ordinary.

Alongside this, Genesis 1–2 presents God as the initiator—the one who calls, names, and speaks over His creation. God moves first. Then in Genesis 4:26, we see a shift: humanity begins to call upon the name of the Lord. Intimacy becomes reciprocal. God calls, and people are invited to respond.

Set against this is Cain’s tragic choice. In Genesis 4:16, Cain “went away from the presence of the Lord.” God had spoken to him, warned him, and invited him into right relationship, yet Cain chose separation. This moment marks a deliberate turning away from intimacy—not because God withdrew, but because Cain did.

The contrast deepens in Genesis 6. Though the earth is filled with corruption, God’s eyes find Noah, a righteous and blameless man who finds favor with Him. Even in a world that has completely walked away from God’s presence, the Lord still seeks and honors relational faithfulness.

Together, these passages reveal a God who consistently initiates relationship—walking with His people, calling them by name, and making His presence known—while also desiring a willing, responsive intimacy in return. Humanity is shown both paths: to walk with God, or to walk away from His presence.

The small insert of Enoch after the seemingly broken relationship with God gives great hope to everyone after the fall. Even though sin entered the world, we see that God still desires intimacy with His creation. This should mean everything for us today. We can live a life like Enoch—walking in a deep, close relationship with the Lord. May this be our heart's desire.

Halloween Verse Cards for Goodie Bags

2025-09-13T15:36:00.006-04:00

Halloween is fast approaching. These verse cards are the perfect thing to pass out with your candy or treat bags. All four verses will print on an 8.5x11 page. To get these free verse cards, send me an email to thebloggingpastorswife@gmail.com with verse cards in the subject, and I'll send you the file. This helps alleviate the cost of storing these online.

Hope these are a blessing,

Valerie

What Kind Of Princess Am I Raising?

2015-05-30T10:19:00.001-04:00

A couple weeks ago I was asked by another blogger to share an article about raising girls. Honestly, I don't think I have ever written a post or even taught on raising girls before, even though I share stories of my girls often in Bible study. After praying about what I should write God impressed Psalm 45:13 on my heart.

As I was studying Psalm 45:13, the whole section between verses 6-17 stood out to me in a new light as a mom of girls. As daughters of the King, we are truly princesses, not the princesses we have grown up watching on television, but a beautiful radiant daughter of the True King!

Today, I am sharing 6 things that will help us parent our daughters of the King on Kaylene Yoder's website, with an article entitled "What Kind Of Princess Am I Raising?"

I pray that these verses will help you as they are helping me parent my girls.

Much love,

Valerie

A Journey of Love, Trust, Obedience, and Faith

2015-05-24T12:00:00.000-04:00

Today will go down as one of the toughest days in the life of the Hopkins family (that’s us). Moments ago, we announced to our congregation that we will be following God leading to surrender our lives to His will and have taken a pastorate position in Roanoke, Virginia.

I would love to share with you this journey of love, trust, obedience, and faith.

Love - Mt.Carmel Baptist Church, the church we fell in love with on day one.

The reason this day is so tough for us is because we have grown to love, admire, and serve together with one of the dearest group of Christians we have ever known. Our hearts have been knit together in so many ways, but the biggest way is the work we have seen God do over the last 4 years. God has made Himself so glorious and beautiful to us. He chose to show off through His people at Mt. Carmel, and that has knit our hearts together in ways we never thought possible.

If I could describe Mt. Carmel church in a couple of words I would describe them as:

God Displayers. The whole community knew about our church and what God was doing, not because of outreach events or planned activities, but because of our people. They loved telling others about what God was doing.

United. Mt. Carmel church was a true example of unity. When we were in the Dominican Republic last year, we spoke on unity in the church not knowing that even in other cultures unity is such a hindrance for the spread of the Gospel.

Loving. Mt. Carmel has such a great love for people, missions, the lost, and the Lord. We have learned so much through the people at Mt. Carmel and we are so glad that God lead us to this special church. We will love and miss you dearly!

Trust

We were contacted by a church in Roanoke, Virginia at the end of last summer. They asked if we would pray about coming to be their next Pastor. We prayed about it but did not feel led at that time, but told them that we would be praying for God’s perfect will and that if He started leading in that direction we would let them know. In early February, Mark asked me if I had started sensing Gods call to this other church. At that time, I had not but told him that I would resume praying for God’s leading in our life. After much prayer and seeking God's direction we both came to the conclusion that God was doing something we just didn't know what.

While God was dealing with Mark, God was also dealing with me and our oldest son Garrett. In this whole process, we learned that we needed to trust God's will and plan for our lives. We needed to trust that His will was perfect and for the good of all involved. We needed to let go of our desires and trust that He had a plan that was better than ours. This isn't always easy. We learned and are still learning that even though we don't see what He is doing we need to trust that His way is best.

Through our own study times and prayer times, God revealed His will to us and that was for us to leave Mt. Carmel to accept the call to Shenandoah Baptist Church. This call was so unmistakable that we knew we would be in sin if we rejected it.

There have been many difficult times between the call in February, the confirmation of that call through the leadership of Shenandoah at the end of March, and today. God's will was clear but what about the timing? We knew that God had given peace about the time-frame but as it got closer we began to question it.

Mark left for Africa on April 20th. I knew that when he returned we would immediately enter a new phase of life. I had to cling to the Lord asking Him to calm my heart and speak to me about His timing. This was on Saturday, April 26th. On Sunday, our Associate Pastor, Mike, spoke a message on "Sending". He opened with the passage, John 20:19-21.

Christ comes back from the dead and immediately everyone is so excited. They are all thinking they will continue serving together with Him in ministry but when He comes back He immediately sends them out and leaves. He doesn't stay to minister with them. He pointed out that it wasn't God's goal for the disciples to stay and minister where they were at. He was sending them out. God's timing is perfect even if it may seem wrong.

God spoke to me through His word that day confirming what He had already been saying. God showed me that day that I needed to rest in His timing. I left it at His feet and walked away.

Obedience

Today we are acting in obedience to the call. We are asking God to show His church the same will He has shown Mark and me, but we realize that may take some time, just as it did us. There are times obedience is hard, but that doesn't mean we don't want to follow God's call. We want God's complete will for our lives and are wholeheartedly surrendered to that will. We know that God will use this in our lives to make us more like Christ and will do the same in others.

We are excited about what God is going to do in the future of His people everywhere. We are living in such a beautiful age in the church. While it is true that many congregations are dying, I believe with all of my heart that we are about to see an awakening in the church due to persecution. I believe that if Christians are obedient to God's calling we will see a great revival. I am waiting in great expectancy to see what God does through His beautiful church during our life-time.

Even though obedience might be hard, the reward of obedience is eternal and life-changing. We are thrilled to follow our Savior in obedience to His call.

Faith

In stepping out in faith, we are looking forward to our new ministry ahead as well as to what God is calling Mt. Carmel too. While we have not been thinking much ahead, because we know that will come soon enough, we have a great desire to see God do above and beyond what we could ask or imagine at Shenandoah and in the Roanoke Valley.

We are ready to be used however God wants to use us. We are surrendered to His task and desire His glory above all things.

We have faith that He will knit His church together here and forever more.

We have faith that He will enable us to do what He has called.

We have faith that He will make Himself known to the ends of the earth.

We have faith that He is and will always be a great God who loves and delights in His children.

Today, we are fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith!

Much love,

Valerie

Printable June Calendar 2015

2015-05-21T10:31:00.000-04:00

Summer is officially here for us. School is out and the kids are downstairs wrecking the house. I can't remember a year that the kids got out of school so soon. They aren't complaining and I can honestly say that I am ready to get back into some sort of routine.

Mark and I have seen each other 7 days in the last month because we each have lead missions trips in the last 30 days. Life has been wonderfully crazy for us and I am sure it is just as crazy for you! Calendars are just one of those things that help organize our crazy lives and so here is the June 2015 I have designed. I hope you can use it or at least pretend to use it to stay organized. I will be more on the pretending side. It sounds so grand to be organized...maybe some day!

Click To Print

This calendar will print 8.5 x 11. Click the link above to print and enjoy!

Valerie

Mark's Final Missions Trip Travel Log

2015-05-07T18:52:00.000-04:00

Victoria Falls

Our last two days of the trip have been spent in Livingston. Livingston is about 10 hours from Luanshya and we drove all night in a bus to get here...worst bus ride of my life by the way. Have you ever dreamed a dream and wished while you were dreaming that the dream would stop? Well, that was the bus ride....the only difference was that it was not a dream ...it was reality:) The roads are horrible here so you have to imagine going about 50 miles per hour for a minute and then coming to a complete halt because of a bad place in the road or a speed bump in the middle of nowhere...then speeding back up again for a few moments and then coming to a complete halt. Now pretend that you do this from 10pm at night until 8am in the morning...that was our bus ride:) But the Zambizi hotel in Livingston is beautiful.

All around us are zebras, antelope, monkeys, giraffes, crocodiles, and more! So after going non-stop for 14 days, to have a day of spiritual and physical rest and contemplation, before beginning the 45-hour journey home is a real blessing from the Lord. Outside my hotel room is a path that will lead you to Victoria Falls...one of the natural wonders of the world. It is 7 times bigger than Niagra Falls in the U.S. and is absolutely breath-taking.

The missionary, David Livingston, discovered it in the 1800's and it pours like mighty rivers. As I look at the falls, I'm reminded that without a water source, the Victoria Falls would be nothing but a big cliff. Jesus told us in John 15 that unless we abide in Him, the Vine, we would not bear spiritual fruit for His glory and our good. Without the Vine, we as branches, can do nothing....we can bear nothing worthwhile. Jesus is the Infinite Source....we are the powerless recipients....spiritual beggars and paupers in a dry and thirsty land. But when we by faith take Jesus at His Word, believe in Him moment by moment, and draw on His never ending grace, He pours His Life in and through us...in other words, He shows up and shows off. "Holy, Holy, Holy...the whole earth is full of His glory!" When the holiness and value of Jesus fills my life by continual repentance and faith, and then goes public, the glory of God fills the earth...restoration of what is broken occurs.

"Lord Jesus, fill me with You....help me to be broken, humble, contrite, and on the decrease, so that You can pour out of me like mighty rivers...mighty falls. The world is broken, dry, and thirsty....help me to be a channel of Your blessing. Not unto us Lord, but to Your name be all the glory...Not I, but Christ. Christ above me, Christ around me, Christ in me, Christ under me, Christ beside me, just Christ...Christ filling my heart, Christ filling my mind, Christ overflowing from my lips....like mighty falls and victorious rivers. And may what You have done in and through us here in Zambia and in and through the people back home, continue to flow...let nothing hold it back...In the name of Jesus, our Oasis, amen."

God is in the small stuff...and Bill

Ardy had the Encounter U.S.A. team read a book on the way to Zambia entitled, "God Is In the Small Stuff." It basically deals with how God does do "Big" things, but we are not to neglect the ordinary moments of life in search of the euphoria moments that do not come as often. Jesus saved me so He could redeem me for every moment for His glory. So, no part of my life is wasted in His eyes.

Now, meet a man named Bill. Bill came with us from Zambia is from Honesdale, PA. He simply came to "carry Ardy's luggage," as he put it. He wanted to be a servant and help with whatever was needed. Bill is the youngest 74-year-old I've ever seen in my life. He is full of energy, life, joy, and enthusiasm. He has only been saved for 10 years, served as a writer for a private children's magazine, and has worked with schools for decades. But the thing that I love most about Bill is that every moment counts. He is constantly seeing God in the small things. For the past two weeks, he has interviewed people, gotten their story, told his story, and better yet, shared God's story with many. He wasn't assigned a message to preach at the conferences, but he is constantly working behind the scenes to invest personally in people's lives. And he has done this all the way to the finish line. Today has been our only day of rest before we head back home to the U.S. All around us, people from all over the world are resting, relaxing, and on vacation here at Victoria Falls and Zambizi hotel. But Bill is on mission.

A few minutes ago I walked by this table and found Bill and another team member named Josh having prayer with some of the hotel employees here at the hotel. What a blessing! Some would say the "mission trip" is over. And while that may be true, the Gospel ministry and Kingdom mission will not be over until we see Jesus face-to-face. Thank you, Bill, for reminding us that God is in the small stuff. And because of this, the small stuff is really big stuff....bigger than we have seen or believed.

"So Lord, help me to live every moment for Your glory, my good, and the good of many...help me to live in the Not I but Christ life this second and repeat it all over again in the second to come. In Jesus name, Amen."

David Livingston's Work Continues

This is my final blog entry as I conclude "Zambia Glory." God has revealed and poured out His magnificent glory, grace upon grace, and thanksgiving now abounds to the glory of God amongst His people in Zambia, Congo D.R.C., America, and around the world as people in 78 countries have read these blog posts. Here is a praise report of what I can remember and know of that God has done....

* Given grace to many pastors to "faint not" because we "have this ministry" and "receive continual mercy."

*At least 200 people have made a profession of faith in Christ.

*Over 200 pastors were encouraged, trained and mobilized to go back home and impact their people for God's glory. That means over 20,000 people will be immediately impacted in the days ahead.

*Two pastors forgave one another and reconciled after a two to 3-year time of harboring bitterness with one another.
*25 churches invited Encounter Zambia to come and do meetings in their church in the days ahead as a result of the pastor's conference.
*Youth workers were encouraged, trained, and stirred to keep impacting a new generation.

*15 people in the community have made appointments with Encounter Zambia for counseling and wanting to know more about Jesus.

*Many, many bibles have been given out to people who had none.

*Hundreds of Gospel tracts have gone out and planted seeds that we pray will take root and grow.

*God provided over $120,000 to bring Encounter U.S.A. to Zambia, provide 250 study bibles to the pastors, bikes for the Encounter Zambia team, bikes for some pastors who needed them, 130 book bags and supplies to school children who had nothing, a new chalkboard for the Encounter Christian school in the village, furniture and a tool box for Peter, a refrigerator for Pastor Maybin, a couch for Pastor Barry, extra monthly support for Leonard, Barry, and Maybin, a suitcase full of medical supplies for the hospitals, over hundred pair of shoes and sets of clothes to children who had none, soccer balls for youth pastors to start new youth ministries around the area, some money given to an existing orphanage, money raised to start a new orphanage at the Encounter farm, a bike given to Charity, supplies given to ERM Zambia, a bike given to a Christian school teacher, supplies given to a Christian medical clinic, and a lot more that I do not even know about.

*Our lodge staff, about 6 men and women, who ran the hotel we stayed at in Luanshya for 12 days, were highly impacted for the Gospel. We were able to pray with them, give them Bibles, Gospel tracts, and we found them one night reading the Bible to one another. These folks were not Christians, but they told us when we left that we had brought them the Light and motivated them to do good!

*The Encounter Zambia team was invested in and their fire stirred. Several told us that before they came, their fire was almost out and they had considered giving up. Now they have been supernaturally stirred to expand their ministries.

*Two churches extremely encouraged, and several people who had strongholds demolished in their lives.

*Soccer clinics will now begin every week near the Encounter Zambia headquarters in order to tell young people about Christ.

*A man who was an assistant manager at a local general store, Nemo, was given a Bible, heard the Gospel, and has committed to coming to a Bible study group with Pastor Barry.

*The district commissioner of the province, his aides, and the federal immigration office was impacted with the Gospel and given Bibles.

*Hotel staff in Livingston were impacted by the Gospel.

*Encounter U.S.A. team members were stirred and re-dedicated their lives for Christian service.

*People in the states were impacted by the blog and were impacted with the Gospel.

*And much, much, more that others know, and most importantly that God knows.

So the mission that David Livingston started in the 1800's by God's grace, continues today. He left his heart in Africa, and while I get on the plane in Lusaka to fly out, a piece of my heart will remain here. For over a year, we have prayed for God to show up and show off on this mission's endeavor. Jesus prayed rightly every time..."Father, glorify Your name." We prayed the same by the grace of God, and God answered.

Zambia glory came down, Zambia glory was revealed, Zambia glory was seen....God showed us that He fulfills His promises where ever we are so that every tribe, every tongue, every nation will be in heaven because their hearts were supernaturally transformed to think like Jesus, feel like Jesus, and to want what He wants. However, there will be adversaries.

Just a few minutes walk from the statue of David Livingston holding a Bible in the picture above, is a plaque commemorating the fact that George Darwin (Son of Charles Darwin) dedicated a bridge at Victoria Falls in 1905. So while David Livingston found the falls 50 some years before as a missionary and explorer spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ, George Darwin was right on his heels stirring a religion of doubt, skepticism, and atheism that his father had made famous. Darwinian evolution would take the world by storm in the years to come because it fits so well with the anti-God mindset of the world. This theory would leave in its path a wake of destruction: destroyed morals, loss of hope, stumbling block to the Truth, mass killings, Nazi Germany, and so much more. But the Gospel that David Livingston proclaimed would push back the darkness, shed Light, and supernaturally transform hearts to love God and love others. In other words, Jesus changes lives so that people will want Him. He is the "Desire of the Nations," and He is coming again very soon. So as I prepare for the return of the King of glory, by faith I will continue as a child of the King, a child of the Promise...and because of this I have no need to fear anything or any adversary...the Greatest Person in all the universe with all the power possible, holds me in His hand...I am His and He is mine.

So as I go back home to serve where God has called me to give my life, may I go with this resolve..."Therefore we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not."

Mark

Mark's Missions Trip Travel Log - Partnership

2015-05-06T21:20:00.000-04:00

A Clay Pot Vessel

Before we left the Zambian Encounter Team on Saturday evening to head to Livingston, they presented gifts to each one of us. My gift was a portrait of me made of "millet" seeds glued to a canvas. I hope it makes it back to the U.S. in one piece:) As I look at this art piece (and thank God for the improvement:)), I'm overwhelmed with the fact that I'm just a clay pot vessel. I had just preached a message at Mt. Carmel before I left on the trip from 2 Cor 4, and then the very first day we arrived, Ardy taught a devotional on 2 Cor 4...all centered around "clay pot earthen vessels." Paul states in verse 7, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us." In other words, we are nothing more than old buckets used to take out the household waste. But God uses us for His magnificent glory and His glory is compounded and reverberated even more because it radiates through us...unworthy jars of clay. As we decrease, He increases.

So this piece of canvas made of "millet" seeds that I feed my parakeets with back home, is going up in my office when I return to the U.S....not to make much of me, but to remind me that I'm just an old clay pot, an earthen vessel, that God is willing and ready to use for "God of the Impossible" glory and fruit so that He gets the praise, I get His joy, and others are changed. "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel. For it is the power of God unto salvation for all who believe."

What It Means To Partner

Twenty-two years ago, I met Ardy Parlin. I was a freshman in high school and sitting in a Christian school chapel, I was exposed to Encounter Revival Ministries. My life was changed as I saw college-aged young people who loved the Lord and Ardy taught us how to meet with Jesus daily and make wise Biblical choices with our life. I've had few true mentors in my life, but Ardy is one of them. He has poured his life out over and over again and been a part of the impossible. He has preached to thousands and has proclaimed the Gospel across the world. He has vision, purpose, Biblical clarity, and most of all, he has endured victoriously. Today, he is 72 years old, and his cup still runneth over.

Someone once said that there were 400 leaders in the Bible, but only 80 finished well. Ardy is on the path to finishing well and winning the Victor's crown when he sees Jesus. Thank-you Ardy for having a vision for more, for having a burden for young people, for investing, and for daily making fire with the Lord that you use to spread around. And the biggest thing I've been reminded of this week as I look at your life and examine mine, is that I want to be faithful to the end. I want to grab onto daily, moment-by-moment grace and endure victoriously until I see Jesus. I want to daily eat of His Bread, drink His Living Water, and expose myself to His Consuming Fire, so that I faint not and am used by Him as a channel of fire to the hearts of others. And through your faithfulness, not only have you impacted my life forever, you have trained a man named Leonard to be an "Ardy" in Zambia. You have partnered with him in the Gospel to help people make their entire lives about Jesus Christ by being one, making one, and sending one. You have taken what God has taught you and made Timothys who are teaching faithful men who will do the same. By the grace of Jesus, you are outliving your life for the glory of God. Thank you for being a person in my life that has shown me what that looks like. So in Jesus name, we press on.

Living Water

The first message I preached to the Zambians on this trip was on the woman at the well from John 4 in a remote bush village. This group of people needed a well and the "Hope Jewelry" ministry at Mt. Carmel has provided $900 of the $5,000 needed to give them one. Can you imagine having to walk miles to get water and even that water may not be clean? That is the reality of the people in this village. So as I proclaimed to them that Jesus is the Living Water that quenches our thirsty soul, my prayer is that not only will the Lord graciously provide what they need to get a well in their community, but that the people truly trusted in Jesus as the one and only Living Water that causes our hearts to never thirst again. About 40 or so raised their hands in this village stating that after the message they had responded in repentance and faith to the Gospel for salvation. I pray that the Living Water that has come to this people continues like a never ending river. As Dave Duley as said over and over again in encouragement messages he has sent me while I've been here, "There's a River ya'll!"

Pastor Mark's Missions Trip Log - Give Us A Bible!

2015-05-06T08:47:00.002-04:00

Give Us A Bible!

A few days ago, I wrote about the mob of youth and youth workers that wanted a copy of the Scriptures at our youth conference. I've never seen 60+ people line up and almost knock one another down to get a copy of the Word of God. Jesus told us to "hunger and thirst after righteousness" and that "man shall not live by bread alone but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God." I'm not sure what everyone's motive was in getting a copy of the Bible on this day, but may all of our hearts hunger for the Bread of Heaven more than anything else. May we savor and feast at His table moment by moment and rejoice that we are full in Him.

A Man Named Peter

Peter in the Bible was loud, outspoken, and a "take charge" kind of guy. The Peter I met this week was soft-spoken, humble and modeled a gracious servant. Peter is the man who runs the Encounter Zambia farm. Until this week, he had no tools and used a butter knife as a screwdriver. We painted his house, but on the inside there was nothing....."no-thing."

Have you ever tried to run a 40-acre farm that is used to feed the community as a platform to share the Gospel with no tools? Before we left Luanshya, Peter came by, and we presented him with a tool box that included a hammer, saw, screwdrivers, pliers, and more. I had brought with me a hat, a thermos, and a brand new pair of work gloves; all of which were included in the tool box. I had to show him how to open and close the water thermos because he had never seen one. His eyes filled with tears at the sight of the tools.

Not only has this man been running a farm with little to no tools, but in order to build his house two years ago, he had to move a large mound of dirt by hand. Why? He had no shovel. But the gifts and bounty of heaven were not over. Jim had been given a special gift of money before we left the states, and he chose to give that money to Encounter Zambia for the purchase of furniture for Peter's house.

Peter, his beautiful wife, and his two 3-year-old children had nothing but a mattress in their home (which was provided by Encounter U.S.A. two years ago). Before Peter left us, he prayed over us the sweetest prayer of blessing I've ever heard. "Lord, bless them in Jesus....bless them so they can continue Your work....bless them so they can do good deeds....have Your hand upon them Father...bless them...bless them....bless them...." All of this was prayed with tears. I in return say, "Lord, bless Peter. Let Your face shine upon him....may he look to You and be radiant...may You give him the strength, endurance, wisdom, and provision to run the farm so it can provide what is needed to many people for the glory of Jesus, in the name of Jesus, for the furtherance of the Gospel that changes everything. In Jesus name, amen."

A Future Pastor

Meet Matt McMillan! He is a member of the Encounter Zambia team and is 21 years old. I watched this young man all week as he sang and ministered continually in the joy of the Lord. He has a smile that can light up a room and is flat out contagious. His parents are Jehovah's Witnesses and do not approve of him being on the Encounter team learning the Word of God and the Christian life. Before we left the team in Luanshya on Saturday evening and said our very sad "good-byes," Matt shared with me that he wanted to be a pastor.

So Matt McMillan....here's my prayer for you: "Lord, bless Matt. May he walk continually in your path and not stray to the right or to the left, but fix his eyes on the Prize. I pray that his burden to be a pastor comes to fruition as he is trained by Encounter Zambia and watches godly men such as Leonard, Maybin, and Barry on a daily basis. Keep him pure, honest, full of integrity, and holy....may he continue to be filled up with the joy of the Lord so that His cup of joy continues to run over like mighty rivers. In Jesus name who keeps us from stumbling, amen.

Mark

Mark's Missions Trip Log - Burden Casting

2015-05-05T12:40:00.001-04:00

Burden Casting

People have burdens, Americans have burdens, Africans have burdens, and Pastors have burdens. At one point during the pastor's conference, we asked the pastors to share their burdens so we could pray for them. Several shared out loud audibly and many more raised their hands asking to do so. Since so many wanted to share, we just invited them to come forward, kneel down before the Lord, and do some "burden casting." Probably 100 men came forward and began to call on the name of the Lord and cast their cares upon Him because of His great love for them. So many men wanted to quit, so many do not know how they are going to feed their family, and when your only means of transportation is your two feet or an old dinged up bicycle, things can get pretty wearisome. But God's promises are sure no matter who you are and what your circumstances are proving themselves to be. "Be anxious for nothing, but by prayer and supplication make your requests known to God with thanksgiving and He will give you peace." "Come to Me all who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest."

The enemy's #1 tactic is discouragement, but God's greatest gift is endurance to the end. We do not have to wait until we see Jesus for it to be worth it all. It's worth it all right now. Gaining Jesus in place of the world, is no sacrifice. Gaining Jesus in place of my slavery to sin is no sacrifice. Gaining Jesus is the infinite reward. May these men endure in the days ahead as seeing Him who is invisible.

The Great Physician

Jesus is our Great Physician. And having men who will confront the needs of their community instead of drinking themselves to death down at the tavern is a ray of light in the midst of overwhelming darkness. In the picture above is a pastor who is president of an association of pastors in and around Luanshya. He oversees a nearby medical clinic that takes care of many urgent care needs that the bush community has. He attended our conference and we had lunch together on Monday. He was a wonderful man with a great spirit and a hunger to grow. In every dark corner of the world, God reveals Himself through a few good men who refuse to sit idly by while the world around them falls apart. Jesus said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He has chosen to use us for fruitful labor in His grand and glorious work of restoration in a world that is severely damaged by the fall. "It is finished" however and now we are free to live, rescue, proclaim, and love with the love of God. We are free to spread the Light and cause the darkness to flee. Thank you, Lord, for being the Great Physician and thank you for showing us your healing in earthly physicians and leaders who refuse to stay quiet in an epidemic of sin and darkness.

A Picture That Says 1,000 Words

This is probably the best picture I've been able to take while in Zambia. On the day of our soccer clinic, I saw this little boy with a ball that he had made out of some old carpet. I asked him to pose for me and boy did he produce a picture that captures the heart of Zambia. He had shoes, but most of his friends did not...he had a ball, but most of his peers did not. And while he may have been fortunate enough to have shoes and a ball, he most likely had not eaten on this day. But, he was one of over 150 young people that were attracted to an old field with a bunch of Americans wearing soccer jerseys and holding real soccer balls. And on this day, this little boy heard the Gospel. He found out why he was here, who he was, and where he was going...man's three most important questions. But most importantly he heard who Jesus was, why He came, and where He went. So many hands went up professing faith in Christ on this day, that I'm not sure whether this little boy was one of those precious hands or not. But regardless, he heard the Good News, he saw the Good News in action, and he was loved. "So Lord...let us walk with a heart of compassion; love not just with words, but with deeds. Like the One we love so, let us live to go wherever love leads." And on this day, love led us to this little boy and many more.

Mark's Zambia Missions Trip Log - Meeting the People and Needs of Africa

2015-05-04T18:03:00.003-04:00

A Refrigerator Couch and Toolbox

There have been many financial blessings this trip that are going to make a profound difference. In the states, many of the things I'm about to mention are minor blessings and everyday items that people easily have and take for granted. Here in Zambia, it's a completely different story.

Since we have been on the trip, God has provided through people in the states and the team members of the USA team the following extra blessings:

130 book bags with school supplies for the Encounter run community/Christian school in a very poor village area;
19 bicycles for the ERM Zambia team which will save these team members $4.00 a day in bus fees getting from their home to the ERM headquarters for ministry. How the kids even come up with the $20.00 per week for the bus tickets is beyond me because they have nothing, eat one meal today consisting of an orange and bread, and when they are given some extra money through the ministry, they usually take it home to their families. These 19 young adults are some of the finest young people in all of Zambia. Now they will have bikes! I would guess that 80 percent of the people do not have automobiles, and probably 50 percent do not have a bicycle. So this is an amazing provision!
We have also seen God provide the money for 250 study bibles to give to the pastors for the transformation of their personal lives, preaching/teaching ministry, and their churches.
Today God provided a refrigerator and a couch for two of the main pastoral staff that assist Leonard in the overall Encounter Zambia ministry.

Both of these men are married, in their thirties, and have children. One has never had a refrigerator and one needs a couch. Understand that most people do not even have furniture in their home...they just cannot afford it. When we told these men today that God had provided those two things through some of the team, they shouted, "Praise the Lord!"

I have grown to love these men, their servant leadership, and their love for the Lord. They are key to the widespread ministry God is doing here through Encounter Zambia.

We also were able to buy a tool box with some tools today for Peter. He is the grounds keeper for the Encounter farm that is used to help provide food for a large community for Gospel witness. Can you imagine running a 20-40 acre farm with no tools? No shovel, no hammer, no screwdriver, nothing. For $150.00, we were able to transform this man's ministry and effectiveness in what God has called him to do. He is a real servant, we painted his house last week, and now we are praying for God to provide furniture for his house. He is married and has twin boys. The only piece of furniture in the house is a mattress that ERM gave a couple of years ago. Many blessings....many needs....and greater opportunities!

Before I finish this entry, one final note: I was told today that for a man to buy a refrigerator or a couch in Zambia, it would take an average man 5 to 15 years to pay off one of these items.

Office of the District Commissioner

We had the great opportunity of meeting with the District Commissioner over the entire province. As we all piled into his office, he shook each of our hands, and the team sang a few songs for him. We gave both he and his aid a special 50th anniversary Zambia Bible and posed for a few pictures together. In the next few moments, the Commissioner gave a speech that would contain rare words from government officials in America.

He stated, "Thank-you for coming to Zambia. We are glad you are here. The government does not have the money to take care of all the needs of our people and we must partner with the church and other organizations. So Encounter Revival Ministries is doing a good work...you are teaching our young people the Bible...so they will not fall into destructive vices...because when they do it places an even greater burden on the government."

Gods Couple

As we were driving to one of our ministry destinations today, I was small talking in the van with Leonard and his wife Rose. In Zambia, everyone has a "Zambian" name and then an "English" name. So "Leonard"and "Rose" are the English names of the couple that leads ERM Zambia.

I believe, like I have already said, that Leonard is Zambia's Moses who works daily to set his people free with the Good News of Jesus Christ by laboring on their behalf in love. Well come to find out, Leonard's name means, "founder." And Rose's name means, "strong tree." I was picking with Leonard and told him that behind every good man is a far better woman and that I had proved that very true. (Side note by the way: I married the most amazing woman in all the world)(Another side note from Valerie: I didn't want to post the parts about me). As I watched this extraordinary couple for the past 9 days, I would say that their names fit them very well. Leonard is the "founder" of Encounter Revival Ministries, Zambia which is in partnership as well as sponsored by Encounter Revival Ministries, U.S.A. led by Ardy Parlin (and in which I have the privilege of serving on the board of directors). Leonard is known by everyone in the community, the town, and people outside the area. He is respected because he has loved the people, served them, and brought impact to the community in Jesus name that without his leadership would have never been possible. He is investing in a new generation and is a leader among leaders. He is also a visionary, an organizer, a motivator, a servant, a go-getter, a leader...a "founder." His wife Rose is the "strong tree" that supports and helps her "founder" husband. She continually encourages him and respects him, she glows when he is around, she labors hours every day in the ministry, and does whatever needs to be done. He told me today that she is his help meet, counselor, and secretary. As I looked at her, I thought of my dear bride. My help meet, Valerie, is different than Rose in some ways and just like her in others. And Leonard is just like me in some ways, and not like me in others. But God has sovereignly made us leaders in our respective areas of ministry and daily by His grace we are "founders" of new things and ensure that they run effectively.

Consequently, our wives are our "strong trees" who help hold us up when we want to give up, throw in the towel, and are being beat up by our adversaries and storms. Before coming on this trip, I would refer to my wife as, "My Rock." But I believe from now on, I will call her my, "strong tree." For as she sits by the river of Living Water, her leaf prospers, she does not wither, and all she does bears fruit because she abides in Christ. And because of this, I have an earthly treasure given by God whose value cannot be measured. So to my dear wife: "Thank you for being my strong tree that gives shade when I'm weary, beauty when I've been overwhelmed by the ugly, and fruit that glorifies Jesus by the grace of Jesus for my good, His glory, and the good of everyone that has the privilege of encountering her.

Mark

Mark's Zambia Missions Trip Log - Hospital and Soccer

2015-05-04T10:21:00.002-04:00

Luanshya Hospital

Today we visited the local hospital. I'm thankful they have one, but in the poorest city of America, you would not find a hospital like this one. They had a good staff of committed people, and it was clean, but their resources were beyond limited. We were able to give them a suitcase full of medical supplies such as bandages, first aid items, and much more. Two years ago when the team came, the items we gave was more supplies than they had in the entire hospital. To put it in perspective: the hospital had several hallways and departments...there was an x-ray section, maternity ward, surgical ward, etc. But again, I've never been in a hospital that was in this condition in comparison to American hospitals. I'm not sure if there is anything I've ever been in medically that I could compare it to. I remember an old clinic in my hometown when I was little that was just a few rooms in a really old building. That little clinic is the only thing close I can remember that would even compare to this hospital. In fact, if you need to stay for any length of time, a family member has to come and stay with you to take care of you. We visited with mothers who had just had babies and we tried to give all of them some clothes for their babies. We sang Gospel songs for the staff and gave out Gospel tracts. Everything was going pretty normal, other than the fact we had never been in a medical facility like this in our lives and were extremely thankful that none of us needed care, when all of a sudden our lives would change forever.

Down a hallway in a new born section, we were taken into a cinder block room, and there in a metal crib with a heat lamp made out of some old heat coils, lied a 1.9 pound 3 day old baby girl wrapped in blankets. Now you may be thinking, "Wow! That's pitiful but we have premature babies in America everyday and they are pitiful as well." But here's the clincher: this little one was saved from being eaten by the pigs. Yes...you read correctly...the PIGS. Most likely, she was born by a young teenage mother, very normal in Zambia, and was not wanted and therefore was thrown out for the pigs in the backyard. I wanted to adopt this little baby so badly....can you imagine her testimony one day..."I was saved from the pigs and God has made a beautiful thing out of me for His glory."

When I was born at 7 months, I weight a little over 4 pounds. I was taken from the hospital I was born in to a much larger hospital where I stayed for two weeks in the baby ICU. My father could hold me on my back in the palm of his hand. But tonight I thank God that there not only was a father that wanted me, but that he was there to hold me. And I had a mother who said "yes." Though she was 18 years old, she wanted me, period. That's all there was to it. And she still does. I was blessed with a father and mother who not only would never throw me to the pigs but they have protected me from the "pigs of the world" that would have destroyed my life if given the opportunity. And they were able to do this because they had been saved by the Great Redeemer Himself.

And that is why we came to Zambia. To spread the Good News that changes people's hearts so that they can think like Jesus, feel like Jesus, and act like Jesus. We came to preach Christ so that people could be supernaturally transformed and saved from the "pigs of sin" and the claws of the Big Pig who roam the earth seeking whom he may devour. The little girl will most likely be taken to an orphanage once she is physically able.

My Jesus is a defender of the orphan and brings justice where there is none. So Lord Jesus, be this little one's Good Shepherd. I know you will because the love I had for her today was just a portion of the perfect love You have for us all."

If They Build They Will Come

Today we hosted a community wide soccer clinic just a couple of minutes from the Encounter headquarters. It was a great morning and a wonderful time of sharing the love of Christ. Now it doesn't take an expert to run a soccer clinic in Zambia. Here's how you do it:

First, have a soccer ball. That's an unheard of luxury in and of itself.

Secondly, throw the soccer ball onto a run-down field, put on some soccer jerseys, blow a few whistles, and then watch them come.

Close to 150 children, teenagers, and adults came out to participate and observe. No real advertising....just do it, and they will swarm like bees on honey. After two hours of doing soccer drills within age groups and then having a scrimmage match, we sat everyone down for a Gospel presentation. I had the privilege of preaching from I Corinthians 15 on the resurrection of Christ and the Good News of Easter. At the end, about 40 hands or so went up saying they wanted to trust Christ and did trust Christ. Eternity will tell, but praise the Lord for the seeds that were planted of the Good News that transforms the hearts of men, women, boys, and girls.

Finding Nemo

Today at the soccer clinic, God arranged a Divine encounter. We noticed a man that came up while we were doing soccer drills holding the hand of his little 3 year old boy. It is rare to see a dad in Zambia show this kind of affection for his children or even to be present. At some point during the soccer match, we began to talk with him. He was educated, well poised, and just a good all around guy. Come to find out, he had only lived in this town for two weeks and was the assistant manager of the local "Pic and Pay" store.

A "Pic and Pay" is a chain store in Zambia (11 stores total in the country) and it is like a Zambian Walmart. In America, it would be more like a local small co-op. The man told me that he really appreciated the Gospel message, and you could just tell the Lord was working on his heart. After introducing him to Pastor Barry and others who work with Encounter Zambia, he plans on joining a Bible small group with Pastor Barry and I was able to give him my Bible with a copy of the Gospel message I preached at the soccer clinic.

After it was all said and done with, I found out that Leonard did not know this morning where were going to find a field to play soccer on because all available areas were already booked up by other people. But Leonard said today, "God changed our field location several times and at the last minute gave us this field so that we could meet this man." I can't put my finger on it, but there was something about this guy that fills my heart with God of the Impossible expectation. I'm looking forward to hearing what God does in his life in the days ahead.

This evening, I was told by Jim that his name was, "Nemo." So today, we found Nemo, or it could be that Nemo found us:) But there is a bigger picture being painted by a God that is pursuing a man named Nemo...today could have been the day that Nemo found God through Jesus, our Life. Did I say, "It's been a good day" yet?

Mark

Mark's Zambia Missions Trip Log - April 30

2015-05-03T17:40:00.001-04:00

Let the Little Children Come

Have you ever been mobbed because you had a bag of candy? Up until yesterday, I would have answered "no" to that question....up until yesterday:) We went out to the outskirts of town to sing and share the Gospel to the older folks at a local nursing home (that has lost all government funding because there is no money to give). Encounter Zambia ministers here some and came out last week and cleaned everyone's room. While the USA team was singing to the residents, I noticed over the wall behind me a bunch of little faces staring over to see what we were doing.

In Zambia, any residence or business in the town has a security wall around the perimeter of the yard with either barbwire or pieces of broken glass bottles sticking out of the top of the wall. These children were looking over the wall, all up next to the broken glass, because they were desperate to hear and see what we were doing. A man came by with a stick and hit some of them to make them get down. But a few minutes later, I saw little black faces with big white eyes peering back over the wall looking at us. So when our ministry time was over with the senior adults were talking to, we decided to go outside the gate and give some candy to the kids that were gathering from all over the vicinity because they had heard us.

Behind that gate must have been 80 children or more ready to get a treat. So we made them all line up, then as quickly as you can, you give them one piece of candy and send them away, give a piece to the next person, and keep doing that until you get to the end of the line and realize the line has started all over again. Not with new kids, but the same kids doubling back through hoping you will not notice them from the first round:)

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me." The disciples would have run these little ones off because they would have been a bother to the "more important stuff" going on. But what these little children did not know, was that they were important to Almighty God who desired to be their Abba Father, and because of this Truth, they were vitally important to us. So, without hesitation, let the little children come and eat of the Bread of Life!

Training the Next Generation

On Wednesday we had an incredible youth conference. Close to 200 teens and their youth leaders were present. At least 25 teens said that they had accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior during the messages we preached through out the day and many youth leaders were trained as to how they could better lead their youth ministries. At the closing we gave a Bible to every youth leader in their native language. This was a big deal! Some people had Bibles and many people did not. At the closing of the conference, we had a small mob of about 50 to 60 more who wanted to get Bibles and that situation got a little interesting. I've never seen people get that excited and charged up to receive a copy of God's Word. My prayer is that these youth leaders will continue to invest the Treasure of the Word of God that will last forever in the lives of a new generation of Zambians. And we pray that through this Living Word, they would flee impurity, make wise choices, live life to the fullest, and grow in knowing the one and only Jesus Christ.

Unheard Of Work Ethic

The work ethic of the Zambian Encounter team amazes me. I do not believe I have ever seen such consistent, habitual, and daily servant's hearts like I see in these young men and women. It's just who they are. Let me give you a few examples:

As I was painting a house on the Encounter farm earlier this week, every time I would go to move my paint pan, and ERM Zambia team member would immediately be there to move my paint pan so I would not have to reach very far to re-dip my roller. They did this while painting at the same time themselves. Anytime they see you working, they immediately stop what they are doing to help or to take over so you do not have to do the chore.

Today I was picking up some garbage and a team member looked at me and said, "No Pastor Mark, I will get that." I've been watching these late teen and 20 somethings for days, observing their diligence and joyful attitudes in all that they do, and I found myself filling up with joy just doing things with them. The day I helped paint the house, I walked away from the project thinking to myself, "That's the most fun I've ever had painting in my life."

Today, after the youth conference, I saw a Zambian ERM team member picking up some garbage, so I went over to help. It was the first time in my life that I was truly full of joy picking up trash. As I was putting bottles and used papers in a plastic bag I thought, "It's an honor to pick up trash with this team member." Then we got all of it up, they refused to let me take the bag to where it needed to go. A few minutes later there were some big tables that needed to be moved. I helped one of the guy Zambian ERM team members move the table and all of a sudden, a girl team member came over and said, "Pastor Mark, no, I will get it." I told her no, but she insisted. It is not my custom or belief that ladies should be doing that kind of work when there are men around out of respect for the women present. But, off she went with my end of the table. Jesus said, "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many." Jesus knew that it was far greater to lay oneself down for the good of others than it was to live selfishly for yourself. Joy really is: Jesus first, others second, yourself last. It is more blessed to give than to receive. No one can ever change this, and no one ever will.

Two Pastor Marks – Oh No

Did you know there is a Pastor Mark in Zambia? There is:) By looking at the picture, do you think you can tell which one he is?:)

Pastor Mark was just one of over 200 pastors that joined us for a special two-day conference where we had the great privilege of encouraging these pastors in the Word of God, teaching them, and helping them to be better equipped to impact their nation for the Lord Jesus Christ. As of today we have heard many reports that pastors had thought about quitting the ministry, but after the conference they want to continue on. Many more have stated that their "fire" has been rekindled, strongholds demolished, and encouragement brought. These men can't wait to come back in two weeks and get their Life Application Study Bibles in order to better train their people and themselves, and yesterday we found out that Encounter Zambia gained 25 church invites through this conference to come and minister revival meetings in the days ahead! Incredible!

Mark

Mark's Missions Trip Travel Log - April 29th

2015-05-02T16:26:00.001-04:00

Today we received a report that a pastor shared the following from the pastor's conference: "I've discovered a different God!...A big God- one who can transform my life!" Our prayer now is that the fire that has been lit in these pastor's hearts will transfer to their people by the grace and power of the Holy Spirit and then on to a dark Zambia for the glory of God! The Gospel changes everything!

A Leader's Attitude

Zambia's "Moses," Leonard, was sitting at my table tonight for dinner and in just a few moments I witnessed a leadership principle in action that was life-changing. We were talking about how Leonard was probably exhausted from all that he has had to lead and organize this week and I said, "I bet you are going to sleep good tonight." Then Leonard said, "You know, I go to bed at night and go to sleep, and then the alarm clock goes off. I wake up and say to myself, "Wow, it's already time to get up? Well let's get up...it's a new day! I have a duty to do!" That's just one of the many differences between a leader and an average guy. The average person wakes up and says, "Oh no...I don't want to get up." But a leader who has vision and the Spirit of God says, "Oh, my opportunity clock is going off...let's get up and change the world." Tony Evans said one time, "When a man of God gets out of bed, the devil says, 'O no!...He's up." This week I also watched Ardy, who is 72 years old, run around with the energy of someone half his age at times. I made a comment about that to him and Ardy replied, "Well, I've only got one life to live and it will soon be past and all that is done will last." Whatever we do will last one way or another....everyone lives forever whether eternally with Jesus and the results of the Judgment Seat of Christ or eternally separated from Jesus and His life with the consequences of the Great White Throne Judgment. Every moment matters and Jesus wants to redeem the moments if we will but yield ourselves to Him in joyful surrender. Someone once said, "Attitude is the little thing that makes the BIG difference. Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent of how you respond to it." Thank God for servant leaders and brothers and sisters in Christ who wake up in the morning with an attitude of gratitude.

Luanshya - City of Death

Talking to a missionary today I found out that the town we are primarily ministering in, Luanshya, means, "City of Death." There is a lot of witchcraft in the area, and I pray that the Good News of Jesus has brought Life and Light in a God of the Impossible way! I believe God has already answered my prayer :)

Mark

Today, American Encounter team had a training day with the Zambian team. After the sessions, they said goodbye to the Zambian Encounter team. Right now, the missions team is headed on a 10-hour bus ride to Livingston.

Please pray for safety and that this will be a much needed restful weekend before they journey home.

Valerie

Holding Down The Fort

2015-05-02T05:00:00.000-04:00

Many of you have asked how the kids and I are doing with Mark away on the missions trip to Africa. We are doing very well. The schedule has been full which makes the time go by faster. The last few days we have kept ourselves busy with Lexie getting her hair cut, hiking, Garrett's science fair project, talent show, fundraisers, and preparing for an upcoming missions trip that I will be leading...in 1 1/2 weeks!

Lexie has been wanting to donate her hair to "Locks of Love" for some time now. This week we decided it was the perfect time. The day leading up to the haircut she was a nervous wreck. She wanted to cut it but had no idea what to expect. I cut all the hair in our family so this was her first visit to a hair salon.

Before and After.

She was able to donate 12 inches of hair. It wasn't until this point in the hair cut that I found out her hair would be dyed before they put it in a wig. This might have broken the unwritten contract for me. I really thought a sweet little girl would get a wig with beautiful red hair.

This is after I played with it a bit. It was so funny because Lexie thought since she got her hair cut she no longer needed to do her hair. I said it didn't work that way. We still have to wake up and do our hair even if it is just to brush it.

Hiking on the AT

Science fair project was this week. Garrett chose a great topic (with help because he would have chosen the same thing he did last year...blowing something up...or mixing things together to get a reaction...). This year he did his project on healing oils...what every boy wants to do. Hehe! He told his teacher his title before confirming with his parents, it was "No Need For Doctors". We let him know that, even though, his hypothesis was correct and that oils really work we still need good Doctors.

To our great surprise, he won first place in his division. We loved being his guinea pigs, and I am secretly thrilled that there is now proof to what I have been saying about oils really working.

So as you can see, we are holding down the fort and the kids have a lot to share with their daddy when he returns. We hope everyone has a great weekend.

Much love,

Valerie

Mark's Zambia Trip Log - Pastor and Youth Conference

2015-05-01T20:42:00.001-04:00

Today was the 2nd and last day of the pastor's conference. God answered all of our prayers back home and up until the day. The pastor's gave too many testimonies to number or recount. But here are just a few testimonies that were shared with me:

"My heart has been set on fire, my ministry has been expanded, the level to which I minister has gone up extremely, before you came we were just 'playing church,' we were not preparing our sermons seriously, we have not been focused on the right thing, thank you and it comes from way down in my gut, you have refreshed my heart, I'm believing God to do far more than I've been believing Him for, I got something right with another pastor today where we have been divided for several years..."

There was so much more and I'm sure things will come to my mind over the days ahead. While we were preaching to them, many wept, they were engaged, they were encouraged, and their hearts set aglow. One pastor said I was getting ready to leave the conference,

"Before I came, I was going to quit. But I can't quit. The ministry is too great of a responsibility...so I keep on..."

The men were so proud of their completion certificates, some received bikes, and all received a special goody bag that included a tie, pens, notebooks, and other things. The men shouted when we told them they were going to get a Life Application Study Bible. They couldn't believe that they were going to get the Bibles....these Bibles will be the greatest tools they have ever been given in regards to study and preaching ministry. Many of these men have never received any kind of formal Bible training and these Bibles will help them in an incredible way to gain the knowledge and training that they need. The pastors left full, but many arrived to the conference on empty. The Gospel was explained and exposed in Spirit-filled eye-opening ways, and we walked away in freedom....freedom to serve, freedom to pray, freedom to minister, freedom to endure, freedom to have joy, freedom to trust God...and so much more. "Thank you, Lord, for answering our cries for Your Kingdom to be advanced and your glory to fill the conference. You showed up and showed off...we have been blessed beyond measure, and You have been magnified in all our eyes."

As I'm writing this, we are in the final session of the youth conference. Close to 200 young people and youth workers filled the ERM center! We were only expecting about 50 so this was a real blessing. But the far BIGGER blessing was the 25+ teens that made professions of faith in Christ and the many who came forward wanting to make their lives about Jesus Christ.

A holy hush came over the room as the invitation after one of the sessions went about 20+ minutes. Both the youth workers and teens learned many valuable life lessons from the Scripture and it has been a "blessing of a day." I was also blessed to hear how a group of pastors got together today to have a "furnace room" for the youth conference!!!! A group of people came to the center at 5am to pray, but the pastors were challenged to pray and ask God for the impossible! And God brought a great harvest for His glory, our good, and the good of many people. We taught the teens today on, "Real Christianity, Dreaming Bigger for Your Life, and Conquering Invisible Giants." The team also taught the youth in groups of 40 the, "Unlocking Your Potential" Curriculum. I also had a great talk with an American missionary today...He's the only missionary we have met since we have been here though there are a few more in the area. He has been serving in Zambia for 23 years, started 22 churches, and has faithfully served the Lord for quite some time. If Zambia is going to be transformed, some of the greatest impact will come through the spiritual leaders and the young people. We've had the gracious opportunity to be a huge part of both for His glory, by His grace, and our overwhelming joy. Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness."

Mark's Zambia Missions Trip Log - Sunday and Monday

2015-04-30T21:52:00.003-04:00

Sunday, April 26

Tomorrow morning is the Pastor's conference! The next two days will be two of the largest ministry times I will be involved in as of right now, 251 pastors will gather to be further equipped in the Word of God and Gospel ministry. I have not had internet access in two days, so I'm praying that the additional $1,200 dollars we need to purchase 250 study bibles is coming in back in the U.S. The Zambian Bible society is bringing the bibles in the morning. What a blessing it is going to be to give every pastor a Life Application Study Bible. To think that God has and will provide an additional $3,500 (plus another $1,000 plus) in a few days through people back home and the team members here is amazing! This is an incredible blessing as the men will have the equivalent of a bible college education in their bibles at their finger tips. There are men who are coming who up until a couple of years ago did not even have a bible, more or less a study bible. Some have pastored their village churches by teaching from nothing more than Gospel tracts. Tomorrow, Ardy and I will have to teach them how to use it, as well as speak on several more ministry and Bible topics for their equipping. Leonard told me today that having us here this week has been like a "fire" (or a "boost") to the ministries and people here.

Did I say that these were some of the most amazing college age students I've ever met in my life? If I didn't, I'm saying it now. Incredible young people who are mature and serious about following Christ. They are so grateful for the opportunity they have been given. Many of them are from very poor homes but through Encounter they are offered the opportunity to ride a bus to the ERM headquarters each day to be discipled, trained, and used for ministry in local churches, at the Encounter farm, and in area villages for the Gospel. Most team members, though they work hard all day long, only eat one meal a day and that is the meal Encounter is able to provide for them...a lunch that consists of an orange and two pieces of toast. That's it. I felt somewhat of a spoiled rotten child around them as we have been fed three meals a day and have snacks in our back packs. But these college aged kids are some of the most beautiful young people I've ever seen with amazing joy for the Lord.

Today is Sunday! We split into two teams today and I took one group (1/2 USA team & 1/2 Africa team) to one church and another mixed group went to a different church. The church we visited and ministered in was Lighthouse Baptist Church in Endola. This is a larger town and the people seemed to have a little more than the people in Luanshya and most definitely the people who lived in the villages. In this town, there were small cinder block homes and then some more upscale places for around here. The church had 110 people present and half of them were young people and children, 30% were women, and 20% were men. The Pastor's name was, "Pastor Myson." He was a very nice and grateful man. His son was the youth pastor and was doing a great work with the young people. The church service lasted 2 1/2 hours. They did the traditional announcements, but everything else was anything but traditional in most U.S. Baptist churches. The youth sang several songs, the ladies sang many songs, they shared quite a bit about their offering ($25.00 was given today), and people came up and placed their offering in the container on the communion table while the congregation sang. Jim shared his testimony and did a great job and I preached a message on how Christ wants to demolish sin strongholds in our lives.

At the end of the service, the invitation lasted several minutes, and the people who came forward were counseling. 4 ladies said they did not know that worry was a sin and God convicted them of that today and the stronghold that supported that sin, 1 man asked for prayer, another said he wanted to be closer to God, and another young man trusted Christ on Tuesday this week and gave public testimony today. It was great! At the end of the service. they asked me to pray a prayer of blessing on those who came forward and then they asked us to exit the church as we did a "fellowship line" outside. This was really neat as our entire team stood in a big "u" outside and everyone in the church came out singing while they went around in a big "singing" line and shook our hands. Then we were invited back in for cookies, a banana, and a soft drink. This was a very big deal. This is the most food I had seen anyone in Zambia have to give away.

The pastor and some of his associates are coming to the pastor's conference tomorrow. We went to lunch at a mall nearby. This town is only one of 5 or 6 large towns in all of Zambia that have anything close to America in the likes of a small mall, etc. After several days of being here, this is the first time I had seen anything like this. After the mall, we went and visited an orphanage with 18 orphans from young children to teenagers. The two ladies that ran the orphanage were very nice. The orphanage was nice in comparison to what we've seen this week but pitiful in comparison to U.S. standards by far. The children were so glad to see us. We sang songs for them, shared the Gospel, gave them Gospel tracts, and some goodies. The orphanage survives on whatever people decide to drop off to them. I was reminded as I left that precious place that God is the defender of the orphan and the widow and that all who place their faith and trust in Christ will not be left as orphans, but become children of the Most High God. Thank you, Lord Jesus. for loving the fatherless and making a way for us to have the Heavenly Father.

Monday, April 27

Today was incredible! Did I say today was incredible? If I didn't, let me just say that today was incredible:) About 170 pastors showed up today after walking or riding bikes through the night and early morning hours to be a part of our two day conference. We began the day at 10AM and went until 5PM making the most of every moment. The team sang before each session, and interviewed the pastors through out the day. I did a session on, "10 Marks of a Gospel Minister" from Colossians 1, another session on "Demolishing Strongholds" from 2 Cor 10: 4-5 in the early portion of the day. Ardy did a session that was excellent on life skills and principles. So much more took place but here is the main thing: the pastor's were encouraged, taught, and strengthened to keep on keeping on! Their hearts were set on fire!

Mark

Mark's Zambia Missions Trip Log - Friday and Saturday

2015-04-29T22:10:00.002-04:00

Charity's Village

After we left the community school, we drove back into the bush and arrived at Charity's village. Charity is a little girl about 8 years old that was born with club feet. Encounter over the past 2 years made it possible for Charity to have the surgery she needed so that she could walk for the first time. Today we were able to see her and she was able to walk. The village was so overwhelmed by Encounter's investment in Charity's life, that it has opened such a Gospel opportunity to over 100+ people. The people are amazed that our God would reach down in their little remote village and bring the healing that was needed to help this little girl walk. So today the team sang, we loved on people, we had lunch with them, and I was able to share the Gospel from John 4 which tells us about Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. The main point was to center the Gospel around the fact that Jesus is the Living Eternal Water that we need. At the end, my guess is that 50 or 60 hands went up saying they would like to trust Christ as their Lord and Savior. The Lord knows, seeds were planted, and sinner's prayers prayed. I was able to see inside Charity's house....2 cinder block rooms. Nothing...just nothing. But to them, they were thankful and proud of what they had. It is at this particular village that Hope Jewelry from Mt. Carmel was able to send $900 for the purchase of a well because they do not have clean drinking water. We thought the goal was met to cover the digging of the well but found out it wasn't enough. However, when we told them that we were praying for that to be accomplished, they danced around and sang for joy. We were actually able to give Charity a bicycle so she could get around a little better. Her grandmother shouted for joy, her mom cried, and they danced around praising the Lord. No one in this particular village had a bike. Before we left, we ate a packed lunch and it was hard to eat lunch when 100 people and tons of children were sitting there staring at our sandwich, banana, and chips while they waited on something called shema. We couldn't give them our lunches because we did not have enough for everyone and it was start a minor riot. It's hard to eat a lunch when people are starving and kids are walking around with bloated stomachs. But the Lord is the defender of the orphans and the widows and He does all things well. But in His sovereign plan, He has chosen to use His people for our joy and His glory. Jesus said, "Behold, I make all things new." So Lord Jesus... renew, restore, transform our hearts, bring Your kingdom, provide, show up and show off.

Saturday, April 25
Encounter Farm In Zambia

Have you ever been miles from civilization? I can honestly say that as of today, I truly have. We traveled quite a ways into the bush today on a road that was washed out in several places in order to get to the Encounter farm. This is a place where ERM has built a meeting hall, a groundskeeper home, a kitchen, and began a 40-acre farm. Corn, onions, potatoes, fish, and other things are grown and raised here in order to feed the 2,500 people that live in this section of the bush from time to time as a ministry that opens the door for Gospel witness and Biblical teaching. The farm is also used to do a Christian camp once a year for 500 children. Something like this is unheard of in Zambia. The farm is literally a miracle sitting in the bush. It is amazing to be in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by undergrowth, and watch people come out of the high weeds from where they live in stick and mud brick huts. When we arrived at the farm, about 150 women and children greeted us by shouting and chanting, "You are welcome, you are welcome..." over and over again. The team sang several songs to them and taught the children some American Christian children songs. We then divided them up into groups and taught them the, "Unlock Your Potential" curriculum which includes a Gospel presentation. We then fed everyone a lunch that consisted of greens and shema. This was the first meal everyone there had eaten in several days except for chewing on some sugar cane in the woods. It's extremely difficult to absorb all the emotions and feelings that an American has that has never gone without a meal. It's hard to even write about. My life has forever been changed. So much waste, griping, complaining, and pickiness overwhelms Americans who live like kings and queens compared to millions and millions of people who do not know where their next meal is going to come from. More swollen stomachs, dirty bodies, and worm infested children filled the area desperately wanting to be loved. They wanted to hold your hand, have you pick them up, and just smile at them. At the risk of sounding like I'm afflicted just for being an observer when they are the ones who are suffering, let me just say: I'm not sure how I can even process what I've seen. I don't know whether to cry, scream, pray, figure out how to help, or what. So we ministered today, fed them a meal, shared Hope with them, but now what. What about next week and the week after? The harvest is plentiful, the needs are outrageous, and the workers are few. Praise the Lord for men named Leonard, Barry, and Mabin. As I watched Leonard rush around showing us how he ran the farm on so little (the groundskeeper does not even have a tool box) I stood amazed at such servant's of the Lord. Leonard is a modern day Moses who works so that his people will be set free. Mabin and Barry are pastors who have risen up to build a team that is impacting the abyss of darkness one day at a time. After lunch, the team played games with the kids as several of us painted the groundskeeper house. His name was Peter, he had a wonderful wife, and two twin boys named Moses and Stephen who were about 3 years old. 2 years ago when the American Encounter team was here, they paid for medicine for the two little boys so they could get rid of their worms and receive some protein. They also laid the foundation for Peter's house and on this trip we were able to paint his house white. He has the only white house in the area now. It was the most fun I've ever had painting as I helped roll paint on the house with paint rollers on bamboo sticks that didn't fit the roller:) But the fun part was painting with the ERM Africa team guys. I just fell in love with those fellas....their work ethic was tremendous. They never complain, work very hard, and every time I would go and move my paint pan, there would be a team guy ready to move it for me. I have not been around young people like that ever I believe. Amazing servants. I wanted to bring them home to show our young people what it means to work hard, have respect, and give a project your all with the right heart attitude. As we left the farm, I think a piece of me stayed behind with those hungry village children. Every time I've eaten a meal since, I look at my food totally different. When we got in the van, Stephen and Moses began to cry. I had a bag of balloons in my bag so I gave their mom the balloons so the kids would have something to play with. The only toy any child had was one ball that was made of garbage bags wadded up and tied with string. That's the only toy I've seen any child have since I've been here outside of the things we've given out. "God, I'm blessed beyond measure. I have Jesus, I have the Gospel, I have Your Spirit, I've had a Christian education, I've been to college, I have a father and mother, I have a gorgeous wife with beautiful children, and I can feed them by the grace of God. Thank you, for I'm not worthy." P.S. When I get back to the states, there is no way we can eat out at restaurants as much as we have. How can I pay double and triple what it costs to eat at home when people here do not eat a real meal for days.

Mark

Mark's Zambia Trip Log - School Ministry Day Two

2015-04-29T08:44:00.002-04:00

Community School, Zambia
April, 24th

Day Two! Incredible! Life-changing! Eye-opening! God's love and goodness poured out because every perfect gift is from Him. Our first large ministry project today was to visit a community school back in a village that has 115 students. The school is a part of the Encounter Zambia ministry and was started because children in this location had to walk 7 miles to go to school and therefore were not going. Since this school is run by Encounter, the Bible is taught as well as the Gospel on a daily basis. It is a two room school and extremely rustic. Encounter put a roof on the school two years ago and bought a chalkboard. There are another 2 rooms that have been built in an adjacent building, but $2,000 is needed to put a roof on. So 115 students meet in two rooms.

A well was dug a couple of years ago by Encounter and now the school kids have clean water as well as nearby villages that walk to the well. When we arrived the school, the students were so excited as they sang and shouted before we even got off the bus. It got a little interesting because another 75 children, as well as some mothers, showed up because they wanted to see what was going on and were hoping for some gifts. At the school, we encouraged the two teachers...one man that has taught there since 2006 who was 38 years old and one lady. ERM supports these two teachers at $50.00 per month. After singing several songs with them, the U.S. Encounter team as well as the Zambia Encounter team worked hard at teaching all of the children in small groups a curriculum entitled, "Unlocking Your Potential." The kids learned the following: spiritual, nutritional, mental, physical, social, and educational units that would help them unlock the potential to live a better life. This included things such as: good and positive contact with others, the Gospel, eating the right things, washing your hands, drinking clean water, stay in school, learn your letters and numbers, healthy head-heart-habits, and much more.

Then, we went to work like an army unpacking 130+ pair of shoes that we brought as well as children's clothes and backpacks with school supplies. Our goal was to minister to the school children first and then we would help as many of the village children that we could. For the next hour, my life would change forever. Truly it's hard to write the next few lines without choking up with overwhelming emotion. Children were brought into to the school room in groups of five and we would size a pair of shoes for them and give them a new shirt, pair of pants, or a dress. At least half of the kids were not wearing shoes, and many of them had torn clothes that just looked like rags. I will never forget their faces, their eyes, the way they looked at me, and how grateful they were to get a pair of $5 crocs. It was hot, everyone smelt, dirt was everywhere, but I could not have been more full of joy as I was down on my hands and knees sizing shoes on a little black, dirty, feet. At one point as I was doing this, the Holy Spirit brought to my mind the words of Jesus in the book of Acts, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." I so wish my own children could have seen what I saw in that holy hour. I've never been without shoes my entire life...and just as Jesus washed the dirt off of the disciples feet, there on my knees I felt as if I was having the opportunity to minister in one of the greatest ways I ever have. They went home with shoes, the Gospel, and some love that they had not experienced in the way they did on this day...I went home with overwhelming gratitude for what it means to be a servant and that my Jesus humbled Himself to give His all for me.

I'm the beggar, He is the continual Giver, and I do not serve Him...He serves me. He is greatest who serves. The hardest thing for me today happened after we gave shoes and school supplies to all the school kids and most of the village kids. I had noticed earlier in the day a little boy who was probably 3 years old who had no shoes, a dirty pair of green shorts, and a little brown shirt ripped in shreds. By the time he was brought in, we had given away all the shoes that would fit his feet. I tried so hard to find a pair and couldn't find a pair. Everything I put on his feet was either way too small or way too big. At that moment, I would have given so much money for a pair of shoes...just a pair of shoes. I can drive from my house at home two minutes down the road and spend pocket change for a pair of shoes. And today, I was powerless in that moment to give him what he needed physically. And he just looked at me. I can still see his face as I scrambled around looking for anything that I could give him. I finally was able to give him a shirt that barely fit him. I just had never felt in my life what I felt in that hour. After we gave everything away, we came out of the school room to cheering moms and children who were thrilled to receive what they had. Before we left the school I noticed in classroom #2 that the chalkboard was pitiful. I'm not even sure how you could write on it especially since it had a hole in the middle of it and was so cracked, aged, and worn that it was not useable. I found out that it would cost $40 to purchase a new chalkboard, so I was able to give the money needed to make sure they were able to get a new board to replace that one. It was the greatest $40.00 I've ever spent. The price we pay to eat out at a restaurant in America paid for a chalkboard that could be used to teach a hundred children every day for years. But the needs continued as we walked back out into the school yard and saw little preschool aged children with bloated stomachs and their belly buttons sticking out several inches (a sign of malnutrition and worms). Very preventable diseases, but no money or venues to make it happen for them. But as we left the school, shouts of praise and many tears flowed from mothers who were so excited that their children received a book bag with some school supplies. At the end of the day, the greatest shouts of praise were in heaven as the Gospel was shared, and the treasure of Jesus was manifested through our clay pot vessels so that the surpassing power was of God and not of us.

Marks Missions Trip Log - Wednesday and Thursday

2015-04-28T14:37:00.003-04:00

Wednesday, April 22

It's a little before 6pm on Wednesday, April 22nd. Still traveling....did I say that we are still traveling? We have either been on a plane, a bus, a car, or in a airport for 49 hours since leaving Mt. Carmel. Still have another hour to go before we arrive at Luanshya where the Encounter Zambia team is located, our lodge is, and central headquarters for ministry. Over the past 3 hours we have traveled on a simple paved road and have observed nothing but village after village, cow upon cow, and people carrying 5 gallon buckets off water on their heads. We have seen some people with bikes and several girls carrying bananas on their heads. Complete poverty. It's hard to imagine where all the people are living as you pass the villages and see how small the huts or buildings are. We've seen brick huts, stick huts, huts with tar, huts with straw, and simple wood canopies. The pastors that are coming to our conference are riding on bikes from about a 60+-mile diameter from where our conference will be held. As we drive on the road, many of the people congregate by the road in order to socialize, or sell goods of some sort. Leonard, the Encounter Zambia leader, is a remarkable man. He has a Bible college education as well as a CPA degree from London. So he is definitely one of the privileged few in Zambia but God is using him to minister to a nation as a leader amongst leaders. I'm looking forward to getting to know him better. The team is sleep deprived and everyone is fatigued. My prayer is that once we get settled down in a little while, that we will get a good night's rest and wake up tomorrow with a spiritual freshness from our good God that supersedes the physical renewal we desperately need.

8:53pm. We arrived at Luanshya around 7pm and are staying at Farokan Lodge. It is gated with barbed-wire and is somewhat rustic. We have unloaded everything, have our supplies organized and have already killed a spider about the size of a baseball on our bedroom wall :) Here's a first: I'm sleeping in a bug net tonight on my bed, so that is going to be a new experience. Looking forward to taking a shower and having a full night's sleep. We had a snack tonight served by some people running the lodge. After that time, Leonard shared with the team about opening our heart, seeing what God wants us to see, and forget about ourselves and worship Him. He encouraged us with the fact that Zambians are friendly, they like to shake hands twice (two different grips back-to-back), and feel free to ask questions. Leonard believes God is going to move in a mysterious way in these days and he used the illustration of the Red Sea of how as they waited patiently on the Lord, they saw the salvation of Him who is worthy. Leonard also told us to take the time to share the Gospel and really spend time investing in people's lives through relationship. Be flexible, adaptable, and have a sense of humor. He also testified that Ardy has outlived his life by investing what God has taught him in Leonard and the Zambian people here. We were encouraged to take time to pray with people, listen to people, and talk with them....hear their story, tell His story. The only hope for Zambia is the Word of God and many of the pastors that are coming will have to stop and repair their bikes several times due to accidents they will have on the road. With all of this in mind, let's let God run His program while we are here.

Thursday, April 23

Luanshya, Zambia

Wow! What a day and its only day one! First of all, jet lag is over, God gave us a full night's rest last night (first time sleeping in a bug net by the way), and has given us a vision today for the world that we did not have when we got out of bed this morning. Today we have seen massive amounts of poverty and darkness. On our way to visit a missionary medical clinic, we passed by hundreds of little villages where people are living in huts and stick homes. In the more populated intersections, there were little strip malls you might say, compiled of cinder block buildings and stick huts that made up a general store, a barber shop, a small market or grocery store, and usually a bar. Though these places were "called" these things, they could not have looked more unlike one of our American versions of the above. If it were not so real, one would almost laugh in America that this building or that hut was called a barbershop or grocery store.

The medical clinic was a great blessing as we visited with a Zambian pastor that leads a mission society as well as runs the clinic. The clinic services baby deliveries and other medical issues. We are literally talking about an old cinder block "u" shaped building that was very small and looked pitiful. In America, it would have looked abandoned. We were able to pass out tracts there, visit with some children and mothers, and gain valuable insight from the pastor as to the spiritual needs of the church.
From there we visited a small market which consisted of a half table of dried anchovies, worms, and some other things that were not identifiable by me...several of the team members ate the dried worms....I passed:)

In the afternoon we visited the federal immigration office for the area, the team sang to them, and we explained our purposes for being here. They asked for a copy of our passports and visas, but let us know that we were among friends.

The highlight of the day was visiting the Encounter Zambia headquarters where we were able to meet the Zambia Encounter team, hear them sing, teach them, and spend some time getting to know their story and share ours. This opportunity allowed me the privilege of talking one-on-one with Leonard, Mabin, and Barry....3 pastors/ministry workers who lead the ministry here. It was amazing to hear how they lack so many resources that I take for granted. There was one shelf about 2 feet long that made up their Bible study library. Literally, they have about 20 books at the most that they use to train the team members and pastors who attend their bible institute. Leonard told me that just to have those things was a big deal and blessing. I could not help but think that back home in my office I have about 1000 books and I'm just one person vs. an entire bible institute. I was impressed during this time greatly that the Zambian team, leadership, and pastors need study bibles....something where they can have a commentary, bible study guides, and the bible all in one so they can rightly understand and divide the Truth. I got on the phone with the Zambian Bible Institute and found out that they print Life Application Study Bibles for $18.00. This is key because these Bibles are printed in Zambia and that is a rare thing and saves thousands of dollars on shipping should we buy books in the states and ship them to Zambia. So I asked Leonard how many study bibles they could use and he told me 50 (some for the Zambian team, leadership, and really committed pastors). So I'm praying for $1,000 + to get these study bibles for them. Here's my prayer: "Lord, I believe you placed this particular need on my heart, and it is a real need that would be a major component in equipping people here. So I'm believing you for the money, even before we leave Zambia." I let Valerie know through a short voice text to get the word out and we will see how God supplies.

God also gave me an incredible time with Leonard and Barry. Leonard, who directs Encounter Zambia, shared with me how for the past couple of months, he and team members prayed at 5am in the morning for the supplying of funds needed to have more than 50 pastors at the conference because of the great need. Both of us had eyes full of tears as he shared the burden God was giving him here as they prayed for more, and as I shared how God provided over $9,000 through Mt. Carmel, MCCA, and supporters to make a potential 300 pastors be able to come to the conference. It was a holy "awe of God" moment. He also showed me a picture of Garrett's class making breakfast to sell at MCCA to raise money for the pastors that I had emailed him.

Hearing the African team sing was beautiful and incredible. It just spoke to my heart even though I couldn't understand what they were singing since they sang the songs in their native language.

Talking with Barry was a special time as well. He is 36 just like me and has pastored for 14 years. He trains at the Bible institute, pastors a church, and helps with the Encounter team. He shared with me the struggles the church here is having and the complications that the pastors face. They are very poor, the prosperity Gospel has become predominant with some, there is strife within the church, and a major lack of Biblical education and ability to rightly divide the Word.

I'm praying that God gives me exactly what I need for the pastor's conference as I try to understand the culture here and what I can best do to serve, make the most impact, and do what God wants me to do while I'm here.

So ministry day one....God is preparing for the impossible! "O God help me to be on board with you...I so desperately want to be used by You for the masterpiece You are weaving together."

Last God of the Impossible thing for today.... God has already answered the prayer for the study bibles I prayed for yesterday through His gracious hand working in and through people's hearts at Mt. Carmel. Praise the Lord!!!! Praise the Lord!!!! Praise the Lord!!!! So, I'm believing God for enough Life Application Study Bibles to see all 250 pastors receive one. A study bible is unheard of in Zambia. To own a regular simple bible with no concordance is a huge blessing in and of itself. Most pastors did not even have bibles two years ago. So, to receive study bibles that contain theological notes, dictionaries, concordances, and study tools would be the equivalent of a Bible college education for these guys. Because they have no access to any tools whatsoever in interpreting the Scripture, many of the pastors preach passages out of context and incorrectly. Leonard has a mobile Bible training institute that is so faithful and wonderful. But you can only get to so many villages, train so many pastors, and when you train them, you can only train on a few topics at a time. But what if you had study interpretation notes on every page of the Bible! So we are now praying for $4,500 to purchase study bibles for every pastor and give them to the men at the pastor's conference on Monday or Tuesday. Mt. Carmel and friends through Aaron Weakley, Valerie, and others have raised $1,800.00 in just a few hours. Tonight, after sharing what God had put on my heart with the team, another $1,300 came in. So we are trusting God for another $1,400. Imagine 250 pastors, having study bibles, learning more of the Scriptures correctly, and then teaching what they learn to their people. Transforming a nation!!!!! We've only been ministering for 2 days and God is already doing abundantly beyond all we can ask or think through the prayers of His people. What a mighty God we serve!!!!

Today I was so blessed by Leonard. He is the director of Encounter Zambia and what a servant of the Lord He is to his people. He knows the Word, is properly trained, and is just an outstanding pastor, director, and leader. It is amazing how God raises up gifted men of grace and uses them for His glory in such a needy broken world. The Lord does not use methods...He uses people who are surrendered to Him. This is His sovereign and glorious design so that the power is of Him and not of us...mere claypot vessels who are in constant need. With this in mind, on the first day we arrived, Leonard what sharing with me how he and his leadership team needed encouragement to keep on keeping on. It's amazing...whether you are in Africa, America, or around the world, in Gospel ministry, there are times where you want to give up. God knows this and therefore the Apostle Paul knew it...so he stated in 2 Cor 4:1... "Therefore we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not." This passage has encouraged me so much to have hope, to keep drawing from the Lord by faith, so that I can overcome in what He has called me to do. I shared this verse with Leonard and God used it to refresh His spirit. What I thought was a mere few minute conversation about this verse, turned into a meaningful refreshment for Leonard that caused him to go home last night and share the verse with his wife and be replenished in the Lord together. When he came in this morning and told me this, my heart rejoiced, and his heart rejoiced that God would be so faithful to keep giving us the Living Water and Bread from heaven that we so desperately need to keep on keeping on with His energy. The joy of the Lord will be our strength.

Weekly Prayer Blessings

2015-04-28T09:38:00.000-04:00

This week has gone down as one of the most memorable weeks in my life. I hope to never forget what God has done.

After Mark had left God had given me a very powerful verse to pray for him and for a couple other people. It is Psalm 20:4-5,

"May He grant you your heart’s desire

And fulfill all your counsel!

We will sing for joy over your victory,

And in the name of our God we will set up our banners.

May the Lord fulfill all your petitions."

We are raising up banners and waiting in expectancy!

Prayer Blessings:

This week God brought in all the money needed for the Zambian Pastors to receive a study Bible. Over $4,500 in less than 48 hours through Facebook!
This week God has taken our story of Zambian Missions Trip public to 48 countries. The neatest thing is that we have been able to be missionaries without leaving our county.
This week we have seen little ones (1st graders) really get to the heart of God through prayer. The prayers they have been praying are way beyond their years. I will be sharing those testimonies this weekend.
This week God has conquered doubt in an area of my life through prayer and the preaching of His word. He is SO amazing to hear us and answer us in our deepest struggles.
Last week we had been praying for our local Crisis Pregnancy banquet which was on Saturday. God showed up in a great way. The testimonies were powerful and God used them in a great way. They didn't focus on numbers and what has happened this last year but focused on what God is doing now and the hope of what He will do in the future. Please continue to pray for Pregnancy Centers all around the world, that God will use them to bring light to the darkness!

Let's raise up some banners this week, waiting in expectancy at what God will do. You may just see banners around my blog as we do some banner raising to the Lord!

Valerie

Zambia Missions Trip Day Eight

2015-04-27T22:23:00.000-04:00

I can't believe that just a week ago we were dropping Mark and Jim off at the airport. The plane restrictions were tough, but the whole team made it through without a hitch...well except the seat incident which God worked out.

Since that time God has done a great work there and here!

Something really funny that I have to share with you, Mark has said repeatedly that everyone is completely worn out...well, everyone except for Ardy. Ardy is the director of the Encounter Revival team they are traveling with. He is the oldest person on the trip yet has the most energy. Mark doesn't know how it's possible!

We got to hear a little blurb from the guys today.

"No Internet cafe today so I cannot post anything. Getting ready to eat dinner. Just got back from the first day of the pastors conference. INCREDIBLE !!! God showed up and showed off!! The men were so encouraged. Several were in tears and so much more. Big stuff!!!! God worked as we have prayed. They would shout when the message was powerful. I'm very encouraged this afternoon. It was so good to preach and do what God called me here to do. Tomorrow is the second day of the pastors conference. " Mark

Jim shared that the Pastors conference was very good. He had to use a translator because the English in Africa is so different from ours. Many Pastors shared how encouraged they had been by the conference. He shared how his perspective of poverty has changed by what they have seen. They have had so many opportunities to encourage Christians and the ministry work in Africa. (Paraphrase from Jim)

Prayer Requests:

Please pray for the 2nd and final day of the Pastors Conference. Pray that these Pastors will be refreshed, encouraged, renewed, and transformed by the Gospel.
Please pray that the Word will go forth powerfully from the conference into the villages and towns in which the Pastors live.
Please pray that God continues to do a mighty work in the lives of those who have gone. Pray that this isn't something that affects their lives for a month, but for a lifetime.
Pray that we will be ready to receive what they have been taught by the Lord when they return. They will look different, think different, and act differently. May we never discourage the work God is doing in their lives.

I am hoping to receive a couple of blog posts and pictures from them tomorrow!

Much love,

Valerie

Zambia Missions Trip Day Seven

2015-04-26T21:49:00.001-04:00

Today I was able to receive a message from Mark via email. I didn't get any pictures but I did get an update for everyone.

Today Mark was able to preach at a church service this morning. The service lasted 2 1/2 hours. Those of you who know Mark know that this is his style. He loves longer services! He said that some decisions were made.

They also went to an orphanage. "Incredible and heart breaking."

"We ministered at the encounter farm way out in the bush yesterday. Over 100 kids. They hadn't eaten a meal in several days. Even the encounter Zambia team only eats one meal a day. An orange and two pieces of bread. Shared the gospel and fed them. Have done much more but just can't write it all.

Pastors conference begins tomorrow morning. 251 pastors are registered. Some are riding bikes or walking all night long to get here. The 250 bibles are arriving in the morning. Incredible!!!! This has the possibility of transforming 25000 people and more as those bibles are the equivalent of a Bible college education for these guys. Please tell everyone they will never know the impact of what they have done. I'm writing a session on how to use a study Bible because we have to teach them how to read it and use it. They are going to be held accountable by the local Pastors.

Pray pray pray. We need the prayers. We are wrestling with tiredness. Lots of emotions from all the things we are seeing. It's unlike anything I have ever seen. If you could only see what I see and the extraordinary need.

The encounter Zambia team (20) college aged young people just like the USA team is some of the finest young people I've ever met. They are making such a difference. The impact is huge. Leonard (the team Pastor) is a modern day Moses. Amazing.

Tell the kids I was in an orphanage today and the kids made their beds perfectly and everything on the room was perfectly organized."

The quotes are excerpts out of his email to me. He doesn't usually write in this manner, but I think it was because he was writing all of this on a phone trying to get out as much info as he could as fast as he could.

Thank you so much for your prayers!

Much love,

Valerie

Zambia Missions Trip Day Six

2015-04-25T05:00:00.000-04:00

On Monday after the team left I never imagined that God would continue to use us in great ways except through our praying for the team. God has overwhelmingly used us through both giving and praying. We have been flooding your inbox and Facebook with fundraising and I hope it hasn't been overwhelming. In case you have missed our God story, let me share it quickly.

On Thursday, Mark called and asked us to raise $1,200 to purchase study Bible's for the native Pastors. We immediately started asking God to bring in the money while asking believers to give toward the spreading of God's word. $1,200 came in within 4 hours.

On Friday, Mark called again saying that it would be great if we could get Bibles for every Pastor that will be attending the conference on Monday. He filled me in on how much the Bibles cost which was $40 a piece. Again, we asked for more money for the purchase of even more Bibles. Let me tell you, for me, it isn't easy to ask for so much money, but when God prompts we have to obey. Five hours after the first phone call I received texts saying that God provided in a great way, the Bibles are now discounted. They are able to purchase these Bibles for over half the amount we originally thought which brought the total down considerably. Through you and the team in Africa within 24 hours God raised $3,300. The goal is $4,500 in which we have $1,200 left! God is and has shown His goodness to us in an amazing way! Please pray with us that we will reach our goal by Monday morning.

Mark said that this study Bible would be like the equivalent of Bible training for them. Pastors preach out of gift Bibles and it is unheard of for a Pastors to have a study Bible. This is such a great opportunity because it will transform the way these men preach...AND we get to be a part of that! How exciting.

Mark also sent a couple of pictures and an update!

Yesterday, the team was able to give away hundreds of shoes to kids who had none. They ran out of shoes and Mark said it was pititful that they had to turn kids away. They saw many kids with swollen stomachs and ragged clothes. There is no running water in many villages.

They bought a chalkboard for the local Christian school and were able to preach the Gospel to 200 school children today while teaching them about basic health. They were also able to preach the Gospel in a village to about 125 people. I think that may be the following pictures.

In one village, there are women who take care of 40 orphans because the parents have died due to HIV. The kids eat mud cakes and cow manure and they don't know any better.

This is the Zambian Revival Team. Oh, how I wish we could hear them sing. I bet it is AMAZING!

Prayer Requests:

Pray as the team goes to the Encounter Revival Ministry farm. They have a farm set up in a village that helps feed the people all year round. They will be working at the farm today. Pray that God will produce much fruit from this farm and from their visit.
Pray as they have Children's ministry opportunities today and that God will work in a mighty way through this time together.
Pray as they head to a medical clinic and local school.
Pray as they visit the well project that we were also able to help dig. Pray that this community will not just receive water, but the Living Water!! We are asking God to do a work as a result of this well.

Much love,

Valerie