Get Your Preach On

Here are a few words from Rich and Jon on Pastor Patson’s Vineyard Church in Masala:

This is a newly planted church outside of Ndola with about fifty people attending. They are meeting in a school classroom and other churches are meeting in adjacent classrooms. Pastor Patson was sent out to plant this church to expand the Vinyard since the Masala area is too far for the people to travel to Pastor Damas’ church for services. They are hoping to have their own building soon because their church is growing. They are serving the people of Masala very well.

We enjoyed worshiping with them in both English and Bemba. Then they invited Jon to lead and they joined in. The people loved Jon’s leadership in praise and worship. It’s amazing how worship is the same no matter what language is used. Rich was invited to give the message and he told of God’s plan for us to live in His kingdom which is here now but not yet fully. They were quite receptive to this message and many of the people came forward for prayer. Rich believes the Kingdom broke through today when so many asked for prayer for healing. Jon had encouraging words for Pastor Patson and he thanked us and the Vineyard Church of New Orleans for our support and encouragement.

-Rich and Jon

Here are a few words from Michelle on Pastor David’s Vineyard Church in Kitwe:
This church meets in a school classroom also with other churches meeting in adjacent classrooms. There were probably about 30 people in attendance. We joined the congregation in worship, and then Shawn taught a message on patiently waiting on God and allowing God to prepare us for all that he has for us. He talked about his personal story of trying to have a child and what that kind of waiting looks like. Pastor David then shared how the church is being patient about God providing a building of their own. Amazing how time after time God’s word is speaking in relation to what the people need. We then had an opportunity to pray for those who needed prayer. The service ended with refreshments so that we could visit with our new friends.

Scott, Shawn, and I then went to the future site for Kitwe Vineyard. The plot of land is a very nice size, and Pastor David plans to build a church building and an orphanage. Today, I was able to really see the connection Shawn has with the pastors, specifically with David. It’s very hard to explain, but you could just see the humbleness, encouragement, and brotherhood being shared.

We also visited a mal-nutrition clinic for children and the mother’s shelter that is supported by Umweo Bags and their patnership with the Kitwe Vineyard Church.

-Scott, Shawn, and Michelle

Here are a few words from Molly on Pastor Damas’s church in Ndola and Pastor Francis’s church in Mapalo:
Today, Robb spoke at both churches. The first church was Pastor Damas’s Vineyard Cathedral. The praise was very joyful as the sun shone through the beautiful windows of the newly built church. Robb gave a powerful message about how we are all called to run the big race. We must rain hard, have purpose, and passion. We must take off anything heavy of this world that’s holding us back. Unlike a marathon where there is only1 winner, we all will receive the prize when we finish!
The second church was at Pastor Francis’s church in Mapalo. What a contrast. It is a very humble, small church. The open air windows let us see the sky and feel the breeze. This church was even more boisterous and jubilant in their singing, dancing, and praising. Robb’s message was strong there as well.
The people of both churches welcomed us with such love and acceptance that I will be forever touched.

-Molly, Janet, Robb

Here are a few words from Sandra about Pastor Felix’s Vineyard church in Twapia:
I had the blessing of doing a teaching at the Oasis Vineyard Church. Pastor Felix, Agnes, and Alice taught me so much about powerful prayer, worship, and hospitality in that we are all the same. There are no words to explain the expediential experience I had today.

The Oasis Vineyard Church in Twapia opened their doors, their arms, and their hearts to me today. I was broken open and richly poured into by their worship, prayers, and blessing. They send this ALL back to the Vineyard Church of New Orleans.
-Shandra

p.s. “this has.…weighs....got...um...yeah.” (before coffee)

p.s.s “Well, let’s see there were 15 chairs on one side and 15 chairs on the other side, so there are approximately about 47” = Rich’s math.

p.s.s.s. I forgot my passport…I don’t know what’s in those bags?