RENEW:Zambia

UNO!!

2011-05-26T12:40:00.001-07:00

Today (Thursday), we spent the day on a water and land safari. It was so relaxing to enjoy the beautiful creation of God and reflect again on the past two weeks. We saw many animals: crocodiles, hippos, birds, lizards, elephants, and giraffes to name a few. It was incredible to see the animals in their natural habitat. We all had a great time together.

As I type tonight, I can’t help but feel bittersweet. These past two weeks have definitely been life-changing to say the least. We came to bless, encourage, and serve; however, we’ve received many blessings, encouragement, and to my surprise, the people serving us in return. I think it’s safe to say, that we are all taking something back in our hearts. As I gaze at my new 8 family members – big brothers, mamas, and a papa – it’s incredible to reflect back on how God brought this team together of different ages, experiences, and backgrounds. Yet despite all the differences God was able to use us as individuals and as a team, together.

Tomorrow we begin our process back home of 3 flights and a 7 hour time difference. Please lift us up in prayer for safe travels home. We want to thank you all for joining us on our journey whether through prayer, thoughts, or just reading along. Since you’ve heard many viewpoints from me (Michelle), I want to encourage you to talk to the other team members, and ask them what they are taking back from Zambia. You never know, you might learn what all these p.s.’s stand for!
Please life up the team in prayer as we will begin to fully process what God is teaching each one of us from our experience.

I leave you with the last words that Pastor John left with our team, “This is only the appetizer!”

p.s. Are we there yet?

Zambia ‘11

Our Plan vs. God's Plan

2011-05-25T14:16:00.000-07:00

Today (Wednesday) we did our last outreach with Pastor Best. We traveled to a village called Skiunzwe outside of Livingstone. Pastor Best has partnered with Pastor Kalaluka who is the Vineyard pastor in the village. It’s so encouraging to observe churches helping churches, and the church being the church by helping the people in the village. It was really neat to hear the history of his church. He began meeting under a tree by the main road, and only a few people would meet with him. He then began to build a church building himself using mud, tree branches, and elephant grass. He then said that the church grew, and he now has about 140 people meeting in a small building. The pews in the church are just merely branches off of trees, and there are so many people in the church, there are not enough branches for the people to sit on. He is planning on building a bigger building to accommodate the growth. Pastor Kalaluka had also shared with us that he currently has Malaria. As a team we were able to pray for healing for the pastor, for the village, and for the church. Please lift them up in prayer, as they have gone through many difficult times from floods, poor harvest, and sickness.

We brought the village mealie-meal, sugar, salt, and cooking oil. Pastor Kalaluka had shared with us that the people did not have a good maze season, and there was only a 2 month supply of food left. How awesome that God was able to provide for them and extend their food supply longer.

We were supposed to have a teaching and ministry at the church, but we were told that a young man in the village had passed away early in the morning. Pastor Kalaluka brought us to the village, and we could feel the sorrow the village was experiencing. We were able to pray for the father and father in law, and Molly was able to share an encouraging word, as she could relate with the fathers. Jon also led us in a song to give some comfort to the fathers. We prayed for the village and the fathers for their loss and also gave food and funds to help with funeral costs. We had come with plans, but God had greater plans to meet the needs of the village. Amen!
We then spent the afternoon at Victoria Falls. How incredible the falls are! How beautiful, strong, and majestic God’s creation is! It was a fun, relaxing time to reflect on all the wonderful things God has done and is doing in Zambia as we observed His creation.

We ended our evening by accepting an invitation for dinner at Pastor Best’s home. His wife, Agatha, cooked a delicious meal of chicken, sauce, beans, rice, nshimi, sweet potatoes, and greens. Restaurants are nice, but there is just something about the comfort of home cooking! As our team sat with Pastor Best’s family in their living room, we fellowshipped and shared with one another. Pastor Best shared with us, that our visit was a great honor to the village and that many people will possibly come to church. The villagers will talk about the white men singing and visiting for months. What an incredible divine appointment that our team was able to experience today. We then ended the night with prayer. What a blessing!

Please lift our team up in prayer, as we are quickly approaching the end of our trip, and we begin the transition from Zambia to America.

p.s. I’ll trade you a pair of socks and a pen for a hippo!

p.s.s It’s raining, it’s pouring, Papa Rich is snoring.

Learning to Receive and Dance

2011-05-24T12:40:00.000-07:00

Today we spent the morning/day at the Vineyard church in Livingstone. Robb, Janet, Sandra, and Shawn shared their teaching of restoration through the book of Romans and Ruth again. During the teaching, and my experience at the church, I began thinking about two topics: receiving and worship.

Preparing for this trip, I (Michelle) had the attitude of giving, not receiving. To be honest, on this trip I don’t think I’ve always had the right attitude in receiving. Today, I have forgotten that I am a guest here. I didn’t think this young Cajun girl should be served a meal first or have special seating, since I am thinking, “I am here to give.” I also felt like I was not worthy of this type of honor. Today, as I sat in the front of the church eating my rice with utensils (which is not African culture), I had a great convo with a friend that made me realize receiving is giving.

I began to think, if I had a guest in my home, how would I treat them? How would I want my guest to receive this treatment? When I give someone my best and it is done in love, I don’t want to be rejected. To me, the best part of giving a gift to someone is the reception. I love seeing the joy that comes to the receiver, for it gives me joy in my heart. Is not receiving also giving? Can’t we serve one another through giving AND receiving?

Then I began to ask myself, is there something that God wants to give me that I am not receiving? Am I feeling like I am not worthy to accept what God wants to give me? If so, why? How am I making God feel by rejecting His gifts? What about you? What are your responses to these questions? What are your reactions when receiving?

Secondly, I’d like to talk about the worship in song here in Zambia. When you don’t understand the language, you begin to observe things other than words. I’ve really enjoyed seeing the passion that the people express while in worshiping the Lord. To me, it’s more like a celebration! The people here dance before the Lord. Now, I know dance is a very loose term – I guess you will just have to ask a team member to demonstrate. Nah, just kidding! They like to sway to the music, clap to the beat, and make a few hand motions – nothing that would disturb others around them from worshipping. So I began to think, why am I so reserved in my worship in song? Do I think that worship in song cannot be fun and just enjoy being in the presence of our God? If you can’t tell by know, I’m a thinker, and I can get caught up in my head and forget to worship also with my heart. Why must I focus so much, and worry of what other people may think? Why can’t I just let it go, and enjoy the moment with God? If people didn’t understand the language I’m singing, would they still see the passion in my worship? What about you? Would other people see your passion for God in your worship?

p.s. watch out for those giraffes at Zig Zag!

The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round

2011-05-23T10:29:00.000-07:00

We had special guests last night (Sunday) at the Healing House and I asked Janet to share a few words about it. Hope you are enjoy!

Mama Glenda (Pastor Damas’ wife) and four ladies from the church came to visit with the women from the team. To our surprise they came to thank us for the day of ministry together on Saturday evening. They spoke many words of encouragement and blessings to us. As the four of us sat and listened to what God had done through the teaching and prayer ministry time we all became overwhelmed with the outpouring love of their hearts.

To our surprise, Mama Glenda had been praying for two years for God to show her how to bring the women together in order to minister and grow together in relationship. This first women’s conference did just that for her. These women with Mama Glenda were the ones whom God had shown her would be the ones to walk alongside her in raising up “Women for the Nurturing”. After approximately an hour and half of conversation, in addition to lots of love, affirmation and encouragement being poured over us four ladies, we were in awe of God’s Grace that had been so lavishly given to us.

Mama Glenda and the other women then committed to praying for next year’s women’s conference and all stood in agreement for it to come to pass. BUT, it didn’t end there; these incredible women brought us gifts of Chitonge’s (skirt wraps) for us to take a piece of them and Ndola back with us to the U.S.

We laughed and cried together and said our farewell’s with hearts full of rejuvenated hope and anticipation of what God will do over the next year. We four ladies would like to ask the ladies of our Vineyard to open their hearts to pray for this God birthed vision.
-Janet

Today (Monday) we took 11 hour bus ride to Livingstone. We have settled in for the night and will take the evening off in order to rest for our upcoming week.

Upcoming preview: Tomorrow, we are having a pastor’s conference in the Livingstone area. Please lift up Robb, Shawn, Sandra, and Janet in prayer as they will be speaking.

p.s. I am a princess.

p.s.s. Someone had a weally wild bus wide on the wheel well.

Get Your Preach On

2011-05-22T11:44:00.000-07:00

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?

Let It Rain

2011-05-21T12:12:00.000-07:00

Last night we had dinner with about 40 people at Pastor Damas’s house. The people gave us a very warm welcome as we entered into the pastor’s home. It was supposed to be outside, but oddly it has been raining here the past couple of nights. (It is currently their dry winter season.) Pastor Damas shared what a blessing the rain was since it forced everyone into close quarters under the car port so that it was easier to fellowship with one another. The women cooked a pot luck dinner, and our team separated ourselves among the people during dinner. I (Michelle) spent some time getting to know a married couple. Joking around, I found out that the couple was experiencing conflict. Robb was our speaker for the night and he spoke on communication and conflict. Amazing how God places people in the right place at the right time. Afterwards, Jon led in worship as we broke up into smaller groups to have conversations and prayer for one another. What an opportunity that I had to be able to pray for the couple about their conflict problems. The structure of the evening reminded us about our Alpha class at the Vineyard. This evening I was reminded how God could take something that we might think is negative (the rain ruining our plans), and turn it into something good (closer fellowship). What are some negatives in your life that you can bring to God so that they can be turned into positives?

Today (Saturday), Robb and Shawn held a conference for the men at the Vineyard Church of Ndola. They both taught through the book of Romans.

For the first time at the Vineyard Church of Ndola the 4 women of the team held a woman’s conference for about 15 women. It began raining very hard as soon as we arrived. The rain made it very difficult to hear one another. Even with the rain, the women began to worship God in the church – just lovely voices, hand claps, and a tambourine. The rain silenced right when Janet and Sandra shared a teaching on Ruth. We then handed out a heart sticker to each woman that had the word: Faith, Love, He Lives, or Rejoice. We wanted the women to have something to remember the special evening. Glenda (Pastor Damas’s wife) called each group of women up by the word on their heart. The women who had the word “Faith” prayed for future women conferences. We prayed for the women who had the word “Love.” The women who had the word “He Lives” prayed for us. The women who had the word “Rejoice” danced and sang. We then ended the evening with a time of ministry and prayer. We prayed for each woman present. We definitely felt the Lord’s presence this evening. We felt very rejuvenated as the conference ended.

“I met my Zambian Momma Joyce!” – Janet

Upcoming preview: Tomorrow morning our team is splitting up into 4 different locations – to attend 4 different churches. Please lift up Sandra, Rich, Robb, and Shawn in prayer as they will be speaking at these churches.

p.s. The Apostle Robb said, “If everybody in the world were more like me, it would be a cuter world.”

p.s.s. We are anxiously ANT-icipating another week in Zambia!

p.s.s.s. Sorrysorry yesterday’s blog was so late.

Zambia ‘11

TGIF in Zambia

2011-05-21T06:37:00.000-07:00

Friday morning we worked along with Seeds of Hope. Our team helped the women (who normally make the filters by themselves) make about 15 filters.
This is part of the building process: butter the frame (to avoid the filter from sticking to the frame), mix cement, pack the cement in the frame, insert the pipe (where the clean water will come out), and form and smooth the bottom of the filter.
The women would teach us the process through demonstration, and they were great teachers too! Many of the women live in a nearby community and have bio-sand filters in their own homes. Our team really enjoyed visiting with the women and learning about their family, as we got a little dirty making the filters. But despite all the hard work, we did have a little fun since one of the women, Stella, showed us a dance move to help hammer on the filter so the concrete would settle. Needless to say, Stella had better rhythm than I (Michelle) did.
We were given a tour of their facility, and they showed us how they clean the rocks and sand for the filters.
Rich and Jon were able to present two representatives, Linda and Samson, from Seeds of Hope with a fake check from Jon’s daughter’s (Kaitlyn) school.
“I was so proud to present the check from Airline Park Academy to Seeds of Hope today. I told them the story of Kaitlyn’s essay and how her teacher said that they wanted to support us in our trip to Zambia, how Rich and I went to the school to give a presentation and how the school responded by raising $1350, enough to provide 15 filters to families in need of clean water. They were so appreciative. As you’ll read below, we had the chance to visit some homes where filters have been installed and witness firsthand how important and how big of an impact they have on the lives of people. Words just can’t express how grateful I am to Ms. Sara, Mr. Matrenga, and everyone else at Airline Park (faculty, students, and parents). And I am especially proud of Kaitlyn! I love you baby!”
Next, we were able to go into a community and visit a few of the homes that contained bio-sand filters. Most of these homes had a filter installed about a month and half ago. We were able to speak to the people inside of the homes, and we learned that the people are using the clean water to drink, cook, and wash. It was very encouraging to hear the people say that they once were sick from drinking contaminated water and now are no longer sick. We also had an opportunity to pray for healing for a grandmother in her home and a little boy with an ear problem.
Even though our main purpose was to see homes that had filters, I can’t help but blog about the children. The children here in Zambia have really captured my (Michelle) heart. As our team moved from one house to the next, we probably had about 20-30 children join us for our journey walking from house to house. Our team does a really good job at trying to give each child individual attention through a hand shake or a hello. I love making eye contact with a child and smiling at them. I receive the most beautiful bright smile back. Another thing that I’m learning on this trip is that something as simple as sharing a smile is sharing the love of Christ. Sometimes I can get so wrapped up in thinking that only big projects or events bring heaven to earth, that I forget that God can use someone like me to bring heaven to earth with just a smile. Have you been smiling lately? If not, give it a try. You never know what response you may get back!

p.s. Mitchell, you’re fired!

Upcoming preview: This evening we will be having dinner at Pastor Damas’s house and Robb will be doing a teaching.

Chillaxin' Ndola

2011-05-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

Today we traveled to Mapalo Vineyard church and worked with Pastor Francis. We spent some time with about 50 children whom many are orphans. We really connected with 12 year old boy, who held his 1 year old brother the entire time – even playing football. We learned that both his parents died of AIDS and that he was now raising his baby brother (which is common in Zambia). Our hope is that during this time the children would experience protection, love, and security, and would have the opportunity to experience life as children should. We played football (soccer), jumped rope, made cross necklaces, sang songs, and did our skit of the 3 soils. We were also given a tour of the pastor’s future home. It was interesting to watch the men form bricks out of clay, and begin to form foundations of buildings. “It was very encouraging to see Pastor Francis in the process of moving into the community that he was serving so that he could be more available to care for the people that he serves.

Next, we traveled to an IT technical school and ministered to college students. They had a building on campus dedicated to ministry. There were about 50 college students at the service. The service began with student lead worship – two songs in Bemba, two songs in English. I (Michelle) could feel the passion that the students had for Christ. Shawn then taught on Philippians 4 on living your life by loving other people, focusing on your purpose, and being passionate about your purpose. We then ended the service with Jon leading worship and praying for many of the students for their upcoming final exams and their purpose in life. I felt like I was back in the states sitting at one of the services at my college’s ministry building. This experience is teaching me how much people have in common, regardless if you are a different color, have a different culture, speak a different language, or live 9,000 miles across the earth. God made us all the same, and we should learn how to love one another all the same.

Pastor Damas’s church does a regular weekly program called Student Impact to reach out the students of the college. There are 7-10 college age leaders in his church that do teachings and outreaches to the college. It was encouraging to hear Pastor Damas have such a passion for the young adults in the Ndola area, and his desire to raise them up as leaders. A young adult leader is very counter-cultural since the elders are placed in leadership positions because of their age.

“It’s great to see how passionate the young people are about their education and their willingness to receive prayer for their lives.” – Rich

p.s. Scott secures his store with skunks.

p.s.s. Is Janet playing the game?

Upcoming preview: Tomorrow we are working with Seeds of Hope, and having dinner with couples from the community around the Ndola, Vineyard.

Wednesday in Kasempa

2011-05-18T13:30:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for keeping us in your prayers! We are staying healthy and resting up for full days.

I’d like to pick up where we left off last time. Last night we spent some time in the Compassionate Vineyard church in Kasempa. As we pulled up in the bus, we were able to see candle light through the church’s doors – what a way to set the mood. We began our evening sharing a meal with the people in the church – chicken, beans, and nshima – delicious! The people sang a worship song to begin the evening: “God is good, and He is always with us.” Shawn then spoke a word of encouragement to all the leaders of nearby churches and prayed for them. Jon then led the team in worship, and it was a very powerful experience to worship the same God in English and their native tongue. Then the people prayed for us and blessed us through song. This blog does not give this experience justice. It was the most amazing beautiful loving sendoff I (Michelle) have ever experienced in my life. I’m sure the rest of the team would agree. They repeated their song 9 times, including each team member’s name. What a high to end Day 1 of ministry in Zambia!

This morning (Wednesday) traveled to the leper colony. When we arrived, it seemed like the whole village came out to see us. Jon led us in worship, and Rich spoke a loving word from James. The lepers then sang a song to us, led by Pastor John. (Pastor John makes monthly visits to the colony). Next, we spent some time laying hands on each person that had leprosy – which was really incredible since we had an interpreter so we could ask each person what they specifically needed prayer for. It was a very powerful time. We then presented each person with a bag of kapenta, oil, sugar, salt, and nshima.

Lastly, we left the village but were followed by bright smiles of children chasing our bus. We must remember to keep these people in our prayers. We took a tour of the community radio station of Kasempa. The station provides AIDS education, knowledge about the local government, and current issues. Pastor John does live on-air teachings through the station weekly. I thought it was really neat that the community had a radio station that not only played music, but was informing about current issues.

We then traveled the LONG bus ride back to Ndola. We will be spending the next few nights in Ndola at the Healing House.

Upcoming preview: Please keep us in our prayers as we work with the children and youth of Mapalo tomorrow.

p.s. Shawn is a njabuluba.

Day in Kasempa

2011-05-17T09:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday our team spent 8 hours traveling by bus to the town of Kasempa. It was amazing to see the villages. Along the way we picked up a sack of dried fish (kapenta), in order to give to the leper colony tomorrow. We all were able to rest in guest houses for the night.

It's a blessing having Jon on our team, since we get to have a time of worship and prayer to begin the day. Today, we went to the Compassionate Vineyard church in Kasempa pastored by John Chilengi. Robb and Shawn spent some time teaching to 63 men and women who were leaders/pastors of surrounding towns. Robb and Shwan taught on Romans and how we are all part of God's story. Romans was used as a basis of our beliefs. During the teaching time, the rest of the team spent time with the children of the village. We did a craft - which was a foam cross necklace that the kids could decorate. We also did a skit for the kids that was about the seed and the 3 different soils. We enjoyed being a little goofy. After, our skit, we then began to play with the children. We played with beach balls, jump ropes, hacky sacks, duck duck goose, took pictures with a polaroid camera (so the children could have a picture of themselves). It was a blessing to spend time with the children.

"The kids were awesome, and they bring joy to my heart." - Scott

"The church service was unbelieable with a drum and a guitar. Their voices were beautiful." - Molly

After breaking for lunch, Janet and Sandra tied in with Shawn and Robb's teaching on the book of Ruth. Robb and Shawn spoke again to wrap things up with a final teaching on how we live out being a part of God's story.

Tonight we will be going back to the Compassionate Vineyard church where Jon will lead a time of worship with the pastors, leaders, and women. We will then have a time of prayer.

P.S. We learned that Molly's age is xxx.

'til we have internet again,
Lesa Emubeshe (God Bless You)
Zambia '11

We are here!!

2011-05-14T09:42:00.000-07:00

We have safely landed in South Africa! The plane ride was smooth and we experienced no problems. All of our lugage has also made it. We plan on resting up, and heading out early tomorrow morning to fly to Zambia.

Pray that we have rest and another day of safe travels.

'til we have internet again,
Lesa Amipale
-Zambia '11

Conferences, Lepers, VBS

2011-05-13T15:42:00.000-07:00

We are currently in Atlanta, minutes away from boarding our LONG flight to South Africa. Our flight from Nola to Atlanta was smooth, and quick. According to Shawn, the trip gets much easier with that hour out of the way. I hope you felt the sarcasim. :)

We plan to arrive in South Africa tomorrow evening, and then travel by bus to Zambia. Arriving at our final destination in Zambia Sunday afternoon.

Here are the upcoming events (since we won't have internet access for a few days):
Monday morning our plans are to drive 8 hours to Kasempa. Rest. Tuesday we will be holding a pastor conference for about 60 pastors/leaders. Rob and Shawn will be doing the teaching. We will also be holding a VBS for the children. Wednesday we will be going to the leper colony to bring supplies. Rich is also going to speak. After speading time at the colony, we will be driving back to Ndola for the next portion of the trip.

Please pray for safe travels - for we will be traveling on a bus for 8 hours at a time. Pray that God would speak through Rob, Shawn, and Rich through their teachings.

'til we have internet again,
-Zambia '11

RENEWZambia 2011

2011-05-09T15:06:00.000-07:00

Hello family and friends! Welcome to the journey of the Zambia,
Africa team 2011!

First, I’d like to start with a role call:

Sandra Files
Robb Kilpp
Janet Klipp
Shawn Rich
Molly Gallagher
Scott Muller
Rich Cabiro
Jon Cabiro
Michelle McClain

Our team has now completed 8 weeks of training. In training we have
learned much about short term mission trips from reading and
discussing, “Serving with Eyes Wide Open.” We also have had a sweet
time of worship and prayer. I (Michelle) feel that the team has bonded
well over these past few months in preparation.

We have many plans for the 2 week stay in Zambia – from conferences
and teachings to working with Seeds of Hope
(http://www.sohip.org/water.html). But perhaps one of the biggest
things we have learned in our training is to be flexible. We
understand that our plans may not necessarily be God’s plans. Our
prayer is that we remain open to what God wants us to do, regardless
of what may be on the itinerary. Please join us in prayer, as this may
be a struggle to remain flexible and open. We pray for clarity for our
leaders as they may have to make decisions concerning this matter.

This week as our team is counting down the days and hours until
departure, we are beginning to feel the nervousness, yet excitement of
what God will accomplish in the next two weeks. We depart on Friday,
May 13 from New Orleans at approximately 12:30 pm and will arrive in
Zambia Sunday, May 15 at approximately 2:05 pm. As you can see, we
have long travels ahead of us! Please pray for protection as we travel
in air and on land, and that we have smooth transitions with customs
and check points along the way. Also, please be in prayer of all the
family, spouses, children, and friends that we are leaving behind for
the next 2 weeks. We ask for comfort and peace on both ends.

We would like to thank you all who have supported us through finances
and/ or prayer.

Welcome to our journey, and thanks for being a part of it!

‘til we have internet access again,
Lesa Akupale! (God bless you)

Zambia Team ‘11

PHOTOS FROM ZAMBIA

2010-05-13T13:40:00.000-07:00

We are almost home!!

2010-05-01T10:41:00.000-07:00

As I am typing this we are in the air somewhere between Atlanta and New Orleans. We are all eager to be back home with our friends and family. I know we will share lots of stories over the next week. I have to admit that I am bit sad though. As a team we shared a lot together. We laughed, sang, worked, played and cried together. I will miss hanging out with each person on this team and I could not have asked God for a better group of people with which to share this trip. Each one of them gave all of themselves to God for the last two weeks and blessed the people of Zambia.

To Sandra, Robb, Janet, Rich, Dave, Scott, Clint, and Ana I enjoyed every minute with you and will be forever grateful for the bond that we have together through this experience. My prayer is that you will never lose a passion for the people of Zambia and the memories of this trip will be forever fresh.

Blessings,

Shawn

Team Stories

2010-04-29T22:55:00.000-07:00

Here are a few stories from some of our team members:

"It was such a God moment when we pulled up to the Compassionate Vineyard in Kasempa and the leaders were inside worshiping. The sound was so beautiful. I was amazed at how well they harmonized together. It did not matter that I did not know the words; worship is worship no matter where you are." - Ana Rich

"The children in Kasempa were truly amazing! Being my first missions trip, and not truly knowing what to expect, I was blown away. I've never seen kids so excited. Just something as a touch or a smile meant everything to them. God is truly working in this place." - David Gooch

"We have come over 10,000 miles to pray fro the sick, bring clean water to the people and encourage them. Although, we came to give, we have received from them. They have showed us how to have joy and peace when they have very little according to our standards. We Americans have so much to learn." - Rich Cabiro

Sunday (April 25th) Update

2010-04-27T23:29:00.000-07:00

Today we had the opportunity to go to some of the churches in the Ndola area.

Rich and David went to Pastor Felix's church in Twapia Compound. Rich did a teaching on healing and share his testimony of how God had healed him several times in his life. Afterwards Rich and David prayed for healing for a number of the church members and saw God do some amazing things in the lives of the people there.

Robb and Janet went to Pastor Francis' church in the Mapalo Compound. Robb did a teaching on the importance of every church member being involved in the work of ministry. This was Robb's third year to teach in Mapalo and it was like a home homecoming.

Shawn and Ana went to Pastor David's church in the city of Kitwe. Shawn did a teaching on the fact that God made all of us Missionaries and that we all have a calling to go out and share God's love with the people around us. It was an exciting time of teaching and prayer. After the teaching Shawn and Ana prayed for a number of the church members who wanted to commit their lives to God and share God's love in their own cities and villages.

Sandra, Clint, and Scott went to Pastor Damas's church in the City of Ndola. There they each shared a little testimony of what God has been doing on our trip and then had the opportunity to hear Pastor Damas teach.

We all had a great time today spending time with our friends here in Zambia!!

Saturday (April 24) Update

2010-04-27T23:22:00.000-07:00

Sorry this is late but we had a hard time getting good internet access!

Today Robb and Shawn taught 25 Vineyard Pastors and Leaders from around the Ndola area. We had a lot of fun teaching and sharing with them. We are always amazed at how much they trust God even with all the challenges they face.

The rest of the team did a VBS (Vacation Bible School) in Mapalo for 100 kids. We had not planned to do this but Pastor Francis requested it so everyone felt like we needed to make it happen. They did an awesome job of putting together a program for the kids. The kids were very excited to see the team and spend time with them.

Arrived in Livingstone.

2010-04-27T23:10:00.001-07:00

We arrived Monday in Livingstone, Zambia. Sorry we have not updated since then, but the internet has been very very slow. Our drive from Ndola was good for a 12 hour drive on bumpy roads. The team is doing well we will have a few days of relaxation before heading back home.

Week 1 Update

2010-04-23T11:58:00.000-07:00

The team's first week in Zambia is just about over, and God has shown up in some really powerful ways. First of all we'd like to apologize as the team doesn't have access to a good internet connection and unfortunately is not able to update the blog as much as we had hoped. However, we are in contact with them via phone and wanted to relay some things that have been happening.

MONDAY – WEDNESDAY

The team spent the first part of their week in Kasempa.

Here, they held a pastors training conference for 60 Vineyard pastors and leaders to help assist, train, equip, and empower local pastors and leaders in the local Vineyard Churches in the area.

The team also held a one-day VBS (Vacation Bible School) for 100 kids with games, crafts, and songs.

They traveled to a leper colony in Kasempa, bringing food and cooking supplies to a group of about 40 people who are basically shut out from the rest of society. Both Robb and Rich were able to share a short message from Psalms and from Philippians. They prayed for each person in this community.

As they were preparing to leave Kasempa and travel back to Ndola, John Chelingi, the pastor of the local Vineyard Church in Kasempa, asked them to lead worship at their Wednesday night church service. The team had to explain that none of them were musicians nor could they sing really well and politely declined. But later that afternoon, the team felt like God was telling them to go ahead and do it anyway. So they practiced singing a few songs that afternoon, and that evening led worship for the church. During the first song, as they were singing the chorus the second time around, 60 Zambian voices joined with them worshiping and praising God. That same night, they prayed for people and people were healed!

THURSDAY

Thursday, they traveled to a compound called Kosango that has about 400 residents. Here they installed 20 bio-sand filters, followed up with other families who already had bio-sand filters, and were able to pray with each family they visited with.

FRIDAY

Friday, the team went to the Vineyard Church in Ndola. The church was damaged severely in last year’s rainstorms, and the team helped Pastor Damas and other local Zambians with some construction and were able to help clear a field for the church. Later, they went to the Mapalo Vineyard Church to connect with Pastor Francis and see some of the sewing and knitting projects the church is hosting.

The team is doing really well and is so excited about all that God is doing in and through them. You can really hear it in their voices (even with the static and the 5 second delay). Please continue to pray for them and the advancement of God’s Kingdom in Zambia.

Day 2 in Africa

2010-04-17T23:56:00.000-07:00

We are about to get on our 3rd plane ride to Ndola. Everyone is pretty tired from traveling and lack of sleep, but still having a good time. We will be out of touch for a few days while traveling to Kasempa. Thank you for all your prayers see ya in a few days!

Arrived in Jo'Burg

2010-04-17T11:53:00.001-07:00

We arrived safely in South Africa around 5:00PM(10:00AM back home). It was a long flight but it was pretty uneventful. Well, except for Clint getting a piece of his ear buds stuck in his ear and the Flight Attendant having to fish it out with tweezers. He was given the nickname "Ear Bud" by our Flight Attendant and of course the rest of the team will not let him forget it.

We leave for Zambia at 9:45AM (2:45AM back home). We will have a slow day Sunday to prepare for our 8 hour bus ride to Kasempa.

We will post again soon!

24 Hours to Departure

2010-04-15T10:38:00.000-07:00

In less than 24 hours we will meet at the Airport to start our journey. I have spent the last two days finalizing teachings and packing supply/team bags. Every time I think I have them packed something else pops up that needs to go. It is amazing just how many supplies we need for a 16 day trip. Please pray that all of the bags make it and if they don't that we would adjust quickly and go with the flow.

Our next post will be from the Atlanta Airport!

2 Days to Departure

2010-04-14T18:02:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be good to share a little about some of the projects we are going to do while in Zambia.

So here we go:

Leper Colony Outreach - For the last year our Partnership has assisted in providing food for a group of 35 Lepers in the Kasempa Region. This colony is made up of men and women who have been forced out of their home villages because of this disease. While there our team will bring some basic food supplies like cooking oil, salt, sugar, dried fish and Nshima. We will also have the opportunity to pray for each resident of the colony.

Seeds of Hope International - Our team will have the opportunity to work with our partner SOHIP installing Bio-Sand Filters and possibly assisting on a drilling project. It still amazes me that there are people that do not have access to such a basic necessity like clean water. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with SOHIP and serve the people by bringing clean water into their homes.

Leadership Conference's - We will conduct three different Leadership Conferences throughout Zambia while we are there. It is important that we not only equip the existing pastors in Zambia but, we need to work on raising up and training the next generation of leaders. Robb Klipp and I have prepared a number of teachings on Basic Vineyard Doctrine that will help the Churches align themselves with the story God is telling in Zambia.

3 Days to Departure

2010-04-13T08:21:00.000-07:00

Here is a short video of the team that will be going to Zambia. What an honor it is for me to lead this awesome group of people. I am excited to see them in action.

4 Days to Departure

2010-04-12T12:51:00.000-07:00

Today the team will be taking our second dose of Malaria Medicine. One of the side effects is that it messes with your sleep pattern and can even cause you to have weird dreams. Half our team has experienced issues sleeping. Hopefully we will have a better experience this week and be able to stay rested in preparation for our departure and long travel to Zambia.

5 Days to Departure

2010-04-11T12:42:00.000-07:00

This weekend the team was prayed for at each of the services at church. We also went into SuperChurch and Club 456 at each service to share with the kids about our trip and talk to them about Zambia. I am amazed at how much the kids care about the people of Zambia and their desire to pray for them and our team. It was really cool to have these 1st - 6th grade kids praying for us and sending us off. To everyone that has been and is, praying for the team and the work that is happening in Zambia, Thank You.

SuperChurch praying for the Team

Sharing with Club 456 about the projects we are going to do on our trip.

The Team being prayed for in church.

7 Days to Departure

2010-04-10T09:21:00.000-07:00

Today the team is getting prepared for the church send off this weekend. All of the training has been done, clothes are getting packed up and bracelets for the VBS are almost all completed. The girls have been working extra hard to make sure 500 salvation bracelets are completed and they are almost there. It seems like just yesterday we started preparing for this trip and now we are only days away from departure. The whole team is extremely excited and cannot wait to see how God is going to use each one of us.

A story from two time team member Clint Ward.

2010-03-09T13:00:00.000-08:00

You Can Help!!

2010-03-08T08:27:00.000-08:00

1 in 6 people on the planet do not have access to safe, clean drinking water - that's 1,000,000,000 people. It is estimated that 65% of the population of Zambia lacks access to clean water. Lack of clean water is the main cause of a recent cholera outbreak that has reached epidemic proportions over the last few years.

Imagine that every glass of water you drink is full of sickness and disease!!

YOU CAN HELP!

Over the next two weeks in the Vineyard Church Lobby, starting March 13th, people from our Missions team will be selling bottles of water for $5. 100% of the proceeds will fund clean water projects in Zambia. In addition, you can purchase a bio-sand filter for $85 that will provide clean water for a household of 8 for the next 20 years.

Training Week #2 (March 4th)

2010-03-08T07:45:00.000-08:00

This past Thursday our team had our second training. From this point on we will meet every week up until the trip. This past week we spent a lot of time talking about what God is doing and has been speaking to us through the process of preparing for our trip to Zambia. It was really awesome to see how God is already changing hearts and transforming our team.

One of the things we are all sensing as a team is that God wants to heal people on this trip. It could be healing for people on our team or healing for the people of Zambia but we feel strongly that this is something that will happen on our trip. To specific, Rich had a word that we would lay hands on the Lepers and see them healed. We are praying that when the time comes we will step out in faith and respond to what God is doing.

At our next training (March 11th) we will get our shots that we need for the trip. There is nothing like coming together as a team and being stuck with needles. It is such a bonding experience!!

The Journey has begun......

2010-02-17T09:31:00.000-08:00

Our April team has been picked and has begun preparing for their trip to Zambia. We had our first training last Thursday and the excitement amongst the team was awesome. Currently, we are working through the logistics of the trip like what to pack, how to pack, and those kinds of things. In the coming weeks we will begin training for the specific outreaches we will perform.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support!

The Team:

Shawn Rich
Robb Klipp
Sandra Files
Ana Rich
Janet Klipp
Rich Cabiro
David Gooch
Scott Muller
Clint Ward

2010 Trip

2010-01-14T06:22:00.000-08:00

In April, we will once again take a team of people to Zambia to perform... various projects within the country. Please join us Sunday, January 17th at 6:00pm at The Vineyard Church for an informational meeting.

RENEW ZAMBIA 2009

2009-06-14T09:49:00.000-07:00

Seeds of Hope International

2009-05-31T06:26:00.000-07:00

Scott and Sandra mixing concrete for bio-sand filters.

Michaelynn and Julie assembling a bio-sand filter mold.

A young girl in Mapalo getting water from a hole in the ground.

Seeds of Hope has been working in Zambia since 2003. During this time they have provided safe drinking water for over 250,000 people. This has been done by drilling 98 new wells, repairing 242 broken wells, and building and installing 1,850 Bio-sand filters. Working through Zambian nationals, SHIP is pioneering a replicable model for holistic Community Development Resource Centers built on Biblical principles and values. Our vision is that the Resource Centers will have a multipliable impact and that the concept will be adopted and replicated throughout all of Zambia and into other countries in Africa.

During our trip the team was able to spend three days working with SHIP. During this time the team had the opportunity t visit the work that is happening in Mapalo and see hands on what a drill project looks like. They also assisted in the building of Bio-sand filters. They did this by mixing concrete, setting molds, and one over our team members Scott was able to do some welding. A mold that had not been being used was repaired and returned to the production line.

The next day our team went out and installed 10 sand filters bringing clean water to 50 people for the next 30 years. Not only did they install the filters but they also prayed for the families and brought hope to people of the community.

Team Update 05/19/2009

2009-05-18T23:20:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a week it has been. I know we have not updated much but getting internet access that works has been challenging. I will try my best to fill you in on everything.

So here we go:

May 14-15 - The kenner team worked with Seeds of Hope building and installing Bio-Sand Filters. It was a great experience for each one of them and God move in great ways.

May 16 - The kenner team put on a one day VBS for 350 children in Mapalo. Yes that is 350! We had planned for 200 but quickly had to readjust. What an awesome time this was.

While all of this was going on Robb Klipp did leadership training for 25 local Vineyard Pastors. And myself along with the Columbus and Boise teams headed to the Kesempa region where we worked with local Vineyard Pastors in the area.

On Sunday Robb, Stephen (Columbus), Dan (Columbus), Shelton (Boise) and myself each went to a different Vineyard church in the Ndola area to do the Sunday teaching. What an awesome time it was we each say God moving in big ways. At the churhc in Twapia where I was three people gave their lives to Christ.

Yesterday we took the 14 hour trek down to Livingstone where we will conclude our trip. Today we will be working with Best Lumbia who is the Regional Overseer for this area.

On behalf of the team we thank you for all your prayers and looking forward to seeing you soon!

Blessings,

Shawn

Wednesday - May 13

2009-05-13T09:19:00.000-07:00

On behalf of the team:

Thank you all very much for your continuous prayers and blessings. Our trip so far has been rather overwhelming but we are blessed to know that the overwhelming feelings are that of God showing us what we can do to bring the kingdom to earth. We are currently (as I type) working with Seeds of Hope and making bio-sand filters by hand. We have churned concrete, molded the cast, and even sweat a little. ;) Tomorrow we are going to install the filters we made today in the homes of the Zambians.
We really appreciate your care sent through our blog but please be patient in our response back as we are not capable of internet access very often.
Everyone is well and safe. We are trying to adjust to our new lifestyle and time zone!!!

Until later---

Grace and Peace

Shawn
Robb
Clint
Scott
Sandra
Julie
&
Michaelynn

Trip - Day 1

2009-05-10T09:57:00.001-07:00

Michaelynn snuggled up in her Snuggie at the gate in Atlanta. - 3hrs to Depart

The Kenner Vineyard Team ready to deaprt from New Orleans.

THE JOURNEY BEGINS

2009-05-10T02:13:00.000-07:00

After all of our preparations it is now time to go. The team will be meeting at the airport at 6:00 A.M. today to head out. The next time you hear from us we will be in Johannesburg, South Africa.

RENEW ZAMBIA TEAM SENDOFF

2009-04-30T13:43:00.000-07:00

On May 10th, our team will board a plane here in New Orleans, team up with others from the Vineyard Boise and the Vineyard Church of Columbus in Atlanta, and then journey for more than 35 hours traveling over 9800 miles to Ndola, Zambia. Below you will find an itinerary of their trip. Please check back here for regular updates from the team and continue to pray for them as they seek to see the Kingdom of God fully present in the lives of the people of Zambia.

Sunday - Tuesday, May 10-12

The team will depart New Orleans and arrive in Ndola, Zambia .

Wednesday - Friday, May 13-15

Robb Klipp will perform Leadership Training for 20 lay leaders at the Mapalo Vineyard Christian Fellowship.

The Vineyard Church - Kenner team will work with Seeds of Hope International installing bio-sand filters in the homes of the Mapalo community.

Shawn Rich and the teams from Boise and Columbus will travel to the Kasempa Region of Zambia to connect with the Vineyard Churches in that area and to perform outreaches to the leper village there.

Saturday, May 16

The team will host a children's program (much like a mini-VBS) for 250 children at the Mapalo Vineyard Christian Fellowship. The team will cook for and feed the kids, play games, sing songs, and will have an arts and crafts project for them that conveys the Gospel.

Sunday, May 17

The team will participate in Sunday celebrations in churches across Mapalo.

Robb Klipp and Shawn Rich have been asked to teach at two different churches.

Monday, May 18

The team will travel from Ndola to Livingstone .

Tuesday - Wednesday, May 19-20

The team will connect with local Vineyard pastors in the Lvingstone area and perform outreaches to the community, praying for them and delivering food and cooking oil.

Thursday, May 21

Free Day

Friday - Sunday, May 22-23

The team will travel home.

Meet the May 2009 Team

2009-04-24T06:28:00.000-07:00

Back Row: Robb Klipp, Sandra Files. Front Row: Clint Ward, Michaelynn Gacho, Julia Thompson, Scott Muller, and Shawn Rich

"Six weeks ago our team began training for our trip to Zambia, Africa. During this time we have prepared for the outreaches that we will do well in Zambia but more importantly we have prepared mentally and spiritually for our trip. God has been doing some great things in and through each one of us. For some this trip is a first, and for others we are going back to Zambia to see our friends; but for all of us we are going to join God in the work that he is already doing in Zambia. Our desire is that together we would express the realities of the Kingdom of God while bringing heaven here to earth." Shawn Rich

"I hope that my ordinary life and extraordinary love for God can inspire someone else not to lose hope." Michaelynn Gacho

"that my eyes would be opened to serve others in the world" Scott Muller

"God use me where I can be of service to you." Clint Ward

"I can't wait to see how God will use me and though this trip is not for me, I am positive I will come back home a changed person" Julia Thompson

"I want to touch peoples lives through the love of God" Sandra Files

"I am looking forward to returning to Zambia to see all that God has done in the last year." Robb Klipp

"but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I've become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn't just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!"
1Corinthians 9:23 (The Message Bible)

Four Weeks to Departure

2009-04-15T13:39:00.000-07:00

It has been a year since The Vineyard Church sent it's first team on a fact finding trip to Zambia, Africa. Since then we have formed a partnership with the Boise Vineyard and the Vineyard Church of Columbus.

Our primary purpose is to establish and enable a self sustaining Vineyard Church Planting movement in Zambia. We will also participate in economic development projects and mercy ministries as secondary objectives in the pursuit of establishing and enabling a Church Planting Movement.

Our hope is to plant communities of hope that express the realities of the Kingdom of God. Churches that are continuing the ministry of Jesus in all of its forms - evangelism, healing, reconciliation, ministry with the poor, economic development, and the pursuit of social justice.

On May 10th we will be sending a team back to Zambia to work along side local pastors performing various training sessions and outreaches across Zambia. We would like to invite you on our journey and hope that you will continue to check this blog to read about all that God is doing in Zambia.

Peace