Recent Happenings here in Zambia

Recently we had an exciting and slightly unexpected fun occasion here in Petauke.  Our original contact here in Petauke, Ackson Phiri along with his wife Chishimba are moving to another congregation to help.  The congregation took a vote and decided to have a “farewell party” for our friends.  We were left with two weeks for the party planning process which involved the entire congregation.  Two young brothers were chosen to go around to the different family’s houses with a list of items needed and see what the family was able to contribute for the get together.  Once this was done, the items were collected at a local elder’s house before the day of the party.  Among these items were: 50 lb bag of potatoes, a crate of cabbage, bags of carrots, rice, flour, sugar, butter, 8 crates of soda, among other things such as 12 live chickens. 

The day before the party sisters from the congregation gathered to start preparing food for the next day.  Micah was among the chicken slaughtering and feather plucking committee. Kalila was part of the baking and potato peeling committee.  We didn’t realize how much work it involved when we volunteered to help! However, with the help of many of the brothers and sisters everything got done. We baked about 7 cakes  (mostly done on the floor with just a bowl, spoon, and small cup for measuring), as well as over 100 scones.

The day of the party everyone gathered at the venue (a brother owns a small motel with an area used for events).  The food was served, and some games were played on stage for entertainment.  It was then announced that this was not just a party for the Phiri’s but a welcome party for the Terrell’s!!  Then the congregation called on Ackson and Chishimba to get on stage and give a speech to the congregation regarding their departure, and bidding everyone a farewell. They expressed how much they have enjoyed their stay the last 3 years with the congregation.  Ackson also shared an illustration with the audience.  He said that we are all part of  the same family, we share a large house.  While for some time we may be in a different part of the house, we’ll definitely see each other again.  Everyone was sad, but happy to hear his encouraging words.

 We feared what came next.  “Brother and  Sister Terrell, can you please come up and say some words to the congregation about your stay here?”   Although unexpected, it was a great opportunity for us to express how much appreciation we have for the hospitality here in Petauke.  The brothers and sisters have shown such love in welcoming us to their congregation.   

The next surprise came when they called on us and the Phiri’s to get the dancing started on the dance floor.  We were in a sense “thrown in the deep end” in order to learn the traditional Zambian dance.  We just laughed our way thru it, and hoped no one took pictures.  We will definitely cherish the memory of our first Zambian party here in Petauke.

Also this past weekend we enjoyed the English 2012 district convention in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia.  We ventured on a 7 hour bus ride to the city with one of our new friends, Timothy Banda.  The arrangement for the convention accommodation is:  the congregations coming from the villages will compile a list of ones in the congregation needing a place to stay while they are attending the convention.  The list is then sent to the branch and the brothers in Lusaka open up their homes for these ones.  They also provide food for their guests during the stay.  



Brother Finch and His Wife Lynda

We met many new friends at the district convention.  On the second day we enjoyed the baptism of 47 new brothers and sisters, including a 9 year old little girl! The clapping, along with some “wooing” was very exciting and encouraging.  The closing talk on Saturday was given by one of the members of the local branch committee who released the new video.  “Listen, Obey, and be blessed”.  On Sunday, again we enjoyed a discourse by one of the branch committee, Brother Ed Finch who released the video “Walk by Faith not by Sight”.  Everyone thoroughly enjoyed his powerful talk.