red footprints

in 2007, the door swung wide

for us to first step into Uganda

onto Africa's red dirt, warned 

how profoundly we would be 

changed, and we were

it took seven years to return

not to Uganda, but Zambia 

and in Malawi, our hearts 

found home

our future, never certain

is solid as air, God's plans

always a mystery, our feet 

will soon leave the continent

but long the dust will linger

in our hearts

Many plans are in a man’s mind, 

but it is the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand.

Proverbs 19:21 Amplified

fingers wide

the sorting, sifting

shifting perspective continues

and in the jumble, the crumbled

dreams, the ragged edges

tiny tasty bits, too precious

to discard 

where then, to hold 

these treasures 

found?

what release will be

required next?

my hands willed open

fingers spread wide

in a stubborn "yes"

Sharing the morning

one of many

sharing the morning 

sun and stillness

but interrupting

with his call

new symphonies 

rehearsed at dawn

noon, nightfall

each unique, orchestra

members welcomed

how, without auditions

can there be such eerie unison?

but He already knew

Who formed each feather

and selects each song

peace path

rough and rutted, tires rumbling

this noisy road carries us

to a place of peace

a house that is already home

however temporary

May I live to make Paul's words truth --

Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, 

for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point 

where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am. 

I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, 

and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. 

I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare 

or going without and being in want. 

I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me 

[I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him 

Who infuses inner strength into me;

 I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].

Philippians 4:11-13 Amplified

ministry morning

I was excited to once again be gathering with the women at the community widow’s centre, ready to worship with them and share words of encouragement.  We had not been there for quite some time, but they welcomed us warmly, remembering us.

I spoke about how big our God is, beyond our wildest imagination; His thoughts higher than ours, able to do all things. I wanted them to understand, I want myself to understand, how that same God, vast as He Is, has chosen to dwell in us. How can we not be humbled, brought low in wonder and praise?

My words were met with smiles, nods and “amens.” I was not expecting the words spoken after mine. One of the centre leaders explained to the women that this was a special day ordained by God, a day to open their hearts and share their struggles Why wait until they are alone at night to pour out tears on their pillows? We had come, and we would listen, we would care and we would pray.

One by one, the women came, trusting God to speak to us. One by one, with my heart broken, I held their trembling hands and listened, to them and to the Holy Spirit. Each one had a tale of frustration; with family, finances, health and more.  The kingdom of darkness is running wild, kicking hard, and creating disorder that was stealing the peace of all. We declared health, wholeness and victory. We asked in faith “Lord, glorify Your name.”

Our first home visit revealed the deeply embedded lack of proper medical care. We were greeted by a young mother, tightly holding a small girl child who looked no older than two. Her eyes would not focus and she didn’t respond to claps or whistles. She just passed her sixth birthday! Doctors at clinics and the hospital have examined her and have claimed that she is well, no problems. No exams are needed for us to recognise that this child is not well at all, indeed likely suffering with a variety of problems; not the least of these is her failure to develop normally. We prayed and suggested a consultation with a local ministry to the disabled. Perhaps working hand in hand the life of this little one and her mother will begin to thrive.

Just another Zambian morning, like so many others, filled with unanswered questions; but also drenched in an ever growing reliance on the only One Who answers all. Leaning hard on Him, is, I believe, the very best place to be.

not enough tears

there comes a time

when there are not

words enough

when there are not

tears enough

when my heart forgets to beat

and my lungs don't remember

how to breathe

standing or falling

in silent prayers

to save a life

to see the end

of other lives needlessly

ending too soon

living here, in a place

where a hospital

is considered a place to die

not a place to heal

and in my aching

in my weak and trembling flesh

the Lord is speaking 

something new

an urging, a summons

a call to action

wake up Zambia

arise in the shining light

grab hold hard

to these lives too precious

to simply slip away

please pray for our dear friend

balanced on the edge of here and gone

pray harder for the others

the multitudes

who lay dying in beds of neglect

ask our God

to be God

in ways only He can

believe that our friend will declare:

The strong right arm of the Lord is raised in triumph.

    The strong right arm of the Lord has done glorious things!

 I will not die; instead, I will live

    to tell what the Lord has done.

Psalm 118:16-17 NLT

living like a lizard

downside up becomes 

normal, here

winter settles in

and my flesh, now accustomed

to African heat, balks

shivering against the cold

I learn to live

like the lizards, seeking

the sun, stretching 

into the warm, 

never able to retain enough

heat, I withdraw 

as light fades

sheltered in fleece

waiting till the next

mid-day absorption

Ode to my mosquito net

Ode to my mosquito net

metres of white, soft billows fold

bright against incoming dark

how many secrets do you hold

in your protective embrace

mosquitoes cannot penetrate

your life given up for me

you never rest or hesitate

to foil invasive attempts

what can I offer back to you

worthy of your sacrifice

night after night you remain true

hour by hour on guard you wait

no words of gratitude spoken

by the one you humbly serve

isn’t your cotton heart broken

by such total disregard

so now I’ll lift my voice in praise

to you, of you, for you friend

songs of thanksgiving I’ll raise

never will it be enough

for all you’ve done, will ever do

for me the vain receiver

allowed to sleep the long night through

while you, your dreams never come

Soaking

the rains have come

hard, continuous

what this land has long 

needed, nourishing 

and reviving

weary souls 

tilt faces up

to drink

echoing sweet hallelujahs

I will give you rain in due season, 

and the land shall yield her increase 

and the trees of the field yield their fruit.

Leviticus 26:4 Amplified

 

out of the cave

Morning quiet time with My Lord 
as I ponder stepping into something new and bold...

Ask of Me and I will show you 

things which you have not yet seen.

It is again and always about My plans

not the schemes of man

If I send you will I not equip you?

If the battle is not yours, 

the work is not yours either, but Mine

and I intend My work to prosper

Your part, as always, little one, is surrender

Surrender to My hand, My shaping, My pruning

even to My choice to promote you

Elijah could not remain in the cave

when that season was over

I called him out

So too with you, My child

so too with you

Call to Me and I will answer you 

and show you great and mighty things, 

fenced in and hidden, which you do not know

(do not distinguish and recognize, 

have knowledge of and understand)

Jeremiah 33:3 Amplified

 

Swap

the time has come

and quickly

to once again

depart from Canada

to swap locations

tomorrow 

just after the clock strikes noon

we begin a series of flights

crossing land and sea

just after the clock strikes noon

on Monday

we will disembark

to a life now familiar

on Zambian soil

keep us in your prayers

as you ever remain in ours

 

Yes - going back

I wish we had time to sit down face to face, to be better able to share our hearts for the people of Zambia and the work you are enabling us to do through your partnership.

I would show you pictures of maize grown using methods taught in Foundations for Farming that surpassed any natural expectation and how teaching those methods can transform lives and communities.

I would share the story of Lisa, a fifty year old widow in Makalulu, the largest slum compound of Zambia.  Community volunteers shared the good news of Christ while tending to her physical, emotional and spiritual needs.  Though her body was ravaged by HIV/AIDS when we visited, the joy of the Lord filled her tiny living space.

Not long after our visit, Lisa went home to meet Jesus. Saddened that we could no longer spend time with her we still rejoiced in her homecoming, a victory that would not have been possible without community outreach.

If we were sitting sharing a cup of coffee or tea you would be able to see the passion in our eyes and hear it in voices that don’t quite translate to paper. We know we have been chosen and we are returning to Zambia to continue the work we have been called to. The needs are enormous and our hands are small, but we serve a mighty God who can work wonders through our limitations.

We would love to have you standing with us again through this next leg of the journey as we are entering into exciting, busy and challenging times.

Our current needs include not only our personal support but funding of the Foundations for Farming ministry that Rick is establishing.  If you have any questions, please ask. We love talking about what God is doing.

More importantly, would you continue to pray with and for us?  It is the prayers of God’s people that make all things possible.



 

pre-spin prayers

from home

suitcases rest on the spare bed

almost packed

refrigerator is empty

our minds are buzzing

as last minute farewells

blessings and prayers

pour in via text 

Facebook and WhatsApp

life is about to spin

as we leave our home

to visit the home we left

to live in the house

that is still ours

to home

how familiar 

will those walls feel

now?

how unfamiliar

will we seem

to those waiting

to greet us?

help me remember

where to hold 

one hand only

provides my stability

the road is His

as am I

For I hold you by your right hand—

    I, the Lord your God.

And I say to you,

    ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.

Isaiah 41:13 NIV

 

day of work and water

We drove the dusty roads to Katuba village where smiling children and a broken bore hole awaited. Our water man got busy fixing the problem 

 while we joined the children gathering in one small classroom.  They were packed in close, for space is limited.  They listened quiet and wide eyed to the story of Jesus calming the storm, rescuing his friends and disciples who were certain they were perishing.  When asked who wanted Jesus to be their best friend, hands all over the room flew straight up into the air.

Back outside, water poured fast and clear from the repaired bore hole, so it was time to move on.

The trip to Chibanga village was slow over rutted and barely accessible roads, arriving later than we intended, both work and ministry began again.

Another school, desperately needing more classrooms and teachers, filled with young hearts who listened well.

The bore hole here hadn't functioned for more than a month, forcing a long trek to the stream to haul water.  Our worker not only skilfully solved the problem, but taught those helping him with a quiet patience rarely seen.

As the children prayed and surrendered their lives to Jesus, living water filled the overcrowded classroom.  They moved out with joy to scatter across the soccer field.

Close to sunset, the new pipes were set in the Chibanga bore hole. Almost afraid nothing would happen, the pump handle was moved, up and down numerous times until water flowed freely.

Packing up in the settling darkness, we rejoiced in another day of allowing ourselves to be Jesus in flesh, loving as He loves.

And He said to them, Why are you timid and afraid, O you of little faith? 

Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, 

and there was a great and wonderful calm (a perfect peaceableness). 

Matthew 8:26 Amplified

 

walk softly

we ambled up the road today

from the house

to the nursery

to capture flora and fauna

in pixels

and I was captivated

by footprints

left in the sandy

impressionable dirt

was it perhaps 

our homeward journey

swiftly approaching

that alerted my eye?

a reminder 

to tread softly

to take each step 

with Kingdom purpose

I promise you what I promised Moses: 

‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you

  Joshua 1:3 NLT

 

a ministry day - part 2

The brick walls of the church provided shade from the midday sun as community volunteers gathered to worship, pray and talk.  After a short encouragement from Romans 8, there was a brief discussion about receiving funding for uniforms; t-shirts and chitenges for the ladies and trousers for the men. Bishop Mwambelo also announced an upcoming week of training. It was time to leave for home visits, time to be Jesus in flesh for the people of Makalulu.

Our first stop brought us to the one room home of Mike, a forty year old male who was once a mini bus driver. HIV+, his wife ran away when he became ill. He is living alone, fighting TB, relying solely on the goodness of neighbours to provide little bits of food. Though his hearing is impaired, we attempted to share words of hope. A visitor from Canada recalled Paul speaking to the Corinthian church about the thorn in his side - Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.2 Corinthians 12:8-9 As God’s presence filled the room, the rest of us were encouraged by the words, even if Mike couldn't quite hear them.

He remained silent, but his eyes, prominent above shrunken cheeks, spoke volumes; pain and hunger reaching out for relief. When we presented our gifts of mealie meal and cooking oil those same eyes began to shine as tears filled them, threatening to pour. As we said our goodbyes, the image of his eyes remained with me, as I prayed that God would answer all the unspoken questions they were asking.

Rachel sat on the floor so that we, her guests, could be comfortable on an old sofa and chairs.  Family pictures brighten the dark walls of the small house she shares with one of her three children, the older two living in Ndola. Rachel’s husband, like so many others, ran away when she became sick two years ago. At age fifty and HIV+, she is being supported by relatives.  Selenium supplements have helped her gain some weight, allowing her to spend time moving about, not bedridden as she had been previously. We all rejoiced in the good report and prayed for continued strength and healing.

Our last visit was to Lisa, a widow with eight children, seven of whom live in the Congo where their father’s family is. Only her youngest child remains with her. With few seats in the tiny room, Lisa patted the end of her bed, asking me to sit beside her feet. I was almost afraid that her thin, brittle looking, illness ravaged body would snap.  She was barely able to sit up in bed – but her face was radiant with the joy of the Lord. 

At fifty, she looked more youthful than many younger women we met earlier. Words of healing and truth were declared in a house that was all at once a holy place.  Psalm 118:17  I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done and 2 Corinthians 4:16  Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day were proclaimed and declared over the life of this beautiful believer. We laughed, and sang the praises of Jesus, lifting our hands with Lisa as she rejoiced in Him.

As those who had come to simply serve, we ended our day filled beyond measure by the goodness of our God, and the wonder of His extravagant love.

names have been changed

 

a ministry day - part 1

The cool of the morning was fading into another hot Zambian day. The back of the pick-up was packed with rations purchased with funds generously donated. Dust rose off the dry ground with each step as six of us devoted ourselves to being the hands and feet of Jesus in the Makwati community. Home visits to the sick and desperate are a regular part of the ministry of Christian Care Centre in Kabwe. 

Our first stop was to see Robert, an HIV+ double orphan who was left in his Auntie Elsa’s care while his grandmother went to do farm work.  At first glance he looked quite healthy, shining eyes watching our every move above chubby cheeks. His auntie’s daughter, a wiggling two year old sat with us also. She was just a bit bigger than Robert so we assumed they were close in age. Several of us gasped, shocked and saddened to learn that tiny Robert was already six years old.

The gifts of mealie-meal, soya pieces, cooking oil, sugar and salt would not sustain Robert and his grandmother for long, but we pray that the words of encouragement we shared, and the love of Christ displayed have a longer lasting impact.

Our next stop was to visit Mary, a widow of thirty-one years who looked both younger and older at the same time. A double orphan, she married so young she cannot recall the age. Now her five children also know how it feels to lose a parent as their father was killed in a car accident. The man responsible for the accident provided just enough money for Mary to build her tiny home. When she is well enough she does piecework, but is rarely able to provide enough food for her family. She recently accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. We prayed with her and explained that the gifts of food and a jacket we left were just a small measure of His great love.

Our last stop brought us to the small home of a sixty year old widow named Joyce who was supporting herself and three of her eleven grandchildren with a small stand where she sold tiny dried fish called kapenta. She squealed and ululated joyously as we unpacked dried beans, kapenta, onions and cabbages for her to add to her stand to increase her sales potential, empowering her to take steps towards success and self-sustainability. Instead of needing to rely on the kindness of others, now Joyce herself would be able to provide for her family. She could not stop praising God for His love and miraculous provision, lifting her hands to give Him all the glory. 

Her worship and adoration of our Lord and King was as refreshing as a cold cup of water to us weary but now filled servants who had simply followed His request. 

The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’  Matthew 25:40 NIV

names have been changed

 

outside my door

just outside my door

life springs

green and pink

wild after the rains

and me pondering

if ever I would again

choose snow

goodbye again hello again

another page turns

as the chapter draws to a close

night follows day

all things sorted by His hand

in beautiful perfection

tomorrow I bid farewell to Pretoria

to friends both new and old

fly back to my Zambian life

to rest in the arms of my husband

while our Father

continues to hold us both

in the sweet spot

the centre of His palm and heart

Christmas Word

This word from our Lord - first given to me in 2011 still rings true in my spirit today.

In the quiet, in the waiting, I have been listening for what the Lord would share:

Even as a tiny baby I Was and Am big enough

to hold and carry all that concerns you.

This then is the magic of Christmas.

Your worry for My peace.

Your grief for My joy.

Your bondage for My freedom.

Your wrong for My right.

In all the unwrapping of gifts,

do not forget this divine exchange.

Now thanks be to God for His Gift, [precious] beyond telling 

[His indescribable, inexpressible, free Gift]! 

 2 Corinthians 9:15 Amplified