We went to church in a large village outside of Kasama today. It is the home of over 15000 souls and most are jobless and thus very poor. Brewing beer and prostitution are the main source of income. The number of vulnerable children is hard to imagine.
This is the story throughout much of Africa. Poverty exaserbating sin. Corruption increasing poverty. It is a sad, sad cycle. Only the changing of hearts through the Gospel of Jesus Christ can remedy the souls tragic condition and bring hope to a life without hope.
It is very sobering to go into these villages. It is very encouraging to see little enclaves of Christ followers holding on to the Lord and trying to make a difference.
I am sorry to be so negative but when I see how little our brothers have and their faith in God it makes me wonder what we are really doing as Christians in wealthy America. We build bigger, more expensive and comfortable buildings and call it "for God's glory." I wonder. Could we not get by in our present locations and buildings and invest all the money it costs to build more buildings into ministry, especially in parts of the World where it can be so effective... Thousand being saved and needing discipleship. Literally millions needing Bibles.
OH that God would change the heart of the church in America. Our WEALTH has ensnared us and blinded us to what is truly rich.
Because of the net I am not able to add pictures but will send them by way of my HIMAfrica Group mail.
Jeff
Lou Ann and Jeff Hawkins work in Zambia and India equipping and training the indigenous church to make disciples. It is a purely native, indigenous ministry that is bearing much fruit to the glory of God. Hope Builders Ministries (www.HBMin.org) is the parent mission Jeff and Lou Ann are partnered with.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
From Zambia
Hello Friends,
For those of you who do not receive my YahooGroup mail you have wondered... "now why don't he write?" (Dancing with Wolves)
WEll here I am... All is well here in Zambia. We have had a busy and interesting two weeks. Monday/Tuesday we start a long trip to the Northern Province and two Hub pastor conferences. Thanks for praying.
You can join my yahoo group by going to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HIMAfrica/
Pictures are also available there. I will add a few here as well.
Keep us in your prayers. We thank you!
jeff
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