“The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad” (Psalm 126:3).
Greetings from Zambia!We continue to rejoice in the Lord’s goodness and faithfulness as He builds His church here in Livingstone and beyond. Each week, we see new faces, new opportunities and new reasons to give thanks for all that God is doing. As you read this update, we hope you’ll be encouraged by the ways the gospel is advancing, lives are being changed, and the Lord is answering prayers in ways far beyond what we could ask or imagine.
• Church Update — In case you missed it last month, our baptistry is now complete, and both our village pastor and leadership classes are back in session! We’re eagerly looking forward to beginning baptisms soon and can’t wait to share photos with you. Before that, we’ve been meeting with all the candidates to ensure everyone understands that the water itself cannot save — it is only through faith in Christ that one is made new. Please pray for us as we revisit these important truths with the baptism candidates.
Our pastor and leadership classes have been going very well. These sessions play a vital role in equipping local leaders with a deeper understanding of God’s Word and providing practical ministry tools to help them shepherd their congregations effectively. Week after week, we see the Lord raising up faithful servants who are passionate about teaching, preaching, and discipling others throughout the Sekute chiefdom and beyond.
In addition to leadership training, we also continue to hold weekly Bible studies for both men and women. These gatherings offer valuable opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and encouragement as believers study God’s Word together and strengthen their walk with Christ.
• Praying for Workers — As the church continues to grow, one of our greatest prayer needs is for God to raise up someone who is called and equipped to work with our children and youth. We believe that investing in the next generation is essential to the future of the church, and we’re asking the Lord to provide the right person to lead this important ministry.
• Growth and Expansion — Chabantu Missionary Baptist Church continues to grow steadily. We are now averaging over 100 people each week in worship! We are humbled and grateful for how God is moving in hearts and drawing people to Himself. We are also prayerfully considering the location for our next church plant, where Lackson Munkombwe will serve as pastor. Please join us in seeking God’s wisdom and direction as we prepare to plant another gospel-preaching church in a nearby village.
• Special Needs & Ways to Help — One of our current needs is to raise funds for a new ministry vehicle. The roads to many of the villages we serve are rough and often unreliable, and a dependable vehicle is crucial for carrying out our mission. From evangelism and discipleship trips to transporting supplies and people, a good vehicle is essential for effective ministry. If the Lord leads, we invite you to partner with us in meeting this important need.
• From Darkness to Light! — (via Facebook Post on 10/20):After a year of hearing the true gospel, Bobby, once deeply involved in traditional religion and witchcraft, has surrendered his life to Jesus Christ and was baptized on Sunday (10/19)! It was a day of great rejoicing as Bobby publicly declared his faith in Jesus Christ through baptism! For many years, Bobby was deeply involved in traditional Zambian religion and witchcraft. But over the past year, he has faithfully listened to the true gospel and experienced the transforming power of God’s Word. Recently, Bobby made the decision to fully surrender his life to Jesus, trusting Him as Lord and Savior!
Now, through baptism, Bobby has testified before everyone that the old life is gone, and a new life has begun. “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4). Please join us in celebrating Bobby’s new beginning in Christ! Pray that he continues to grow strong in faith, share his testimony boldly and walk daily in the joy of salvation.
Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and support. God is doing incredible things here in Zambia, and we are grateful to be on this journey together with you. Your partnership is making an eternal difference in the lives of men, women and families who are hearing and responding to the gospel for the first time.
