Open Doors

Wide Open Doors in the West

What started as a short trip to Mongu quickly turned into something much more significant. This month we’re sharing a story of unexpected opportunities, long dusty roads, and clear answers to prayer as God revealed wide open doors in Barotseland.

“See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.”
Revelation 3:8

Travel to Barotseland

On Monday, June 9th, we set off for Mongu on another vision trip. Our purpose was to explore whether there were open doors in Barotseland for future ministry. Earlier this year, Bishop Alick Kalonga from the ECZ church had invited Michael to accompany him this June on a journey into the rural Barotse plains to meet with local church leaders. He suggested that Michael come prepared to possibly share a message during their leadership seminar. So, Michael prepared a teaching on leadership—just in case the opportunity arose.

"Oh how I love Your law" Psalm 119:97
Read more about our last vision trip

An Unexpected Opportunity

We arrived in Mongu on the evening of July 6th after a rough and tedious 10-hour drive from Lusaka. Early the next morning, Michael left with the bishop, while Caleb and I (Renee) stayed back in town. Their first destination was Shangombo—a remote village about 10 hours’ drive from Mongu, close to the Angola border.

Day 1: Lusaka to Mongu. Day 2: Mongu to Shangombo.

Upon arriving in Shangombo, Michael discovered that he wasn’t just an occasional speaker—he was the main speaker for the seminar and was expected to teach four sessions the following day. That night, under pressure and in prayer, he stayed up preparing three additional messages. With little time and much prayer, he drew deeply from the books he had been reading—grateful for how God had already been equipping him.

By God’s grace and the strength of many prayers, he taught all four leadership sessions to a group of 57 local leaders. From there, he and the bishop continued on to several other rural districts, repeating the same sessions (with tweaks to suit each context), day after day. It was a demanding week—long days of teaching, followed by hours of bumpy travel across rough terrain.

The church leaders from 5 churches in the Shangombo District

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9

Open Doors in Barotseland

During our evening phone calls, Michael spoke with deep emotion about what he was seeing and experiencing. He said the doors weren’t just open—they were wide, like garage doors. It was a clear answer to our prayers: “Lord, show us the open doors and guide our steps.” And He did.

Learn more about the open doors in Barotseland
The church leaders from 5 churches in the Shangombo District.
The church leaders from 5 churches in the Berea District
The leaders of 5 churches of the Sioma District.
These are the leaders of the 9 churches of the Lueti District who attended the leadership training.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5–6

Decision Made

When we first came to Zambia, we committed to a two-year season of ministry at Christ Church Lusaka—an opportunity we embraced with joy and purpose. That season came to an end in January 2025, and in recent months, the Lord has been gently but clearly reaffirming the original calling that brought us here: to serve in the Western Barotse Plains. Over the past months, as we’ve sought the Lord’s direction, He has impressed on our hearts a deep sense of calling to the Western Barotse Plains—the very reason we came to Zambia in the first place. Now, with the doors wide open and His leading unmistakable, it is time for us to obey.

We are grateful for the rich opportunities we’ve had to serve at Christ Church Lusaka and for the relationships we’ve built here. We continue to pray that God will grow and strengthen His church in Lusaka. Would you pray with us as we begin to wrap up our time here and prepare for the transition to Mongu—that we would finish well and enter this next season with faith and joy?

Libala la Matebele - The Plain of the Matebele.

Thank you

We’re deeply grateful for each of you who have stood with us—through your faithful prayers, encouragement, and generous financial support. Your partnership has made it possible for us to follow God’s call here in Zambia and to take bold steps into this next season of ministry. As we prepare to transition from Lusaka to Mongu, your continued presence alongside us means more than words can say. Thank you for being part of this journey—we couldn’t do it without you.

Praise God For:

  • God’s undeniable leading through the open doors in Western Province.

  • Michael’s strength and clarity as he taught multiple sessions on short notice.

  • Safe travels across challenging terrain.

  • The encouragement and affirmation we’ve received from SIM, REACH, and our local church family.

Pray For:

  • A smooth and gracious transition out of our roles at Christ Church Lusaka.

  • Wisdom and peace as we prepare practically and emotionally for the move to Mongu.

  • Clarity on what ministry and partnership in Barotseland will look like long-term.

  • That the seeds sown in the villages during the leadership seminars will grow and bear fruit.

  • Our family—especially little Caleb—as we navigate this season of big change.

We are missionaries serving with SIM-Zambia. We rely totally on donor support to keep us in the mission field.

Please would you prayerfully consider supporting us financially. You can direct your support to us through SIM or directly to our personal South African bank account. Find out how you can support us here:

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