This past month has felt like we are standing on a threshold—preparing to close one door while getting ready to step through another. July has been a time of transition, full of emotion, reflection, and hope for the road ahead.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28

For Christ Church Lusaka, it has been a month of transition, both in roles and location.

A New Venue, A New Season

Christ Church Lusaka is in the middle of a physical transition. After more than two years of meeting at the Golden Peacock Hotel, we’ve made the difficult decision to relocate due to unsustainable rental increases.

Finding a new venue brought its own challenges. We’ve long felt the tension of needing a location that is both affordable and central for our members. After much searching and deliberation, the church has now transitioned to meeting at African Christian University.

The new venue is significantly more sustainable financially, but it does come with the drawback of being further away for some of our members.This will create difficulties with attendance and accessibility, so we ask for your prayers—that the Lord would provide practical solutions and that this new location would foster growth, community, and unity, even in the face of the logistical challenges.

Passing the Baton

For us, the move from Lusaka to Mongu has always been in the cards since we first came to Zambia, but the ever-pressing need at Christ Church Lusaka seemed to keep us in it’s grip. But now our time in Lusaka has run out and we must pass the baton, trusting that the Lord will stop the gaps and fill the needs that we can’t fill.

Over the past two months the church committee have selected faithful men and women who would be willing and able to step into the roles and responsibilities that Michael and I have been filling while we were in Lusaka. Throughout July we have been handing over our roles and responsibilities at the church as we prepare for our transition out of Lusaka. We have tried to be faithful in handing over well to ensure that as we leave Lusaka, there would be a team in place—not just to maintain what is, but to see the church continue to thrive.

We have actually been working towards this goal over the past two years since we came to Zambia. It is a joy to see the people we have been training taking on more responsibilities. Next month (August) we will continue to be on standby — ready to assist those selected for responsibility, as they settle into their roles.

“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”
2 Timothy 2:2

Obedience over Comfort

As we prepare others for our move to Mongu, our hearts are feeling heavy. Leaving Lusaka won’t be easy for us, nor for our brothers and sisters here. These goodbyes are painful because of the deep love and shared life God has cultivated between us over the past two and a half years.

But this pain feels somewhat familiar since this isn’t the first time we’ve had to leave what was dear to us. In 2022, we left Cape Town to follow God’s call to Zambia. This was also a step marked by cost and clarity. We knew then—as we know now—that obedience to God’s leading is the only way and always worth it. His clear call to continue on from Lusaka to what He has prepared for us in Mongu gives us confidence. This is exactly why we came to Zambia in the first place. It’s not easy, but we trust that the same God who called us is the One still leading us. He is our joy, our strength, and our peace in every transition.

Fruit of Faithful Discipleship

One great encouragement has been seeing the fruit of the apprenticeship program Michael has been overseeing. Paul Ngoma, who has grown under Michael’s discipleship, has already stepped into many of our responsibilities with confidence and grace. It’s such a joy to see God raising up faithful men and women to serve His church, and we are so thankful for the strength and continuity this brings as we prepare to transition out.

On the Home Front

July has been a bit of a bumpy month for our family health-wise. Michael has been battling a lingering cold/flu for over three weeks, and Caleb had a rough few days with a gastric bug that caused vomiting and diarrhoea. With Michael down and Caleb unwell, it was a stretching few days for me, with many sleepless nights and multiple loads of laundry — but the Lord gave us strength to carry on.

The adoption process is also slowly moving forward. We’ve now had all three required visits from Social Welfare, and we’re justwaiting on the report from the social worker. Once that’s completed, our lawyer can move forward with applying to court. Please keep praying for patience, progress, and favour—we’re so close, and yet we remain dependent on others’ timelines.

“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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9

Thank You

As always, we are deeply grateful for each one of you. Your faithful love, support, and encouragement sustains us more than you know. Your partnership lifts our hearts and helps us remain resolute in following what God has put before us.

It’s been a long time since we’ve been back to Cape Town, and we deeply long to see our church family and friends again. Please continue to pray for us—to be strong and to patiently endure the time God has set for us here. Pray also for wisdom as we continue planning both for the transition to Mongu and our upcoming home assignment once Caleb’s adoption is finalized.