Exciting Conclusions!!
Our warmest Christmas greetings from a rainy Zambia!
As this year draws to a close, we are overflowing with gratitude for all that the Lord has done.
December has been a month of conclusions — the joyful wrapping up of many long-running projects and tasks. As we look back, we are deeply aware that none of this would have been possible without the Lord’s faithful help and your prayers and support.
Langham Preaching Training
From the 3rd to the 6th of December, the Langham Preaching Training for Levels 1 and 2 took place here in Lusaka. This training marked the conclusion of many months of planning and preparation, coordinated by Michael and the Langham Zambia team.
Two facilitators from outside of Zambia came to lead the training, while the Zambia team worked tirelessly behind the scenes — hosting, catering, managing registrations, and attending to every background detail. We are so grateful to the Lord for how smoothly everything went.
A combined total of 44 participants attended Levels 1 and 2, which was a wonderful turnout. We continue to pray that the seeds sown during this time will bear lasting fruit for God’s Kingdom. Read more about this training with more pictures on the blog Michael wrote on this event.
Final Conclusions to Caleb’s Paperwork
At the beginning of this month, we received Caleb’s adoption and birth certificates, which allowed us to apply for his Zambian passport so that we can travel with him to South Africa for our home assignment. Praise be to God!
While Michael was busy with the Langham training, I embarked on what felt like a challenge of a lifetime: getting Caleb’s passport. Although this is a reasonably straightforward process on paper, it was by no means an easy task. It required three days of standing in queues, waiting in offices, and moving back and forth across Lusaka through the crazy traffic — all while I was sick and fighting off a cold, with a very restless little boy by my side. There were tears shed once or twice, but thankfully the Lord carried me through.
We have now seen the beautiful conclusion of this long and often tiresome process. By God’s grace, we received his passport in excellent time, and we are finally completely done. What a relief — and what a gift!
“The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”
Psalm 126:3
A Special Birthday Milestone
On the 5th of December, our little boy officially transitioned from baby to toddler as he turned two years old. This was the very first birthday we had the joy of celebrating with him here at home.
We marked the occasion with a small birthday party, joined by some dear friends and our SIM family, as we celebrated this special milestone together. I even managed to decorate Caleb’s lion-themed birthday cake — and it turned out not too bad for a first attempt!
Flights Booked for Our 6-Month Home Assignment
With passport in hand, we were finally able to book our flights and begin preparing for our home assignment.
So… we are coming home to visit!
Our flights are booked for the 1st of January. We will be flying into Durban and plan to be in the Durban area from the 1st to the 15th of January. If you are in Durban during this time, we would love to see you — please do reach out.
On the 16th of January, we will begin making our way down to Cape Town, with stops planned in the Drakensberg, Bloemfontein, East London, and along the Garden Route. We are so looking forward to connecting with many of you along the way.
We hope to be in Cape Town from around the 7th of February until mid-June. We truly want to see you all! Please let us know when you might be available and if you would like us to serve you or your church in any way — we will gladly fit you into our schedule.
This is, without a doubt, one of the most exciting seasons ahead for us. We can’t wait to see you again, be mutually refreshed in fellowship, and introduce you all to Caleb — and introduce him to you and to South Africa.
Looking Ahead
Until the end of the year, we will be busy packing up our home here in Lusaka and getting everything ready for our departure.
As we celebrate Christmas, our prayer is that you and your family will have a wonderful season as we remember the birth of Christ and rejoice in the gift that He is to the world.
Praise God For:
- Praise God for the successful completion of the Langham Preaching Training for Levels 1 and 2, and for the 44 participants who took part.
- Thank the Lord for the many months of planning and teamwork that came together so smoothly.
- Praise God for the completion of Caleb’s adoption, birth certificate, and passport process, and for His perfect timing throughout.
- Give thanks for safe travel preparations, booked flights, and the opportunity to reconnect with supporters during the home assignment.
Pray For:
- Pray that the seeds planted during the Langham training will bear lasting fruit in faithful preaching and strengthened churches across Zambia.
- Pray for safe travels as we begin our home assignment and move between Durban, Cape Town, and the various stops in between.
- Pray for refreshment, encouragement, and meaningful connections during our time with family, friends, and churches.
- Pray for wisdom and strength as we pack up our home in Lusaka and prepare for the next season of ministry.
- Pray for Caleb as he continues to grow, adjust, and travel, that he would be surrounded by love and care in every place.
