When we arrived in Mongu six weeks ago, we knew we would be starting from scratch in many ways. What we didn’t quite anticipate was how many different kinds of foundations would need building—not only settling into a house, but building security, learning a new language, finding a church family, and slowly creating rhythms of life on the Western Barotse Plains.
Looking back over this month, we’re grateful to see that while we’ve been busy building, the Lord has continually reminded us that He has already gone before us.
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.”
Psalm 127:1
Building a Place of Safety
One of our biggest concerns since arriving has been security.
The fence surrounding our property was in a seriously dilapidated state, leaving multiple places where people could easily enter. Before repairs were completed, neighbours sometimes jumped the fence to enter our property, and on a couple occasions our night guard intercepted people attempting to access either our property or the neighbouring one during the night.
Those experiences made the need for security feel very real.
We didn’t have the budget to build a permanent wall, but we resorted to using another local solution. We were able to replace the broken fencing with a traditional Mataka reed fence—a common fencing material here in Mongu that should last around three years. It has definitely transformed the property, providing both privacy and a meaningful physical barrier that gives us much greater peace of mind.
Can We Keep the Guard?
We had hoped to continue sharing the cost of our excellent night guard with SIM, but unfortunately that wasn’t possible. They didn’t have capacity for this expense within their budget. It was becoming evident that we would need to let him go at the end of August as we didn’t have it in our budget to keep paying him either.
Instead, God surprised us.
Through His faithful provision, additional funds became available that will allow us to keep him on for a few more months while we continue praying and exploring longer-term security solutions. We are grateful to the members of St. Mark’s church who responded to this financial need.
It’s a reminder that sometimes God’s provision doesn’t always remove every challenge—but He faithfully provides enough light for the next few steps.
“The Lord is faithful.
He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.”
2 Thessalonians 3:3
Hearing Lozi Come Alive
One of the greatest joys (and frustrations) this month has been language learning.
We’re now doing Lozi lessons every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:00–12:00 with our wonderful teacher, Mr. Chitumbo. We’re beginning to construct our own sentences, and perhaps even more exciting, we’re starting to recognise words while walking through town or listening to conversations around us.
Those little moments—hearing a familiar word and suddenly understanding part of a conversation—feel like tiny gifts that remind us the hard work is bearing fruit.
One lesson, however, will stay with us for a long time. While translating John 3:16, we stopped at the Lozi word Libanda. Rather than simply meaning “only begotten,” it carries the idea of a unique, one-and-only child—the child upon whom a father’s hopes, love and future are bound up.
As Mr. Chitumbo explained the depth of that word, we all found ourselves growing emotional.
Suddenly, “God gave His Libanda” carried fresh weight. It reminded us how slowing down over Scripture—lingering over a single word—can uncover treasures we might otherwise rush past.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Psalm 119:105
Turning a House into Home
The transition into Mongu has taken longer than we expected. Although we’ve now been here since 15 July, we’re still waiting for some furniture to arrive from Lusaka before everything can find its final place. Michael actually made a trip to Lusaka last week to collect some of our remaining furniture, a new stone kitchen countertop, and supplies that simply aren’t available locally.
The bookshelves and office furniture are especially important because they will finally allow us to unpack the last remaining boxes and create proper workspace for ministry.
In between all of that, we’ve been tackling plenty of ordinary life.
We’ve planted grass around the house to help with dust and soil erosion, fixed electrical wiring and leaking pipes, built a tree swing for Caleb beneath the beautiful tree behind our house, and enjoyed watching Caleb and Shamar become the best of friends.
As Shamar grows bigger, the two of them spend countless happy moments chasing balls, sticks, and each other around the yard. Sometimes these ordinary moments become gentle reminders that God is making this place feel like home.
We have been posting video updates about the simple everyday moments on our YouTube channel. You can subscribe there to see more about what we have been doing: Watson Missionary Family YouTube
Peace During Zambia’s Elections
This month Zambia also walked through a significant moment as the nation held its elections. Thank you to everyone who prayed. Like many people here, we felt some uncertainty beforehand, wondering whether there might be unrest or violence. Instead, we’re grateful that the elections were conducted peacefully, with only very limited incidents reported. We’re thankful for God’s kindness toward this nation and continue praying for wisdom for those in leadership.
Finding Our Church Family
We’re still prayerfully discerning which church will become our home church here in Mongu.
We’ve been visiting different congregations on Sundays, getting to know the churches in the area and asking the Lord where He would have us invest, serve, and belong during this season. We’d appreciate your prayers as we continue that process.
An opportunity to lend a hand
Our friend Ferdi Brousseau from Tokai Community Church is putting together a practical work team to drive from Cape Town to Mongu and help us tackle some repairs and maintenance on the property.
The team hopes to spend 1–2 months here, but they’re still looking for two more capable, practical men who are handy, available, and up for the adventure.
If joining the team isn’t possible, you could also help through finances or practical supplies for the trip and projects. You can read more about the projects and maintenance here: Maintenance Projects
If you’d like to know more or be involved in any way, please get in touch with Ferdi Brousseau on +27 82 414 2765
Looking Back with Gratitude
This past month has reminded us that building takes time. Whether it’s a fence, a friendship, a language, or a ministry, the strongest foundations are often laid quietly, one faithful step at a time. We’re deeply grateful for the many ways God has provided—sometimes through practical resources, sometimes through unexpected encouragement, and sometimes simply through the assurance that He is already at work where He has called us.
Thank you for walking this journey with us!
Praise God For:
- Funds to repair the Mataka fence around our property.
- Being able to keep our night guard on for a few more months.
- Our Lozi learning progressing well, and we’re beginning to understand conversations around us.
- Zambia’s elections conducted peacefully.
- Our house slowly becoming a home as we settle in.
Pray For:
- Wisdom for long-term security solutions for our property.
- Continued growth in Lozi, especially conversational confidence.
- Clear guidance as we seek a home church in Mongu.
- The practical work team preparing to come to Mongu to help us. Pray for team members, finances and availability
- Grace and endurance as we continue settling into life and ministry on the Western Barotse Plains.
