I have spent the past year and a half trying to answer this question: Will the work of Bible Translation become a distraction from my call to train preachers to be better Bible expositors? I feel strongly called to help preachers grow in their ability to handle the Word of God correctly and to sharpen… Read more: A Delightful Distraction or A Powerful Synergy?
We have just returned from a very full couple of weeks in Mongu, where we continue to explore what mission work in Mongu will look like for our family. We are so grateful for how the Lord used this trip to encourage us, stretch us, and remind us again that he will guide our steps… Read more: Stepping Back, Moving Forward: Toward Mission Work in Mongu
The past month of August has felt like a tapestry—threads of ministry, family, and God’s provision woven together in interesting ways. Some days have brought unexpected challenges (like our washing machine breaking down!), while others have brought long-awaited breakthroughs (like progress in Caleb’s adoption). Through it all, we’ve seen God’s faithful hand at work in… Read more: God at Work in Every Season
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… Read more: Transition in God’s Timing
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.
Our Barotse Plains Vision Trip in June 2025 left us with a deep and definite sense that God is opening wide doors for ministry in Barotseland. The need for preacher training was not only clearly confirmed—but more importantly, we heard the heartfelt desire and plea from the preachers themselves for this kind of support. I… Read more: Open Doors in Barotseland
Barotse Plains Vision Trip – June 2025 Renée, Caleb, and I went on another vision trip to Mongu in June 2025. This time we had a particular focus on the plains West of the Zambezi River. Wow! The need for encouraging and equipping Bible teachers in rural Western Zambia is great. This vision trip has… Read more: Barotse Plains Vision Trip – June 2025
The ECZ church denomination in Zambia is one of SIM-Zambia‘s key church groups it supports and works with. ECZ has a long history with SIM. It was established in 1910 by the South African General Mission – SAGM (ECZ website). SAGM changed its name to Africa Evangelical Fellowship – AEF in 1965 and then in… Read more: ECZ – Evangelical Church of Zambia
The guest speaker at the 2025 SIM-Zambia Spiritual Life Conference convinced me of the compelling concern and call God has placed on missionaries. We are compelled by the love of Jesus. We are concerned for those dying without hearing of Jesus. We are convinced that no one should live and die without hearing God’s good… Read more: Convinced, Concerned and Compelled
”My mission is to facilitate the proclamation of the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and His Lordship from the Bible—especially in communities where Jesus is least known—by equipping pastors and Bible teachers with key tools to sharpen their skills in expository preaching. My aim is that they would study the Bible diligently, teach Jesus faithfully,… Read more: Personal Mission Statement
Fellowship on the Road and in the Word April has been a full and meaningful month, and we’re grateful for many moments of growth, encouragement, and progress—both in ministry and family life. Some highlights from this month was the Simeon Trust Workshop in Kitwe, the Ushurika Preaching groups that have started, and the Spiritual Life… Read more: Fellowship on the Road and in the Word
Simeon Trust Preaching Workshop in Kitwe Three key men from REACH-Zambia and I attended the Simeon Trust Workshop for Expository Preaching in Kitwe hosted by the Faith Baptist Church of Riverside, Kitwe. This was a valuable opportunity for us as preachers and Bible teachers to practice and sharpen our skills in expository preaching. We were… Read more: Preaching Romans in Kitwe
March has been a month of witnessing God’s faithfulness in both trials and triumphs. We are grateful for His provision and the many ways He has been at work in our lives and ministry.
In the last week of March 2025 Langham Preaching came to Zambia conduct a 4-day training for 45 pastors and Bible teachers in Lusaka. Our facilitators, Dr. Frank Shayi (from South Africa) and Dr. Joseph Morenammele (from Lesotho), blessed us with their passionate engaging teaching. The training seminar, Foundations for Biblical Preaching is the first… Read more: Langham Preaching Training – Level 1
Renee, Caleb and I went to Mongo in February 2025 for a 2-week vision trip. My primary ministry role during these two weeks was to teach a course on the Pentateuch at the Barotse Campus. However, we had many wonderful opportunities to learn about other exciting ministries and to meet amazing people serving the Lord… Read more: Mongu Vision Trip – February 2025
We had a great time at Barotse Campus. I taught The Pentateuch course to 11 students. Renée had wonderful conversations and teaching time with the ladies. Some highlights of our time at Barotse Campus Addressing the Serpent Seed Theory One clear highlights to me during this time of teaching was encountering and being able to… Read more: Barotse Campus – February 2025
The Evangelical Bible College has a campus in Mongu, Western Zambia, called the Barotse Campus. Michael taught the Pentateuch to 11 students here in February 2025.
Rolling start into 2025! The year is off to a rolling start, and February kept us on our toes! As I write this, we are in Mongu on another mission trip—but more on that later. Here’s a little glimpse into what we’ve been up to. Ministry Training Strategy (MTS) Workshop We kicked off the month… Read more: Rolling into 2025
We had a clear timeline mapped out in our heads, counting down the days until we could take the next step. But as it turns out, things are never quite that simple.
Family News Greetings from our lively home in Zambia! Our new life with Caleb is full of excitement and surprises—he’s growing so fast and has just started walking. Our once-tidy home is now a whirlwind of activity, but the joy he brings is beyond measure. His cheeky sense of humour and contagious laughter lights up… Read more: Rest and Reset for 2025
A Christmas to Remember: Caleb is Home! This Christmas season holds a special kind of joy for our family – we’ll remember it for decades! After a long season of waiting, praying, and hoping, we are overjoyed to share that our son, Caleb, is finally home! “For unto us a Child is born, unto us… Read more: A Christmas to Remember
Please not ‘next week’ Yesterday I said to Mukanga, “Please not next week. Let’s get our son home this week, please”. Our patience is wearing thin. For months we have heard this phrase, ‘next week’ from those handling our case promising that Caleb will come home ‘next week’. However, months have elapsed and we still… Read more: Waiting for Caleb: “Please not next week!”
Discover how God is transforming lives in Zambia! From the rains bringing renewal to a milestone baptism service, exciting ministry updates, and a deep dive into Covenant Theology—this newsletter is filled with growth, hope, and gratitude.
I’ve just recently returned to Zambia after an intense, yet rewarding week of training in Kenya. This was my third module of the Entrust course, designed to equip women with the skills to teach and disciple others. This particular module was called Discovery Bible Study, and it was truly eye-opening! Let me take you back for a second…… Read more: My Latest Adventure: Discovery Bible Study in Kenya
The 2024 financial year which ended in September has ended with us being in the deficit in our Support Account with SIM. We need more support for the 2025 financial year which started in October. Please will you prayerfully consider joining our team of supporters. Bank Details: Bank: Standard BankBranch: Blue Route (025609)Account name: SIM Southern… Read more: We need HELP!
When it rains it pours! They say when it rains it pours and boy have we experienced all of that in the last two months. Just when we thought it couldn’t get worse, it got worse! It has been a true test of faith and endurance. We have been through some trying times but we truly… Read more: When it Rains it Pours
Greetings from a very dry and dusty Lusaka amidst the deep winter blues. The temperatures have been relatively moderate for winter and things are dryer than ever due to the lack of rain. Given the extensive hours of load-shedding we are experiencing at the moment…
We are parents of a Baby Boy! Oh boy! Our lives have drastically changed this past month in the most amazing and exciting way by. We have become parents of a baby boy! We are so grateful to God for entrusting us with this incredible responsibility to raise this boy and help him to thrive.… Read more: We have a Baby Boy
We found the adoption process in Zambia quite different from other places we have heard of. I decided to blog about our personal experience for those interested to know how it works. Step 1: Submitting an Application The first step in the adoption process is submitting an adoption application to the District of Social Welfare… Read more: Adoption Process in Zambia
On 20 June 2024 at around midday, I received the exciting news that I have become a father! We received a call from the Department of Social Welfare (DSW) in Lusaka informing us that we have been matched with a 6-month old baby boy named ‘Hope Moses’! Wow! This was the most exciting news I… Read more: “Today I have become your Father”
To be honest when we first arrived in Mongu I wasn’t convinced that we need to come here. It seemed like there was no place for me but I quickly discovered how wrong I was.
We managed to find a gap in our busy schedule to take an exploration trip to Mongu and the Barotseland floodplains. This is our first vision trip to the Western Province of Zambia since joining SIM. Our objective on this trip was to explore this area to confirm whether or not this is where we… Read more: An Exploration trip to Barotseland
Time Apart One only realises how much you need someone when you are forced to spend time apart. This month has been crazy busy with lots of comings and goings here at the SIM base. Michael and I have spent quite a bit of time in different places of the country at different times, due… Read more: Time Apart for ministry Training
I am so grateful for the lessons I learned at the Preaching Parables Simeon Trust Workshop in Kitwe. Wow! I learned so much and had wonderful fellowship with other pastors from various churches in Zambia. I attended the Simeon Trust Expository Preaching Workshop held in Kitwe, Zambia on 10-12 April 2024 hosted at Faith Baptist… Read more: Preaching Parables with Precision
This month we have the most exciting news to share with you. It’s the kind of news that will change our lives drastically, but in the best way possible.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.”
From our first meeting with Dr. Paul Kayumba he stressed to us that children’s ministry was his biggest priority.
Blessings abound in 2023 Blessings to you dear friends! I can hardly believe that we are at the end of 2023! This year has gone by so fast and much of it feels like a blur but we want to take pause to reflect on all that the Lord has done for us this year.… Read more: Blessings of 2023
Our prayer for you this Christmas is that you will be filled with joy and happiness as you celebrate God’s amazing gift of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, Mighty God.
I have been visiting the panel-beater daily to oversee the repair of Abraham (our vehicle). Since Abe arrived in Lusaka, it has been at the panel-beater’s workshop. I am a bit nervous about the Zambian-style work environment because it doesn’t look professional. It hurts just to see Abraham surrounded by all those other smashed up… Read more: Abe’s Repair
Our vehicle (Abraham) has finally arrived in Lusaka. It has arrived with some injuries sustained in transit in an accident with a motorcycle in Tanzania. Abraham arrived in Lusaka on Sunday, 3 December late in the afternoon. Abe was delivered directly to the panel-beater’s yard (the ‘hospital’) where he will be getting some repairs. Now… Read more: Abraham has Arrived – in ‘Hospital’
It was an absolute joy and an huge encouragement to us to have Denzil Abrahams join us in ministry for a whole week! Denzil came to Lusaka for my ordination service and stayed with us a full week afterwards.
God has truly displayed his goodness to us this past month and we are overflowing with joy and thanksgiving. We are bursting at the seams and can’t wait to share all that the Lord has done this month.
I am so glad I was able to repair Renee’s computer without it exploding. The battery had swollen so much that the casing made a frightening POPPING sound. We got such a fright since we anticipated it could explode any time. Fortunately, it didn’t.
On Saturday, 18 November I was ordained as a presbyter in the Reformed Evangelical Anglican Church of Southern Africa. I am grateful to all who attended and made the day special by helping out in various ways. I am especially grateful to those who travelled to Zambia from Cape Town to share this special moment with Renée and I and Christ Church Lusaka.
It is with sad hearts that we report that ‘Abe’ has suffered some injuries on the journey. Abe is a vehicle we purchased from Thailand which we named ABRAHAM. The vehicle took on significant damage after an accident with a motorcycle.
Is it normal for a MacBook to be Swelling? I am concerned that the swelling computer might explode! The expanding is getting progressively worse. The screws are straining to hold things together. The aluminium body is buckling and bending. The trackpad is sticking out awkwardly. I really don’t think it’s healthy for any computer to… Read more: A Swelling Computer
On Sunday 5 November 2023, I returned home exhausted, but bubbling with joy after attending a week-long training in Nairobi, Kenya where we learnt to facilitate relational learning. This training was another module of the Entrust program I signed up for earlier this year. The Entrust program is based on the Scriptural calling of 2… Read more: Facilitating Relational Learning
It is crucial to train apprentices if we want to see churches growing and the Gospel advancing in Africa. I joined 13 other pastors in Zambia for a very engaging and helpful workshop training in Leopard’s Hill, Lusaka to learn how to train ministry apprentices. Tim Thorburn taught us for 3 days (08:00 to 16:00,… Read more: Learning how to Train Apprentices
ABRAHAM has arrived in Africa I have just received news that ‘ABRAHAM’ has been off-loaded from the ship in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. There is some paperwork that needs to be completed before it can make the road-trip to Zambia. We trust that ABRAHAM will have a safe journey to Lusaka and arrive here in… Read more: ‘ABRAHAM’ in Dar es Salaam
The Ordination Service of Michael Watson You are cordially invited to attend the Ordination Service of Michael Watson in Lusaka, Zambia It would be so nice to have you join us. Bishop Martin Morrison of Christ Church Midrand will be officiating the ordination service and Bishop Glenn Lyons of Tokai Community Church will be preaching… Read more: Ordination Service in Lusaka
In this month of October we have learned what it means to be both independent and dependent. Renée is currently away in Kenya for a week which means I am quickly learning how to be independent
Like Abraham of the Bible, ABRAHAM has left his home country (Thailand) and is headed to a (Zambia) country where God will use him to be a blessing to many. “I will bless you…so that you will be a blessing”Genesis 12:2 ESV The shipping company informed us that ABRAHAM is currently in transit on a ship in… Read more: ABRAHAM has left his home
We are so grateful for the HUGE encouragement we received from our home church last month. We received a care package from Tokai Community Church in September while we were down in Durban, South Africa for our church Synod. This care package contained some chocolates, biltong, nuts, coffee, cards, and notes. A smile enveloped our… Read more: Huge Encouragement from our Home Church
There is good news on the vehicle front. We have finally purchased a vehicle that fits our needs and our budget with the funds that were raised during the #run4wheels fundraiser. We are excited about this vehicle as it is just what we need for mission work in Zambia. The vehicle has been ordered from Thailand and… Read more: We bought a Vehicle
How on earth can someone rejoice in suffering? Here’s Colossians 1:24-26 in a visual diagram that emphasises the two main verbs in this sentence – There are two fascinating ideas presented in this sentence: 1.) Paul says that he is rejoicing in his sufferings! This begs the question: “How can he rejoice while suffering?” This… Read more: Rejoice in Suffering for the Gospel
The August winds are blowing, and a change of season is in the air. The children’s ministry is also growing, and we are noticing more and more children bringing their friends along.
In this SYNTAX DIAGRAM of Colossians 1:17-23 we discover not only the source of our hope, but also the MEANS by which we are RECONCILED to God – FAITH. We are encouraged to hold on to our FAITH, not giving up believing that through Jesus we are reconciled and stand blameless before God. This is… Read more: Colossians 1:17-23 Syntax Diagram
This Syntax Diagram reveals a beautiful prayer that Paul prays for the Colossian believers. This important prayer is directed to our Father God who is described as having “qualified us”, “rescued us”, and “transferred us in the kingdom of His magnificent Son who is described as having superlative supremacy. The emphasis here is in the… Read more: Colossians 1:9-16 Syntax Diagram
Celebrating New Birth 🎉 Greetings from a busy and warm Lusaka! Once again this has been a busy month and the days have just flown past. We are grateful that we can once again share with you all that the Lord has done for us and through us here in Lusaka. Some highlights in this… Read more: Celebrating New Birth
Here is a SYNTAX DIAGRAM of Colossians 1:1-9. Last night I stumbled upon one of my previous syntax diagrams on Matthew 6 and I was super blessed by it. I thought, “Wow! I want to bless myself again by doing another one.” I really enjoy doing these diagrams. I hope I can find time to… Read more: Colossians 1:1-9 Syntax Diagram
We are so grateful for the way that the #run4wheels fundraiser is still growing. As of 30 July, the total funds raised so far is R122, 850. This is will be added to other funds that have come in for a vehicle. Hopefully we will soon be able to purchase the right vehicle for our… Read more: #Run4wheels update: R122,850
What a glorious month this has been. Our hearts are overflowing with joy and gratitude as we have so much to be thankful for. It has been a super busy month filled with lots of ministry, spiritual growth, meaningful relationship and exciting developments.
Denzil Abrahams ran the 88km Comrades Marathon this year as a fundraiser to raise funds to help us purchase a mission vehicle for our mission work in Zambia. People were invited to participate in this #run4wheels fundraiser by pledging some money per kilometre that he would complete. We had a total of R626.45 that was… Read more: Comrades Run for Wheels
If I had to choose just a single word to sum up the month of May I would probably say: Growing…(or Learning). In so many ways this month we have developing our own skills as well as equipping others to grow God’s Kingdom.
By the time we reached the end of the course, I wrestled inwardly with mixed feelings. On the one hand, I felt so ready to be back home with my husband but at the same time I dreaded saying goodbye to these precious women I had bonded with. I had new sisters and mothers that… Read more: Entrust it to others
You have an opportunity help Denzil Abrahams Run4Wheels for Zambia Missions. This is such a beautiful thing that is happening, and we are excited to be part of it. Fundraiser for a Vehicle Denzil Abrahams has initiated a fundraiser for a 4×4 vehicle for us to use here in Zambia. We praise God for this… Read more: Help Denzil Run4Wheels for Zambia Missions
“Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose].” 1 Corinthians 15:58 (AMP) April Newsletter April… Read more: Courage to Press on
I attended the Simeon Trust Preaching Workshop on Biblical Exposition in Kitwe, Zambia on 21-23 March 2023. The workshop aimed at helping preachers to become better expositors of the apocalyptic literature. We looked specifically at the book of Revelation. The Simeon Trust vision: “The growth of the gospel through equipping expository preachers”. “This is NOT… Read more: Kitwe Preaching Workshop
It has been such a blessing to find our place in the communities we are serving with here in Lusaka! We have seen spiritual growth in ourselves and literal growth as “someone” (we won’t mention names) also turned 40 this month.
We are back in Zambia. This past month was a month of big changes for us. Preaching, people, packing, farewells, travel and settling in was the order of the day.
The last few days before and since our arrival in Lusaka have been quite a whirlwind! We can hardly believe that we only arrived 4 days ago. It feels like it’s been ages already. ‘What have we been up to’ you ask? Well let me tell you… Packing Dilemmas On Tuesday (17 January 2023), we… Read more: Arrival in Lusaka
May 2023 be a good year for you! We pray that you will grow closer to Jesus in this New Year – that you will know more of His love and grace and mercy. May your family enjoy happy times together and may your home always be filled with enough food to extend hospitality to… Read more: Happy New Year!
It’s at this time of year that we remember that we are truly blessed by God. Christmas reminds us that God blessed us by visiting us and by redeeming us from sin. Wow! How amazing is it that God came down to earth, born in a stable so that he could visit you and me.… Read more: Blessed Christmas
Michael has finally been able to repair our broken motorcycle which had a cracked cylinder-head. He had to order a gasket-set from London since there were none available in South Africa. This is an old motorcycle (1979 Honda CX500) so spares are quite rare. Due to its impressive age, Renée (and Jane – Renée’s friend)… Read more: Motorcycle Repaired and for Sale
We have successfully managed to pass through the SIM membership application process. We are now ‘appointee members’ whilst we wait to pass through the SIM orientation process known as SIM-Start. After this 7-day online (zoom meetings) orientation course we will have a good idea of who SIM is and how they operate. Our SIM-Start started… Read more: SIM Membership
Lately, I have been struggling with finding my identity in busyness, or in my case, lack of busyness.A year ago I was a high-school Science teacher with a busy job. At the beginning of this year I was a missionary to Zambia, learning a new language and working on relationships in a new environment. Now… Read more: Identity in Busyness and Quiet
We have applied for full membership to serve as SIM missionaries and our SIM application is progressing well. The SIM application progress has been intense and vigorous with multiple documents, questionnaires, and checks. Their membership application process is the most thorough that we have ever encountered! We have had to complete doctrinal questionnaires, get health… Read more: SIM Application Progress
Because of the hope we have in Christ, we can say with confidence: we have been shaken, but we are not stirred! 😉 Some of you may not know it yet, but we are currently NOT in Zambia with our beloved Luvale friends. We unexpectedly and suddenly found ourselves back in Cape Town through a very painful… Read more: Shaken, Not Stirred
Recently I had an encouraging opportunity for ministry to women at a women’s conference here in Chavuma. Pastor Davey asked me to share a devotion with the women at the Church of the Nazarene Women’s conference. At first I felt a bit daunted at the idea especially because no one was going to go with… Read more: Opportunity for Ministry to Women
The rural pastors gathered early in the morning at the ‘lodge’ which Pierre had prepared as the lecture room, this would be a brilliant opportunity for making significant friends. I was really looking forward to meeting these Luvale men as I had heard so much about their ministry in difficult remote areas. These men have… Read more: Making Significant Friends
Last week I had the wonderful opportunity to share with the Dorcas Ladies and walked away from that feeling so blessed that I just have to share it with you. The Dorcas ladies are a group of ladies from various churches within the Church of the Nazarene denomination who take it on themselves to serve… Read more: The Dorcas Ladies
The Resurrection Sunday service here in Chavuma was a beautiful surprise at which we encountered a number of beautiful surprises. This past weekend believers all over the world celebrated Christ’s resurrection! It was our joy and privilege to also participate in a very different Resurrection Sunday with brothers and sisters here in Chavuma. What a… Read more: Beautiful Surprise at the Resurrection Service
We often see men in ministry and overlook the importance of a couple in ministry. When God joins a man and woman they become one. If God then leads the man or the woman into ministry, the call is on them both, whether they like it or not. On Monday 11 April, Michael and I… Read more: Couples in Ministry
We had a refreshing visit from our bush-loving friends which awakened Michael from the sickbed almost like Lazarus from the dead! Our spirits are lifted and our hearts refreshed after a much appreciated and refreshing visit from our friends, the Botha family. We met them during our delayed time in Lusaka and had an instant… Read more: A Refreshing Visit
On Monday 14 March we finally received the long-awaited news that our vehicle documents were ready. This meant that we could finally escape the clutches of Lusaka. We had slowly started packing in the hopes that it would be happening sometime this week but now the time was upon us. It was 4:30 pm and… Read more: Escape from Lusaka
It’s a really warm and quiet morning here along the mighty Zambezi River where I sit writing this. The river flows with twists and turns and churning currents much like my emotions over the last few days. I feel like I am on an emotional rollercoaster, up, down, left and right. Monday afternoon (14 March)… Read more: Emotional Rollercoaster
Follow our journey from Cape Town to Lusaka via Botswana. Enjoy the elephants and the ‘Smoke that Thunders’ with us. We’ve been in Lusaka for 3 weeks. We left Cape Town on 24 January and arrived in Lusaka on 7 February. We’ve been stuck here since. We need patience whilst we push on through the… Read more: Video: Cape Town to Lusaka
We left Cape Town about a month ago heading for Chavuma, but now we are stuck in Lusaka. It’s been 2 weeks since we arrived here. Philip (our Zambian clearing agent) initially told us it would only take about 3 days to process the importation of our vehicle. Why is it taking so long? A… Read more: Stuck in Lusaka
On Monday (7 February) we woke up early for the 7-hour journey to Lusaka. But first we headed to the famous Mosi-oa-tunya (Victoria Falls). What a magnificently exhilarating morning! The Smoke that Thunders The falls were quite full (it gets fuller around April); the mist was rising up (“raining from below” as Renée put it);… Read more: To Lusaka from Livingstone
Reluctantly we left our amazingly beautiful accommodation in Senyati at around 10am on Sunday morning (6 February) as we would be crossing into Zambia. The serene morning offered peaceful scenes by which we did our devotions as we read from the Bible among the beautiful wildlife. The long complicated day demanded this peaceful start as… Read more: Crossing into Zambia
I have spent the past year and a half trying to answer this question: Will the work of Bible Translation become a distraction from my call to train preachers to be better Bible expositors? I feel strongly called to help preachers grow in their ability to handle the Word of God correctly and to sharpen… Read more: A Delightful Distraction or A Powerful Synergy?
We have just returned from a very full couple of weeks in Mongu, where we continue to explore what mission work in Mongu will look like for our family. We are so grateful for how the Lord used this trip to encourage us, stretch us, and remind us again that he will guide our steps… Read more: Stepping Back, Moving Forward: Toward Mission Work in Mongu
The past month of August has felt like a tapestry—threads of ministry, family, and God’s provision woven together in interesting ways. Some days have brought unexpected challenges (like our washing machine breaking down!), while others have brought long-awaited breakthroughs (like progress in Caleb’s adoption). Through it all, we’ve seen God’s faithful hand at work in… Read more: God at Work in Every Season
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… Read more: Transition in God’s Timing
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.
Our Barotse Plains Vision Trip in June 2025 left us with a deep and definite sense that God is opening wide doors for ministry in Barotseland. The need for preacher training was not only clearly confirmed—but more importantly, we heard the heartfelt desire and plea from the preachers themselves for this kind of support. I… Read more: Open Doors in Barotseland
Barotse Plains Vision Trip – June 2025 Renée, Caleb, and I went on another vision trip to Mongu in June 2025. This time we had a particular focus on the plains West of the Zambezi River. Wow! The need for encouraging and equipping Bible teachers in rural Western Zambia is great. This vision trip has… Read more: Barotse Plains Vision Trip – June 2025
The inspiring messages from our guest speaker resonated deeply in our hearts and stirred a renewed conviction about our calling here in Zambia.
The ECZ church denomination in Zambia is one of SIM-Zambia‘s key church groups it supports and works with. ECZ has a long history with SIM. It was established in 1910 by the South African General Mission – SAGM (ECZ website). SAGM changed its name to Africa Evangelical Fellowship – AEF in 1965 and then in… Read more: ECZ – Evangelical Church of Zambia
The guest speaker at the 2025 SIM-Zambia Spiritual Life Conference convinced me of the compelling concern and call God has placed on missionaries. We are compelled by the love of Jesus. We are concerned for those dying without hearing of Jesus. We are convinced that no one should live and die without hearing God’s good… Read more: Convinced, Concerned and Compelled
”My mission is to facilitate the proclamation of the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and His Lordship from the Bible—especially in communities where Jesus is least known—by equipping pastors and Bible teachers with key tools to sharpen their skills in expository preaching. My aim is that they would study the Bible diligently, teach Jesus faithfully,… Read more: Personal Mission Statement
Fellowship on the Road and in the Word April has been a full and meaningful month, and we’re grateful for many moments of growth, encouragement, and progress—both in ministry and family life. Some highlights from this month was the Simeon Trust Workshop in Kitwe, the Ushurika Preaching groups that have started, and the Spiritual Life… Read more: Fellowship on the Road and in the Word
Simeon Trust Preaching Workshop in Kitwe Three key men from REACH-Zambia and I attended the Simeon Trust Workshop for Expository Preaching in Kitwe hosted by the Faith Baptist Church of Riverside, Kitwe. This was a valuable opportunity for us as preachers and Bible teachers to practice and sharpen our skills in expository preaching. We were… Read more: Preaching Romans in Kitwe
March has been a month of witnessing God’s faithfulness in both trials and triumphs. We are grateful for His provision and the many ways He has been at work in our lives and ministry.
In the last week of March 2025 Langham Preaching came to Zambia conduct a 4-day training for 45 pastors and Bible teachers in Lusaka. Our facilitators, Dr. Frank Shayi (from South Africa) and Dr. Joseph Morenammele (from Lesotho), blessed us with their passionate engaging teaching. The training seminar, Foundations for Biblical Preaching is the first… Read more: Langham Preaching Training – Level 1
Renee, Caleb and I went to Mongo in February 2025 for a 2-week vision trip. My primary ministry role during these two weeks was to teach a course on the Pentateuch at the Barotse Campus. However, we had many wonderful opportunities to learn about other exciting ministries and to meet amazing people serving the Lord… Read more: Mongu Vision Trip – February 2025
We had a great time at Barotse Campus. I taught The Pentateuch course to 11 students. Renée had wonderful conversations and teaching time with the ladies. Some highlights of our time at Barotse Campus Addressing the Serpent Seed Theory One clear highlights to me during this time of teaching was encountering and being able to… Read more: Barotse Campus – February 2025
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Rolling start into 2025! The year is off to a rolling start, and February kept us on our toes! As I write this, we are in Mongu on another mission trip—but more on that later. Here’s a little glimpse into what we’ve been up to. Ministry Training Strategy (MTS) Workshop We kicked off the month… Read more: Rolling into 2025
We had a clear timeline mapped out in our heads, counting down the days until we could take the next step. But as it turns out, things are never quite that simple.
Family News Greetings from our lively home in Zambia! Our new life with Caleb is full of excitement and surprises—he’s growing so fast and has just started walking. Our once-tidy home is now a whirlwind of activity, but the joy he brings is beyond measure. His cheeky sense of humour and contagious laughter lights up… Read more: Rest and Reset for 2025
A Christmas to Remember: Caleb is Home! This Christmas season holds a special kind of joy for our family – we’ll remember it for decades! After a long season of waiting, praying, and hoping, we are overjoyed to share that our son, Caleb, is finally home! “For unto us a Child is born, unto us… Read more: A Christmas to Remember
Please not ‘next week’ Yesterday I said to Mukanga, “Please not next week. Let’s get our son home this week, please”. Our patience is wearing thin. For months we have heard this phrase, ‘next week’ from those handling our case promising that Caleb will come home ‘next week’. However, months have elapsed and we still… Read more: Waiting for Caleb: “Please not next week!”
Discover how God is transforming lives in Zambia! From the rains bringing renewal to a milestone baptism service, exciting ministry updates, and a deep dive into Covenant Theology—this newsletter is filled with growth, hope, and gratitude.
I’ve just recently returned to Zambia after an intense, yet rewarding week of training in Kenya. This was my third module of the Entrust course, designed to equip women with the skills to teach and disciple others. This particular module was called Discovery Bible Study, and it was truly eye-opening! Let me take you back for a second…… Read more: My Latest Adventure: Discovery Bible Study in Kenya
The 2024 financial year which ended in September has ended with us being in the deficit in our Support Account with SIM. We need more support for the 2025 financial year which started in October. Please will you prayerfully consider joining our team of supporters. Bank Details: Bank: Standard BankBranch: Blue Route (025609)Account name: SIM Southern… Read more: We need HELP!
When it rains it pours! They say when it rains it pours and boy have we experienced all of that in the last two months. Just when we thought it couldn’t get worse, it got worse! It has been a true test of faith and endurance. We have been through some trying times but we truly… Read more: When it Rains it Pours
Greetings from a very dry and dusty Lusaka amidst the deep winter blues. The temperatures have been relatively moderate for winter and things are dryer than ever due to the lack of rain. Given the extensive hours of load-shedding we are experiencing at the moment…
We are parents of a Baby Boy! Oh boy! Our lives have drastically changed this past month in the most amazing and exciting way by. We have become parents of a baby boy! We are so grateful to God for entrusting us with this incredible responsibility to raise this boy and help him to thrive.… Read more: We have a Baby Boy
We found the adoption process in Zambia quite different from other places we have heard of. I decided to blog about our personal experience for those interested to know how it works. Step 1: Submitting an Application The first step in the adoption process is submitting an adoption application to the District of Social Welfare… Read more: Adoption Process in Zambia
On 20 June 2024 at around midday, I received the exciting news that I have become a father! We received a call from the Department of Social Welfare (DSW) in Lusaka informing us that we have been matched with a 6-month old baby boy named ‘Hope Moses’! Wow! This was the most exciting news I… Read more: “Today I have become your Father”
We have done our best to keep on top of things while facing sickness, fielding curveballs and enduring more than 12 hours of load-shedding daily.
To be honest when we first arrived in Mongu I wasn’t convinced that we need to come here. It seemed like there was no place for me but I quickly discovered how wrong I was.
We managed to find a gap in our busy schedule to take an exploration trip to Mongu and the Barotseland floodplains. This is our first vision trip to the Western Province of Zambia since joining SIM. Our objective on this trip was to explore this area to confirm whether or not this is where we… Read more: An Exploration trip to Barotseland
Time Apart One only realises how much you need someone when you are forced to spend time apart. This month has been crazy busy with lots of comings and goings here at the SIM base. Michael and I have spent quite a bit of time in different places of the country at different times, due… Read more: Time Apart for ministry Training
I am so grateful for the lessons I learned at the Preaching Parables Simeon Trust Workshop in Kitwe. Wow! I learned so much and had wonderful fellowship with other pastors from various churches in Zambia. I attended the Simeon Trust Expository Preaching Workshop held in Kitwe, Zambia on 10-12 April 2024 hosted at Faith Baptist… Read more: Preaching Parables with Precision
This month we have the most exciting news to share with you. It’s the kind of news that will change our lives drastically, but in the best way possible.
It turned out to be so much more complicated than we thought. Every adoption agency we talked to in SA said it couldn’t be done.
The surprising thing was that John had never heard the gospel like this before despite having been to church.
What we thought was impossible, became possible because of God. We are still buzzing with excitement because of all God has done this month.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.” From our first meeting with Dr. Paul Kayumba he stressed to us that children’s ministry was his biggest priority.
Blessings abound in 2023 Blessings to you dear friends! I can hardly believe that we are at the end of 2023! This year has gone by so fast and much of it feels like a blur but we want to take pause to reflect on all that the Lord has done for us this year.… Read more: Blessings of 2023
Our prayer for you this Christmas is that you will be filled with joy and happiness as you celebrate God’s amazing gift of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, Mighty God.
I have been visiting the panel-beater daily to oversee the repair of Abraham (our vehicle). Since Abe arrived in Lusaka, it has been at the panel-beater’s workshop. I am a bit nervous about the Zambian-style work environment because it doesn’t look professional. It hurts just to see Abraham surrounded by all those other smashed up… Read more: Abe’s Repair
Our vehicle (Abraham) has finally arrived in Lusaka. It has arrived with some injuries sustained in transit in an accident with a motorcycle in Tanzania. Abraham arrived in Lusaka on Sunday, 3 December late in the afternoon. Abe was delivered directly to the panel-beater’s yard (the ‘hospital’) where he will be getting some repairs. Now… Read more: Abraham has Arrived – in ‘Hospital’
It was an absolute joy and an huge encouragement to us to have Denzil Abrahams join us in ministry for a whole week! Denzil came to Lusaka for my ordination service and stayed with us a full week afterwards.
God has truly displayed his goodness to us this past month and we are overflowing with joy and thanksgiving. We are bursting at the seams and can’t wait to share all that the Lord has done this month.
I am so glad I was able to repair Renee’s computer without it exploding. The battery had swollen so much that the casing made a frightening POPPING sound. We got such a fright since we anticipated it could explode any time. Fortunately, it didn’t.
On Saturday, 18 November I was ordained as a presbyter in the Reformed Evangelical Anglican Church of Southern Africa. I am grateful to all who attended and made the day special by helping out in various ways. I am especially grateful to those who travelled to Zambia from Cape Town to share this special moment with Renée and I and Christ Church Lusaka.
It is with sad hearts that we report that ‘Abe’ has suffered some injuries on the journey. Abe is a vehicle we purchased from Thailand which we named ABRAHAM. The vehicle took on significant damage after an accident with a motorcycle.
Is it normal for a MacBook to be Swelling? I am concerned that the swelling computer might explode! The expanding is getting progressively worse. The screws are straining to hold things together. The aluminium body is buckling and bending. The trackpad is sticking out awkwardly. I really don’t think it’s healthy for any computer to… Read more: A Swelling Computer
On Sunday 5 November 2023, I returned home exhausted, but bubbling with joy after attending a week-long training in Nairobi, Kenya where we learnt to facilitate relational learning. This training was another module of the Entrust program I signed up for earlier this year. The Entrust program is based on the Scriptural calling of 2… Read more: Facilitating Relational Learning
It is crucial to train apprentices if we want to see churches growing and the Gospel advancing in Africa. I joined 13 other pastors in Zambia for a very engaging and helpful workshop training in Leopard’s Hill, Lusaka to learn how to train ministry apprentices. Tim Thorburn taught us for 3 days (08:00 to 16:00,… Read more: Learning how to Train Apprentices
ABRAHAM has arrived in Africa I have just received news that ‘ABRAHAM’ has been off-loaded from the ship in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. There is some paperwork that needs to be completed before it can make the road-trip to Zambia. We trust that ABRAHAM will have a safe journey to Lusaka and arrive here in… Read more: ‘ABRAHAM’ in Dar es Salaam
The Ordination Service of Michael Watson You are cordially invited to attend the Ordination Service of Michael Watson in Lusaka, Zambia It would be so nice to have you join us. Bishop Martin Morrison of Christ Church Midrand will be officiating the ordination service and Bishop Glenn Lyons of Tokai Community Church will be preaching… Read more: Ordination Service in Lusaka
In this month of October we have learned what it means to be both independent and dependent. Renée is currently away in Kenya for a week which means I am quickly learning how to be independent
Like Abraham of the Bible, ABRAHAM has left his home country (Thailand) and is headed to a (Zambia) country where God will use him to be a blessing to many. “I will bless you…so that you will be a blessing”Genesis 12:2 ESV The shipping company informed us that ABRAHAM is currently in transit on a ship in… Read more: ABRAHAM has left his home
We are so grateful for the HUGE encouragement we received from our home church last month. We received a care package from Tokai Community Church in September while we were down in Durban, South Africa for our church Synod. This care package contained some chocolates, biltong, nuts, coffee, cards, and notes. A smile enveloped our… Read more: Huge Encouragement from our Home Church
We thank God for this past month where we got an opportunity for rest and reconnection with family and friends back in South Africa
There is good news on the vehicle front. We have finally purchased a vehicle that fits our needs and our budget with the funds that were raised during the #run4wheels fundraiser. We are excited about this vehicle as it is just what we need for mission work in Zambia. The vehicle has been ordered from Thailand and… Read more: We bought a Vehicle
How on earth can someone rejoice in suffering? Here’s Colossians 1:24-26 in a visual diagram that emphasises the two main verbs in this sentence – There are two fascinating ideas presented in this sentence: 1.) Paul says that he is rejoicing in his sufferings! This begs the question: “How can he rejoice while suffering?” This… Read more: Rejoice in Suffering for the Gospel
The August winds are blowing, and a change of season is in the air. The children’s ministry is also growing, and we are noticing more and more children bringing their friends along.
In this SYNTAX DIAGRAM of Colossians 1:17-23 we discover not only the source of our hope, but also the MEANS by which we are RECONCILED to God – FAITH. We are encouraged to hold on to our FAITH, not giving up believing that through Jesus we are reconciled and stand blameless before God. This is… Read more: Colossians 1:17-23 Syntax Diagram
This Syntax Diagram reveals a beautiful prayer that Paul prays for the Colossian believers. This important prayer is directed to our Father God who is described as having “qualified us”, “rescued us”, and “transferred us in the kingdom of His magnificent Son who is described as having superlative supremacy. The emphasis here is in the… Read more: Colossians 1:9-16 Syntax Diagram
Celebrating New Birth 🎉 Greetings from a busy and warm Lusaka! Once again this has been a busy month and the days have just flown past. We are grateful that we can once again share with you all that the Lord has done for us and through us here in Lusaka. Some highlights in this… Read more: Celebrating New Birth
Here is a SYNTAX DIAGRAM of Colossians 1:1-9. Last night I stumbled upon one of my previous syntax diagrams on Matthew 6 and I was super blessed by it. I thought, “Wow! I want to bless myself again by doing another one.” I really enjoy doing these diagrams. I hope I can find time to… Read more: Colossians 1:1-9 Syntax Diagram
We are so grateful for the way that the #run4wheels fundraiser is still growing. As of 30 July, the total funds raised so far is R122, 850. This is will be added to other funds that have come in for a vehicle. Hopefully we will soon be able to purchase the right vehicle for our… Read more: #Run4wheels update: R122,850
What a glorious month this has been. Our hearts are overflowing with joy and gratitude as we have so much to be thankful for. It has been a super busy month filled with lots of ministry, spiritual growth, meaningful relationship and exciting developments.
Denzil Abrahams ran the 88km Comrades Marathon this year as a fundraiser to raise funds to help us purchase a mission vehicle for our mission work in Zambia. People were invited to participate in this #run4wheels fundraiser by pledging some money per kilometre that he would complete. We had a total of R626.45 that was… Read more: Comrades Run for Wheels
If I had to choose just a single word to sum up the month of May I would probably say: Growing…(or Learning). In so many ways this month we have developing our own skills as well as equipping others to grow God’s Kingdom.
By the time we reached the end of the course, I wrestled inwardly with mixed feelings. On the one hand, I felt so ready to be back home with my husband but at the same time I dreaded saying goodbye to these precious women I had bonded with. I had new sisters and mothers that… Read more: Entrust it to others
You have an opportunity help Denzil Abrahams Run4Wheels for Zambia Missions. This is such a beautiful thing that is happening, and we are excited to be part of it. Fundraiser for a Vehicle Denzil Abrahams has initiated a fundraiser for a 4×4 vehicle for us to use here in Zambia. We praise God for this… Read more: Help Denzil Run4Wheels for Zambia Missions
“Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose].” 1 Corinthians 15:58 (AMP) April Newsletter April… Read more: Courage to Press on
This month has seen the start of Growth Groups at Christ Church Lusaka and we know that with growth there is the expectation for change.
I attended the Simeon Trust Preaching Workshop on Biblical Exposition in Kitwe, Zambia on 21-23 March 2023. The workshop aimed at helping preachers to become better expositors of the apocalyptic literature. We looked specifically at the book of Revelation. The Simeon Trust vision: “The growth of the gospel through equipping expository preachers”. “This is NOT… Read more: Kitwe Preaching Workshop
It has been such a blessing to find our place in the communities we are serving with here in Lusaka! We have seen spiritual growth in ourselves and literal growth as “someone” (we won’t mention names) also turned 40 this month.
We are back in Zambia. This past month was a month of big changes for us. Preaching, people, packing, farewells, travel and settling in was the order of the day.
The last few days before and since our arrival in Lusaka have been quite a whirlwind! We can hardly believe that we only arrived 4 days ago. It feels like it’s been ages already. ‘What have we been up to’ you ask? Well let me tell you… Packing Dilemmas On Tuesday (17 January 2023), we… Read more: Arrival in Lusaka
May 2023 be a good year for you! We pray that you will grow closer to Jesus in this New Year – that you will know more of His love and grace and mercy. May your family enjoy happy times together and may your home always be filled with enough food to extend hospitality to… Read more: Happy New Year!
Happy New Year dear friends! Currently we find ourselves in Durban, in the beautiful lush greenery and the sticky humid heat.
It’s at this time of year that we remember that we are truly blessed by God. Christmas reminds us that God blessed us by visiting us and by redeeming us from sin. Wow! How amazing is it that God came down to earth, born in a stable so that he could visit you and me.… Read more: Blessed Christmas
Michael has finally been able to repair our broken motorcycle which had a cracked cylinder-head. He had to order a gasket-set from London since there were none available in South Africa. This is an old motorcycle (1979 Honda CX500) so spares are quite rare. Due to its impressive age, Renée (and Jane – Renée’s friend)… Read more: Motorcycle Repaired and for Sale
I have been a child of God and serving in ministry but I asked myself “Am I all in?”
We have successfully managed to pass through the SIM membership application process. We are now ‘appointee members’ whilst we wait to pass through the SIM orientation process known as SIM-Start. After this 7-day online (zoom meetings) orientation course we will have a good idea of who SIM is and how they operate. Our SIM-Start started… Read more: SIM Membership
Lately, I have been struggling with finding my identity in busyness, or in my case, lack of busyness.A year ago I was a high-school Science teacher with a busy job. At the beginning of this year I was a missionary to Zambia, learning a new language and working on relationships in a new environment. Now… Read more: Identity in Busyness and Quiet
We have applied for full membership to serve as SIM missionaries and our SIM application is progressing well. The SIM application progress has been intense and vigorous with multiple documents, questionnaires, and checks. Their membership application process is the most thorough that we have ever encountered! We have had to complete doctrinal questionnaires, get health… Read more: SIM Application Progress
Because of the hope we have in Christ, we can say with confidence: we have been shaken, but we are not stirred! 😉 Some of you may not know it yet, but we are currently NOT in Zambia with our beloved Luvale friends. We unexpectedly and suddenly found ourselves back in Cape Town through a very painful… Read more: Shaken, Not Stirred
Recently I had an encouraging opportunity for ministry to women at a women’s conference here in Chavuma. Pastor Davey asked me to share a devotion with the women at the Church of the Nazarene Women’s conference. At first I felt a bit daunted at the idea especially because no one was going to go with… Read more: Opportunity for Ministry to Women
The rural pastors gathered early in the morning at the ‘lodge’ which Pierre had prepared as the lecture room, this would be a brilliant opportunity for making significant friends. I was really looking forward to meeting these Luvale men as I had heard so much about their ministry in difficult remote areas. These men have… Read more: Making Significant Friends
Last week I had the wonderful opportunity to share with the Dorcas Ladies and walked away from that feeling so blessed that I just have to share it with you. The Dorcas ladies are a group of ladies from various churches within the Church of the Nazarene denomination who take it on themselves to serve… Read more: The Dorcas Ladies
We often see men in ministry and overlook the importance of a couple in ministry. When God joins a man and woman they become one. If God then leads the man or the woman into ministry, the call is on them both, whether they like it or not. On Monday 11 April, Michael and I… Read more: Couples in Ministry
We had a refreshing visit from our bush-loving friends which awakened Michael from the sickbed almost like Lazarus from the dead! Our spirits are lifted and our hearts refreshed after a much appreciated and refreshing visit from our friends, the Botha family. We met them during our delayed time in Lusaka and had an instant… Read more: A Refreshing Visit
On Monday 14 March we finally received the long-awaited news that our vehicle documents were ready. This meant that we could finally escape the clutches of Lusaka. We had slowly started packing in the hopes that it would be happening sometime this week but now the time was upon us. It was 4:30 pm and… Read more: Escape from Lusaka
It’s a really warm and quiet morning here along the mighty Zambezi River where I sit writing this. The river flows with twists and turns and churning currents much like my emotions over the last few days. I feel like I am on an emotional rollercoaster, up, down, left and right. Monday afternoon (14 March)… Read more: Emotional Rollercoaster
Follow our journey from Cape Town to Lusaka via Botswana. Enjoy the elephants and the ‘Smoke that Thunders’ with us. We’ve been in Lusaka for 3 weeks. We left Cape Town on 24 January and arrived in Lusaka on 7 February. We’ve been stuck here since. We need patience whilst we push on through the… Read more: Video: Cape Town to Lusaka
We left Cape Town about a month ago heading for Chavuma, but now we are stuck in Lusaka. It’s been 2 weeks since we arrived here. Philip (our Zambian clearing agent) initially told us it would only take about 3 days to process the importation of our vehicle. Why is it taking so long? A… Read more: Stuck in Lusaka
On Monday (7 February) we woke up early for the 7-hour journey to Lusaka. But first we headed to the famous Mosi-oa-tunya (Victoria Falls). What a magnificently exhilarating morning! The Smoke that Thunders The falls were quite full (it gets fuller around April); the mist was rising up (“raining from below” as Renée put it);… Read more: To Lusaka from Livingstone
Reluctantly we left our amazingly beautiful accommodation in Senyati at around 10am on Sunday morning (6 February) as we would be crossing into Zambia. The serene morning offered peaceful scenes by which we did our devotions as we read from the Bible among the beautiful wildlife. The long complicated day demanded this peaceful start as… Read more: Crossing into Zambia