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 if we trust Him for this.

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him;”  
Psalm 37:23

You may have noticed that our website was down for a little while after hackers got into it, which sadly meant some of you didn’t receive or couldn’t view our August newsletter. We’re happy to say the site is back up and running again. If you missed last month’s update, you can find it here:

Giving Space for Growth

One of the reasons for a trip to Mongu at this time, was to give Christ Church Lusaka a little breathing room as they adjust to continuing on without our involvement. We realized that when we are around, the people tend to look to us for help instead of trusting what they’ve already learned.

On our way to Mongu, one of the leaders called Michael for help with a challenge he was facing in preparing for church on Sunday. Since he was driving, Michael told him to think back to his training and do his best. Later that evening, the leader called back full of excitement because he had figured it out himself and pulled it off. That moment gave us and him so much joy! It was a beautiful reminder that stepping away was the right thing for us and the right thing for the church. Growth often comes when we’re willing to let go. 

“Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.“
2 Corinthians 3:5

Seeking a Home in Mongu

Another reason for the trip was for us to look for suitable housing as we prepare for our move. We looked at a few places, but each one needed some kind of work before being comfortable and secure. The option that seems most promising is the property that SIM is currently renting from the ECZ church. It will become available in November and may end up being the best fit for us. Please pray that the Lord directs us clearly in this decision so we don’t waste time or resources but instead find a place where we can quickly settle and serve.

Learning the Heart Language

We also took another step in our Lozi language learning. We’ve been doing some lessons in Lusaka, but being in Mongu made us realize how much more alive the words become when you are surrounded by the language every day. We were even able to connect with a language helper who has agreed to work with us once we move to Mongu. Learning Lozi won’t be easy, but it’s vital for building relationships and sharing the gospel in a way that speaks to people’s hearts.

An Open Door in Bible Translation

Our timing in Mongu was no accident. While we were there, a three-week Bible translation workshop was taking place. Local translators were meeting with consultants from around the world to work on five different Bible projects. Michael took this opportunity to once again sit in, observe, and learn.

Michael has had mixed feelings about getting involved with the translation work. On the one hand he was thrilled and excited about working with this team and finding an outlet for his passion for Greek and Hebrew. But on the other hand he was hesitant, wondering if this work might be a distraction from his main calling of training pastors. 

A Productive Synergy

During this time of observation and learning, he discovered a profound and productive synergy with his calling and the translation work:

• He found that sitting in and listening helped him gain insight into the structure and grammar of the local languages. This will help us with our own learning of the local language.
• As translators discussed how certain words and concepts fit (or didn’t fit) into the local context and culture, he gained a deeper cultural understanding.
• He is able to become more familiar with the Lozi Bible translation, which will be helpful as he trains pastors in expository preaching.
• Through these two weeks he also formed relationships with people from the western plains that he probably would never have met otherwise.

He has written a bit more about his experience in a blog for you if you would like to know more about what this is all about. 

Please pray for Michael as he continues to think and pray about whether this is something God may want him to be more involved in. It may be that this “open door” is actually a way to strengthen, not distract from, the ministry we are called to.

“See, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut”
Revelation 3:8

Family Update

We are thankful to share that we finally have a court date for Caleb’s adoption hearing—13 October! We praise God for this long-awaited step. Unfortunately, this date doesn’t work for our lawyer, so she is working to secure another date the following week. Please pray with us that the process moves forward smoothly and that we can have the earliest possible date in October.

We also ask for prayer that all the paperwork following the court hearing will be processed swiftly and efficiently, with no delays. This is especially important so that we will be able to travel home to Cape Town in December for our Home Assignment.

Encouragement from You

We want to say a big thank you for your prayers and encouragement. The thoughtful gifts and notes we received through Dr. Kayumba after SYNOD in Cape Town lifted our spirits more than we can say. We are so grateful for each of you.

We miss you and look forward to seeing many of you during our Home Assignment. Until then, may the Lord keep you steadfast in His love and full of joy in serving Him where you are.

Please continue praying for us as we prepare for our mission work in Mongu—through housing, language learning, and ministry partnerships.