Zambia has truthfully been a whirlwind of emotions for me. However, at the end of the day, I still know I’m exactly where God wants me.
When we first arrived in Zambia we were scheduled to be ministering alongside of another team, Sozo. We were all excited to see what God had in store for 2 teams with such different dynamics. We knew it had to be good! Upon arriving to our host’s home, we learned that Radiant Vibes was not staying with Sozo for the month, rather with a completely different host about 15 minutes away. Emotionally, this was exhausting. We couldn’t get settled for yet another night.
Eventually, we met Pastor Kebby, our host. We moved in and quite literally took over! Pastor Kebby’s family is so gracious and has spoiled us. We love all 8 of them to pieces!
For our ministry, we got the incredible opportunity to evangelize alongside of Barnabas. Barnabas is a real life Jacob. He was totally transformed and literally given a new name. He started walking this earth as Marion and God changed his name and his life to Barnabas.
Barnabas has been an awesome person to minister alongside. He has poured into us and the church members so well.
For our actual scheduled ministry, we did door-to-door evangelism. To be honest, I wasn’t too thrilled at literally going to a house, knocking on their front door, handing them a “Jesus booklet”, and then heading on our merry little way. Man, was I wrong about how these days would go about.
The first day, we met Bridgett and her son. Bridgett congregates at the Roman Catholic Church in Zambia. She welcomed us at her home so well. She told us she knew Jesus and she was a believer. We went through our whole spill and she just agreed with everything we said. I thought our talk went well and that she was encouraged! Apostle Barnabas thought otherwise. He dove in deep with Bridgett. He spoke raw truthfulness to her. He knew there was something more God had in store for her this day.
Bridgett listened intently to what Barnabas had to say–what the Lord had to say. After he asked her, “Is there something you’re struggling with today?” She looked up with tears in her eyes and said, “I’m a drunkard. I can’t do anything without beer.”
My heart broke. Bridgett had just met us minutes before and she was spilling her deepest addiction of alcoholism. I had totally belittled this moment. I thought he we were done before any of this had started. I thought we had checked off everything on the list to say and do. I was wrong. Bridgett needed healing. His healing. She needed someone to press in and tell her the raw truth. I would have failed her this day, but luckily my God is bigger than my failures and He prevailed this day! He showed up like He always does!
Bridgett prayed and wept that day. Alcoholism isn’t welcomed in her body. We prayed against it and are continuing to pray against it. I believe she received true healing from her addiction. No thanks to us, but all because of Him and His loving power! Amen!
