As of February 27th, we crossed the border of Zimbabwe and entered into Zambia! It is, as they say in Asia, ‘same-same but different’ from Zimbabwe. Many things are similar in Zambia, but the city we are in has a unique flavor and language that is different from Zimbabwe. We are on the outskirts of Livingstone which is by Victoria Falls.
The dry heat and flat, sparse landscape of this area are very charming. The red, sandy dirt covers our shoes and the sides of the small, clean, white-washed houses in the area. The bright red sand is stunning up against the green foliage and bright blue sky.
This month we are partnering with YWAM (Youth With A Mission) Livingstone. YWAM has been kind enough to open their facilities and ministry to allow us to help. Our ministry this month focuses on door-to-door ministry in the rural community that surrounds the house in which YWAM participants live. We get to spend a lot of time in the beautiful outdoors, which I love.
Door-to-door ministry is not something I love, though. I would say it isn’t really my thing. It feels awkward going out and knocking on someone’s door uninvited and sharing the Gospel with them. In America, this would not fly, but here it is different. People willingly open their homes to us when we walk up which is encouraging. I am growing to see that door-to-door is easy and fine.
We also have the Ministry of getting to know and pour into our host and the YWAM participants that we live with this month. We have been in the field longer than some of them and have been giving insight into what we think God is doing but also just an understanding ear as they process the cultural shift and living conditions. I enjoy sharing wisdom and serving people in this way.
This month seems like it will be a relatively chill month overall that involves doing life and learning a lot. Our mornings are taken up with door-to-door but afternoons thus far have been chilling with the family and YWAM’ers. We garden, cook, play games, watch football (soccer), and compare notes on missions. This slow down is welcome after last month’s go-go-go of the women’s and children’s shelter.
This month you can come alongside us by praying for doors to be opened both figuratively and literally. We have a tremendous opportunity to share the Gospel with this city. Please also pray that we would listen to God as we talk to these people so that we can do and say what He wants us to. Hearing God is one of the hardest things for me, so your prayers are much appreciated!
This month will be one for the books that we are excited about! I can’t wait to share more of it with you!
Blessings from Zambia!
Elise
