When I signed up for The Race I knew that it was not going to be easy. I knew that I was going to face some challenges and that I was going to experience some hard life. But, to be completely honest I don’t think I was ready for this. I don’t think I was ready for the hard life and reality check that I got here in Lusaka, Zambia.
My team and I are living in the Matero district just outside Lusaka. We are staying in a small, 2 bedroom house, toilet and bucket showers outside with a family of 6. That is 12, sometimes 13 people, staying in this house all together. Let me just say, its close quarters. The stove is a convenient coal burning stove that is found outside. When I say coal burning, I mean a bucket that burns coals that you can put the pots on to cook. The neighborhood is wonderful though, everyone knows everyone and the kids of the community have already become accustomed to us playing with them. It’s a good home we have this month.
I feel safe and loved and relatively comfortable. I am learning I don’t need as much as I thought in order to live and be comfortable. This family and community have shown me the true definition of generosity and they share everything that they have with us, even if they don’t have a lot.
It makes me wonder, why people who have so much are so reluctant to give even a little? While those who have very little give a lot? It doesn’t always add up if you ask me.
Like I said, life here in Lusaka is not easy. But, I didn’t come on the race for life to be easy and comfortable. I came to be pushed outside my comfort zone and experience Jesus in whole new ways.
This month I have had to rely on Jesus every single day. Our ministry is street evangelism. This is not an easy or comfortable ministry for me. Talking to strangers is not fun. Talking to strangers about my faith and asking questions about their faith is not easy. I have had to get Jesus’ wisdom, grace, love, words & strength for every single day. Every moment of every day.
The best part is He shows up. Whenever I have asked he gives me those things. We serve an incredible God who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think. He always answers our prayers even if it comes in ways we didn’t imagine. But no matter what he has given words, wisdom, grace, love and strength whenever I have needed it.
One of my favorite parts of this month has been the family we have been staying with; Pastor Kebby, his wife Juliet, their 3 daughters- Irene, Prudence & Blessing and their son Emmanuel (Emma). This is the hardest working family I have ever met. Both Kebby and Juliet run their own businesses, along with pastoring the church. Their children all go to school and help work at the shops. They have Bible studies and meetings in their home as well as typical household chores. This is a hard working family!!!
Yet, never once have I heard them complain. Never once have they sulked about the portion they have been given or complained about their “lack.” In fact, I often hear the opposite. They are always saying, “whatever we have is yours.” “Don’t feel at home, be at home.” “Don’t worry there is plenty, have some.” They never complain that they have to get up early and go to bed late. They never complain that the meeting took 3 hours instead of 1 or that it is hotter today than it was yesterday. This family is full of strong faith!!
I admire families like this around the world. Families who have chosen to serve God’s Kingdom with everything they have, right where they are. They live completely sold-out for Jesus and they are making the difference in their communities. To me, they are the real heroes of faith!!
I look forward to seeing them again with the full reward that God has promised them. It is going to be a glorious day and celebration!!!
My time in Zambia has been full of challenges and celebrations. I am so grateful for all the moments that I have had here. I pray that all the lessons learned here will only propel me as I continue on the Race.
