“The Ballad Of John And Yoko” is a song written by John Lennon, attributed to Lennon–McCartney
as was the custom, and released by the Beatles as a single in May 1969.
This is actually… “The Ballad of Tom and Amy Morrow”
Are YOU feeling the draw into serving in Africa too? Read all the way to the bottom to see if TODAY is the day God called you into a specific role. (OR Please pass the mission opportunity along to others)
As noted prior, my team was doing Unsung Heroes last month (refer to “Dr. Robert“ blog).
One of the ministries we interviewed pretty much knocked my socks off.
Tom and Amy Morrow are AWESOME.
In a couple-hour meeting at Mugg and Bean in Lusaka,
they and their ministry efforts won me over.
The high points? Let’s bullet them:
-American. It’s cool to run into fellow Americans in random places doing things that most others think is impossible
-Incredibly intelligent and culturally aware. It was fascinating to learn from them during our WR ‘interview’
-They’ve both lived extremely unique lives growing up in missionary families and now subsequently creating another
-They have plans to write some books soon… probably worth a read given all the stories they had in just the short time we had with them
-They met in Japan, but have done missions work ALL over the world, landing themselves more longer term (~12 years) in Zambia
-Amy has researched the cost-benefit and dietary differences between various food meal plans for the children (=she knows science and saving money)
-They actively care about Zambians in so many economically-influenced ways for life-long positive results, in more than just the children who are under their care at the orphanage.
-They are expanding into a second home now that the children are aging (accept only babies 2 years and under, the oldest is now 9)
-At the orphanage, they farm and make efforts toward self-sustainability
-Beautiful star lit nights in the darkness that is the ‘middle of nowhere’, while still having internet access
-Tom used to film unreached areas of the world. Tom showed the ‘Jesus film’ around Zambia, as part of their missionary work, and discovered an abandoned half built ‘hotel’ building which, years later, is now used for the orphanage.
-They have five children in Texas, and with the youngest (now 16) being home-schooled in Zambia with them
-Nearby to the orphanage is a river which has ancient sharpening stones along the shore, which were used by civilization(s) prior to the current tribe residing there.
-Tom is a Zambian police officer AND wildlife responder
-Tom had to take down a Hippo… one of the most deadly animals alive. He has this youtube video showing how hard their skull is, how thick their skin/fat layer is, and what gun you don’t want to have to protect you from Hippo attack
-They have various snakes and wildlife on the premise (in cages)
-They live in the deep bush, and interaction with locals can be terribly unpredictable
-Amy is such a doll, and was regularly concerned Tom was sharing the ‘too scary’ stuff
-Their orphanage is on the border of The Democratic Republic of the Congo… Tom kayaked over the river border, did a dance quick, then got back into safe Zambia territory
-The mission employs ~20 locals
-Every July, the village the orphanage is in, holds this huge African ceremony/celebration, which can be observed from their compound
-etc. etc.
As alluded to above, there’s an opportunity to become a Manager with the Kazembe Orphanage! THIS would be such a GREAT move for anyone looking to start serving overseas. If I wasn’t on the Race, I’d probably set up camp for a bit myself. Tom & Amy are looking for someone passionate about serving God as a hands-on missionary.
Tasks would include:
-staff supervision
-inspiration and education (academic & Bible)
-childcare
-minor health care
-grounds maintenance (or at least an eye to see what must be done)
-kitchen supervision (menus, grocery procurement, etc.)
-basic expense accounting
-It is important that a missionary raise support from home, though arrangements for basic room/board may be made.
-An understanding of an alternate culture and the ability to inspire excellence within said culture is necessary, but can be included in training.
If you aren’t feeling that pull to this particular management opening, you can also help in lot of other ways. Check out their “How you can help” page HERE or HERE to sponsor a child, or HERE to make a general donation for them to continue with their AWESOME missionary work in Kazembe!
For more information:
Sign up for their newsletter: http://eepurl.com/osRrn
Read their blog: www.amysadventures.org
Visit their sites: www.missionaryfamily.com www.kazembeorphanage.com
Feeling that tug to maybe pack up and move here? Post a comment with your email address for more info.
FUNDRAISING UPDATE: I’m at 17%! If you’d like to be a part of the Fun[d] Board and get a little thank you from yours truly, please check out which squares are left on my home page. THANKS!
