I visited Manyama Baptist Fellowship Church on Sunday, February 12, 2013. We had a good time worshiping together. I was greatly encouraged by the Sunday School teacher. He is always a great source of encouragement because he uses scripture well and keeps a kingdom minded focus. I was extra encouraged this Sunday because he has decided to lead the church through the lessons I wrote titled Healthy Church. He had made this decision before arriving at church and it was just God's blessing to me to be there to see him start this. It's a reminder that the work the Lord does through me will outlive my time in Zambia.
Even with that encouragement, my heart is still heavy for Manyama and the area surrounding it. With the Copper Mine which operates in that area, there are many opportunities for people to advance their career and standard of living. However, with these opportunities comes the temptation to live a self-centered life. The gospel is desperately needed in this area as the largest churches in the area feed the self-centered nature with prosperity gospel. Even our own little fellowship there is struggling with the same tendencies.
Mr. F. has been gracious in helping lead the church and letting the church meet in one of the classrooms at his school. However, his heart is only for his church. He continues to have no vision for helping other areas around Manyama to have access to the gospel. For the past three years I have exhorted them to choose a location to plant a new church since they know the area best. Then, I would work alongside them and a team from Solwezi to help establish a church in the area they chose. The church usually likes the idea and is in support. However, they prefer to follow Mr. F. after I have departed. He leads the church to make excuses and they do not move forward.
Praises:
The church is still going
The church seems to be progressing in their goals
Prayer Requests:
Pray for God to change the hearts of Mr. F. and the church as a whole to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
Pray for a new preaching point to be started in or near Manyama.
Pray for Manyama Baptist Fellowship Church to be the initiators of new work in their area.
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