Hello from Livingstone, Zambia! I am so happy and nervous to be sharing on an Adventures in Missions blog, but when the Lord tells you to share, you obey and share. My prayer is that those who read our blogs are encouraged, and empowered to be present where they are, serving the Lord and others. My other prayer is that this blog makes sense. We’ll see.
Upon acquiring wifi for the first time since arriving in Livingstone, I sent a text home to some of my family, updating them about what we had done so far and who we had encountered. It was the first day we were able to visit the preschool we are partnering with for the next two months. I wrote this to explain the moment we arrived:
“Today we were greeted at the preschool we will be working with by what felt like 100 children, all 6 years and below. I could never have enough love in me to love them the way they loved us.”
In my head the only other moment to compare this one to is the moment you arrive home after a long time away, embracing every loved one you can touch at one time. Arriving at Amazing Grace Preschool felt like coming home. The only thought in our minds was to embrace as many children as possible, and their only thought was simply to touch us. If they could just touch us, they would receive love (and get to touch “muzungo” (white person) skin).
During Passport Training Camp, we were encouraged that because we are saved, our new identities are replicas of Christ, and that no longer were we to emulate our earthly beings but to be Jesus to all we came in contact with. To be who God called into life; to pray for healing, to touch lives, to love. The moment at the preschool was the first moment I truly felt like Jesus on earth. Because I have given God authority over my life and my service to this community, He used me to do His work. My hope is that those we encounter receive God’s love; which is the most healing and powerful force in the universe.
Though the Zambian culture is very lively and kind, it is not very affectionate to children. The children of Livingstone are beautiful, smart, and so sweet. Many of them have one or both parents that are deceased. They are in need of love, and they freely give it. These kids have seen several Passport/World Race teams come and go, yet they still love without hesitation or condition. Since arriving last weekend, I have realized that as much love as we can give is not enough. They need the eternal love of their Heavenly Father. My prayer is that He would draw them to Himself through our words and actions the next two months.
Luke 18:16-17 says “But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the Kingdom of God. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” To some it may seem purposeless to travel to a country for two months to teach and play with children, but they have not seen the hope that enters their eyes when they are told how much they are loved – by us and their Creator. There is so much purpose in encouraging those whom the kingdom belongs.
Please be in prayer for the children of Livingstone, Zambia. There is so much need in these villages, and we are in prayer about what needs we can meet and how we could meet them. Also please be in prayer for my team as we do our best to follow the Lord’s leading. Today we are thankful for iced coffees and wifi and getting to talk to loved ones. Happy Saturday from Team Z!
Mallori
