Hi family and friends!
Two weeks ago we returned home from Zambia. We have come home with refreshed spirits and joy in our hearts! Though it is a bit long, here is a detailed report of what we did.
After two days of driving, the YOYL team with Bryce and Maxine arrived in Livingstone, Zambia. The expectations were high, but we never expected to leave so changed! The first ministry we stayed at was Love’s Door situated about 20 km outside of any town. We were literally in the bush ministering the Word of God to villagers who lived on less than R10 per day. We were able to pray with many people in the village and even saw miraculous healings be-cause we believed God would show his power. We also connected with some of the youth from the local villages. Most of them were forced to leave school because they could not afford school fees. However, Love’s Door stepped in to offer help. If these teens were will-ing to join the Bible study and work in the vegetable garden once a week, their school fees (R20 a month) would be taken care of. We had the opportunity to help in the garden a few days while we were there.
One evening while we were there, we had the opportunity to help serve food at the monthly celebration to all of the local disciples from the villages that Love’s Door has been working closely with. In addition,
Love’s Door also has two children’s homes on their base. They have taken in a number of children from the villages who have been neglected, but are now being looked after by local Zambians who stay in these chil-dren’s homes. Despite an interesting encounter with hippos, Love’s Door was an incredible ministry run by lovely people who have devoted their lives to serving God’s people of Zambia.
The ministry in Sambaland definitely stuck out for our team. Though we LOVED every single experience in Zambia, Sambaland touched us in a very unique way.
Justine Samba and his team have been feeding the children of the Ngwenya Village for many, many years. The children (ages 2-21) have learned to love and respect him. The team runs a feeding scheme every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. After the children have eaten, they proceed to meet around a tree and recite memory verses learned from the Bible. We were shocked that children as young as four years old knew at least one memory verse. They said them with pride! Their love for the Lord and hunger to learn was evident in their worship. We were also able to go into the community that surrounded Sambaland to visit with the people. We visited old widows whose families had neglected them. We saw even more miracles through these women! One lady in particular stands out in minds as she was very sick with malaria and hadn’t eaten in days. After the team prayed for her, she was completely restored and was able to eat full meals again! One lady of the community opened up her home and started a pre-school for locals. The school didn’t have many resources at all, and the 
teacher taught 75 kids from a small classroom (4m x 3m). Without many resources the students relied on memorization and oral learning. One last part of Sambaland where we really felt like we were making an impact was at one of the widow’s homes. She was quite an old lady living by herself with no one to help her with day to day things. Her mud house was cracking on the outside, so we were able to assist her in applying an extra layer. In addition to feeling helpful, we also enjoyed it!
The final ministry our team visited was in the heart of town. We felt a bit more "normal" when we arrived at the Kwathu Children’s Home as our previous living conditions were different than we were used to.
When Kwathu first started, there were only a few children that had been brought in from the streets. Now, a few years later, they foster 12 children ages 7-13. The Kwathu Children’s Home is run by a married couple with a heart for the lost and the poor.
Agrippa and his wife Jeanette have recently purchased land outside of town where they will be building a newer and much bigger children’s home. The new home should be finished mid-2013 and will house up to 60 children. We had the opportunity of visiting the new site and spent two days helping to clear the land. We connected with the children to some extent after they returned home from school each day, and one evening praised the Lord with them before they went to sleep.
Overall, the team will definitely say that Zambia was an incredible experience. We met awesome people, experienced the true culture of Zambia, and saw the mighty hand of the Lord at work! We came back changed!!
Thanks for your prayers as we were away. We were soaked in the presence of God and experienced more of Him!
Love,
The Bakers
