Greetings from Zambia

 

Greetings from Zambia! 

Psalm 25:1-5: In you, Lord my God, I put my trust.  I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause. Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.  Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

I have been reading this Psalm frequently this last month. Once again in this prayer David is seeking the Lord for His wisdom and guidance. He knows that his refuge is in His Savior. May we also humble ourselves and submit our plans to Him who is above all. When I sit down with our children, we often talk about having a teachable heart. We have so much to learn from our Heavenly Father. Nate and I are reminded of that daily as our own flesh wants to rise up and fight against it. In each of our relationships and circumstances we can see ways in which we are bothered when our own ideas do not prevail.  What will our response be when our reality looks so much different than we thought? Are we willing to humble ourselves? Are we willing to trust in His plan? Are we willing to let the Lord teach us and guide us in truth?

In Romans 8:12-13 says: So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Paul makes a distinction between two ways of living, which consequently has two outcomes. Those who live according to the flesh, it will end in spiritual death, while living by the Spirit leads to life. We all can have a human tendency to seek the things that bring us satisfaction- to please ourselves without a thought of how it can affect our relationship with God and others.  The alternative to this is being led and guided by God. That through God’s strength and the finished work of the cross we can be victorious over sin that can so easily entangle us. It is so important that we put on the full armor of God so that we can stand against the plans of the deceiver. By His Spirit we can see His fruit of: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control being displayed in our own lives. 

As we look to our ministry here, we pray that it would be led by God, and seasoned in prayer. We want to be and do what God desires us to do. To be used by Him for His will and purposes. Even when things do not seem to be effective, we want to remain obedient to God and continue to show the people around us His love, His grace, His mercy, His faithfulness.

Ministry/Family Update

Nate has been working hard trying to keep the house projects moving along as well as trying to help out where needed. Whether it is helping Jako repair tractors, trailers, and vehicles. Or maintenance at the school and children's home. There is typically not an issue of finding jobs to do, it is more of a  matter of what jobs need to be done first.( I know many of you are in the same boat) It takes many hands to help make each portion of this ministry work, and we are blessed to be able serve in this way. Lately we have been doing children church at the children's home on Sunday morning. Nate has continued to do his Bible studies with the workers and the community Bible study on Saturdays. Our kids have enjoyed going along with them and are beginning to build some relationships with other children in the community. 

 

Twana school opened May 9th for the start of Term 2. The school is serving about 85 students in the community. The teachers are continually learning how to improve student learning. They are being challenged to think outside the box using materials and resources around them to encourage student learning. I have continued to  encourage  them by creating materials that will support the Zambian Curriculum they are teaching.

  Term One Parents Day at the preschool. Over 50 moms came to make grass reed mats. The teachers painted a letter of the alphabet onto each mat. Now the children are enjoying using these mats to help them practice the alphabet letters and sounds. 

The builders have finished their portion with our house!! We are excited to move onto the next phase of the house project.. The colors are coming into the house as more rooms are being painted. The windows are in, the electrical set up is there, plumbing partially done, and a few beds have been built. There is still a lot of work to be done, but hopefully by August we will be able to move in. 

Pulling the septic lid onto our septic tank. Great engineering. Reminded me of how the Egyptians moved those heavy stones.

Family Fun

We had to do a few town trips to submit paperwork for Levi, look for materials for the house, and convert Melanie's drivers license. We were thankful to be able to get all that completed  without too much trouble. Melanie failed on a previous attempt, but was able to pass the drivers test the second time around.  At least now she can keep practicing her driving skills legally. 

Town trips can be hard sometimes as we need to balance getting necessary supplies we need, taking time to fellowship with other families, and being intentional to connect with our kids. Nate and I have been amazed by our children and how well they have adapted. Each town trip looks different, but I am learning more and more that our attitude can make a HUGE difference. Below are some captures of some of our town trips over the last 5 months or so, and Levi passing with flying colors on his first photoshoot. 

If you want to partner with us financially you can write a check to 

Faith Assembly of God. Please write Zambia in the memo line and send it to: 

     5112 Lafayette Rd.

        Elk Run Heights, IA 50707

If you are interested in giving online please follow these steps below: 

• Click on this link below and it will take you to the church website  https://www.faithassemblyerh.com/

• Locate and Click on Tithe to follow the steps and make a donation. 

• Important Note: Be sure to switch from Tithe to Nate Sweerin in the drop down window to designate the funds to us.