Our First Month Back at New Day

It's hard to believe that we have only been back in Zambia since March 9th. It seems like we have been back much longer, probably because we have been very busy since we've been back--time flies!

We loved our time in the states, seeing friends, sharing the story of New Day and spending time with family, but there's no place like home and sleeping in your own bed! It was wonderful to come back to green grass in our yard and flowers.

The children changed so much in our time away, Axer is not the baby of the group anymore, and she loves to tease Wes that she does not love him, but she is just a girl playing hard to get.

Axer and Gertrude being silly while the other kids watch Curious George at our home.

Sisi has become a beautiful young girl and is not scared of Mama Lala anymore, and even gives me a hug once in a while.

Sisi far right at our home, with Ben and Machila on the left.

It's been fun to get reacquainted with all the kids and to meet the new ones: Mweene, Glory, Precious and Kefbert.

The boys showing off their new t-shirts.

 

The girls received Barbie dolls from a friend in the states and just loved them. Thank you Sheila Parker!

 

During the school holiday (the month of April) Wes and I have been discipling the children at New Day that accepted Christ before we left. This has been a real joy as we watch the children learning and growing. Recently we had a very teachable moment when all the kids got in trouble together for drinking sodas that did not belong to them. We were able to talk about the situation in the lesson, and before class ended several children admitted that they had done wrong.

We've also been introduced to the weekly Kid's Club/feeding program that Blu and Darbi started while we were gone--a ministry that reaches as many as 150 children from the surrounding villages. It's a great opportunity to teach our New Day Kids to reach out to others.

Christina enjoying working behind the table passing out plates.

There's never a dull moment at New Day, but that's okay, we wouldn't have it any other way! I had planned to add a few more pictures while I have better internet in Livingstone, but it is time to go back to New Day. 

God's Surprises

As we travel around sharing what God is doing at New Day, we sometimes wonder, after speaking, “Did we make the right decision in coming to share with this church or with these people?” Or, we wonder, “Did we come at the wrong time?” But, God loves to surprise us in the way He moves in the hearts of people.

One of the churches where we spoke is located in the inner city, in a location where handguns are carried to church for protection. Recently, a kingpin for the Bloods was saved when he came into the church for counseling. He told the pastor later that he was on his way to kill three people when he came into the church. He was sitting in the back when we shared. Most of the people, in this church have little money and very difficult lives, but, in spite of their poverty, they gave generously to New Day and many joined our prayer team. In addition to that, they were a great encouragement to us through their words.

It was Wednesday night. We got lost trying to find the little country church, and when we arrived, the church was dark and no one was there. What good could come out of this?  Great things!  There was a good crowd for a Wednesday night, and they seemed generally interested in what God is doing at New Day, and thanks to the efforts of one young lady in the church, this little country church blessed New Day with a very generous gift for our truck fund.

The next church was a rather large church—a church with three services.  The people were very friendly and warm, but very busy on the Sunday we were speaking with lots of exciting things happening, and we had quite a few problems with our videos. I was standing at our table between services, but most people were passing by to sign up for a special event that was happening the following week. I was not upset by this, because the things that were happening were very important for this church. However, I did feel kind of awkward standing there. Suddenly a little lady came up to me and handed me an envelope and said, “God told me to give this to you!” and walked away. It was time to speak again so I put the envelope away for safe keeping until I could look at it later. Was I surprised when I opened the envelope and found 10 hundred dollar bills and a note that said, “This is a hard time of year to give this, but God told me to do so.” Wow! If we would all be that obedient when God asks us to do something!

These are just a few stories of the way that God has surprised us as we have traveled around sharing the story of New Day Orphanage.  We really do serve a BIG God!

Our Travels Continue

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. After leaving Wichita, we spent a few days in Topeka, Kansas at the home of Jon and Priscilla Sapp. The Sapps so graciously allowed us to stay in their home while they were gone for the weekend, but before they left, we enjoyed an evening with them catching up on and sharing what God is doing in both of our worlds, and eating some amazing barbecue. Thanks Jon and Priscilla!

On Sunday, we spoke at Covenant Baptist Church, and once again enjoyed sharing God’s story. The people of Covenant were so gracious and genuinely interested in what God is doing at New Day. While there, we were presented with a check for $1,100 that the children of Covenant had raised. It all started with the Covenant children raising about $200 during their summer VBS program, which is not a normal program, but one in which the children learn various skills, crafts, etc., but always with a Biblical focus.  However, one little girl, Lily was not satisfied with that amount that the children raised.  A plan began to form in her mind, and she came up with a plan to raise money through a special garage sale where the children made things that they had learned through this special VBS program. There were, if I remember correctly, seven children involved. The children even passed out business cards for the orphanage that they had made themselves. The garage sale brought them to $1,000. In addition, a Topeka newspaper gave the additional $100 when Lily was featured as their Sunflower hero. She asked her mother, “Why do they think I’m a hero?” She was just doing what she thought was right.

Duane Dale, Covenant Baptist Church tells us the story of how the children raised money for New Day. 

Lily, on the far left, and the children from Covenant Baptist Church presented us with this check. What a blessing!

Wes sister and husband, Karole and Tuffy Dodd, and Wes’ niece, Michelle, husband Ryan and their children Makayla and Gabe came to hear us speak. It is always nice to have the support and interest of family.  Thanks for driving down to see us!

Wes' niece, Michelle, and her son, Gabe, came with other family members to hear us speak.

After leaving Covenant we made an unplanned trip back to NE so Wes could go to the dentist. He had been suffering for weeks with what he thought was an earache, but finally we decided that perhaps it was a problem with his tooth. I think it was actually my dad’s fault because he had prayed we would be able to come home for a few days since we were so close. Thanks Dad! 

Wes ended up having a root canal, but at the same time, made a new contact with his dentist. God uses all sorts of situations to bring us into contact with people who are interested in what is happening at New Day.

As I write this, we are on our way to Bolivar, Mo to meet with a group of students at Southwest Baptist University. We will then go to Carthage, MO, where we will stay with Wes’ mom until Thanksgiving. Sorry I don't have more pictures. I keep forgetting to carry my camera.

Okay, let me figure it out. We have now slept in 15 beds, been in 5 states and eaten out 32 times that we can remember. Oh, and I can’t count the number of times we’ve stopped for coffee at all the Casey-type gas stations.

One Month Down

We have finished the first month of our time in the states. It is going too fast, and yet not fast enough as we really miss our New Day family. However, we are also enjoying seeing friends and family and meeting lots of new people. It is always a joy to share the story of what God is doing at New Day. Every time we talk about the kids at New Day, we can't help but miss them.

We are now in our 5th state (Kansas) and have slept in 13 beds. We have shared in 5 churches but with lots of others in between. God is giving us great opportunities all along the way to tell the story of New Day. We even stopped for a restroom break at a little craft shop and left some information when we found out that the owner's son is a pastor and recently took a mission's trip to Zimbabwe. We don't have pictures of everyone (we often forget the camera), but below are a few pictures of the people we have met and the places we have been. 

We returned to Cleveland, TX a second time to speak at First Baptist Church. Once again, Mark and Beth Cameron so graciously hosted us. A few friends from the past dropped over to say hello while we were there.

Left to right: Brenda Cherry, Beth Cameron, Laurie and Martha Bounds

Left to right: Wes, Andy Cherry, Craig Bounds, and Mark Cameron. Always fun to see old friends--no pun intended!

Wes preached at First Baptist in the a.m. service, and we shared about New Day in the evening. We had a great response, and we look forward to a team coming to work with us in 2014. Laurie's aunt and uncle from Willis even came up to hear about New Day.

Thanks Uncle Norman and Aunt Elna for coming to hear us speak!

After leaving Cleveland, we headed to Temple, TX where we spent a few days with Darbi's parents, Ron and Dee Winsman. We had a very nice time in Temple and heard lots of fun stories about Darbi's growing up years. While we were there, we were able to visit with several of our ministry partners who have recently been to Zambia. We also met Carolyn's parents (one of our volunteer teacher's at New Day.) Sorry, this was one of those times I forgot to take pictures. 

Our next stop was Amarillo, TX where we shared with the Coulter Road Baptist Church family. We have been partnering with this church for years and look forward to continued ministry together. Once again the church family made us feel so welcome and loved!

 Bob and Debra Perry, as usual, spoiled us rotten while we were in Amarillo.

Mike and his little boy Avery, have been praying for us for years. 

Had a great meal at a Japanese restaurant in Amarillo.

While in Amarillo, we were able to visit with Steve and Shirley Taylor who now live in Borger, TX. We first met the Taylors when we were missionaries in Zimbabwe back in 1991. They helped us get settled in Zimbabwe and we also ministered together with them later in Zambia. 

Also had a nice visit with the Taylor's daughter, McKelvey, and husband Trent. We first met McKelvey when she was just a baby. 

I'm writing this blog from Wichita, KS where we are staying at the Holiday Inn. Although we are thoroughly enjoying our travels, some rest is needed as I'm noticing some dark circles under my eyes. I actually slept in this morning, which is something I rarely do. 

Orphan Sunday

This past Sunday we spoke at Coulter Road Baptist Church in Amarillo, TX. It just happened to be national Orphan Sunday. After the first service a woman came up to our table with her son. He was probably about 5 or 6 years old. His name was Billy. His mother said, "Billy has some money he wants to give to New Day." Then she turned to him and asked him, "Do you want to tell them why you are giving this money?" Billy's eyes were filled with tears and he huddled close to his mother with his head down. When he did not speak, his mother told us that Billy's dad died just died recently. Billy was very touched by the stories of the children at New Day. He felt a bond with them because, like him, they too had lost their fathers. He understood their pain. He handed me $40. What a big sacrifice for such a little boy. 

Billy smiles when we give him a New Day hat to wear. His mother is on the left, and  the pastor of Coulter Road Baptist Church, Chris Robeson on the right who is proudly wearing the African shirt we gave him last year.

When we share at churches, our goal is to touch the hearts of people to give so that New Day can minister to the orphans of Zambia, but to hear that we had touched the heart of this little boy, who himself just became an orphan, was probably the highlight of our day. Pray for Billy to feel God's comfort and to know that His heavenly Father loves him. 

Our First Three Weeks

We have been in the states for almost three weeks now, and we have already slept in eight beds, been in four states, and shared five times about what God is doing at New Day Orphanage.  

Here’s a quick recap of where we have been so far and what we’ve been doing.

Week 1:  Spent time in Nebraska with Laurie’s parents and other family members who dropped in for a visit.

 

 

Fun to be together with my mom, niece Amanda, and sister Pam. I'm still in jet lag so I can barely keep my eyes open.

Drove to Carthage, MO to see Wes’ mom, where several family members dropped in to spend some time with us as well.

Wes meets his 4-month old great niece who was only 1 lb. at birth.

Week 2: Spoke at WellSpring Church in Bolivar, MO, Wes’ ole’ stomping grounds. He was able to visit with several of his former college football buddies and coach, and we saw several people from the past. While there, we went to see Wes’ stepdad who was very ill. Although he could not really talk to us, it was good to see him as it would be the last.

Drove to Wagoner, OK where we spent two nights at Tulakogee Conference Center. We had the privilege of speaking to a great group of senior adults and spending time with our dear friends, Keith and Sandy Huddleston who had arranged this speaking engagement. We really enjoyed ourselves and met some really neat people and heard a great family singing group, the Link Union. Wow, they were impressive!

 

Good friend, Sandy Huddleston, helped arrange our speaking engagement at Tulakogee.

After leaving Tulakogee, we traveled to Muskogee, OK to spend some time with Wes’ brother Robbie and his wife Kelly. Sadly, Robbie’s dad (Wes’ stepdad) passed away during the night.  We returned to Missouri to visit the family and give our condolences. Because the family did not plan to have a funeral, we decided to go on to Texas. Although Wes was not close to his stepfather in his adult years, he still respected him for raising him.

We arrived in Cleveland, TX at the end of the week and spent two nights with Mark and Beth Cameron. Cleveland is where we lived before we left for the mission field back in 1991.  The Camerons are great friends and we enjoyed catching up and reminiscing about the past.  

Week 3: We began this week by speaking first at Cornerstone Church, Cleveland, TX in the Sunday School hour and in the morning service. We met some really sweet people and made some good contacts there--looks like we will have some volunteers coming to help from this church in the near future.

In the evening we spoke at FBC Liberty, TX and stayed with friends, Dennis and Penny Odell. It was great to catch up with them, see two of their children, Thomas and Amber, and meet their sweet grandchildren. When we left many years ago, Thomas was still running around in diapers. How did we get this old so quickly?

At the home of Dennis and Penny Odell in Liberty, TX.

For the past few days we have been staying at the home of David and Sandy Smith, Spring, TX. It is really amazing how God puts people together. We have never lived in the same place, worked together, gone to the same church, but through mutual friends, God has placed this special couple into our lives. We had a very relaxing and enjoyable time being with David and Sandy and were absolutely spoiled rotten by them!

At the home of David and Sandy Smith, Spring, TX

 

As I write this, we are staying in the hospitality room at West Conroe Baptist Church where we will try to get some work done before we start speaking again.  Well, I guess I’d better get busy.

A Quiet, Busy Week

The last week and a half has been quiet around New Day with more than half of our staff gone for the holidays, and few workers on property. I have been trying to get some projects done that I want to finish before heading home to the states in early October. My list is long, but bit by bit (as they say here), I’m making headway.


Even though many are gone, there is still plenty of activity with the children. It is the school holiday, so we must try to keep them busy and out of trouble. I try to go down to see what the children are doing each day, and I have observed several interesting things that they have been doing on their school holiday.

They built themselves a little village.

Mama Joyce is teaching them how to make rag rugs.

They’ve been learning to take care of the goats and other animals with the help of Miss Debbie.

Kalenga has taught them how to do chores such as watering the flowers.

Wes had them picking up trash on the property, and also taught a few of them how to build a rabbit house.

Mama Lala had them down a few times to watch Little House on the Prairie.

Michelle has made sure they had their time of sports.

And Mulenga and Hildah have spent time reviewing what they learned in school so they don’t forget EVERYTHING over the holiday.

Other happenings around New Day have included…

…burning off the dead grass on our land. Wes said he would be back in 30 minutes for supper. Three hours later he came in covered with soot, hot and tired. It is quite a sight, but one that makes you pray a lot.

… a birthday party for Eness, our part-time cook. She was very surprised and it took her awhile to realize it was her birthday. She doesn’t know how old she is. She wasn’t sure if she was 24, I think Blu gave her that age, 34, or in her 40s. Hey, maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to NOT know your age!

…and, I’m sure there are other things I have forgotten.

Well, I’d better get back to the project I am working

Showered with Love

This week I celebrated my 55th . I thought we might have to get a fire extinguisher to blow out all those candles, but thankfully I had some sweet little children to help blow them out.

Birthdays here at New Day are an adventure--that is for sure. As many of you well know, we have a tradition of throwing water on the birthday person. Many have asked where this tradition came from, I really don’t know, although supposedly it is a tradition in some places in Zambia. Needless to say, it is the part of my birthday party that I was dreading so I thought I would prepare for the day by bringing my backpack with my raincoat inside. Of course, Blu, somehow got a hold of it and tied it to the rafters in the dining room, thinking I was too short to get it down (or too old)! But when he went out of the dining room for a few minutes, I retrieved my raincoat, “thinking” it would help!


The kids showered me first with balloons when I came in the door, and although they were only supposed to throw them at me, they thought they were supposed to beat me with them—such love!


After some dancing and singing, it was time for the cards, presents, and cake. Each of the children made me birthday cards—how very special!

While Blu was busy having the kids sit on their balloons, I snuck out and put on my raincoat and then peaked through the back window of the dining room. My mistake was that I said, “You can’t get me.” That was all it took and the water party began. I did not think about the fact that the kids would just lift up my raincoat instead of pouring water on my head. In a matter of seconds my jeans were soaked and so I decided to take off the raincoat. That too was a BIG mistake. It was all over but the crying for me and laughing for others. I must say that Darbi felt bad for me as she is yet to experience the water tradition. I won’t be here in November to sympathize with her on her birthday, so Darbi, I’m sorry ahead of time for what you will experience.


All in all, it was a great birthday mostly because I was surrounded by such special people. Thanks to my New Day Family for “showering me with love.”

I cannot forget to add that Wes made me chocolate chip waffles for breakfast, gave me some beautiful earrings, somehow rigged it that I win one game of Farkle, and spoiled me throughout the day! Thanks Wes.

Busy Days

It has been way too long since I have blogged, but I’m sure most of you have kept up with the happenings at New Day through Darbi’s blog. Doesn't she do a great job!! I’m plugging along and in spite of the fact that this blog is a little past due, Wes tells me that I should still write even if the news is old.


Yesterday we said good-bye to Christy, Sonya, and Mandy from Clanton, Alabama, who came for just a little over a week to visit us here at New Day. We did not call this threesome a team, but friends who came to visit.


Thanks Christy, Sonya and Mandy for dropping by to see us here at New Day!

On the last day of their stay, five-year old Joseph arrived to join our New Day family. When he arrived, he looked like he was in shock with so many people to greet him. I wondered how long it would take him to smile, but when we returned after supper for our Wednesday night praise and prayer, several children came running out of the door to give us their usual hugs. Was I surprised when I looked down to see that Joseph was hugging me with a big smile on his face. He is not a shy boy, and was dancing, singing, laughing and doing a few ornery things as well before the night was over. Hmmm, we may have our hands full with this one! (Of course I did not have my camera with me)

Christy, Wes and Mulenga greet Joseph.

Joseph, (middle), is about to receive his first set of new clothes from Momma Joyce, far right.

In June and July, we have seen many teams come and go. It has been a busy time, but a very fruitful time as well.

Much of my time was spent in the kitchen preparing meals so that the teams could do their work with full bellies!

 In my last blog, I told you about the ministry of Christ Community, Omaha, Nebraska. I wanted to add something really neat that has come out of this ministry. Our children watched the team do the Redeemer Drama only a few times, and then Michelle, who lives and works with the children, taught them the drama from memory. They recently performed it at the local “Agricultural Show.” Although they did not have the music, they did an excellent job. We hope to train them with the music, as we have an older version of the Redeemer Drama from several years back.

Michelle introduced the drama and explained each part before the children performed.

Francis (left) represented God in the drama. Here he creates man, played by Muchoni on the right.

Here Jesus, also played by Francis, takes on the sins of the world.
Satan thinks that he has won the battle.

The Coulter Road Baptist Church team from Amarillo,Texas was involved in a variety of ministries in and around New Day:



Career Day was part of the ministry of this team.
Dr. Luke Thornton checks Christina's reflexes while Phillip and Purity look on.

 


The ladies of Coulter Road met with the ladies of Mapanza Baptist Church for a one-day women's meeting.  



TThey were also involved in a three-day women's meeting held at New Day with over 70 in attendance. Thirteen ladies accepted Christ on the last day of the meeting.

Luke and Bob helped put up fences around the gardens. I think they had the most fun driving the tractor around the property.

The team from our home church, LifeSpring Church, Bellevue, Nebraska, hosted a VBS for the village kids. They had over 100 children on the last day. We know that because of their ministry to the children around New Day, seeds were planted that will someday produce fruit.

Brian came to VBS every day with his beautiful smile.  He also comes to the New Day Church nearly every Sunday and seems very interested in spiritual things.

While VBS was in session, the New Day Staff took some time off to have a spiritual retreat led by our Pastor, Steve Holdaway. Susan Holdaway and Linda Smolen made us feel like we were back in the states, leading us in some great American worship.


Pastor Steve Holdaway encouraged our staff through four days of challenging Bible studies.

We also had some times of fun with the teams with a few trips to Chobe to see the animals and to Victoria Falls. These are just some of the special treats that go along with ministry in Zambia.

There were three lions on one side of our vehicle stalking impala....

...and a group of elephants walking right next to our vehicle on the other side, and I actually remained pretty calm!

We are in Livingstone right now, relaxing for a few days before heading back to New Day. While I was getting my hair cut and a pedicure, Wes was off setting up a surprise birthday dinner for me at Ocean Basket, a local seafood restaurant. What a sweetie. When we arrived, the waiter ushered us to a corner table where a bouquet of red and yellow roses awaited, two coffee mugs with chocolate bars, and some cute little stone hearts that Wes had found in the market. He had already ordered so we didn’t have long to wait for a delicious meal of Calamari steak. The evening ended with ice cream with candles since there was no cake.

Sorry for the blurry picture taken from Wes' phone, but I wanted everyone to see my beautiful flowers given to me by my super wonderful husband. Thanks, Wes, I love you!

This week we have a team of 15 from Christ Community, Omaha, NE, ministering with us here at New Day. Because of the size of this team, we are using ACTS to help us. They transport the team to and from the airport, cook for the team, and take care of all the logistics. What a blessing.

The team arrived in this big blue and white overland truck which also becomes the kitchen when the sides are opened up.

This team is doing a BIG variety of ministries here and in the community. Some are helping with construction projects.

Some are working in the school with the children, doing afternoon children’s activities, a mini VBS, and just hanging out with the children.




Michelle and Axer bonding together. Axer is proud of her new headband and necklace given to her by the team.



Some are performing the REDEEMER drama in several schools and villages around New Day.

Some are giving sewing lessons to several of our staff so they can mend the children's clothes and makes school uniforms. They are also making discipline charts for the children, hemming curtains, mending clothes for the staff, and more.



Dee Kohler shows Michelle how to use the sewing machine. Joyce, mother of the Joy House has picked up sewing very quickly.



Others are doing a variety of health ministries to for our staff and community.

And still others are reaching out to the widows of our area.

We are so thankful for the work that this team is doing. They are helping us to minister to the community as well as to the children and staff.

The team was here for Kalenga's birthday party, which I think they thoroughly enjoyed. Instead of the usual water pouring, we did spoonfuls of love as we told Kalenga why we loved him and poured water on him one spoonful at a time. It was too cold outside for buckets of love.

Wes tells Kalenga why he loves him as he pours a spoonful of water on his head.



One of the special things about this team is that each night they sit around the campfire and share what God is doing in their lives. It is pretty awesome. Yes, a campfire. It is cold here right now during the mornings and at night so a campfire is a wonderful thing!





Teaming Together

Team season is in full swing, and for the last few weeks, we have had the joy of hosting several teams. One of those teams was fromUnion Hill Baptist Church in Purcell, Oklahoma. Lance and Staci Norton, and Madison and MacKenzie Gilham made up the team. We are so thankful for their willingness to come half way around the world to minister to our children, our staff, and help with outreach to a new area where we are hoping to plant a church.

MacKenzie, Madison, Lance and Staci arrived at New Day on May 23.

Below are some pictures of the ministry that the team was involved in during their time at New Day. Thanks Lance, Staci, Madison, and MacKenzie for coming to work with us at New Day.


The children taught Staci, MacKenzie, and Madison how to play "Sheep, Sheep, Please Come Home." I think Staci (in the back) is one of the lions who is catching Muchoni, one of the sheep.



MacKenzie holding Christina on the left, and Madison holding Axer on the right, were loved by all the children! They spent several days helping out in the school with P.E., Art, Music, Skills, and Tutorials.

Each afternoon, the team went out with staff from New Day to do survey-evangelism in a new area known as Nabukowa. Mulenga, Elizabeth, MacKenzie and Lance were one of the teams that went village to village talking to the people about Jesus.

Staci Norton enjoying a moment with Christina, our newest girl at New Day. Christina loves to be held and is almost always smiling.

 

The team lead the staff in some team building activities. Here we had to follow the leader blindfolded. I felt safe holding onto Wes.

After a wonderful week of ministry, we headed for Livingstone to show the team the wonderful sights of Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. A day trip to Chobe, Botswana was one of the fun things we did together.