Sunday, November 27, 2011

Doesn’t Look Like Much, But . . .


MICS new water tower
This morning we took a walk. It had rained all day yesterday, but the sun was shining now. This was a great chance to get some exercise and breathe some cool air. Since the rains started 10 days ago, the temps dropped considerably and had become very comfortable. (high 70’s to low 80’s)

First stop was the school office to return a few books to their proper place. Then we took the path that shortcut over to “Broadway”, the only named road here in Macha. Broadway takes you either to Macha’s points of interest, past Vision Restaurant, the roads that go to the radio station, the market, and the hospital, or going the other direction, to the airstrip.

We headed to the airstrip, peeked in the windows of the Flying Mission bush plane, and then took the path over to the Macha Works property. We chatted with Jonathon, the security guard on duty, before we noticed a new metal structure. It was the size and shape of a new water tank stand that Macha Works was promising MICS! It was currently purple and black, but most likely will get a finishing coat of green like the other towers around the village.

The tower doesn’t look like much, but to us it is the symbol of hope, of truth, of commitment; it is a statement of value. You see, for us, that tower represents water to cover all the needs. When water does not need to be addressed daily, it means other significant needs can be addressed and resolved.

It is the symbol of truth. When Mike and Geoffrey of Macha Works tell us that they are working to solve the problem, we can believe them and trust their word to fulfill their commitment to MICS. By their actions, Macha Works gives MICS value. They validate the mission of this school and boarding house to educate and train up young Zambians to walk in godliness and truth. The community of Macha sees the possibilities that could be realized when the next generation, these children, are given the opportunity to have hope and a future that would lift them from the bondage of poverty, disease and unemployment that comes with being uneducated.


Conduit of Blessing
Mr Luzutu had perfect attendance this year, he gets to go first!

Ms Chileshe dons her new specs!
A Krause end-of-the-school-year tradition is a party for the entire staff. The teachers, the teachers-in-training, the boarding parents or chaperones, and the cooking & cleaning staff come together to celebrate another successful year.  

Every Zambian party involves cake and punch. Part of this Krause tradition is to play games with the prizes being very large bags containing many random items like clothes, shoes and other practical items. The catch is each recipient will be able to keep a few things for themselves but are to watch for where God is at work and be a part of the solution by giving away the items from their bag. They are learning that no matter what your economical level, God wants to use you to bless others. This is a biblical principle of giving.

Bina Juster & her Mickey outfit.
At Valleybrook Church we’ve coined the term “conduit of blessing”. We recognize that when we walk in obedience with God, He will invite us to participate in what He is doing to make His presence known to others. God wants to flow through all of us into others; this is the primary way God works. The key is being in a personal relationship with Him so that you know His voice, and recognize His ways so that you can respond in obedience. When we see God’s invitation and we respond, the blessing goes on and on; in turn we are blessed as well.
Ms Mungo, Ms Mwiinga & Ms Siyumbelo show off their new apparel.

We are seeing that first hand as we serve here in Macha. God is showing Himself to others, His word has become powerful and has changed lives. Many that felt forgotten are visible, valued and their words count. What God intends to do in and through us is much bigger than we could ever do on our own!

1 comment:

  1. God bless you as you finish up your assignment from the Lord. Thanks for the great reports. We love you. Larry and Vi

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