Alive In Africa

Life as we love it

2009-07-08T14:23:00.000-07:00

Thank you for the prayers for our first week with Rhoda. I am not sure how to adequately describe what a joy she has been to us. Is there anything more sweet than that big white teethed smile? I looked at her today during dinner and just marveled at the reality that she is "our" daughter. You would think that bathtubs are the greatest thing in all the world by the way she smiles and sings and plays during her bath time. Life is still so new and different and at times, overwhelming for her. It is challenging and we are daily praying for wisdom. But, day by day, she is getting used to being Jennifer Rhoda Allen and day by day we are learning how to love her and parent her. (More on the name tomorrow... It deserves its own blog!) Thanks again for your prayers and kind emails.

A birthday to remember

2009-07-04T12:05:00.000-07:00

Click on Picture to make it big!

From Collages

In case you haven't heard by now, we have been in the process of adopting a little Zambian girl named Rhoda for the past 3 months. Yesterday, we received what is called the "committal order" which names us as her official foster parents. With this piece of paper in our hands we were able to bring her home with us. Today was our first day with our newest daughter, Jennifer Rhoda Allen. (She has not been officially adopted yet, because Zambian law states that you must foster the child you wish to adopt for 3 months before you can even go to court and officially adopt. So, today marked the beginning of our 3 month fostering period.) We really weren't sure what to expect when we went to get her this morning. I (Stephanie) wasn't sure if she would be emotional saying goodbye to everyone there. Davern (her Zambian father for the past year and a half) led us in a time of prayer. I was very touched and quite emotional. Rhoda really doesn't like being the center of attention so she was quite subdued during that time. Most of the other kids happened to be at AWANA so the send-off was pretty small. After Davern prayed, Steve shared a few words thanking Davern, his wife, and the "aunties" for loving and raising our daughter during this time. We took a few pictures and then we left.

Rhoda was pretty stoic until we had been in the car for a few minutes and then a smile broke out. She smiled, and giggled a bit all the way home. When we got home, we gave her a bath. She played and played and played. I imagine she was never given the time to play when she lived at the orphanage. We had lunch, read some books and then went and got some ice cream to celebrate her fourth birthday. We decided to make her first day with us her new birthday. When Rhoda was brought to the orphanage no one knew what her actual birthday was, and so they assigned her a birthday in April saying that she was turning 3. But, it was pretty obvious to us and some others that she was not 3, but probably much closer to 4.

So, today was a day of fours. Her fourth birthday on July 4th into a family where she has four sisters and is the fourth of five daughters. She has four grandparents and four parents (two biological and two adopted).

After our yummy ice-cream we went to a 4th of July BBQ with some friends. There were five families, and 20 kids that were 10 years and younger:) Yep, it was a bit crazy. Rhoda took a little nap in my Ergo baby carrier on my back....yes, this is the BEST baby carrier out there. I'm convinced! She is 4 and I can hold her comfortably on both my front and my back. Rhoda loves it!! We enjoyed a nice dinner, some fireworks and then came home. We snuggled up little Rhoda in some cute jammies, read some books, and then got her under a comforter with a pillow. I laid down with her and sang her a song and she was asleep before I even finished. Steve and I both sat and prayed over her and watched her sleeping peacefully. It will be strange to have a new baby in the house and not have to get up and feed in the middle of the night. (at least I don't plan on it...) It seems so crazy that she is finally here. Steve and I both have been experiencing waves of anxiety over the last few days and even now, we wonder, how it will all work out. But, God has brought us this far and his grace will lead us on.

Tomorrow we plan on staying home from church to spend time as a family. Monday is a holiday here, so we are planning on going somewhere....maybe the zoo?? We will keep you updated on our new family. It is indeed crazy what a year can bring. We have, not just one new child, but two, in under a year. Our lives are wonderfully full and blessed.

Finally bloggin' about it...

2009-07-02T12:26:00.000-07:00

Check out our Intern #2's blog!!!
Pretty cool!

Today marks the three week mark of my time in Zambia. It has been really good. Here's a brief synopsis:

(1) Week One - All my flights went as smooth as they possibly could have. I got into Lusaka and was greeted at the airport by the smiles of Steve and Tyler before being shuttled around town for a bit. I stayed the first night with Tyler at a house in Makeni, which is a suburb of Lusaka, and was able to get a full night's rest, which was great. My first real experience with JetLag wasn't too bad, and I was ok on day three.

The rest of the week was spent with Tyler and Steve and Megan, just learning the city and learning what Action Zambia is doing in its various ministries. Public transportation here is pretty interesting, and I've got some great stories that I'll have to post later. All the missionaries here have been very gracious and generous with me so far; I had dinner with all but one of the families my first week here.

(2) Week Two - A short-term team from Vacaville, CA, came into town a couple of weeks ago to do some work with a farm we have called Cianjano ("Fellowship" in Nyanja). I hung with them for the week just digging 5' x 16' x 9' pit latrines, planting trees, and hanging out with kids from the local villiages. I love that stuff: kids are the same everywhere, it doesn't matter what culture they grow up in or what language they speak. We also tore down an Insaka (an African gazebo), and watched as ladies came from the villiage to make brooms from the straw roof as we tore it down. They'll sell them in the market later for 1,000 to 2,000 kwacha (20 to 40 cents).

(3) Week Three - The team took a trip down to Livingstone to see

Victoria Falls and catch a safari, but I decided not to go with them... instead I moved into Steve and Stephanie's guest room last weekend, and have been spending time getting to know the projects that I'll be working on the rest of the way out. I'm excited for this next month, as I'll hopefully be diving into the lives of 15 local pastors, getting to know them and their congregations, and just helping out the Action office wherever I'm needed.

More to come!

Progress

2009-07-01T16:06:00.000-07:00

I stole this from my teammates blog... Thanks Brent!

(Grading of the Soccer Field)

Ciyanjano (Nyanja word for fellowship), is the name of our ministry center located just outside of town. About 8 months ago, we temporarily closed the property up in an attempt to control some of the monthly costs until we were in a position to start developing the property. Well, the time has come. This week, we have had a team from California visiting. Their project while they are here - start phase 1 development of Ciyanjano.

Action Zambia is a ministry that focuses on equipping local churches for the work to which God has called them to do here in Zambia. We see the ministry center as a key to reaching this vision. After development is completed, the property will be used for a variety of activities such as kids camps, pastor conferences, marriage seminars and possibly even some livlihood projects to help pastors and churches generate income.

Pit Latrine # 1

The team here has been wonderful. They've been hard at work planting trees, digging a pit latrine, tearing down an old insaka, etc... It's neat seeing a team from half way around the world catching onto and supporting the vision that God has given our team here in Zambia.

Posted by Steve at 11:29 A

A freezing summer

2009-06-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

I was once in San Francisco and I saw a quote that went something like this: "The coldest winter I ever spent was the summer in San Francisco." I think it was Mark Twain who said that?!!?!? Anyway, it is obvious that Mark never visited Zambia in the summer because it is FREEZING. With no central heating and windows that are merely there for cosmetics, the house is like an icicle early in the morning and late at night. Try living in 46 degrees temperatures and staying motivated to get out of bed:) True, it does warm up during the day. But, wow, coldness exemplified. And try as I might to complain about how cold it is, I just need to look outside my house and I see people who are literally, freezing. Crazy to think in two months I'll be begging for a little of this 46 degree coldness at night.

Miracles still happen

2009-06-29T05:17:00.000-07:00

Cool story about God's goodness here in Zambia from our friends and teammates the Whitfields. See below:

=====================================

Dear Friends

Just wanted to share a huge opportunity for us to corporately praise God for His goodness.

Last Sunday as we were going to home church with our missionary friends for father's day Luke saw a man utilizing a crutch outside our friend's gate. He felt that God was telling him to go and ask what had happened to this man and to pray for him. As he inquired he found out that Daniel had a bad infection in his leg that made it almost impossible for him to walk without the aid of a crutch. Luke prayed for him and then sent Daniel on his way.

This weekend Daniel showed up at our friend's gate and asked for the big Muzungu (Luke has put on some weight if you have not seen him lately). Our friends the Allens directed Daniel to our gate and he informed us that his leg had been completely healed. Luke was gone the first time that Daniel stopped by and so was a little skeptical at the report. Today, Daniel stopped by again and Luke was amazed to see that this man's leg,that had been bandaged and extrememlely swollen, showed no sign of infection at all.

We are writing this to encourage you all that if God can work through sinners like us, then He can work through anyone. Praise God with us as we rejoice at His goodness and mercy. What a great God we serve and may all glory and honor be unto Him. It is amazing what He is doing through our partnership here in Zambia.

We love you all and so appreciate your love and support.

(We have included a picture of Daniel, his wife, and their child Emmanuel)

His Servants

The Whitfields <><

An excuse as good as any

2009-06-28T13:18:00.000-07:00

Well, you might be wondering why we haven't been blogging much this past week. Gasp! A week without a blog. Well, we have a good excuse. Our little Brady got really sick last Tuesday. We took her to the clinic, and then later that evening, we took her to a private hospital. The fear was that she had meningitis. She had all the classic symptoms. It turned out to be Pneumonia in her lung. She was given some strong antibiotics through an IV. We stayed in the hospital for four days and three nights. It has been an exhausting week, but we have been strengthened by the prayers of many. Thank you! (This picture is a thumbs up as she finished up her last dose of antibiotics!)

Excuse this Interruption...

2009-06-22T12:03:00.000-07:00

I try to keep this blog strictly business. I share stories about Africa and classes and pastors and the like. But, I couldn't resist. This picture is too cute, and if you haven't made it a practice to look at our "non-business" family blog, you would have missed out on this up and coming book worm. Yep, she is making messes and is so cute doing it. So, enjoy this pic and don't forget about cuteness defined located a click away at the Allen family memoirs!

Watch our Tree grow

2009-06-18T12:20:00.000-07:00

I was thinking the other day. I was thinking about this blog and how I wanted to write about the ministry things that were interesting. In some ways, there is so much to write about in Africa. I mean, if I just blogged the things I see and heard that are so different from America, I would be able to keep it full for weeks and months to come. There are little things and big things that happen daily, conversations and heartbreaking stories and cultural things that blow my mind. But, I really want to keep you up on all that God is doing in the ministry here as well. And I was thinking about the irony of it all. Many ministries come to Africa ready to build this or program that, take lots of pictures and then mail them home for their supporters to see. You could compare it to bringing in mature fruit trees and dropping them into these nice little rows in the middle of the desert. They look good for awhile, but because they are not trained to prune and care for trees, because they were not the national's idea in the first place, the treegivers go and so does the farm.

I believe and hope that ACTION Zambia is a bit different. Not that we haven't done some of these things. But, hopefully we are making some progress. We truly believe that healthy trees take time to grow and bear fruit. Our hearts desire is come alongside nationals that are already growing, who have a desire to grow, who need some help learning to prune and water and fertilize, and with some time and training and patience and perseverance, watch them become mature, fruitful disciples. And yet, that kind of ministry isn't too sexy.

It would be like me writing a blog about a growing tree.

Day 4: I watered the tree and it looks well watered.
Day 5: I watered the tree again. It looks the same as it did yesterday.
Day 25: The tree looks pretty much the same.

And so on. The daily reporting may not be so exciting at times, but when you look at the big picture, when you think about long term change that happens at the core and works its way out, when you are able to address some key issues and they get it, well, let me tell you, it is pretty sweet. In the mean time, we just press on, digging and pruning and teaching and training with all our might. We press on, po'ngono, po'ngono, bit by bit...

Thanks for walking with us.

Bring on some more memories...

2009-06-16T11:34:00.001-07:00

Big O. OT. O-Tizzle. O! Owen Thompson, all 6'6" of the gentle giant of a man has arrived. He flew in last week and will be taking on the position as Intern #2! Tyler is heading out on Thursday and is hoping that his place in the hearts of the Allen ladies isn't surmounted by this enthusiastic, talented and funny young man. We'll see what happens when Tyler arrives back in August after traveling throughout East Africa. Will they remember him or will the be mesmerized by this tall man, or has Tyler completely won them over? Tyler isn't worried, but Owen is good with kids:) I will update soon.

Until then, Owen will be spending a couple weeks out at Ciyanjano helping work with a short term team from California and then spending a month living in the house on our property and working with PLD and Admin. Owen and I go way, way, way back. I have known him, literally, half of his life and the priviledge is all mine! In fact, he turned 24 last Friday and we celebrated with some friends of ours and Owen, eating cake and pizza and bunch of kids helping him blow out his one very large candle. Please be praying for Owen as he embarks on an adventure of a lifetime!!!

Welcome back to the Whifields...

2009-06-14T05:37:00.000-07:00

Our friends and teammates, the Whitfield's have arrived back from their furlough... We are so glad to have them back. What is even better is that they are moving just down the street. I just wanted to post their first blog after they arrived. It's a bit of doozy and good reminder to keep praying.

Dear Friends and Family

Wanted to touch base and give you a brief look at how our first week back in Zambia has been. We have felt so blessed to have such a wonderful team and many Zambian friends who have made our adjustment a bit more endurable. Life here in Lusaka has been just as we left it some months ago and we have already had many laughs and some tears during this past week.

Let start with the trying aspects of our return (not complaining just sharing):

--Getting over the loss of our laptop and all our files (we think it was stolen from the plane in London)
--Found out that the repairs to our vehicle were not completed per our agreement with the local garage (surprise, surprise)
--Found that we have inherited a family of rats and also some cockroaches who have made our vehicle their home during our absence
--Had to deal without hot water for some time as our water heater broke shortly after our arrival

Now let me share the blessings:

--Seeing all the bright smiles of those Zambians who have missed us dearly during our furlough
--The kids being re-united with their dog spud
--Receiving a roster as a welcoming present from our dear friend Pastor Chipaya
--The wonderful smell of diesel everywhere you go
--Getting back into ministry little by little

The bottom line is that while our return may have not been picture perfect or full of convenience it has been a vehicle to remind us where our peace and comfort truly come from.

Sorry this is so short (this is Luke writing) but I promise to get Elise to the Internet cafe in the near future so you can have a much more detail report. We love each of you dearly and so appreciate the sacrifice you make to partner with in prayer and support. You are such as blessing and an essential part of what we do every day for the Kingdom of God here in Zambia.

God bless and PRESS ON & INTO HIM

His Servants

The Whitfields <><

Treasure Christ

2009-06-12T22:26:00.000-07:00

Prayers would be appreciated....

2009-06-12T05:34:00.000-07:00

Our director, Tim Hilty, and his family are currently in the States on furlough. They desire to return soon, but are trying to sort out things with U.S. immigration concerning the adoption and citizenship of their daughter Ireen. We thought it was important to request your prayers for their family. Please pray for them. Pray that the process with immigration would go smoothly and that Ireen would be granted U.S. citizenship soon so that they can return to Zambia and continue to serve this field and the people of Zambia.

African bees

2009-06-10T05:25:00.000-07:00

I have a friend who keeps bees as a hobby. I think they do it to get honey and well, they love it. But, I prefer my honey without the sting. Well, actually, I don't even like honey, so my life without bees is fine and dandy. Well, the other day, I asked my daughter Kamryn to go get something near the tree. She came back yelling, there is a bee hive over there. Now, over there is their favorite climbing tree. Some people pity me when I tell them I have four daughters. Well, if they pity me they don't know my daughters. My girls are awesome. They dress up and snuggle and dance like like the beautiful girls that they are. But, they also climb trees, capture frogs and play with mud that would make the most manly of boy feel proud.

And so in this tree, they have outfitted it nicely with books and a stool to read and purses and everything else you might need. So, saying all this, I thought I would include a little video of these bees. They came and they went, leaving nothing at all but video that they were there. Really weird, a bit freaky and amazingly cool all in one. Enjoy!

The CROSS and the Pastors

2009-06-08T04:46:00.000-07:00

About a month ago, I was asked to temporarily lead the CROSS project, our HIV/AIDS ministry that helps equip local churches on how to teach about HIV/AIDS but also to care for people who are suffering under the pain and struggle that this disease brings. This four month teaching program is done in poor, compound churches around Lusaka. The acronym CROSS stands for Churches Ready to Overcome the Silence and Stigma of HIV/AIDS. For more information about this vital ministry that I am helping coordinate, please click this link!

The reason I wanted to share this with you is because I was able to combine ministries last week when I invited John and Eta in to speak to my Pastor's class. I am currently teaching on the wisdom literature (the poetic books in the Old Testament) and so I decided to teach Psalm 42 and then have John and Eta lead a discussion on how to as pastor help people talk and process death and grieving. The grief here that people face is immense and really impossible to fully understand or describe. Just to give you a taste of it, check out our intern, Tyler Dingman's blog. So, it was great to John and Eta in, and it was insightful to hear the pastor's dialogue about the challenges that come with pastoring to a hurting country. I will share more about the CROSS project soon.

A broken heart

2009-06-06T05:06:00.000-07:00

It is always difficult to fully express the brokeness and the guilt we face working in Zambia. I mean, it isn't always so dark. We have fun days and go on safari's and laugh around the table. We try to keep on with life as usual. But, most days, it feels a bit like being put through a meat tenderizer. We are refined through the heat of poverty. It is like all things. The process hurts but the result is beautiful. I am not sure when or if we will ever get to the beautiful part, but we are learning to endure the painful part and let it change us and mold us. I read my intern's blog the other day and it made me smile. I am not sick, I promise. I smiled because I realized that I am not alone and that his blog lends credibility to my emotions. I also smile because though I asked him to come over and help us with computers and blogs and help with admin (and he has done a great job), this broken heart for the poor was what I really wanted him to have. I told him early on that you don't come to change Africa, but Africa changes you. And this blog is exactly what I meant. So I include it here so you can read and gain insight into our lives with the pastors.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Broken

Tonight was very a tough night. Maybe the hardest since I've been here. I interviewed 2 pastors for their support blogs and one of the questions was "What are some challenges you face?" I knew this could be a difficult one but I had no idea how hard it would hit me.

One of the pastors, Alfred, who I have gotten to know a bit more than the others, shared the challenges he faces. He talked about how tough it is trying to reach out to the community and share the gospel with people here when they are starving, homeless and jobless. He said "but at the end of the day, they are physical beings, they need food to eat, but due to financial constraints we are unable to meet their physical needs." As he was talking I could see the pain in his eyes about not being able to help the people in his community. It was as if he felt he was failing as a pastor for not being able to help those in need.

I felt the pain he had. I watched as his normally happy face fill with sadness and despair and it tore me apart.

It is in moments like these that I feel guilty for living the life I have had.
Guilty for have never gone to bed hungry when people around me are starving.
Guilty for spending more money on things that people here couldn't even begin to comprehend why I'd spend money on.
Guilty for having a wonderful family while kids here get abandoned everyday.
Guilty for having the means to walk away from this place while pretty much everyone here is trapped in poverty.
Guilty for never knowing how hard life really is.

Guilty for being me.

Book Review: Giving Wisely

2009-06-03T04:11:00.000-07:00

(Well, I am bit behind on my book reviewing. I have been reading a ton of books, but just not getting them reviewed... So, here is the one for March:)

“We’re all called to be generous (in our giving), but we’re also all called to be wise in our giving - not ignorant or misguided. When it comes to understanding the impact of our generosity upon others, choosing to remain ignorant isn’t just slothful and hurtful; it is simply wrong.” -- Jonathan Martin

When I came to Zambia almost two years ago, I was a man on a mission ready to save the world. I had energy, friends in the states that were ready to give and lots of ideas on what I could do to help Zambia. I am so thankful that I had experienced missionaries overseeing me at the time that restrained me and limited my vision. At the time, I was frustrated and angry, not understanding why they wouldn’t let me help these people. I grudgingly submitted. And, now with a couple years of experience and a bit more wisdom, I am humbled and deeply grateful for these leaders in my life. I couldn’t see what they knew, but I am thankful I trusted them. If I would have been free to do whatever I wanted to do, I would have hurt these nationals even as I thought I was helping them and decimated my ministry even as I thought I was ministering. They were to me what this book I am reviewing will be for you.

This book titled, “Giving Wisely? – Killing with Kindness or Empowering Lasting Transformation?” has been circulating among some of ACTION Zambia missionaries and friends here in Zambia. This is a book that is both earth-shaking and confirming. It is true that there are a lot of books out there. Even Solomon said this when he wrote in Ecclesiastes 12:11 – “Of making many books, there is no end.” And there is a lot in the Bible on how we are called to be generous and share our money. Jesus said, “Store up your treasures in Heaven where moth and rust will not destroy.” And there are a lot of great books written about how we should give money for the sake of the poor and for eternity. My favorite is the “The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn.”

This book is the only book among the many books that I know on giving that focuses not on WHY we should give (it assumes that) but helps us know HOW to give. Jonathan Martin teaches us how to be wise and strategic and helpful in our generosity and how not to be ignorant, naïve and foolish in our generosity. After all, what good is storing up treasures in Heaven when the money causes harm here on earth? And you might wonder, “What harm can come from my giving?” Read this book and your heart will break as you read examples and stories from generous givers that destroyed churches, ruined pastors and divided villages. You will no doubt see yourself in some of these stories. I gave this book to a mom of one of my friends who read it twice in a week. I asked if it was a good book. She said it was great, and then she said, “And I learned how I have been doing everything wrong for the last fifty years.” You will learn how not to be generous and it might hurt a bit like it did her. But, she later expressed how encouraged and hopeful she was after reading. I believe it will also give you hope because you will not only be helped to know how you should give, but it will also stir you with passion to want to give.

Jonathan uses experience from his missionary years as well as a mission’s pastor of a large church to give principles in an acronym RAISE that is both practical and biblical. He charges the readers and in essence us as a mission to measure the wisdom of our giving through Relationships by ensuring Accountable structures are in place as well as leading us create Indigenous Sustainability in our programs and projects so that we maintain Equity in our giving. As a mission, we have learned the hard way more than we care to admit. I am confident that we are moving in the right direction. I think I love this book so much because it not only continues to shape how do we ministry here in Zambia, but it also confirms to us that we are doing the right thing. We are making decisions that will honor God as we store our treasures in Heaven but also help people. Whether you are here or there, this book is a must read so you, too, can store up treasures in heaven while helping God’s treasures (his people) on earth.

The Irony in the Goodbye

2009-05-31T12:14:00.000-07:00

Two years ago when we arrived in Zambia, another family arrived about the same time, the Melville's from California. We endured some highs and some real lows together during those first six months and more... They ended up doing jobs they didn't come to do, and it was tough. But they persevered as a family and in the ministry, and were used by God to do a great work in Zambia, setting up our administration end of things for years to come as well as building some key relationships with pastors and church leaders. It was a real cool to see how many Zambians came out to say goodbye. It was really inspirational. It was very fitting as they sang Zambian songs and shared with the group about the Melville's impact on their lives. It made think about my end and what kind of impact I am having and who would come. (I hope that doesn't sound selfish or self-centered. It was a good thing, like going to your older brother's graduation and having a goal to work towards.) It also was inspiring to keep pressing on because our ministry matters, no matter where we are. We never know the impact we have on people and may never know until Heaven. But, it was sweet to get a little foretaste of that today.

The irony of it is that while we may be technically ministering to them, if Graham is at all like me, he would say that he has been more impacted and ministered to by these pastors and leaders than than have by us. Their perseverance in suffering, there commitment to reach Zambia and their zeal to learn and grow have left their indelible markings on our soul. We came to bless and instead are the blessed. So, God bless you and be with you as head back home to California... Hope you enjoy the video... Classic Zambia!

I want to be like Francis Schaeffer

2009-05-27T00:08:00.000-07:00

I know this blog can be all about us... So, today, I want to write about one of my heroes writing about another of my heroes writing about a hero to millions showing character traits that all heroes should have... Enjoy this blog! I know you will...

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

A Life of Humility

By Randy Alcorn

After seeing my recent post about Francis Schaeffer, my friend Doug Nichols, founder and international director emeritus of Action International Ministries, emailed me this story. To me, given my respect for both men, it's priceless. Thanks for sharing it with us, Doug. And thanks for being the same kind of man Francis Schaeffer showed himself to be the night you met him.

Francis Schaeffer slept here
by Doug Nichols

In 1966 I joined Operation Mobilization for a year of ministry in France, but spent two years in India instead. While in London that summer, at the one-month OM orientation, I volunteered to work on a clean-up crew late one night.

Around 12:30am I was sweeping the front steps of the Conference Centre when an older gentleman approached and asked if this was the OM conference. I told him it was, but most everyone was in bed.

He had a small bag with him and was dressed very simply. He said he was attending the conference, so I said, "Let me see if I can find you a place to sleep." Since there were many different age groups at OM, I thought he was an older OM’er.

I took him to the room where I had been sleeping on the floor with about 50 others and, seeing that he had nothing to sleep on, laid some padding and a blanket on the floor and used a towel for a pillow. He said it would be fine and he appreciated it very much.

As he was preparing for bed, I asked him if he had eaten. He had not as he had been travelling all day. I took him to the dining room but it was locked. So after picking the lock I found cornflakes, milk, bread, butter and jam—all of which he appreciated very much.

As he ate, we began to fellowship. I asked where he was from. He said he and his wife had been working in Switzerland for several years in a ministry mainly to hippies and travellers. It was wonderful to talk with him and hear about his work and those who had come to Christ. When he finished eating, we turned in for the night.

However, the next day I was in trouble! The leaders of OM really "got on my case." "Don't you know who that man is on the floor next to you?" they asked. "It is Dr. Francis Schaeffer, the speaker for the conference!"

I did not know they were going to have a speaker, nor did I know who Francis Schaeffer was, nor did I know they had a special room prepared for him!

After Francis Schaeffer became well known because of his books, and I had read more about him, I thought about this occasion many times—this gracious, kind, humble man of God sleeping on the floor with OM recruits! This was the kind of man I wanted to be.

Of course, I will never attain the intellect, knowledge or wisdom of Francis Schaeffer. But I can reach out to younger people and minister to them in Christ's name by living a life of humility. What about you?

Thank you for sleep.

2009-05-25T12:24:00.000-07:00

I sure love my bed lately. I can't wait to get there even as I type.

We have had a busy weekend. It's not always this busy, but this weekend was a busy one.

Friday, I taught my Pastors class. We had a great time. I feel I have had breakthrough in teaching these pastors. I am learning so much on how to reach them and connect and help them grow together in understanding the Bible. More on this in a later blog... But, please keep praying for me. That night we had pizza with some dear friends down the street. They have three girls and He is a doctor working with HIV/AIDS here in Zambia. We enjoyed some great conversation about life and marriage and family.

Saturday morning was family time with pancakes and some fun conversation around the table, and then preparing for worship on Sunday (more on that later.) Then, the same doctor un-ingrowned my infected toe. I am feeling much better now. That night we went out to dinner with a couple who adopted a little Zambia boy this past few months. He stayed and played with my kids who were watched by our housekeeper Miriam and she brought along her two kids. They had a party!!! 4 Allen girls and 3 Zambians!!! This couple that we went out with are from Canada and despite that fact, they are really cool :) We talked about orphans and orphages and life... It was a great time.

Sunday morning was church and then we had lunch with some missionaries from our team and some others from a street kid ministry and they told us all about the ministry of reaching out to these kids who are down and out. They have a farm set up to teach and reach these kids and they also go down to the scary places and meet with these kids. Amazing stuff. And then Sunday night, the Allen Family Singers led worship for the Baptist Mission Bible study. It was sweet. No pictures, though, which totally bums me out. No video either of little Julia, Bradyn and Kamryn singing the song by themselves, "Worthy is the Lamb."

Monday morning, a holiday here in Zambia, Stephanie and I took our Canadian friends up to an orphanage called Rafiki. It was about 1 hour out of town in the bush and it was amazing. They do an amazing job there discipling, teaching and mentoring these 40 young boys and girls. It was a very encouraging morning walking around with the directors and hearing the thought and philosophy and partnership with Zambia that has happened to make this place a reality. Amazing. Then we came back and I picked up my girls from their friends houses, go groceries, and then took Bradyn and went to the orphanage that we work with. We spend some great time singing, playing and laughing.... We came home and had dinner with the doctor friends and two other families.

Needless to say, we are pretty tired. But, I just wanted to give you a little glimpse into our lives here in Zambia. Another week begins early tomorrow with prayer and a meeting with my pastoral leadership team...

Thanks for remembering us!

A first for her twenty-first

2009-05-18T11:40:00.000-07:00

Our friend Elizabeth celebrated her first birthday party on her 21st birthday tonight at our house. Can you imagine never having a birthday party? We asked her what she wanted for her birthday dinner and she said, "Meat!" So meat it was. Stephanie totally went all out with Sweet and Sour meatballs, scalloped potatoes, broccoli and brownies... You never know real joy and happiness until you give someone their first birthday party, 21 years later. You have to try it sometime. We met her mom for the first time. She did not speak english, so Elizabeth and Miriam translated. We went around and shared about what we liked about Elizabeth, and gave her a few gifts. It was a special evening for everyone.

15 years of Fruit...

2009-05-16T19:33:00.000-07:00

Our director, Tim Hilty and his family, are in the states for a well-deserved furlough. But, he has been watching and praying and leading us from afar. He just sent the team a note the other day that I thought I would share it with you because I really think it captures some of the things we are doing here in Zambia and how the irony of our philosophy of long term training is actually producing some short term gain. I hope you are encouraged. I also thought it was insighful because it speaks about Veritas Bible Training. I am teaching that this upcoming quarter on the wisdom literature found in scripture, including Psalm, Proverbs and the the prophets. Thanks for your partnership with us!

Action Zambia,

I just wanted to respond to the encouraging reports that I've been getting from those of you on the field. Testimonies about the type of fruit we are beginning to see in our ministries are very good and it's important that we celebrate it when we see it. I'll mention but a few things. It was very heartening for me to hear the report from Brent about GCB and their decision to start another cell group within their ministry area. In this, we can praise the Lord how we see the church latching on to the importance of discipleship as well as multiplying (through the training they received). And in an email I received from Tracy recently - he shared how he was able to officiate at the graduation of ten pastors at Anderson Jere's church. The Veritas curriculm that ABI is using to teach pastors biblical exegesis requires that pastors also teach to others the same material that they have received. So when Anderson Jere takes what he has learned in ABI and in turn teaches it within his church we praise God for multiplying our labors and efforts. Please pray that God would bless the men and women we invest in - that they might apply the Word to their lives and be stewards of the training they are receiving. Of course there are many other examples we can point to as well.

I think it's appropriate to point out is that these things are coming about in part due to our long term focus in ministry. Multiplication, equipping, discipleship, relationship all have one thing in common - they take time and they require a "15 year focus" rather than an "15 month focus". Never give up in the work that you are doing and never abandon some of these principles because the great irony is that when we operate with the long-term in mind we will actually begin to see some dividends that last rather shortly...quicker than we would see if we operated with the short-term in mind. In other words, when we build for the long haul, we should also expect to see fruit from that - and some of that fruit will be evidenced quite early. We do not have to wait 15 years for fruit. The temptation is out there to make short-investments but what we need is long term investments. May we pray diligently that God would help us persevere and stay the course. Be encouraged, we are involved in a good work. May the glory of God be displayed in each of our lives.

In Christ,
Tim

(No) Mother's Day

2009-05-13T20:58:00.000-07:00

We spent our Mother's Day with those who have no mothers. We took the children from the orphange we are helping out with and the director and the directors family to the Kalimba Reptile Farm where we saw some of the nastiest snakes and most amazing crocodiles. But, the highlight obviously wasn't seeing the animals but spending time with the orphans, watching them walk around and gaze at the animals and jump on the trampoline and wade in the pool. None of them had ever been to a zoo before. The other car was an hour late, so I also videoed some of the fun we had while waiting. I put together a little highlight video for you to see. It was a great day and we went home joyous and satisfied.

FIT

2009-05-12T22:14:00.001-07:00

FIT... Hmm. What could that mean? I mean certainly you are on to the three letter acronyms that bring temporary sanity (and clarification) to insane situations here in Zambia. Well, let me preface it by saying, every time I go to the bathroom, especially at night, I turn on the lights because, well, I have a fear of what I might find in the toilet. (Are we all inbred to have this fear of snakes coming up the toilet pipes or is it just me?) Well, yesterday I was in a meeting at our office near town, I excused myself to attend to urgent matters, came to the bathroom, opened the lid and found this, much to my shock and surprise:

Needless to say I didn't finish what I came for! FIT (Frog in Toilet!) Just a friendly reminder to always keep your eyes open in important places, especially in Africa...

Google Weather

2009-05-09T14:27:00.000-07:00

Well, one thing I have learned about people in Zambia is that they read the skies much like this in the Bible (Mt 16:1-3 - And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.)

Well, these Zambians don't need meteorologists and fancy weather equipment and tv stations and all that riff-raff. They just look at the sky. If it is September to December, it is sunny and hot. From January to April it rains and is hot. And then from May to August it is sunny and cold. Why would anyone waste money on all that gibberish stuff when you would be just stating the obvious. Well, there is this thing called "Google Weather" that I have on my desktop. So, last week before my early morning Saturday Bible study, I saw that it was supposed to rain. Rain in May? No way. I mentioned this to a Zambian I was giving a ride home to. He said as he looked up at the beautiful clear sunny morning, "Rain in May? No, maybe somewhere else, but it doesn't rain in Zambia after the rainy season is over." Well, guess what? That afternoon it rained. Poured. Really poured. And then a few days later, yesterday in fact, my teammate recorded this looking out of our house onto the yard:

Yup, it rained, really hard. So this morning, I picked up my Zambian friend and the first thing he said was, "Google Weather. Google Weather. You were right!"