Monday, December 01, 2014

Home Again


It's hard to believe that we've been home now for just over 2 weeks.  Last Sunday marked the first time we've worshipped together as a family at Columbia Crossroads in nearly 3 years.  After worship, Kerri and I just sat down and looked at each other and just sighed.  We have a lot to process from our time in Zambia and some big decisions to make concerning our future, but just for a moment we sat there and enjoyed being home with our church family. 

This morning, we are hitting the road to visit with some close friends, the Lyles, in Colorado.  Pray for us as we travel.  We'll be making stops in Alabama, Arkansas, Oklahoma and finally Ft. Collins, Colorado.  It should be an experience!

Monday, November 17, 2014

Not Shutting Out the Goodbyes


This morning my heart is so full. I made a commitment to myself not to shut out the goodbyes. Not to speed past or ignore them but to really let myself feel it.

A few days ago we said goodbye to our Maz community. How blessed we have been to be taken in and loved in such a way.

Yesterday we said goodbye to our precious Dailes. Literally feels like cutting off a limb. AND I'm so full of joy because we have had these wonderful years together and God has provided for her for ...an amazing future. 

Last night we had the most amazing time of prayer and fellowship with our missionary friends, and I was overwhelmed with gratitude for each of these couples and how they have been a family to us for 7 years here in Zambia. These bonds will be forever! 


So as I get up this morning and get my family ready to get on a plane, I'm signing off with a grateful heart full of thanks for all that God has done and all the amazing people He has used. We do not leave here disillusioned and burned out, but joyful and even more confident that He who began a good work in all of us will be faithful to complete it as we all follow Him. America, here we come.


~Kerri

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

A Home Coming


Video 1 (The Unveiling):  http://youtu.be/FQTEFKSoBiw
Video 2 (The Tour): http://youtu.be/sXuLqAIMG_w


As we prepare to return back to the States this coming Friday, we were able to celebrate another home coming of sorts.  Dailes Zimba, a widow with 3 children, has been working for us ever since we landed in Zambia.  She's been there through thick and thin and has been a great source of encouragement to us as we have sought to serve the Zambian people.

She recently shared with Kerri that she had two wishes for her life that she has now seen fulfilled.  One was that all of her children would finish school.  Her youngest, Milton, is in grade 10 now and is scheduled to finish within the next few years.  The second was that she would have a place to call her own.

As Kerri and I thought of ways that we could help Dailes flourish after we left Zambia, we felt like we needed to also help her with finding her own place.  We truly could not have done this without the generous gifts from some of you.  Thank you for helping us bless this dear friend!

Now that she has moved into her new home, we can turn our attention towards our own home coming. We look forward to seeing many of you after we get back and get settled.  Please continue to pray for us as we transition.  Everyone has been fighting one kind of sickness or another and we need to be healthy to board the plane on Friday.  Pray for health and safety in travel.  See you on the other side!

Thursday, October 16, 2014

1 month and counting



Grammy and Mimi arrived yesterday, which has officially kicked off our one month countdown in Zambia. Yesterday, we also said goodbye to Luke who is traveling back to the States for a couple of months. Seeing family come and close friends leave has started to make this move seem all the more real!

We have a lot to do over the next month. Today, Kerri and I began packing and weighing our first few bags. Hopefully we can fit our home into all of the checked luggage that we will be allowed to carry back. It's definitely a faith stretcher to what seems to be starting all over again.

We're also busy trying to finishing up a few things with the ministry and building Dailes' home. All this to say, please continue to pray for us.

Monday, October 06, 2014

Blessing Dailes




Dailes Zimba has been with us for all 7 years of our time in Zambia.  She has been working for missionaries for the past 10 years.  One of the things that Kerri and I have been praying about is how to help Dailes going forward so that she can be freed up to do what she really loves, which is ministry to other widows and orphans.

As we prayed about it, we felt like it was time to have a place of her own.  Dailes has never had a place to call home.  She has been forced to pay rent and live in areas of Lusaka that were neither safe nor clean.  A few months ago, after deciding to give her her own place, someone graciously donated the funds that have helped us purchase a plot and begin construction.

We have the funds for the foundation, walls and roof.  But need some additional help with the following:

Plumbing - $1,350
Electricity - $900
Cement Floor - $1,470
Plastering - $1,280


Would you consider helping, even on part of one of these items? To make a donation, go to www.cten.org/brentroberts. All donations are 100% tax deductible. If you donate, please message me so I know how to appropriate the funds.

Saturday, September 27, 2014

A Boy's Best Friend



We're sorry for not updating the blog lately. With trying to get ready to leave Zambia and sell our belongings, communication has taken a back seat.

Today was something difficult for our family. We placed our Labrador Aero with another family this afternoon. All of the kids went with us to make sure he would be happy. And he was. Thomas probably had the most difficult time. He asked if Aero could stay at our home for a few more weeks before going.

Pray for our kiddos. They are having to make a lot of sacrifices in order for us to move back to the States. This is home to all of them.

Thursday, August 07, 2014

The Final Chapter




To say this update is important would be an understatement.  Please take the time to get caught up on what the Lord is doing in our lives.  Big changes are coming and we need your love, prayers and support now more than ever.  We love you guys!

Thank you,
Brent & Kerri

Friday, August 01, 2014

Overloaded



Today marks the beginning of a 3-day worship outreach in Ngangula. We have over 20 friends from Lusaka joining our Love Africa team. Pray for us!

Above is a picture of my car. Wouldn't have believed I could fit 20 mattresses on and in it! We were quite the site driving through the bush to the village.

Friday, July 11, 2014

Little Brenty



In the Zambian culture it is common for parents to honor others who they love and respect by naming their children after them. This afternoon, we found out that one of our workers was doing that for us.

Lloyd has been working for us for the past 2+ years. His wife Mutinta has been part of Kerri and Elise's monthly discipleship and has also helped us out in many occasions here on the farm. Both are very special to us!

Yesterday, Mutinta gave birth to their second child and son. She had been staying with her parents near the clinic the last week just to make sure she would have access to doctors when the time came. Lloyd, on the other hand, stayed here at the farm awaiting word on the safe delivery.

So, this morning after we knew that the baby had come, we expected Lloyd to be on his way to see his new son. Instead, he was back at work. Imagine!

Well, it didn't last long. I told him to get ready and we headed to where Mutinta was staying. As we walked into the small house, we found Mutinta and the baby resting. We didn't stay too long because Lloyd needed to get some things for her and the baby, but it was great having this tiny moment to visit with baby and family.

Then, as we were driving back to the market, Lloyd asked me a question. He said "Do you want to know the name?" I guess I should have asked when we were in the home, but I forgot. He then told me that he and Mutinta decided beforehand that if the baby was a girl that they planned on naming her Kerri, but if he were a boy, they were going to name him Brent!

I can honestly say that I never thought that there would be a little Zambian boy in the middle of the African bush named after me. But I am deeply honored by this act of love and respect.

Thursday, July 03, 2014

Tuesday, July 01, 2014

Habibi



One thing I love about Zambia is the exposure we get to different cultures. Case in point. This is one of our friends at a local grocery store. He's a Muslim from Lebanon. Whenever we see each other we greet by calling each other Habibi, which is Lebanese for friend.

Here in Zambia we have a variety of friends from a variety of backgrounds. We have friends who are Afrikaans, British, Indian, Belgiun, and other parts of the world.

I'm so thankful for it too as it allows our kids such great opportunities to grow in their love and understanding for different people around the world.

Monday, June 23, 2014

In Home Visit




This evening just after dinner, we received a call from one of our workers. A little girl in the community fell and hit her head splitting the scalp. Kerri was Dr. Kerri tonight.

It's nice to see our friends here are so trusting of us. I hope the little we do speaks Jesus to them in a real and refreshing way!

Thursday, June 12, 2014

All Locked Up




This past week, I had a new first in Zambia. One of the street boys that we've been working with was arrested for stealing a phone. It wasn't the first time I've had to deal with theft, but it was the first time that I had to visit a 13 year old child in a Zambian prison.

The day before, while Michael was shopping with Luke at the grocery store, a drunk police man came up from behind and grabbed him. When Luke objected to the treatment Michael was receiving, the person identified himself as a police officer, threw him in a cab and took him to the police station. Luke went down there to get the full story, but it was clear that Michael was going to have to stay the night.

That's when I came into the picture. I was already planning a trip into town. So, my morning plans were altered a bit to include trying to help this boy. When I arrived at the police station that morning, they allowed me to go back and check on Michael. I didn't know what to expect. It turns out that they have a single room with an iron gate that was locked with a huge padlock. I wish I could show you a picture, but they don't let us take pictures at the station.

But it was quite overwhelming seeing this small child crammed in with 30 other prisoners in a room of about 100 square feet. As I stood there all I could think to ask him was if he was ok. As he answered, the tears began to flow. This boy was scared.

Without making the story too long, I was able to track down the woman who had filed the charges and we were able to work out a solution that kept Michael out of prison and get him some much needed help.

So, pray for him. Pray for wisdom for myself and others in the church that disciple Michael. Pray that he will let us invest in him in a way that encourages him towards a faith in and love for Jesus! And pray for us as we seek to minister to his family. He comes from a really tough family life, but God can change it!

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Home Visit



Mark your calendars. The Roberts will be visiting the States Oct 16 - Jan 15. We'd love to reconnect with as many of you as possible! If you think about it, set aside some time for us!

Friday, May 30, 2014

Africa for Real, Africa Forever



When we finally finished our accommodations for short-term teams last year, we had dreams. We dreamt that this property would be used to change lives, that there would be individuals who would come to Zambia and get wrecked like we did on a similar short-term trip to Kenya in 1995. So, when this team  finally arrived, it really felt like a fulfillment of some of those dreams.

As the week went by it was awesome watching these young men and women process all that God was showing them. Below is a blog written by one of the students. Take a minute and just listen how Jesus used Zambia and her time here with our ministry to open her eyes to more of Himself.

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

I'm currently recovering from jet lag, and missing the sweet bush of Africa.

I'm currently missing my sweet team who only entered my life a short two weeks ago.

My heart is currently aching from the longing of wanting to be back in Zambia.

But let's rewind to two weeks ago.


My alarm goes off and I am wide awake. I know what today is. Everything is a blur as I grab my bag and my backpack and head downstairs. Today is the day I leave for Africa. I've been waiting forever for this moment and here it is. Mom, dad, and myself head to the airport and my stomach is in knots the whole way. I'm praying for God to show Himself in new ways and to do amazing things on this trip. Am I going to remember what my team looks like? That's a negative. I finally see a girl with a Love Africa sticker on her bag. I know that's my team. I walk over with a shy smile and am greeted with warm hugs and smiles. This is going to be good. "Hi, I'm Janie!" a girl says. It's instantly followed with a Madison, Kaylee, Nate, PH, Kaylyn, Taylor, TJ, and Mallory. Bye parents. See you soon. My stomach is back in knots. I haven't been on a plane in a while. What will I think of it? I am seated with Nate who is instantly warming with his fun personality and I relax just a little. Who are these people? What are their backgrounds? We land in D.C. Now we meet Devin who bursts with independence and looks fit from head to toe. 5 hour layovers feel like years. We all act friendly, but the awkwardness is still lingering due to us all being strangers. We begin #TeamSelfies which I find super entertaining. Now we are in line getting boarding passes. This time I'm with Mallory and TJ for 16 hours. Perfect bonding time. I'm extra scared for this flight. My stomach is twisting. I'm praying. My head hurts. 16 hours is going to feel forever. But we make it. We get to Africa. We are here. I feel relieved. This is real. This is happening. And I am so excited.

Now we are getting on a Mazabuka Girls High School bus with our driver Daddi....did he say his name was daddy? HAHA he did. The roads are bouncy and my bum feels a little bruised. We laugh with excitement until we reach our first hotel. The Chapa. We watch our first sunset in Africa in which words can't explain. Then we go to a little restaurant where I decide to order crocodile. I learn to salsa with Gracyn who is one of the missionaries little girls. We have an instant bond. I really like her laugh. I wake up excited and ready to see Victoria Falls....one of the seven wonders! Brent (one of the missionaries) says we will need a rain jacket. He's right. We instantly get soaking wet.

Guys this waterfall is amazing. You can hear the power of the water rushing over the side and it is unreal. And God created that. A picture can't do it justice. I am so thankful I got to marvel in God's creation with my team.

Safari time! I am super excited. Today we see a baby giraffe, a few zebra, and one baby elephant. I am amazed at these creatures that exist. They are beautiful.

Our next safari is a boat ride where hippos are everywhere. They lay on top of each other and they are super fat. I'm relaxed. I sit down with Taylor who I have yet to speak many words too. "My brother died right before this trip." I feel my heart drop. It aches. I've only known this girl for three days. I feel my tears well up. "Why did this happen? Why am I here?" Questions only our God can answer. We talk for a while about Jesus and the Bible and His perfect timing. I want to carry this burden with her. I'm sure of it. After our boat ride, we go on another safari where we see TONS of elephants. There's one, and another, and another, and another! They are beautiful. They are huge and majestic.
Tonight is our last night at the hotel. I'm ready to head to the farm. What is it going to be like?
We pack up on the Mazabuka bus with Daddi who at this point has become part of the family. 5 hours later and we are finally at the farm.

This is where the two missionary families live. The Roberts have 5 kids and the Whitfields have 6! They are all waiting eagerly for us to arrive. They immediately begin to love on us and drag us all over the farm. I'm excited and full of energy. So many names pouring into my head and their love immediately pouring into my heart. We put our bags in a storage container with bunk beds...it's awesome. Now what about food? I'm nervous we will hardly eat. Until the first night we have fajitas and lemon bars. I guess we won't starve? Oops. The fire pit is huge! We sit and sing and talk about Jesus. My heart is slowly growing for my team. We go to bed early so we can be refreshed for the village.

I wake up nervous. How will these kids be at the school? What if I we can't communicate?
We can't communicate. There is a language barrier. But love really is the one language everyone knows. We sing everyday with these beautiful African children. We sing with one another. I hug and squeeze every child I can possibly get too. My heart swells with much love everyday. My heart swells with so much love that on Friday when we leave the village for the last time my heart breaks and the tears come. All I can think is how those children will be waiting for us and how we will not be back. I want to go back. I need to see their smiles and hear their laughs. The time passed by and I didn't even realize. Sunday is our final night on the farm. We throw Gracyn a surprise birthday party. I love her. My heart aches with the thought of leaving her. We wash the feet of the Roberts and the Whitfields and I can't speak. All I feel are tears. Tears of happiness, tears of joy, tears of leaving, tears of sadness. They flood my face and I can't stop. I reach Daddi's feet and can't breathe. I can not thank him enough for driving us around and for impacting our lives in unbelievable ways. I do not want to leave him. I know he doesn't want us to leave as well. My heart is aching. How did I get so close to these people in such a short amount of time.

God completely wrecked my heart. What a humbling experience. To see people with absolutely nothing, be the happiest people I've ever seen is incredible. It's unreal. When I said goodbye to my team, I felt my heart break.

So now I'm here. I didn't even cover half of my trip but that's just because it's impossible too.

I'm recovering from jet lag & my heart hurts from being apart from my team.

but

my heart is satisfied with Jesus. I really learned the meaning of that the past two weeks.

Take the world, but give me Jesus.

Africa For Real, Africa Forever.

Jesus for eternity.

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Last Day of Camp







It's been so much fun hosting this team of university students  and pouring into their lives over the course of this week. It's also been a blessing to see how they've interacted and poured into the lives of these 1,100+ children.

Today marked the end of our 4-day kids camp and it finished with something really awesome. The headmen of Ngangula making a stand for faith in Christ! What a way to end a week of ministry!

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Our First Team



Our first team from is visiting with us over the next week and a half. They've come to assist us in running a kids camp for 1,200 children at a Primary School in Ngangula.

We're so excited to have these guys here with us. The team consists of 12 college students from 4 different states. Many of them are trying to figure out their longterm involvement with God on mission.

Pray for them this week coming up. Pray that God would use their time here to strengthen their passion for Jesus. Pray that He would do a specific work in each of their lives.

For those of you who don't know, it was a very similar trip like this to Kenya, which ultimately led our family to serve in Zambia.

Monday, May 12, 2014

A Lion Encounter



Sheesh! We've really been spoiled this past week with African wildlife. This afternoon, our car had a hose bust. So, we had to make a stop at the vet's house for assistance. It turns out that he and his wife were rehabilitating 3 lion cubs.

Caleb and I decided it was ok to delay our departure a bit just to play with the little guys. ; )

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Elephant Capture




We really had a once in a lifetime experience this morning.  The team from Zimbabwe did an amazing job and everything went so smoothly.  The elephant was darted from a helecopter, picked up by crane onto the back of a flatbed truck.  Brought to a nearby field where another truck with different compartments were waiting.  There, it was pulled by truck and cables into the first compartment, then given some medicine to wake it up.  I was actually surprised that it woke up so fast.  Literally from being passed out to on its feet and alert within a matter of a minute.  After it was up, they were able to coerce it towards the front compartment which was already on the back of a tractor trailer truck.  And then within a few minutes, it was off to its new home in Kafue National Park.

I grew up watching National Geographic and similar shows thinking how fun it would be to do work like that.  Well, this morning, the kids and I got to see it first hand.  Great way to spend a Saturday morning!

If you would like to see a quick video with some video clips and pictures.  Simply click the link just below the picture above.

Friday, May 09, 2014

Coolest Guests Ever



I've been in Lusaka the past few days. So, this evening was the first time I had the opportunity to meet the special guests we are hosting. It turns out that there is an elephant that has wondered onto a nearby farm. It's created such a buzz that the government has agreed to fund a game capture team from Zimbabwe to come and relocate it.

That's the team that is staying with us tonight. Tomorrow morning they will head out and attempt to catch this beast. And guess what? We're invited to come and watch! Can you say awesome? I'm sure there will be follow up pictures.

Wednesday, May 07, 2014

Our First Loss



This past week we had our first theft at our property in the village. It wasn't much (3 bags of cement), but it did provide a good learning experience. I got to be part of something that I've never been part of before. A meeting with the headmen to discuss the theft and plan a way forward.

Zambian culture is definitely different than ours. To settle disputes in the village, you usually call 2-3 of the headmen and meet to discuss. This discussion went really well. Even though we didn't manage to get to the bottom of who took the cement, we were treated as part of the community. That was a big step in and of itself!

Monday, April 28, 2014

Preparing a Meal



https://www.africafreedommission.org/mission-trips

How do Zambians prepare their corn meal (Mealie) in the
Village? With a lot of muscle. Take a look at this video if you get a chance!

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Isn't God Good?


A while back, I shared about Yvonne, a young lady that we met while doing some leadership training in the villages behind Chikankata.  Yvonne was a girl tormented by the enemy!  She was in such bad shape and such a threat to herself and her commnity that her grand mother had chained her to a pole in their house.

A few weeks ago, we were challenged at church to be out in the community looking for ways to pray for people.  I immediately thought of Yvonne and decided that I would go back out to her home and see how she was doing and pray for her.  As I was speaking to one of my Zambian friends about going, he told me the best news!  Yvonne was well!!!

So, yesterday, I went back out there on my bike to try and record her story.  Above is a short video of me interviewing her sister Idris (on the left) and later Yvonne.  I hope this encourages you that God is still in the business of delivering!

Monday, April 21, 2014

We're Back




We are so thankful for our time in South Africa. It was so nice seeing the beach, resting and getting recharged. The kids had a blast and so did the parents!

After arriving Saturday evening and preaching the Sunday Easter service, today we caught up on our sleep from traveling. Tomorrow it's back to the grind.

In just a little over 3 weeks we host our first team of the summer - a group of college students from Love Africa Mission. Can't wait to host this team and my friend Nathan Smith and his family.

So tomorrow the preparations begin: finding translators, last minute construction, grocery shopping, meetings in Ngangula, etc. missing the beach, but loving being back home!

Monday, April 07, 2014

We made it




After 30 hours of driving through three different countries we've finally made it!

The kids are out on the beach as I type playing football and collecting shells. Can't believe we're here. Thanks for praying for safe travel!

Saturday, April 05, 2014

In Botswana




We're in Botswana this morning. Spent 11 hours driving over 500 miles yesterday.

Our first night we stayed at a bush camp just over the border where we had 15 elephants walk right past our back porch. The kids were up early the next morning watching the sunrise and looking out for other animals. In all we've seen hyena, elephants, giraffe, monkey's, and for some weird reason, lots of donkeys.

This morning we cross the border into South Africa and drive to Johannesburg. 2 more days and we're there.

Friday, April 04, 2014

A new first




Never taken a ferry with a car from one country to another. Well, now we have. Once through the other side we'll be on our way to where we are staying for the night. So far, so good!

Family Vacation




We're starting off on our first family vacation in over 4 years. We will be making the 4 day journey to the east coast of South Africa with our friends the Hugheys.

Pray for safety as we travel. We'll post updates along the way.

Saturday, March 22, 2014

It's pouring




I took this picture the other day as I was running errands in Lusaka. I think the city needs to make new plans for drainage.

It sure made walking around downtown interesting.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Preparing for a Journey




In just over 2 weeks Kerri, the kids and I along with another family will be making the 3-day journey to South Africa. We'll be traveling through Botswana. In order to make a trip like this, you have to get Interpol clearance on vehicles and trailers.

One of our friends here was nice enough to let us borrow their trailer. So, this morning I went to Lusaka to do the paperwork. All I can say about the process is hectic. Just about finished now and I can't wait to make the trip. Should be an adventure!

Friday, March 14, 2014

Trials and perseverance




My week has not been a fun one. Over the past 4 days, I've traveled 400 miles by taxi and hitching rides with friends, trying to replace our cruiser's radiator. I know you're probably tired of hearing about our car, but it has been the builder of my faith lately.

In December, when we paid for all of the work on our vehicle, we also paid to have a new Toyota radiator to be installed. Well, this past month, we learned that instead of using a genuine Toyota radiator, our mechanic put a Chinese knockoff in instead, probably pocketing the difference. After it cracked in 4 different places, it finally just blew on Monday. Being out $1,000 and not receiving what we paid for by someone we trusted was like a kick in the gut. And being stranded again was just frustrating. But that's another story.

Back to the search for anther radiator. So, after all of that travel, first being sold the wrong model and then making another trip to pick up the correct one, I thought I was finally nearing the end of this trial this afternoon. I had the new one in and it fit perfectly. It took a few hours to get it in, but I was finished. At least that's what I thought. As I began to fill it with water, my worst nightmares became a reality. It was leaking and not just a drop here or a drop there. It was leaking fast. As soon as I saw it, I was feeling kind of defeated. But then I remembered the verses from James about trials and was encouraged a bit.

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

I was encouraged because I was beginning to see the struggles with our car as opportunity instead of failure. Opportunity to persevere and trust Christ more. Opportunity to become closer to Him because I depend on Him. It's not easy and I'd be lying if I said that it's not frustrating at times, but, in a weird way, I was encouraged and comforted by this truth in His word today!

Monday, March 10, 2014

Miracle




After you have lived here a while, you begin to learn what constitutes a miracle. Case in point:

Friday a week ago, we had someone break into our car and steal my backpack. Besides getting a few little trinkets, they didn't get away with much. At least that's what I thought at the time.

It turns out that our registration for the car and Interpol clearance papers were in the bag as well. So, Monday I had to make the trip back to Lusaka to try and begin the process of getting these important documents reissued. And that's where the miracle comes in.

Here's the process:
1. Go to RTSA and pay for an inspection form. RTSA is the equivalent of the DMV. Usually lines are long and delays are to be expected. When I got there, there were only 5 people ahead of me. Prayers answered. And yes, I did pray!

2. Go to Central Police (about a half-mile away) and fill out a police report. I just left my car at RTSA because finding the spot I found was a miracle in and of itself. This process went rather smoothly. It probably helped that I greeted the officer in charge in his tribal tonga language.

3. Go just around the corner to the local car wash and find the commissioner of oaths. He was stationed in an old shipping container. I needed him to witness my affidavit. Prayer 2 was answered when one of the guys in line with me at RTSA actually gave me a copy of an affidavit. Had he not done this, it probably would have added 5 more steps to the process. After getting the affidavit witnessed, I headed to step # 4.

4. Physical Inspection. I had to take the car all the way across town, through horrible bumper-to-bumper traffic to be inspected by another person from RTSA. This was answered prayer #3. While the guy from RTSA was getting ready to inspect, I noticed an Interpol inspector. I asked him if he could do Interpol at the same time as the inspection. He agreed against the wishes of the RTSA agent. So with both inspection papers in hand, I now had to head back into the middle of town through the traffic that I so dearly love.

5. The Third RTSA office was in the middle of town. I arrived just past lunch and this place was packed. Within 20 minutes I was able to figure out the right line to stand in and was issued the registration. At this point, anything else that I accomplished was just icing on the cake. So, I decided to try and complete Interpol as well. After standing in 2 more lines and paying for more paperwork, I was ready for the 6th and final step.

6. So, I jumped back into my car and headed back across town one last time. This time it was to pay the fee for Interpol at one of the local police stations, the only one which handles Interpol, and wait the two weeks it takes to produce the approval paper. Here's where God answered another prayer. When I went into the head officer's office, I greeted him in Lozi (a tribal language from Western Zambia). I only know the greeting in this language, but it worked. He turned out to be Lozi. After hearing me, he asked one of his guys to prepare it while I was in the office. The document that takes two weeks was now in my hand, along with the registration, and all in one day.

This, my friends, was a true Zambian miracle!

Sunday, March 09, 2014

Sunday Shopping




Enjoyed following behind Kerri and watching out new friends Michael and Dennis helping with the grocery shopping. They are both a ball full of energy! Praying we're having an impact.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Lost and Found




Does God really care about a set of keys? Probably not, but He does care about the person who has lost them.

This past week one of our workers had several break-ins at his home. When he and his wife were away, someone came in and took a few valuables.

As he shared with me the frustration, I asked him if I could pray for him. It was a simple prayer, one that I really didn't think that much of at the time. I just asked God to bring back the items that were stolen.

Well, the next day God answered. As our worker was returning to his home, he found a set of keys and a lock underneath the mat at his front door. Isn't that neat? We prayed, God answered.

I know it's a small example, but thought it would encourage you in your own prayer life!

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Outdoor Markets




Just a picture of an outdoor market in Lusaka. I took it yesterday as I was traveling through town. These stands are all over the place and offer great secondhand clothes straight from the good ole USA.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Back to my Roots




Since Caleb had to stay overnight in the clinic and we were without our car, I got the opportunity to travel around Lusaka via minibus yesterday.

U can find taxis in Lusaka, but if u know how to get around on these guys, you can save a lot of money and meet some interesting people in the process.

Roadside Traveler




Picked up this little roadside traveler on our way to church Sunday. As you can probably see, our little Ellie is fearless.

Monday, February 24, 2014

Pray for our boy today




Our oldest is having a minor surgical procedure done this morning in Lusaka. By the time you get this post, he'll probably be out and on the road to recovery. But if you think about him, please pray.

He has a varicose vein in his lower abdomen that needs to be fixed. Hopefully we'll be on the road and heading back to Mazabuka this afternoon so he can get some rest.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

The Tour Has Begun




Received an update from a friend who hosted Alex at their church last night. He spoke to the Awana group at North Trenholm Baptist Church. So thankful for the allowing Alex to share about his passion for ministry with youth in Zambia.

Alex still has some availability if you have a small group you would like him to visit with. Just contact me at RobertsinZambia@gmail.com and I can be sure to get it setup.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Little Mike




This little guy is Mike. He's a street kid who roams the streets of Mazabuka during the week. He has family, but both parents struggle with alcoholism and live in abject poverty. On Sundays, we often see Mike at the local grocery store trying to help shoppers, like ourselves, take their carts to their vehicles for spare change.

We always talked with him whenever we saw him, but we're really struggling with how to help. We could give him food and help him in other ways, which we did at times, but God really began to touch Kerri's heart for this boy a few weeks ago. She really felt like we should get more involved in his life. So, we figured we would start by inviting him to church.

The first Sunday, we told him that if he wanted to come that he could meet us in town and we would pick him up from there. And guess what? He was there. And not just the first week, but for the past 5.

It hasn't come without a few twists and turns (boys from the streets often have behavioral issues and need time to adjust to a little bit of structure) but Mike is beginning to really hit it off with some of the other kids while learning a little about the Great Love of the Father.

Wednesday, February 05, 2014

Traveling by Taxi

https://www.africafreedommission.org/mission-trips

Caleb doesn't look to happy to have to take a taxi ride for 2 hours to get home. Hopefully the car will be fixed by next week.

Trying to get rid if this car, but Zambian govt has changed the laws again concerning imports. We have a new one picked out, but taxes to get it in country might be too high to overcome. Pray please.

Sent from my iPhone

Friday, January 31, 2014

A Good Friend




One of my favorite Zambian friends, Alex Mwilambwe, national director of Awana Zambia, will be in Columbia Feb 17 - Mar 5th. He would love to have the opportunity to share with Awana groups, small groups and Churches about how Zambian youth are being impacted by the gospel. Message me if you would be interested in having him come and share. We're trying to help him have a full schedule during his visit.