tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-353704802024-03-12T18:47:58.580-07:00Africa Freedom Mission - RobertsEquipping believers to fulfill the great commission through serving on mission in Africa!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger658125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35370480.post-52771452985851045902019-12-07T07:23:00.001-08:002019-12-07T07:36:00.314-08:00Growing in Strength<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The "Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, 'Isn't he the man who raised havoc on Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn't he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?' <b><u>Yet Saul grew more and more powerful </u></b>and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah." ~ Acts 9:18-22</span></i></div>
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The context of this scripture is the conversion of Saul (Paul). Paul was a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee (Philippians 3:5). He knew the scriptures, but, now, for the first time in his life, they were made alive. He was seeing them from a completely different perspective. Before conversion, he thought that in the Scriptures he had eternal life (John 5:39). But now, he realized that the Scriptures were testifying to Christ and that in Christ, he had eternal life.</div>
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The light had come on, he was now alive proclaiming it. But he also had to grow in his newfound knowing of Jesus. Notice the scripture didn't say that he was growing more and more in knowledge, but in power. It's also translated strength. He was becoming more and more powerful or strong in his faith. I imagine that this verse speaks both to ministering in the power of the Holy Spirit and to growing in strength of relationship with Christ. It's the latter that I would like to focus on. He was growing in strength. Paul had the scriptures all along, but now he had the Christ in the scriptures.</div>
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As Paul spent more time with Jesus, he was strengthened for the work to which he was called. We cannot neglect time with our Savior – time spent basking in His presence, listening to His Holy Spirit, studying His Scriptures with the intent of knowing Him better, worshiping Him through song for who He is and what He has done, and laughing, crying and just talking with him as you process all this life has to throw at you. For it is this time spent with Him when no one else is watching that strengthens us for the work to which he has called us, mainly confounding the world with the knowledge and beauty of Christ.<span style="background-color: white; color: #001320;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35370480.post-75306010784968695372019-11-05T23:01:00.001-08:002019-12-07T07:15:00.989-08:00Fruit, Not Gifts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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“Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.” ~ Acts 6:3</div>
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There are requirements of those you select to lead. Notice the verse didn’t say select seven men who are gifted in administration or helps, etc. The gifting is never the qualification of those who lead. Their character, submission to the Lord’s spirit and resulting wisdom that they display are what qualified these men.<br />
True leaders should always be selected primarily by their fruit and then by their giftedness, not the other way around. All too often, I think about my own ability to lead others and I think that I’m ill-equipped because I’m not a gifted speaker or boisterous leader. This is not God’s way of thinking, because my ability to lead is not rooted in my gifting but in my consistent walk with the Holy Spirit where the fruit of the Spirit is actively present.<br />
Look at Moses. He argued with the Lord because he was trying to define his ability to lead others through his gifting instead of through his consistent pursuit of a loving God. He said "Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." ~Exodus 4:10.<br />
Gifting is important, but it’s not God’s criteria for choosing leaders. It’s their heart, their character, their displayed wisdom over time, it’s by the fruit of the Spirit and not the gifts of the Spirit.<br />
Lord let my life be a consistent display of your fruit through a life surrendered to your leading!</div>
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~ Brent Roberts</div>
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<span style="color: white;">President | Africa Freedom Mission</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35370480.post-4183187050968752982018-05-28T13:07:00.000-07:002019-12-06T20:07:21.682-08:00Sharing the Little that You Have<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm always blown away by how inviting and sacrificial African families are when you come to visit them in their home. The other day, we were visiting a family in a nearby village when the father sent the children to fetch a drink for us visitors. This family lives on a small farm in the bush and makes ends meet through farming, raising pigs/cattle and running a small shop in town. <br />
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They're definitely not the type of family that will buy and keep coke around the house for daily consumption. And here they were, offering the little that they had to us. To say that I was humbled is an understatement. <br />
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It kind of reminds me of this passage from Leviticus 19:<br />
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<span class="text Lev-19-33" id="en-NIV-3315" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">33 </span>“‘When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Lev-19-34" id="en-NIV-3316" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">34 </span>The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-3316A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-3316A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> Love them as yourself,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-3316B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-3316B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> for you were foreigners<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-3316C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-3316C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> in Egypt.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-3316D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-3316D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> I am the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> your God.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35370480.post-4611610301414116612018-05-27T12:38:00.001-07:002019-12-06T20:07:41.162-08:00Little Bit of Off-Road<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm now in Kijabe, Kenya in the middle of rainy season and I'm already having experiences that remind me of my time in the bush in Zambia. Yesterday, my friend Will and I were driving to a nearby village and had to use back roads around the side of a mountain. We were going to visit a good friend of the ministry, Charles.<br />
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The road to his village is a single lane, dirt road that has been washed out by the heavy rains. As you can see from the pictures above, we had quite the adventure on this drive. As we rounded one corner, we came across a dump truck that had been stuck in the same place for 3 weeks. We thought that we could make it. So, I just held my breath and tried to keep the car moving, praying that I wouldn't run into the side of the mountain or the truck. The mud was deep and the space was quite small for passing, but we somehow managed. <br />
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After this, we came across a Matatu (mini bus) that was stuck in a mud rut. After performing a 20 point turn and reversing back to the bus, we were able to tow it out. The ladies in the bus were so thankful. They had been sitting there for 45 minutes trying everything that they could to get it loose.<br />
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It might sound weird, but these are some of the situations that I miss about Africa. Some days, the simple ride to the next town turns into a great adventure!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35370480.post-86169111934819596132017-03-13T18:33:00.001-07:002019-12-06T20:07:57.251-08:00Home again! Home again!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://ia601504.us.archive.org/5/items/2017ZambiaNewsletter/2017%20Newsletter%20(Rough%20Draft).pdf" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhIzqWwS85dunU-a_IhFGjksSspIT5CttLglouFqprG3PHHE5V1D9twunaP1U3s6ycGbqmgVnwBvs1sZmb_BJTNezDDJgokark-o-k9wVV-NcGqtlKmZLU-72QB6UuOyQU07P/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-03-13+at+8.58.21+PM.png" width="247" /></a></div>
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It's been almost 2 & 1/2 years and we're finally getting the opportunity to return home to Zambia! Take a look at our newsletter and read all about it!<br />
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If you would like to support us for this trip, you can do so at: <a href="https://marketlifeministries.org/offering">https://marketlifeministries.org/offering</a>/. Be sure to select Zambia Mission Donation so your gift is counted towards our trip. All gifts are 100% tax deductible. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35370480.post-12655683915678148042015-03-27T10:50:00.002-07:002019-12-06T20:08:09.710-08:00Signing Off, For Now!<div style="text-align: center;">
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It's bittersweet writing this post, our final post, as we transition from life in Zambia back to the States. But we are excited to see where He is leading us next. Please take a minute and read about what's next. We will miss you Zambia, for now!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(The slideshow above is a compilation of pictures </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>taken directly from </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>this blog - unedited.)</i></span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35370480.post-29827426773517945782015-01-06T06:57:00.001-08:002019-12-06T20:08:28.157-08:00When We Can't See<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This New Year begins for me with a lot of uncertainty. Right now I don’t know what the future holds. At the end of last year, my husband and I felt a very clear call from God to move our family back to the United States, after almost seven years living and working in Zambia. When God calls and moves, we will answer and follow. We will make every effort to choose His path. But it’s not always easy. It can be really hard. It can really hurt. Right now, we are jobless and homeless. In a holding pattern, we are waiting on God to show us which path to take. Maybe you can relate. Maybe you find it difficult to make resolutions or even plans this New Year because you just can’t see past today.<br />
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In this place where I find myself at the start of this new year, all I can do is submit myself, my family, my situation to God and wait. The only resolution I know to make is to live <em>coram Deo </em>(under the gaze of God).<br />
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<span style="font-family: "terminal" , "monaco";">Living coram Deo is to live one’s entire life in the presence of God, under the authority of God, to the glory of God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "terminal" , "monaco";">To live in the presence of God is to understand that whatever we are doing and wherever we are doing it, we are acting under the gaze of God. God is omnipresent. There is no place so remote that we can escape His penetrating gaze. ~R.C. Sproul</span></div>
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In Genesis 17:1 “the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, ‘I am God Almighty; Walk before Me, and be blameless.’”<br />
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<em>Walk BEFORE Me</em><br />
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This word translated <em>BEFORE </em>is the Hebrew word <em>Paniym</em>, which means in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "terminal" , "monaco";"><em>Coram Deo</em></span><br />
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If I have envisioned myself walking with God, it has usually been a picture of walking beside Him or even behind Him and following His lead. But when I think of God’s command to walk <em>before </em>Him, the picture changes.<br />
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If God were only ever walking ahead of me, leading the way, following would be a pretty straight-forward, easy thing to do. I could do it with my ipod blaring and distractions all around me, because I would just have to follow in His footsteps. He is the Shepherd and His rod and staff guide me. And sometimes our walk is like that.<br />
Walking <em>before </em>Him, on the other hand, takes careful attention. I must be completely tuned in to His voice so that I will hear His leading. I must trust that He is watching my every step and that I am safe under His gaze, even though I cannot see Him with my eyes.<br />
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<strong><em>Whether you turn to the right or to the left,</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying,</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>“This is the way; walk in it.” </em></strong></div>
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<strong>Isaiah 30:21</strong></div>
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This New Year I will focus on listening. I will tune in to the voice of God behind me. I will walk forward trusting in His guidance. I will delight in the fact that His gaze is upon me. I will remember His faithfulness in the past and look to the future with great hope! Living <em>coram Deo</em>!<br />
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<em>For You have delivered my soul from death,</em></div>
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<em>Indeed my feet from stumbling,</em></div>
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<em>so that I may walk before God</em></div>
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<em>in the light of the living.</em></div>
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Psalm 56:13</div>
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Live Free. Live Loved.</div>
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~Kerri</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35370480.post-55674402415779034422014-12-01T04:47:00.001-08:002019-12-06T20:08:44.619-08:00Home Again<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/YAq30Z35-KY?list=UUCvRfI3PbTN269aJT0IGn4Q" width="560"></iframe>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAq30Z35-KY&list=UUCvRfI3PbTN269aJT0IGn4Q" target="_blank">Click Here</a> to view video<br />
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<a href="https://www.africafreedommission.org/mission-trips" style="white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">https://www.africafreedommission.org/mission-trips</a></div>
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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. <br />
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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!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35370480.post-90663910511027749232014-11-17T16:12:00.002-08:002019-12-06T20:09:05.434-08:00Not Shutting Out the Goodbyes<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.africafreedommission.org/mission-trips" style="white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">https://www.africafreedommission.org/mission-trips</a></div>
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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 <span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">an amazing future. </span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"><br />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! </span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"><br />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.</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show">~Kerri</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35370480.post-34731155587110814862014-11-11T00:06:00.002-08:002019-12-06T20:09:23.972-08:00A Home Coming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_9KRkeuSMsloh_LLpVkJ6Sv-SCIv1dOqHuyhgu6edhkjjuHqoG5bsstg34aSxdMrx3WqXGqxp8HqHr-oLlQ-snRYTVzaiVssk5YhA5i-2FVPALNY9hUrAimblBef7MNug3Dk/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-11-11+at+8.49.41+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_9KRkeuSMsloh_LLpVkJ6Sv-SCIv1dOqHuyhgu6edhkjjuHqoG5bsstg34aSxdMrx3WqXGqxp8HqHr-oLlQ-snRYTVzaiVssk5YhA5i-2FVPALNY9hUrAimblBef7MNug3Dk/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-11-11+at+8.49.41+AM.png" width="184" /></a></div>
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Video 1 (The Unveiling): <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px;"><a href="http://youtu.be/FQTEFKSoBiw" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #167ac6; cursor: pointer; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://youtu.be/FQTEFKSoBiw</a></span><br />
Video 2 (The Tour): <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px;"><a href="http://youtu.be/sXuLqAIMG_w" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #167ac6; cursor: pointer; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">http://youtu.be/sXuLqAIMG_w</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.africafreedommission.org/mission-trips" style="white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">https://www.africafreedommission.org/mission-trips</a></div>
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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.<br />
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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. <br />
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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!<br />
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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!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35370480.post-47186846299211447902014-10-16T07:40:00.000-07:002019-12-06T20:09:54.287-08:001 month and counting<div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZIuJ5tMRI4s469b77yR5tjEScmtHq22f9kEEhW5UC48Oh6vIT1lq_h06pfDIhkPSE40GCJ_Ltu1IP67c3_VluMk1ByC9bITuzk1oyTRUc12vZ6GCgFO4DcsVWT5Cb-xL8r2V/s1600/photo+1-749686.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6070807214216265410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZIuJ5tMRI4s469b77yR5tjEScmtHq22f9kEEhW5UC48Oh6vIT1lq_h06pfDIhkPSE40GCJ_Ltu1IP67c3_VluMk1ByC9bITuzk1oyTRUc12vZ6GCgFO4DcsVWT5Cb-xL8r2V/s320/photo+1-749686.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYX75M7iFTe8niTtJjlHlUuNKM9iNBRtVwqkcqC02LLI5TJgTCRhYzyAF7Dmc6MweMthqV99VvJPFin8j_YuxfL0Ih-n0W0eog0ONf1O5ilbyrDGA4cx-p3tgurOp7FiIkm5l3/s1600/photo+3-757529.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6070807244436236418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYX75M7iFTe8niTtJjlHlUuNKM9iNBRtVwqkcqC02LLI5TJgTCRhYzyAF7Dmc6MweMthqV99VvJPFin8j_YuxfL0Ih-n0W0eog0ONf1O5ilbyrDGA4cx-p3tgurOp7FiIkm5l3/s320/photo+3-757529.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.africafreedommission.org/mission-trips" style="white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">https://www.africafreedommission.org/mission-trips</a></div>
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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!
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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.
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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.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35370480.post-47949862027276520962014-10-06T21:37:00.005-07:002019-12-06T20:10:10.238-08:00Blessing Dailes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CH9I-1cIU2k&list=UUCvRfI3PbTN269aJT0IGn4Q" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeO2CLk-CjgNeZ25vHak5jpsUgXxM8qwYPU03MdsL_2cK1dxWMuHTg4l1rIHO8B2EdynL4yhQ0l3IKXPpiBGDBsgTaqpCz_mcyilhRbAYwE53NLtZAf1MnXGrX3d-UtA5OX13I/s1600/Dailes+profile.JPG" width="203" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CH9I-1cIU2k&list=UUCvRfI3PbTN269aJT0IGn4Q" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a> to view video<br />
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<a href="https://www.africafreedommission.org/mission-trips" style="white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">https://www.africafreedommission.org/mission-trips</a></div>
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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We have the funds for the foundation, walls and roof. But need some additional help with the following:<br />
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Plumbing - $1,350<br />
Electricity - $900<br />
Cement Floor - $1,470<br />
Plastering - $1,280<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Would you consider helping, even on part of one of these items? To make a donation, go to <a href="http://www.cten.org/brentroberts" rel="nofollow" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.cten.org/brentroberts</a>. All donations are 100% tax deductible. If you donate, please message me so I know how to appropriate the funds.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35370480.post-61759360406704207922014-09-27T13:09:00.000-07:002019-12-06T20:10:33.707-08:00A Boy's Best Friend<div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8_gy7QSOHxhBzMuJKDL4irjojQYSu9PHwIVQeZVjMxEKcPic8hFYWNHCdtpcQnFqNxUQcsNEEH9FblqzxAosyAzRkDq2bDx6nFrjWRHIpjMaS9WvrWfVf5TdBqC1o5oHls7H/s1600/photo-721491.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6063841512255940866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8_gy7QSOHxhBzMuJKDL4irjojQYSu9PHwIVQeZVjMxEKcPic8hFYWNHCdtpcQnFqNxUQcsNEEH9FblqzxAosyAzRkDq2bDx6nFrjWRHIpjMaS9WvrWfVf5TdBqC1o5oHls7H/s320/photo-721491.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.africafreedommission.org/mission-trips" style="white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">https://www.africafreedommission.org/mission-trips</a></div>
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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.
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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.
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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.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35370480.post-52952534172953759892014-08-07T05:35:00.000-07:002019-12-06T20:10:58.567-08:00The Final Chapter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhori3HztQfxPV3_19Tb586EPOMxpi6lX8VjF6P9jz0xoaKUuimrBRjQ1OfleQcj8KkJ94VrJUMPpYWZdjUbus-7wi-Oy7OnEQhsUsu1eHLon8CVH5J7id_XRUgqDyp1xn7t5SW/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-08-06+at+9.27.54+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhori3HztQfxPV3_19Tb586EPOMxpi6lX8VjF6P9jz0xoaKUuimrBRjQ1OfleQcj8KkJ94VrJUMPpYWZdjUbus-7wi-Oy7OnEQhsUsu1eHLon8CVH5J7id_XRUgqDyp1xn7t5SW/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-08-06+at+9.27.54+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://ia902300.us.archive.org/7/items/July2014UpdateVersion2/July%202014%20Update%20%28Version%202%29.pdf" target="_blank">Roberts Ministry Update</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.africafreedommission.org/mission-trips" style="white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">https://www.africafreedommission.org/mission-trips</a></div>
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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!<br />
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Thank you,<br />
Brent & KerriUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35370480.post-81111559931961629422014-08-01T07:37:00.000-07:002019-12-06T20:11:17.913-08:00Overloaded<div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1K0HJcINcqmB3uvcbUk_CI2u21LUpG589rVq5Ix-gTaNv3WSFX7QZyD-maTeAsPzXPctUn4uBPUWGrGT_MBiKhuDRO3wZ6UXsJS7fJkJ5FBRwVyRc3j0jYlprwwPZVnkjSq6/s1600/photo-756966.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6042604770299645170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1K0HJcINcqmB3uvcbUk_CI2u21LUpG589rVq5Ix-gTaNv3WSFX7QZyD-maTeAsPzXPctUn4uBPUWGrGT_MBiKhuDRO3wZ6UXsJS7fJkJ5FBRwVyRc3j0jYlprwwPZVnkjSq6/s320/photo-756966.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.africafreedommission.org/mission-trips" style="white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">https://www.africafreedommission.org/mission-trips</a></div>
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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!
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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.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35370480.post-19886034562677392842014-07-11T19:05:00.000-07:002019-12-06T20:11:36.257-08:00Little Brenty<div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;">
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35370480.post-1127404070489527762014-07-03T13:51:00.001-07:002019-12-06T20:13:00.161-08:00This is Totally Our Experience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Saw this and had to share. This describes us to a "T." Thought you would enjoy!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35370480.post-44257948113767968342014-07-01T09:10:00.000-07:002019-12-06T20:13:25.513-08:00Habibi<div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;">
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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.
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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.
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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.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35370480.post-36102559258676245772014-06-23T09:47:00.000-07:002019-12-06T20:13:49.902-08:00In Home Visit<div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;">
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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.
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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!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35370480.post-38711083867064074252014-06-12T12:10:00.000-07:002019-12-06T20:14:27.234-08:00All Locked Up<div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;">
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35370480.post-23425704979153102382014-05-31T14:58:00.000-07:002019-12-06T20:14:45.268-08:00Home Visit<div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;">
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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!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35370480.post-24417436034673343792014-05-30T14:13:00.000-07:002019-12-06T20:17:15.573-08:00Africa for Real, Africa Forever<div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;">
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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.
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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.
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I'm currently recovering from jet lag, and missing the sweet bush of Africa.
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I'm currently missing my sweet team who only entered my life a short two weeks ago.
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My heart is currently aching from the longing of wanting to be back in Zambia.
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But let's rewind to two weeks ago.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Tonight is our last night at the hotel. I'm ready to head to the farm. What is it going to be like?
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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.
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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.
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I wake up nervous. How will these kids be at the school? What if I we can't communicate?
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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.
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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.
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So now I'm here. I didn't even cover half of my trip but that's just because it's impossible too.
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I'm recovering from jet lag & my heart hurts from being apart from my team.
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but
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my heart is satisfied with Jesus. I really learned the meaning of that the past two weeks.
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Take the world, but give me Jesus.
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Africa For Real, Africa Forever.
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Jesus for eternity.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35370480.post-47176983048755876432014-05-22T22:50:00.000-07:002019-12-06T20:18:24.786-08:00Last Day of Camp<div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://www.africafreedommission.org/mission-trips" style="white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">https://www.africafreedommission.org/mission-trips</a></div>
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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.
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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!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35370480.post-51546857965167874292014-05-18T05:12:00.000-07:002019-12-06T20:19:27.352-08:00Our First Team<div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://www.africafreedommission.org/mission-trips" style="white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">https://www.africafreedommission.org/mission-trips</a></div>
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35370480.post-41449590385232400962014-05-12T19:59:00.000-07:002019-12-06T20:19:53.205-08:00A Lion Encounter<div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://www.africafreedommission.org/mission-trips" style="white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">https://www.africafreedommission.org/mission-trips</a></div>
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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.
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Caleb and I decided it was ok to delay our departure a bit just to play with the little guys. ; )Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0