Our First Goodbye : (

As time passes, we are getting closer and closer to our return to Zambia. This weekend was a reminder that our departure is just around the corner. We were in Knoxville visiting Kerri's brother Matt and his family. Being that we don't make it up to Knoxville on a very regular basis and they don't have any planned trips to Columbia, this was the last time that we would get to spend with the Grimsley's before we fly out November 30th. While we had a wonderful visit, it was hard to say goodbye.

Returning to Zambia is kind of a "Catch 22" in a sense. We look forward to, with much anticipation, reuniting with our Zambian & other missionary friends, starting this new ministry in Chikankata and settling down in our new home. But at the same time, we don't look forward to saying goodbye to all of our family and friends. I know I've said it many times before, but it's worth repeating. The hardest part of missions is leaving behind those you love.

So, if you think of us over these next 30 days, say a prayer. Pray for us. Pray for our friends and family. Pray that the Lord would grant us his comfort and peace as we say goodbye again.

Hitting the Ground Running

CLICK HERE to view the Zambia Container Project Flyer

Do you want to help us hit the ground running when we get back to Zambia? We have just started filling a 40ft shipping container that will be sent to assist us in our ministry in Chikankata. Take a look at the flyer and see if there are any items you might be willing to donate.

These items will be used in the:

• Development of a Ministry Centre
• Starting Clean Water and Agricultural Projects
• Outreach and Leadership Training
• Caring for Widows and Orphans; and
• Missionary Living Setup

Also, if you would like to make a financial donation, we are trying to raise money for the shipping costs. Information for making financial donations is also included in the flyer.

Above all, please pray for this effort. We are trying to have this container filled and ready for shipping by our departure date of November 30th. Pray that the Lord would provide the donated items, the finances for shipping & clearance in Zambia to import this container!

Thank you

Story Runners

So, how do you train leaders in a culture where 80% of the people cannot read or write? You tell stories! There are various groups that have put together chronological stories which help communicate the story of Jesus (beginning in the book of Genesis and working through to the Gospels). And this week, I (Brent) am in training in Orlando, Florida doing such training.

I arrived this evening just in time for the first session. Before the end of the session, we broke into small groups and practiced telling the story of the demon possessed man in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 5. It was really interesting listening to people from different cultures trying to tell this story in a way that was contextualized for their own people.

Tonight, I met two guys from Africa (Benin and Cameroon), a family from Laos, another couple now living in the states who used to work in Botswana, and many more. There are 24 people from 9 different countries here at the Wycliffe Training Center going through this training.

Would you please pray for us this week as we seek to learn effective ways to communicate the Gospel message to semi-illiterate and illiterate cultures? Would you also be in prayer for Luke Whitfield, who is in well-drilling training in North Carolina? Also pray for us next week. I will be joining Luke at Equip Ministries to learn how to install and repair water pumps. These are the last bits of training we will receive before our return to Zambia in November.