Greetings from Lusaka

Children at Hope for the Heart Preschool, Matero Parish, ELC-Z



Matero Parish, Matero Township, Lusaka

 Laurie and I are sitting at an internet cafe in Lusaka while Jan shops for a few groceries, and we are delighted to be able to get online and post a few of many, many pictures of our last three days.  It is hard to believe that we've only been here since Thursday morning, as each day has been so full of new people, experiences, sights, and conversations.  We're staying at Juliet's family home, and it has been wonderful to meet her family.  We've also visited New Horizons Orphanage twice, and spent two mornings and afternoons with Pr. Adren Strasser and members of the ELC-Z.  On Friday morning, Arden picked us up and drove us to the Matero Township parish where the ELC-Z runs a preschool for young children.  They are full of light and life.  We then spent time with leaders of the church and went for an authentic African lunch where freshwater fish, steak, wild game, and chicken were being roasted on outside charcoal grills.  At this meal with Lead Pastor Chana and administrator Mr. Muplinga, we learned (or tried) to eat with our hands, using the national staple food, nshima, as catch-all utensil.  The Lutherans we have been meeting with are so welcoming and joyful.  We spent the day with the women's group of the Matero parish.  They sang for us and we began to learn the songs we will bring home to St. John's!  We engaged in bible study and conversation, led by marvelous Pr. Matilda, who translated and facilitated our discussion.  Our time with them ended with another home-coooked meal.  We were all overwhelmed and moved by our time with these women.  We will worship tomorrow at another parish of the ELC-Z and look forward to this time!
--Pr. Elyse

New Horizons Orphsnage



Three beautiful faces from NHO!


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It was so exciting to arrive at New Horizons Orphanage!  The first night the girls were sleeping and I wanted to wake them up to greet them, but I didn't.  Last night we returned and brought the wonderful gifts that you so generously donated.  They were very thankful to you.  As you can see from the pictures, they are beautiful children of God.  I'm looking forward to spending more time with them in the next few days.
--Laurie

Thank you for your continued support and prayers!  We ask specifically that you pray for health and healing for all who are infected and affected with HIV-AIDS and all who live in such dire poverty.  Please pray for the people of the ELC-Z and for the girls of NHO.  We look forward to "Skype-ing" into the 9:15 COJ service on Sunday.  (10:30 is not possible due to Internet Cafe operating hours.)