God's Grace

February was quite busy and flew right by and that leaves one month to go for me here in Zambia. We had a medical student with us for the month. Alicia came for a rotation as part of her resident program for family medicine. She was able to help relieve some of the work of caring for patients for our missionary doctors at the hospital. She also gained much experience with medicine that she wouldn't get in the USA, such as delivering a breech baby (roughly 9 lb.) by candle light. It was a stretching time for her.

One aspect of God that is seen often on the mission field is His grace. Sometimes we don't realize it and other times we are quite aware that it's what keeps us going. This month I have been keenly aware that I can't do anything without God's help and how much His grace enables me to do what I need to do here. I have now added full time cook as another way of serving the volunteers, students, and other visitors who come to serve the people in the area. This has been stretching as I have never cooked for a group before as well as making things even more busy, and sometimes overwhelming, on top of the other responsibilities I have taking care of the mission and as serving the other missionaries. I recognize that I have made it through the last year only by God's grace and help, but February had 28 daily reminders that I cannot make it without Him.

I have been constantly reminded of “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Since arriving in Zambia I have been greatly outside my comfort zone and the cooking for teams is one more step away from it. God has helped me and things have worked out. When God calls, He equips. I am thankful that He never gives up on us!

Please pray that I am able to take care of the teams as well as keep up with my responsibilities these next few weeks.

It's hard to believe it is March! This week we have a team of 4 here to help with the electrical upgrade at the hospital. When this complete, the hospital will have the capacity to run their sterilizer machine and an echocardiogram. However, the electricity supplied here fluctuates frequently in the voltage so it is very hard on equipment and some days is not enough to run things. We pray that someday soon that will even out. We are still trying to figure out how to protect the equipment and still be able to use it.

Following the electrical team we have a group of surgeons coming to volunteer at the hospital. Please pray that the surgeries go well and as many people as possible receive treatment.

We also have two more medical students staying with us, working under the doctors. One of them had their first experience of church, in their life, this past Sunday. It was a special youth Sunday with lots going on. I think she was a bit overwhelmed. Please pray for her and her time here; that she would be drawn to the Lord through this experience. Please also pray that we, as hosts, would have opportunities to speak to her and into her life.

The weeks for our departure from Zambia are quickly counting down and preparations are being made, as well as trying to stay focused on things here. Jesse and I are making bookings for times to share about the work in Zambia and looking for different opportunities throughout the year. We would be delighted to share in either a Sunday or mid-week service, Bible study, small group and/or with your Church Board. If you would like to have us come share about the work in Zambia, we would be happy to! Just let me know.

Thank you so much for your prayers! It is evident that people are praying for us and even more evident that we really need those prayers. You are a vital part of the work here in Zambia!