Giving a Measure That Runs Over

 

When I was in Zambia, there was a custom in the marketplace that left a real impression on me.  When you go to the market to purchase a dry food, such as rice or ground nuts (peanuts), it is sold out of a large sack by the container.  The container is usually about a gallon in size and after you ‘negotiate’ a fair price the merchant will then take the container, fill it with rice and then mound it up until it is running over the sides.

Rice running over the sides of the container.

 This brimming container is then carefully loaded into a plastic bag and then the merchant adds yet another 2 to 3 hand scoops of rice into the bag.

Now let's add a few extra scoops to your bag!

 Now my first reaction was about how different this was than our way of doing business in our American culture.  If you order a gallon container of rice here, that’s what you get… no more.  If we sold something in a gallon container, we no doubt would take something to level it off carefully before filling the bag.  We live our lives with careful budgets of our money, our resources and our time.  While being a wise steward of what God has given us is a good thing, we have to be careful with our attitude.  In our busy way of life we tend to constantly calculate how we can minimize our personal ‘cost’ when dealing with others.  Some even carefully scheme as to how to take advantage of others.  And yet here was a young man who has far less in earthly treasure than I and was overjoyed to make a sale and throw in some extra.

A happy merchant... notice the name on his shirt!

As I observed this gracious custom, the following scripture from Luke 6:38 came to mind, “Give and it shall be given to you.  A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.  For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”  Now there is a lot here, but let me share just a couple of thoughts that the Lord was putting on my heart; 

First of all, the way the Zambian rice salesman was blessing my rice purchase was but a small reflection of the way that my Heavenly Father blesses my life.  His generosity, as He pours into the otherwise ‘empty sack’ of my life, is beyond comprehension.  I do not serve a greedy God, but one who did not spare even His own son that I might have a relationship with Him.  Deep gratitude and affection to the one who fills my life till it’s ”running over” the sides of my clay container should be my natural response.

The second thought hit a little harder as He spoke some truth into my life.  The way that God has poured over the sides into my life should be the way that I, in turn, would bless others.  How often have I measured out my life… carefully giving only the minimum money or time to a needy soul and failed to give that extra portion that can sometimes make such a powerful impact for God.  His word promises that as I learn to give in the way He gives that I will have an even greater measure to give!

May we all be challenged to grow in the grace of giving as God works His eternal plan in our lives.

My cup runneth over!

Dan

Back To the American Pace of Life

Well, let me first of all catch up on the family news.  We have rejoiced in the arrival on August 4th of our new grandaughter, Madison Mercy Elliott, to Justin and Cara.  This beautiful little red-haired girl in the words of her completely unbiased father and grandfather is “perfect”.  That may be a little hard for her to live up to when she’s 15 years old, but at least we’re off to a good start.  Anyway, I’ll let you judge for yourself…

Madison with her proud Grandma Darla

I just called this morning and both baby and big sister, Sahara, are doing great.  The other family news is that our new foster daughter, Nicole, is adjusting to life at the Elliott’s quite well.  This energetic young lady is full of personality and very gifted in art and music (she plays the flute).  We just registered her at Redmond High School and signed her up for soccer.  She has never played before, but is very excited to get on the field mix it up. 

This Sunday (8/17) I will be sharing my experiences in Zambia twice.  At 10 a.m. I will be preaching at the Chapel of the Pines in Camp Sherman and at 6:30 p.m. I will have a more extended time to share pictures and thoughts on the ministry of our missionaries, Jason and Beckie (and kids) as they share their lives with the Zambian people.  You are more than welcome to join us for either time.  

Upon returning I’ve had a new grandaughter, new foster daughter, been catching up the yardwork, watching the summer Olympics, football camp this week, coaches meetings, preparing to speak and squeezing the last out of my summer with some hunting with my son, Brandon and camping with the Lutes, Lewis, Nicole and Darla.  Yes, that’s right Darla went camping… I think she’s preparing herself to go to Zambia next summer!  Now as you can see, my system has definitely been shocked back into a pace of life that is so typical of we Americans.  Now don’t get me wrong… it’s not like it was all rest and relaxation in Zambia despite the contrary evidence of the pose that my supposed friend, Jason, caught…

Here I am, deep in 'prayer' on the Sibley couch!

There were times of intense ministry in Zambia, especially on the weekends with MTI classes and Sunday services.  However, without the distraction of TV news and sports, the telephone and the constant demands of American life, there was a pace to Zambian life that I found very appealing.  The mornings usually began sometime before 5 a.m. with coffee and devotions (yes, in that order).  After breakfast Jason, some of the kids and I would go for a 1 hour walk through the neighborhood greeting scores of Zambians on their way to work or school.  I cherished these times of discussion and reflection with my friend.  After returning the rest of the morning was often open for preparation of teachings/sermons and extended times of prayer that I never seem to have time for here.  After lunch there was science class for the kids, which was a total ’kick in the pants’!  The rest of the weekday afternoons and evenings were for fellowship with pastors and their wives, playing “Bear” with the kids, watching a video or just fellowshipping with meaningful conversation… sometimes in the darkness when the power went out.

In our fast paced society we can easily lose two things that I found an abundance of in Zambia… alone time with God and time for people.  The alone time God allowed for a lot of reflection on the meaning and significance of my relationship with Him.  Psalm 46:10 says “Be still, and know that I am God.”  How often do we really allow ourselves to really “Be still”?  Since returning to the States I’ve found that it is really difficult to have that quality of a time with God, because there are simply so many distractions.  And then there is taking time for people.  We’ve been trying to get together with another couple now for about 3 months for dinner and between our schedules we still haven’t pulled it off.  Zambians are exceptional in fellowship and conversation, because much of their lives are dependent upon meaningful relationships with one another.  Jesus gave us a new command in John 13:34,35 “Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

So how does this effect the way I choose to live my life?   Well for one thing I’m not watching nearly as much news as I was… less than an hour all totalled in the last 2 weeks.  Other than the Olympics, which will end in a week, I’ve watched a lot less TV and have not really missed it.  I will have to contend with an enormously busy life to keep focused on the most important things and I invite you join me in defeating the time thieves of our culture.

Growing in Christ,

Dan

Thank You, Dear Sibleys!

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank my most incredible hosts for my Zambian mission.  Jason, Beckie and their beautiful children definitely have the gift of hospitality.  They kept me well fed and even spoiled me with some good ol’ ice cream and chocolate bars.  (What American can survive for a month without those?!)  Isata, Shauna, Carlin, Steven, Sia and Caylie provided more than enough entertainment with games of “Bear” and their insufferable joy for life!  I will miss them dearly.  Beckie, who is the ‘ballast’ that keeps my crazy friend Jason lined out, was always more than gracious in giving me opportunities to learn the Zambian culture, sharing her gift of photography for my posts and opening their home to visiting pastors and wives for the blessing of getting to really know the hearts, history and visions of these precious servants.  And then there’s my dear friend Jason… who fired up the brazier when the power went out just to make sure I got my coffee and carted me all over the city of Ndola to experience the life of a Zambian.  I probably owe him 500,000 Kwache (~$150) in taxi fare for the extra miles we put on going out to buy more drums, going back to the Marcella market just to get a picture I wanted, etc.  I will cherish the memories of our daily ~3 mile hike in which we were able to solve all the problems of the world.  But more than anything I am so thankful that he gave me the opportunity to serve my Zambian brothers and sisters through teaching MTI classes and preaching the word of God.  It is when we are able to serve that we are most blessed because we simply cannot outgive God.  There are so many other things I could mention, but I have brought back cherished memories, a fullness of heart, new relationships and a treasured part of Zambia with me and for all of that I simply want to give you a most heartfelt “THANK YOU!”

From these faces, I think you could call these Zambian "Happy Meals"

Some of the beauty that graced our morning hikes. (Jason, Steven, Isata, and Shauna)

My journey home got quite interesting and I’m thankful to not still be waiting for a flight out of Frankfurt, Germany.  About 20 minutes before landing in Frankfurt from Johannesburg, South Africa, the intercom informed me that my connecting flight to Portland via Lufthansa Airlines had been cancelled due to the strike by their workers.  So after getting off the plane in somewhat of an exhausted stupor at 5 a.m., I tried to orient myself and finally found a Lufthansa ticket counter and they booked me on an American Airline flight through Dallas.  All was well until I went to get my boarding pass and they wouldn’t give one to me because they said I was only on standby and there was a list.  So it was off to the main Lufthansa ticket counter where there was now a line about an hour long.  When I finally got to the counter and informed them of my situation with the AA ticket they had issued, I actually had the supervisor go to work on finding an alternative.  After about 10 minutes of speedily tapping in possibilities and shaking his head in the wrong direction, he exasperatedly informed me that he couldn’t even get me on a flight through Tokyo… the long way around the planet.  I suggested maybe trying to find a flight early the next day and his reply was “O no, it’ll be far worse tomorrow!”  At this point of wondering if I will ever see my wonderful wife again, that I know without a doubt that the prayers that were being offered over my journey kicked in.  After another 5 minutes of frantic searching he finally said, ”Ha!  How about Whitehorse, Yukon (Canada) to Fairbanks, Alaska to Seattle, Washington to Portland, Oregon?”  Without hesitation, I said, “I’ll take it!”  So I got the bonus of seeing the Yukon and Alaska and 46 hours after being left at the Ndola airport, I finally got to see my sweet wife’s beautiful green eyes!  My check-in baggage was another story, but it finally arrived in Redmond on Sunday… even bearing the 4 drums I had packed!

Life hit the ground running as I returned home… yesterday morning my son, Justin, and his wife, Cara, had their second little red-haired daughter born.  Her name is Maddison Mercy and we are travelling to Portland to meet her today.  I will post a picture later.  And travelling with us is a new 15 year old foster daughter, Nicole, who came to live with us yesterday.  Be praying for her as this is her first time in foster care and it is quite traumatic for her.  More on this also in the future.

If you are interested, Dan-on-a-mission has not ended just because I have returned to the States… it simply has shifted to God’s continuing call on my life back here.  There is much to be established in building God’s kingdom and it is my hope and passion to be actively involved in that very mission.  I will continue to post about once a week. I have a couple more posts on my heart that I bring back from Zambia.  Feel free to drop in a keep tabs.

Blessed to be alive in Christ!

Dan

A Weekend To Remember

As I sit in the predawn Sibley household, the kingdom is quiet as the children have been given a 3 day holiday from school since this is my last 3 days here… they definitely know how to work all the angles!

I am going to try and describe what it is like to be embraced by a people I did not know a month ago and how their love of Jesus has impacted mine. Words will be inadequate… especially as I try to share their worship of God. But perhaps you can grasp a small glimpse of what I have been able to experience in full.

Saying goodbye to the Mufulira MTI class

Saturday, Jason and I made our sixth trip to Mufulira in 22 days for MTI. I must admit that I expected it would be difficult to say goodbye to the class, but I didn’t have any idea how difficult. After graciously allowing me to be their teacher again, I prayed over them and began to say my farewells. These people are so genuine in relationships that you are amazed at the depth to which you get to know them in such a short time. Without some of the modern distractions that make it difficult for we as Americans to form meaningful bonds with each, Zambians are excellent at friendships. Warm hugs were exchanged with Pastors Nkandu and Mwaba, the four brothers who so blessed me in their passion for God and others in the class. Knowing that unless the Lord allows me to return someday I realized that this could be the last time I will see them on ‘this side’. That didn’t fully impact me until we got back and Beckie asked me how the goodbyes went and I just choked up.

Pastor Charles Mwila with a preacher having a wild hair day

Charity (Pastor Mwila's daughter) leading worship

Our brothers dancing before the Lord- Sidney (on the right) has a very tender heart for God

Sunday morning found us arriving at the Ndeke Church (Pastor Mwila) to the sounds of resonant praise at the end of their Bible class time. I was shown a seat at the front as we transistioned into the worship service. Within moments the rich harmony and deep feeling of the worship began to overwhelm me with the presence of the Lord. The Holy Spirit literally invaded my whole being as I began to weep before the throne of His grace. There are really no words to describe the worship of our Zambian brothers and sisters, except to say that it comes the hidden places of souls who have come to know our God intimately as a result of a humble dependence upon Him in their daily life. There is insatiable thirst for God’s presence like David expressed in Psalm 42:1 “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O’ God.” I so often struggle with my worship coming so much from my head and not my gut. My mind can be so easily distracted as the cares of life steal my focus on my redeemer. David commanded his soul in Psalm 103:1 “Bless the Lord, O’ my soul and all that is within me, bless His holy name!” I have been asking the Lord throughout the last month to help me understand worship and enter into God’s throne room in the way Africans do. Sunday I was blessed to experience His desire to meet with Him with everything that was within me.

Pastor's wife Sarah Mwila and an elder preparing the cup during communion.

By the time worship was over I felt like an empowered puddle! I shared an adaptation of a word on the meaning of communion that I have shared before and then we had the tremendous privilege to share the Lord’s table with our Zambian family. Two cultures… different in so many ways and yet united by the culture of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for us.  This was an incredible moment in my life with Christ.

Growing In Worship!

Dan

Making New Friends

One of things that has been my greatest blessing on my trip has been the chance to meet and get acquainted with the dreams, perspectives, history, joys and struggles of some outstanding individuals from Zambia.

Yesterday morning we had arranged the day before to go on our morning walk with a neighbor by the name of Frank. We had met him a few nights ago when a Christian brother from the Ndeke Foursquare Church, Sidney, had dropped by for a visit. He and Sidney operate a couple long haul trucks that move resources about the country. He arrived at 7:00 a.m. sharp and we embarked on a healthy 5 mile walk at a brisk pace that took us out of town.

Frank and the rest of the hiking crew

As we walked along we immediately entered into meaningful conversation that didn’t cease until we arrived an hour and a half later back at our gate. We quickly discovered that this obviously very intelligent man was a wealth of information and perspective on Zambia. We discussed the economic, political, legal, moral and social structure differences between our two countries. It was fascinating to see the differences in our two societies and yet note some of the characteristics of human nature that exist everywhere. When he asked me what my impression Zambia was I expressed that I found Zambian people to very warm and full of personality, but that it was sad to see Zambians that were in positions of power take advantage of their fellow Zambians. He agreed wholeheartedly with that assessment. Basically, in an hour and a half we were able to solve all the problems of Zambia, America and the rest world. Not bad, huh?!

That evening we had the complete delight of hosting Pastor Charles Sande and his wife Petra for dinner and fellowship. They are the couple that we had the privilege of praying over my first Sunday here as they begin a church in Mushili, the largest compound area in Ndola. The people in this compound live in one room brick huts without access to electricity, city water or city sewage simply because their meager incomes (if they even have one) simply cannot afford it. Mushili is about 4 miles across it and this dynamic young couple has given their lives to bringing the love of Jesus Christ to this community.

Charles and Petra Sande... What a sharp looking couple they are!

Conversation with Charles and Petra is filled with laughter and free flowing dialogue. Their jovial nature and great sense of humor would make them pleasant company in any situation. When Jason served ice cream for dessert, Charles declared that he really didn’t like ice cream, but he would go ahead and eat a big bowl, because he knew Petra did and he didn’t want to make her feel bad. Quite a guy, huh?! Reminds me of the kind of sacrifices I make for Darla! The way they tease one another and ‘twinkle’ also reminded me of the precious relationship I have been blessed with in my dear wife. As they shared their histories and their passion for serving Jesus, we could not help but be deeply touched and excited about how God will advance His kingdom through them. We closed our evening with a time of prayer and just felt completely blessed as they left for home.

Pastor Boniface Mwanza and his grandson Mark

This afternoon afforded yet another opportunity for fellowship with Pastor Boniface Mwanza, the national leader of Foursquare in Zambia. His wife could not join him as their 3rd grandchild had recently arrived in Lusaka and Mary has been down helping with the baby. This 58 year old gentleman, who has much insight, continued to extend our understanding of Zambian culture, history and it’s economic condition. We also learned a lot about the history of the Foursquare Church in Zambia. One thing that really blessed us was his obvious love for his wife and extended family. Sharing how he persistently pursued his bride, despite her ‘noncooperative’ father, reminded me of Jacob’s pursuit of Rachel in the Old Testament. Lots of patience won out and now they have 6 children, 3 grandchildren and a number of extended family members (nieces and nephews) that they now care for as their parents have passed away. He had been delighted this morning as his 2 year old grandson Mark who is learning english (along with their tribal language and Bemba… yes that’s 3 languages) had come up to him to and said “I love you, Papa!” Talk about making me miss my precious grandchildren! We also had the privilege of praying over this servant of God before he headed home.

How can I adequately express the deep impression these new friends and others have left on my life. As I have emailed Darla regarding my experiences she expressed her concern that only half of me would return home as I would leave the other half in Zambia. I assured her that all of me will definitely return except the 6.5% (11 lbs.) of my body mass that I have lost through healthy eating and daily exercise. But I am definitely going to bring home a big portion of Zambia with me, especially the cherished new friendships that God has graced me with these incredible people!

Blessed beyond measure,

Dan

Catching Up On the Latest

My last couple blogs have been more commentaries than news so let me catch you up on my experiences of the last few days.

Loading the 1st of 2 bags of charcoal into our driver Jefferson's Toyota Corolla's trunk.

Saturday took Jason and I back to Mufulira for MTI classes and then back up again with the whole family for church on Sunday at Pastor Mwaba’s church. This was the fifth time we’ve made the 2 1/2 hour round trip journey, but every time there is something new to see along the way. Once again the worship in church was wonderful (especially the hymn “How Great Thou Art” in both Bemba and English) and the word was well received. The poor Sibleys, though, have now had to sit through three Sundays straight of 45-50 minute (with translation) sermons. Their endurance is incredible!! Jason and I got back to Ndola just in time to head out to Ndeke for another MTI class. Each time we have the opportunity to minister, we receive ministry right back as we get to experience the warmth and fellowship of our Zambian brothers and sisters in the Lord.

A typical village scene on the road to Mufulira.

Monday was a day of R & R, science class on the inadequacies of the theory of evolution and a rousing game of “Bear” after dark. My children know this game well as they grew up on hiding in the back rooms of a very dark house while the bear, yours truly, would stalk them with ferocious growls until they were found. The Sibley children are familiar with the game as we had played it before when they had come to stay with us. Well, there was screaming in the Sibley house last night as a vicious bear was on the loose. It was gruesome as in the 1st round the bear went out to find them hiding in the dark and consumed every one of them. ‘Peanut’ (Caylie) had been telling me all day long that I was never going to find her, but she was the 2nd one found… zipped up in one of the girls suitcases!! After finding every terrified one of them, we went another round they called “No Bears Are Out Tonight” where I went and hid and they had to go out and find me in order to save the village! The tension was even higher, as none of them wanted to probe into the darkness where a horrifying fate awaited them. They finally went out as a whole group, with the boys behind, and found me crouched in a closet. When I exploded out of the closet and began grabbing bodies and ripping flesh, we were very thankful that the police didn’t arrive to investigate the obvious homocides that were taking place! Too much fun! These children are just so incredible… they are so full of life and imagination and they love to play. Darla did email me to say that this will insure that Beckie puts me on the plane next week.

Blessed In Him!

Dan

Meet Pastors John and Jennifer Nkandu

Pastors John and Jennifer Nkandu with the wild American (the awesome Zambian shirt that I'm wearing was sewn by Jennifer as a gift for preaching... no small sacrifice as the material alone represents a good share of their weekly income)

Friday we had the tremendous privilege of hosting Pastors John and Jennifer Nkandu from Mufulira for dinner and fellowship. They are the Foursquare pastor of 3 churches (John 1 + Jennifer 2) in Mufulira. I spoke at the church that John pastors last Sunday and shared the blessing of that experience two blogs ago. John has been pastoring since the early 80’s and Jennifer most of the time since around 1990. It was wonderful to sit and visit with them about their lives and share ours with them. They have 5 children from about 8 years old up to a 19 year old. This is a small family for Zambia as some will be as many as 14 children!! We fellowshipped as if we had known each other for years and were just old friends catching up. (There is such a warmth to the personalities of almost all the Zambians I’ve gotten to know.) We shared a delicious meal of nshima, relish, meatballs, chicken, minnow sized fish, mashed potatoes and gravy that was prepared by Partner (the Sibley’s taxi driver’s wife), Beckie and the older girls. We laughed a lot… Jason and I have finally found someone, in John especially, who appreciates our brand of humor. He will break out in his wide smile and laugh heartily at our smart aleck remarks. After prayer they departed for their bus trip back to Mufulira.

This anointed couple are totally sold out to the purposes of God in their lives. They both pastor in communities that are off the chart on the American poverty scale because that is where God has called them. You might wonder why they would have three churches instead of working together in one. Quite simply it is because they both have a pastoral gift and in this way they can reach 3 different communities with the gospel of Christ. It is certainly not any ‘pride trip’ as they are both very humble in how God has used them. The 2 congregations that Jennifer pastors have had to be combined until God raises up a pastor for one of them. She considered limiting herself to just one of them, but says “I just love those people so much!” This reflects the tremendous love that both of these shepherds have for their people. One of my regrets in regards to preaching every Sunday while I’m here is that I don’t have the opportunity to hear the wonderful Zambian pastors I have met share the word of God. I understand from Jason and Beckie that both John and Jennifer deliver a powerful and relevant sermon when they preach. They are also very visionary as they look to ways to reach even more people for Christ. They have started Bible studies for discipleship and John is looking to the possibility of using the humble building where the church meets for a school for the kids in the compounds. Many of these children are orphans and even those with parents often cannot attend the public schools because they cannot afford the required-for-admission school uniforms.

As I look at the commitment of this dear couple, I am deeply challenged in my own level of passion for advancing the kingdom of God. So much of my life can get consumed with things that have no eternal value as I run the American rat race. Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it!” Lord, help us all be forceful in the advancing of your kingdom.

Growing in Him,

Dan

Ndola’s Super/Super Walmart

How desperate men make their coffee in Zambia when the power is out

Yesterday Jason and I went shopping. I might have even challenged my super-shopper wife, Darla, as I carefully compared prices and jovially ‘negotiated’ prices with the merchants. I picked up an awesome African drum that I know all my kids are going to want, so I might have to just make it a family gift and keep it in my den!

One of many grocery departments at the Marcella Market

This lends a whole new meaning to ‘grub’ for dinner!

After visiting the Zambian version of a strip mall (about 25 booths right on the edge of the freeway to Kitwe), we went to Marcella, a market next to the ‘compounds’ (i.e. ‘slums’) of Ndola. Probably the best description of this 150-200 acre market would be that it is Ndola’s Super/Super Walmart. Many times the size of Redmond’s new Super Walmart store, this open air market carried everything a compound resident could possibly need… food and clothing. No TV’s, computers, sports equipment, toys, home décor, appliances or landscaping materials, but a lot of vegetables, grains (esp. mealy meal the flour used to make the corn mush they call nshima that they eat with every meal), live chickens, eggs, material shops (w/ beautiful African prints), clothing shops and piles of used shoes. This was definitely not a ‘tourist trap’, as there was nothing I found that I couldn’t leave in Zambia, except the African material. Jason bought ~30 lbs. of peanuts for ~$15 and we headed home. I was struck by the words of Timothy “If we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” And indeed most Zambian people seem to be content with an economic level below most American imaginations.

You can't get meat any fresher than this!

Here's the Shoe Department

It is hard to experience Zambian life and not contemplate the pursuit of material wealth that is such a central part of our ‘American Dream’ culture. Greed persists in every culture (including Zambia) as man strives to control his circumstances in life with money. As a result he loses his trust in a Heavenly Father who is more than able and willing to meet our genuine needs. I am surrounded by the simplicity of life here… half mile walks to the open market daily to pick up each days provisions (very few have refrigeration) and humble abodes that provide the basic necessity of shelter. Their diet consists mainly of nshima and vegetables (the prophet Daniel’s diet) that lacks the richness, fat and calories that we Americans have come to crave as our “daily bread”. While a much bigger slice of their day must be put aside to meet basic needs, there is a rhythm to life that continually reminds them of their dependency upon God. In America we strive for financial ‘independence’ as a cherished goal… in Zambia they live in a constant state of ‘interdependence’. To a Zambian the idea of personal ownership is nothing like ours. If you have provision, then it is treated more like community property than personal. Sounds a bit like the early church in the book of Acts, huh? “What’s mine is yours” is especially true within their extended families. This does open the door for some who are tempted to a Zambian form of greed that takes advantage of another’s generosity.

It’s not really my intention to “beat up” on our American way of life, but we can learn from other cultures how to live a life that is truly rich. Jesus invested many of His teachings trying to unweave us from the insatiable desire to accumulate the perishable things of this world (Matt. 6:19,20; Luke 12:15 et. many al.) and yet we as a general culture scramble through life focusing our energy and time on advancing ourselves economically. We frantically go about our business and at the end of the day find all that we have for our efforts is what Paul describes as “wood, hay and stubble”. Now those have a good shot on the day of judgment!

May you find the joy of pursuing the greatest treasure of all… a deep and abiding relationship with Christ!

Growing richer in Him, Dan

A Packed Weekend of Ministry

What an intense weekend of ministry… just realize that this is not an atypical weekend for Jason as he always has the 2 MTI classes and quite often will preach also.

It got to moving on Saturday as we traveled the pot-holed highway to Mufulira for an hour and 20 minutes for Ministry Training Institute. The four brothers I had mentioned from the Saturday before were in attendance and we got into some spirited sports-talk before class, as they each had a different favorite soccer team in the European Soccer League. These are 4 very motivated young men whose father works for World Vision. Their zeal for God is very inspiring. I was honored to teach the two hours of class that included 2 lessons. By the time I finished the first lesson, I only had 30 minutes for the second one. (I realize that those of you that know me will find that very surprising.) After returning to Ndola we relaxed awhile before preparing for the traditional Sibley DVD movie night. Just as we were sitting down for this, the power went out. This is becoming an unpredictable occurrence on a fairly regular basis. So we sat in the faint glow of a lantern and visited and told stories until bedtime. How thankful I was that I had already printed off my sermon for the next day.

Pastor Nkandu's church in the compounds of Mufulira

Sunday took us back to Mufulira to the ‘compounds’ to attend church and preach at Pastor Nkandu’s church. The compounds are an extensive neighborhood about a mile and a half across in which there are no streets (only dirt paths), no city sewage system and most of the families living in one room, dirt floor dwellings that are smaller than my den. One of the elders asked if we had neighborhoods like this in America… how do you answer that?! Church was held in a building about 1/3 the size of our fellowship hall with a tin roof, only a few holes in the wall and the open doorway for lighting, no sound system and no heating/air conditioning. Pastor Nkandu is this tiny man not more than 5’5’’ and can’t weigh much more than 115 lbs. But that is certainly not a reflection of the size of this man’s heart for God. He has such a shepherd’s heart for his people and an amazing grasp of God’s word. As church started a single female voice began singing “You Are Awesome In This Place, Mighty God”. On the second time through the entire congregation of 163 (about half were children) joined in without cue. The small room immediately filled with rich praise to God and I was simply moved to tears. Here are these people who have nothing compared to us and yet have this deep love and adoration for the Lord. The youth choir followed with a few songs complete with 2 drums as accompaniment. Pastor Nkandu translated as I preached a 50 minute sermon that they seemed to appreciate. (Now keep in mind it was really only a 25 minute sermon that doubled because of translation.) After service we hiked about a quarter mile into the heart of the compounds to pray for one the elder’s sister, who by all observations was suffering from AIDS. Disease and death are an everyday reality for these people. Pastor Nkandu had just lost a 47 year old brother to disease last Monday.

Proof there’s a preacher shorter than me: Pastor Nkandu is translating my message.

After church dance and fellowship

After service we returned to Ndola for just a short breather before going to Ndeke (a suburb of Ndola) for 3 more hours of MTI classes and practicum. I again had 2 more hours of teaching a different pair of classes and this time only had about 20 minutes for class number 2. I couldn’t go over the 2 hours because Jason makes you do pushups for being late or going over. Again the students of this class were simply exceptional in their desire and responsiveness to the material being shared. Darla emailed me to say that “I think it’s very cool that you have found and audience that is gracious, if not excited to hear you speak for 2+ hours.” That’s my sweet wife!

Today I’m enjoying some rest, good food (including fresh avacados and pineapple- yum), science class and a game of marbles (it’s been about 48 years) with the kids.

In His joy! Dan

What Does a “Christian Family” Look Like?

Well, just sat as I down to work on this blog the power went out, so I’ll see if I can finish it in the dark. Things we take so for granted… all day power, internet service more than 10% of the time, plumbing and electrical fixtures that work and don’t break consistently, water from the faucet that is drinkable, etc. are not existent in Zambia. Jason and Beckie have worked hard to make a very clean, comfortable and safe home for their family, but these continual inconveniences do make daily life a challenge here.

The Sibleys with Gloria (one of Beckie's students) and her mother Partner

I’ve been trying for several days to share some thoughts and observations on the Christian Family as it relates to the Sibley family their contrast to our American culture. Jason and Beckie have 6 incredible children that they are raising without many of the cultural patterns that have become so prevalent in America today. Here is a typical day;

5:30 a.m.- all six children are around the kitchen table working quietly and independently on their home school assignments.

6:30 a.m.- a simple but tasty rice and eggs breakfast that has been prepared by one the girls is served. Not a bite is wasted and dishes are washed immediately.

7 a.m.- the kids either join Jason for a morning ‘walk and talk’ through the neighborhood or they return to their studies. If they miss this walk, then they join Beckie on walk later.

Feeding the Brain

8 a.m. to Noon- studies continue through the rest of the morning until lunch with timed math drills, writing, reading, etc. The kids not only work diligently, but seem to really enjoy school. (The science lessons I’ve been able to teach have been a real hit. Today we studied malaria, complete with some downloaded diagrams and photomicrographs and then looking at a mosquito under a microscope.)

Science in Zambia: What causes malaria?

Noon- a lunch of vegetable soup is prepared by one of the girls… again bowls are emptied.

After lunch- it’s finish up the studies and then it’s time to play. Despite the fact that there is no T.V., video games, cell phones or ipods these kids have no problem playing as they explore their environment with curiosity and delight. We enjoyed a lively game of Chinese Checkers this afternoon. Some time in here is usually a walk to the market to pick up the day’s supply of vegetables, fruit and bread.

5 p.m- dinner is another nutritious meal prepared and enjoyed together with lively discussions of the day’s discoveries and delights. I’ve never seen healthier appetites!

8 p.m.- the kids are showered and it’s off to bed and quiet comes to the Sibley Kingdom.

Sounds like a pretty normal day in American life, huh?! Well, maybe not.

Here are some observations;

-These children have not been spoiled with the luxuries of our culture, yet are full of energy and excitement for life. An occasional treat such as a chocolate bar brings utter delight because they are not “entitlement” children who think they deserve every new distraction that gets put before them by our media advertisers and their peers.

-There is lots of interaction between Jason and Beckie and their children. Family nights include popcorn and watching a DVD together or, as they are doing as we sit here in the dark, they are telling each other a progressive story with each family member adding on to the story line completely out of their own imagination. Caylie’s contribution to the story was amazing! Many American families struggle to even have dinner together once a day.

-There is a tremendous fostering of interdependency within the family as they serve one another in various ways from preparing meals to helping each other with their schoolwork. This not only builds relationships, but helps them realize they have purpose and worth to their family and to develop a Christlike attitude of servanthood.

-There is no toleration of disrespect towards parents or siblings. High expectations are set for their behavior, school work, table manners and responsibilities. This includes learning how to be grateful for others service towards them, as there are a lot of “Thank you”s regularly spoken.

-Most of all there is a lot of love… lots of hugs and snuggles and teasing and laughter!

As a father and now grandfather, these are qualities in a family that I have always desired, but was able to carry out with varying degrees of success and failure. And while I see the parents of my precious grandchildren and also many of our good friends doing a wonderful job of parenting, my concern is for where we as a society are headed.  Parents are increasingly  becoming disconnected from relationship with their children and the hard work/responsibility of actively parenting them. May God forgive us and help us find our way back to the kind of families I believe He would have us raise.

Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

Ephesians 6:2 “Bring your children up in the training (‘nuture’ KJV) and instruction of the Lord.”

And finally, I Peter 1:22 “Love one another deeply from the heart.”

May these and other scriptures guide us as parents and grandparents as we would raise a generation of children who are not self consumed, but rather consumed with a passion for life and the things of God!

Have a blessed day!

Dan