IFIELD ADDRESS: FORWARDING AGENTS:

P.O. Box 32184 Mr. and Mrs. Skip Allen

Lusaka, Zambia P.O. Box 611
Africa King, NC 27021
"AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST" IN CENTRAL AFRICA. (2Corinthians 5:20)
Volume 22 May 1987 Number 1
The most newsworthy thing that has
happened since the last ZAMBIA
MESSENGER is the completion of the
Sunday School building at Berean and the
dedication of that building to the glory of God.
The project was prolonged when the decision
was made to put a wall-fence around the
property to help keep out thieves and vandals.
There is, in fact, almost as much masonry
material in the fence as in the building.
Already it has proved to be a blessing.
Lest you get the idea that our primary
concern is with "buildings" let me hasten to
say that what is happening with the church
that meets in that building is of much greater
significance. Our Sunday School has grown
from three classes to five, meaning more
people are involved as teachers. Judy and a
member of our steering committee are serving
as co-superintendents of the Sunday School.
Another steering committee member is
directing our children's church and involving
different people each week to lead their
service. Another addition at Berean is a small
choir which has been a great blessing to our
worship services as well as giving people an
opportunity to use their talents for the Lord.
Though numerical growth at this time
hasn't been as dramatic as we would like,
spiritual growtli and commitment are seen in
many areas. One major indication of this was
seen when the congregation unanimously
passed a budget which demands that they
double their giving for the remainder of 1987.
Their response, seen in the weekly offerings, is
especially encouraging considering the fact
that Zambia is going through the most serious
economic crisis in her 24 year history. God's
people here are truly following the example of
the Macedonians in II Cor. 8 as they give out
of the most severe trial and, quite often,
extreme poverty. We praise God for the
opportunity to work among His people here
and ask that you remember them in your
prayers.
W
ii h "J
r
c
"M-
, *
THESE CLASSROOMS
f- m
OEOICATEO TO THE GLORY OF GOO
PM
MAKING DISCtRLES OF JESUS CHRIST
OP
CHAfiUS tm MARIE HATHAWAY
I MUCH IMP
Dedication plaque.
WJ
.4 i1
Front view of new classrooms.
Beginner class.
Intermediate class.
Junior Hi class.
David
Hi. Well not much has happened this year. I
have just completed my second term of school
(Form 3 which is the same as 10th grade) at
the International School of Lusaka. I have
enjoyed school this year. I have made lots of
friends and fairly good grades. I am trying to
get ready for my end of year exams which will
be next term. They are very difficult, but I
think I will do o.k. in most of my subjects.
I am now a Brown Belt in Karate, which
means my next belt will be a black belt. I hope
to get it in about 10-12 weeks from now. I am
going to begin giving some private lessons to
others. Since I am a Senior belt, 1 can give
lessons and gradings up through the orange
belt.
That's about all the news from here.
Nyanja (local language) class.
f *7^ "My husband saysthat I only come tochurch topray for
II ^ U U S IW die." "My husband will not allow me to attend
^ ^ church services. In fact, he doesn't know I amhere this
afternoon." "Dotest-tubebabieshaveaspirit?" "Isitasin
to be a surrogate mother?" "A test-tube baby cannot have
a spirit, because it is man's creation and not God's." These
sire only a few of the questions and statements that came
up at our last Women's Bible Study class. We have been
studying IPeter, and we were discussing chapter 3:8-16.
When I asked the ladies to think about verse 15 and how
they would answer someone who asked them the reason
for their hope, they had good anwers, but these questions
and thoughts were a result of that discussion.
"W At Berean, we have well-educated women, mostof whom
Judy work full time to help support their families. Very
few of them have Christian husbands. In fact, although wehavealotof good, capable men, and a lot
good, capable women, we have only five or six couples. Most of the men who are members have wives
who do not speak English well enough to understand an English church service, and attend a
vernacular service. Most of the women who are members are married to men who will not attend
church at all. Some have very good jobs, are financially successful, and see no reason to bother with
God in their lives. Some would simply rather spend the weekend drinking. Some claim to be
Christian of one denomination or another, but rarely attend their church either.
How would you answer some of the above questions? Even after 20 years in Zambia, I will still get
depressed over the plight of the women here. They have no rights at all. One of our women, a new
Christian, is married to a successful businessman, and she herself has a very good job. They had
everything going for them. Until he decided he wanted a new wife, that is. He simply went to her
father, told him she didn't please him anymore, and he was bringing her back. She had to move out
of the house, he kept all the furniture, their two children, and moved his new girlfriend in. No matter
that she was innocent of anything other than the fact that she just didn't please him anymore. She
can't find a place to live, so is now back at home with her father, under pressure from all her relatives
to use African "medicine" to bring her husband back. She has resisted all attempts from them to go
back to the "old way," and is continuing to rejoice in Christ, believing that in time God will work out
all things according to His will. It is examples like this that make all our disappointments seem so
small when weighed against even one new life in Christ.
Thank you for praying for us, and the people of Zambia. Without your faithful praying, and God
supplying all our needs, our work would be impossible.
Be'Ofe you move, pieese seoa me mailing labei oeiow, aiong iin a copy ot yonew aooiess lo
MISSIONSERVICES ASSOCIATION, P O Box 2427, Knoxville, IN 37901-2427
Mission Services
PO Box 2427
Knoxville, TN 37901-2427
ADDfiess coAfKcnoN fvouesreo
ambia MessQnqe
r
2 A
IFIELD ADDRESS:
P.O. Box 32184
Lusaka, Zambia
Africa
FORWARDING AGENTS:
Mr. and Mrs. Skip Allen
P.O. Box 611
King,NC 27021
"AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST" IN CENTRAL AFRICA. (2Corinthians 5:20)
Volume 22 September 1987 Number 2
MISSIONARY
SEMINAR '87
As we were returning to Zambia from our
last furlough in 1985 we attended the first all-
Africa meeting of Christian Church/Church
of Christ missionaries. There were about 80
missionaries from all over Africa present for
that first meeting. It was such an
encouraging, inspirational and challenging
event that it was decided to have another one
in 1987. Plans were begun immediately. The
gathering was named "Missionary Seminar
'87" and the theme, "Entrusted with the
Gospel," was chosen. Dean was appointed
program chairman for the '87 Seminar and,
along with a committee, developed a program
which we hoped would benefit everyone who
would attend.
May 31 through June 5 nearly 100 people
gathered in Harare, Zimbabwe for SEMINAR
'87. Speakers included missionaries from
various parts of Africa reaching from Ghana
and Ethiopia to South Africa and preachers
and Bible college professors from the U.S. and
Australia. It was a wonderful opportunity for
missionaries working on the same continent
to get to know each other and learn what is
taking place in other areas. (Some who have
been in Africa for many years had never met
because their furloughs didn't coincide.)
Because the Seminar was such a blessing it
has been established as a bi-annual event and
plans are already under way for Missionary
Seminar '89 which will be held in North or
East Africa.
m
David and Dean
EMERGENCY
TRIP TO THE U.S.
Due to the need for back surgery, Judy re
turned to the States on June 7th for consulta
tion and scheduling of surgery. Dean and
David then followed on July 5th to be present
for the surgery which took place on July 8th.
BEREAN MEN'S
RETREAT
One of the most exciting events to take place
with the Berean church was a recent retreat
for all the men of the congregation. Facilities
at a small camp ground were rented where 14
men from Berean and four visiting speakers
from Zimbabwe and the U.S. gathered from
We want to thank all who prayed, called,
visited and sent cards or letters during our
time in the States. Also we want to say a big
THANK YOU to everyone who sent special
contributions to help cover the expense of this
trip and the surgery. Your love and concern
never cease to overwhelm us. We love you
and thank God for you. May He bless you
abundantly.
Friday evening through Sunday. Jack Pen-
nington and Brian Morris of Zimbabwe Chris
tian College and Gordon Clymer of Ozark
Christian College and Steve Edgington of
Pacific Christian College were the speakers.
Effective Christian leadership was the main
emphasis of the retreat, punctuated by prayer
hours and times of fellowship. The men want
to make this an annual part of their church
calendar.
MISSIONARIES
NEEDED
We have in Zambia at least three areas
where churches are established but where
there are no missionaries. The need for leader
ship training and church planting in these
areas is urgent. Z.C.M. needs some families
who are willing to step out on faith and allow
the Lord to use them for the extension of His
kingdom in Zambia. We aren't going to
promise that it will be easy but we will assure
you that the rewards for such service are
beyond anything you could imagine. Could
God use YOU to fill the gap in Zambia? If so,
write us for more information.
Michael Dean and ' Pa
continued from page 4
Zambian women have responded to my
illness. They decided they were wrong to
depend on me for everything, and have taken
on the responsibility for the ladies' meeting in
my absence (they also decided to meet more
often), for cleaning the church and keeping
the grounds neat and trimmed, making
communion bread, calling on the visitors and
visiting the sick. I certainly wouldn't have
chosen this way to encourage responsibility,
but God has used it to strengthen them.
A special thanks to Cyndee who made us
feel welcome (even though I did break several
glasses!) and took good careof us; to the Wood-
lawn Christian Church who always ministers
to us when we are here, and to all those who
made special contributions to help with all our
added expenses during this time. May God
bless you all.
DAVID'S CORNER
David
David & his friend, Adrian
40tli National Missionar>' Convention
Sept. aO-23, 1987
('o<ik ("onvciition Cciilcr .\|cin|>his, rcmicsscc
THE vunisnAxnr
or THE HEKE AXO
Aim
As most of you are aware, I have been suf
fering from a ruptured disc since August 1986.
This resulted in a trip back to the States in
June for back surgery. On July 8th I had an
extremely successful operation for removal of
the disc. There is no way I can express how
wonderful it feels to be free from pain! Many,
many prayers were answered, and I thank
God for such a quick recovery. I was only hos
pitalized 4 days, and after returning home (to
daughter Cyndee's), I was allowed to walk up
to a mile a day (which I didn't manage to do
until I was able to ride to an air conditioned
mall!) or lie down. No sitting, except for meals,
for two weeks. After the two weeks were up,
the Dr. gave me permission to do anything I
felt like doing, including driving, and after
one month, exercise and light housekeeping
could be added. That wasn't nearly as inter
esting as being able to drive and shop. He also
gave me permission to travel back to Zambia
after the 15th of August so we will leave on
the 16th and arrive back in Lusaka the 19th of
August. I will still be limited somewhat in my
activities, but I have been amazed at how
quickly I've recovered. I had no pain at all
after surgery and just mild stiffness which is
nearly gone. A heartfelt "thank you" to all
who prayed for me, called, sent cards, letters
and flowers. I am thankful to God for his good
ness and mercy.
No cloud is without a silver lining, and it
has been a real joy to be able to be with our
family again, and to get acquainted with our
granddaughter, Shandyn, who celebrated her
first birthday June 16th, and re-acquainted
with Joshua, our 3 year old grandson. I am
looking forward to the day when we can have
all our children and grandchildren together
for the first time.
Another joy has been seeing how the
continued on page 3
Joshua, Shandyn and "Granny'
Before you move, please send the mailing label with a copy of your new address to
MISSION SERVICES ASSOCIATION. P.O. Bo* 2427. KnoxvlMe. TN 37901-2427
Mission Services
PO Box 2427
Knoxville. TN 37901-2427
ADDM8S COMiCTtOM KtOUiSTEO
Volume 22
ambia MessQnqer |
News from Dean, Judy, and David Davis
,FIELD ADDRESS: FORWARDING AGENTS:
^ / P.O. Box 32184 Mr. and Mrs. Skip Allen
Z A Lusaka, Zambia P.O. Box 611
Africa King, NC 27021
'AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST" IN CENTRAL AFRICA. (2Corinthians 5:20)
December 1987 Number 3
BEREAN CHURCH PLANS FOR 1988
Aquestion which we often hear while we are on furlough in the
States is, "When are the Zambian Christians going to stand on
their own without our financial assistance?" It is a good question,
and in most instances is asked by people sincerely interested in the
growth and strength of the church rather than ones interested in
putting their money elsewhere. We have many churches in Zambia
that are "standing on their own" and are doing quite well
evangelizing their areas. However, due to the serious economic
situation here (many people spend 80 to 90% of their income just to
eat), it is difficult for them to have extra funds with which to build
!_ T> buildings, etc. But we want you to know that many are sacrificing
Dean preaching at Berean Kingdom of God, and God blessesthat kindofcommitment.
On 1 November the Berean Church of Christ steering committee met for a planningsession to set
goals and objectives for 1988. Among the priority items on the agenda was the hiring of a Zambian
preacher and providing him and his family with a place to live. (We have told them that we expect
them to be completely on their own when we return to the States in 1989 for furlough.)
Plans for a small three bedroom house with electricity and running water were presented by the
building committee and approved by the steering committee. The stewardship committee was
instructed to present ideas for raising the needed funds in conjunction with the 1988 budget. Berean
is undertaking this project with no promise of mission funds or personnel to assist them. As their
preacher, I will only give them the same support and assistance that your preacher would give your
church in a building program. Their goal is to have one third of the funds in hand by June 1988 so
the building can be begun. Once the foundations and floor are completed construction will then
continue room by room as funds come in. Their goal is to have it completed by June of 1989.
In the meantime the church is praying that God will lead in finding the right man to serve as their
first full-time preacher. Ifsomeone is found soon he will be hired to work as co-minister with me until
we leave for furlough at which time he will assume the full responsibility.
Another major item on the agenda is plans for selecting elders sometime in the early part of 1988.
The men serving on the steering committee have been considered as "elders in training" and we are
presently having a class with them in preparation for choosing elders.
Please pray for these men and the flock they shepherd. We anticipate a good year for Berean
Church of Christ in 1988.
Two of steering committee members at
planning session.
LEADERSHIP SEMINAR
FOR RURAL CHURCHES
Those of you who have been reading the
MESSENGER over the years will remember
our work with the rural churches about 60
miles west of Lusaka. Due to the pressure of
the work in Lusaka we have spent very little
time with the rural churches in the past couple
of years. Recently, Gary Burlington and
Barry Barnett, ZCM missionaries from
Kasama, and I held a three day leadership
seminar for the leaders of the churches in that
area. There were 18 men from 8 churches
present at the Mulela church. Sessions went
from early morning to late evening Wednes
day through Friday. Their thirst for the Word
of God and ways they could become more ef
fective Christian leaders was an encourage
ment to us. The churches in that area are, for
the most part, doing well. The area, however,
is in serious need of a full time missionary to
assist and teach weaker churches as well as
start new ones. As you read this, is it possible
that God could be speaking to YOU about a
ministry in Zambia?
KfiM
Oldest church leader and evangelist in rural
churches, Bro. Sibande, pictured with us and
his wife, is 102 and still preaching.
"ASK THE LORD. . .TO
SEND OUT WORKERS"
THE DOOR IS OPEN IN ZAMBIA! Pres
ently we are having no difficulty getting em
ployment permits for missionaries in Zambia.
Reception to the gospel of Jesus Christ is very
good. There are many areas ofZambia with no
New Testament witness. There are at least
three areas in Zambia where we have
churches but no one to give leadership train
ing and plant more churches in those areas.
Opportunities are without limit. We need
someone to coordinate and produce programs
which will be aired free on radio and TV. We
need youth and music workers for the
churches in the cities. We need people to evan
gelize in 1) primitive rural areas, 2) among the
local language groups in the urban areas, and
3) with English speaking churches in the
cities. We need dedicated, mature Christians
who are willing to spend and be spent in the
service of Christ. ZCM missionaries are pray
ing for 10 families NOW. (We could use more!)
Please pray with us for the Lord to send out
workers. If you are interested please write us
for more information.
i I
We do have Christmas trees in Zambia, just
small.
I MERRY
1 CHRISTMAS
From our house we pray that God will
a bless you with a wonderful holiday
^ season. We thank God for all of you. We
fc. thank you for all your cards, letters and
fe gifts again this year. You have been so
|ji faithful over the years and we appreci-
ate you. We ask God to be with you and
^ meet your needs for the coming year.
|5 May 1988 bring love, joy and blessings
^ to you and your loved ones.
David at the computer.
Well, things this term have been great.
School is fine. I'm taking geography, math,
biology, physics, Spanish, general studies,
English and P.E. I'm also playing rugby,
doing weights and keeping up with my karate.
I think I'll have pretty good grades this term.
I now have my provisional driving license
which is like a learning permit. I am so happy.
Last week I went out for the first time alone at
night. I'm also looking into buying a car. I
have one picked out (a Mitsubishi Colt) which
I really like. I've been saving up for it for a
long time.
Well, that's all the news for now. Until later,
"Merry Christimas."
Oh, the joy of that first driving license!
On Oct. 15, 1987 we completed 20 years in
Zambia. We have seen many changes in these
past 20 years. When we arrived here there
were five families, one single lady, and only
one of those families was on the Copperbelt
where we were. Since that time there have
been many who have come and gone. Some
stayed one 3 year term, some stayed two or
three terms. Some left Zambia for good, re
turning to the U.S. to serve our Lord there.
Others moved to other cities within Zambia.
We moved to Lusaka from the Copperbelt in
1976 and there are no families there now who
were there in 1967 (however there are three
families working there now). In fact, we are
the only family still in Zambia who was here
when Zambia Christian Mission was estab
lished. At that time there were eight plus Mil
dred Pace, who has since passed away. A few
years later our number increased to 13 fami
lies. At the present time we have ten families
here with three of those ten on furlough. We
have many, many more churches nowthan in
1967, but only two more families working
right now. So most of the older established
churches are working independently of the
missionary. However, there are so many un
reached areas in Zambia, besides the workers
needed that Dean has already mentioned.
Please pray with us that more laborers will be
found for the Lord to work in Zambia.
In 1988 we will be one less, as we tell Jim
and Cindy goodbye. They leave Dec. 29 for
Texas where they will make their home. We
will miss them here. We are really sad to see
them go, but as they feel God leading them
into another area of ministry, we pray for
them God's blessing in this new work. We will
be grandparents again in Feb. as they are ex
pecting their second child then, and want to be
in the States before its too late for Cindy to
travel. This will be the first time I haven't
as they 'leave
Zambia and for the 20 years later and 3
birth of their baby, grandchildren later.
'Goodbye," Jim, Cindy and Michael.
Before you move, please send the mailing label with a copy ol your new address to
MISSION SERVICES ASSOCIATION, P.O. Box 2427, Knoxville, TN 37901-2427
Mission Services
PO Box 2427
Knoxville. TN 37901-2427
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED