Exploring Detroit

From the time we arrived on Tuesday until we wrapped up the cook-out Friday night, our days have been filled with outreach efforts. Saturday we took a step back and spent time exploring downtown Detroit. We began the day with a late breakfast (9:30 is late by the standards this week) before departing for Eastern Market. Think of our local farmers markets multiplied by 50 or more. We moved from one building to the next, storefront to storefront looking at the myriad things available. The teens split into groups and shopped for about 45 minutes before we began our trek to the waterfront.

Detroit Missions Team and some Spread The Word interns.

Our journey took us to the Detroit River by way of a converted railroad track (think Monon Trail for those in Hamilton County). Along the way we saw many expressions of art in the underpasses and walls that lined the route. From the river you can view Windsor, Ontario on the other side. Our tour took us along the waterfront, where General Motors is headquartered, and we stopped for lunch before proceeding to Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers. After a group photo there, we headed back to Inter-City Baptist Church.

Kaleb Clark, one of the NBC teens that joined us for this trip, turned 18 on Saturday, so we celebrated with tacos for dinner. Some of the group also participated with the Spread The Word interns in an intense game of ultimate frisbee. The night closed with a bonfire, cake and ice cream to make Kaleb’s birthday celebration complete (even some light showers couldn’t dampen the party), and testimony time. Several shared the impact this mission trip has had on their lives, and it was a great way to reflect on how God has used each of us during this week of focus on the people of River Rouge.

Happy Birthday to Kaleb Clark!

Tomorrow our team will divide up and attend two churches. One part of the group will attend Grace Baptist Church in River Rouge. After spending the week there, it is a fitting way to close out our time in Detroit. Another group will attend Resurrection Church, located a short distance away in Lincoln Park. David Doran, Jr., son of Inter-City Baptist senior pastor David Doran (mentioned in a previous post) is the pastor of this relatively-new church plant. With the busy events of Friday, I failed to mention that in between all of our activities that day we spent some time going door-to-door in Lincoln Park talking with the locals and inviting them to the church, which meets in the local VFW Hall. Several of us had great conversations with people in the community that very well may show up Sunday morning. We look forward to worshiping at both locations.

Sunday afternoon we will pack up and depart from Inter-City, our home away from home since Tuesday. We will drive to Sandusky, Ohio, and Monday will be spent at Cedar Point. It will be a fun way to cap the experience, and we’ll arrive back in Noblesville late Monday night.

Pray that the seeds we have spread in River Rouge and Lincoln Park fall on fertile ground. We may not see immediate results Sunday morning, but our hope is that God is working in hearts. Pray that we will have a sweet time of fellowship at both churches and that our travels Sunday afternoon will go off without a hitch. Also, pray for Mike Foley as he travels. Mike has work commitments that prevent him from joining us at Cedar Point, and he will be making the trip back to Central Indiana alone. Pray that he will not encounter any issues.

Thank you to all the prayer warriors that have been so diligent on our behalf. It is reassuring to know that so many are thinking of us while we are away.

Making Connections

The big payoff for our work in River Rouge was the free community cook-out held Friday in the park located next to Grace Baptist Church. The NBC Teen Life Missions team canvassed the neighborhoods of River Rouge for several days in advance of the event, and even went out one last time a few hours before the cook-out. With a start time slated for 6 p.m., there were many that showed up early, ready for food and festivities.

Many came out for Friday's cook-out in the park.

Set-up for the event went quickly thanks in part to the many hands available to set up an inflatable slide and bounce house, grill and drink stand, popcorn, snow cone and cotton candy stands, two tents and Nine Square game, just to name a few. The Spread The Word team is used to doing this on their own, so the interns were happy to have some assistance in both set-up and tear down at night’s end.

The turnout for Friday’s cookout was exceptional. Many came out to participate, and the Spread The Word team said it was their biggest cook-out of the summer. Kids and adults alike enjoyed the event, and there were several members of Grace Baptist Church on hand to make valuable connections with the River Rouge community.

The event was scheduled from 6 – 9 p.m., but we were aware that some storms may pass through the area. Pass through they did, and made for an evening our youth won’t soon forget. Less than an hour and a half into the cook-out the wind picked up and soon a downpour ensued. Guests scrambled for cover and many of us sprang to action securing tents and inflatables the wind tried to uproot. It was an unbelievable sight, and it could have very easily signaled the end of the event.

But a funny thing happened. Many found refuge in the sanctuary of Grace Baptist Church, a building within which most probably had not set foot. Once the rain lifted and we began to clean up from the aftermath, many of the children began showing up to resume their games. Soon the park began to fill, while not to the capacity we had seen before the storm. But the people returned, activities commenced, and many stayed well past the listed end time of 9 p.m. In fact, children were getting their faces painted at 9:40 p.m. as their parents provided light via their phones.

It’s been a long week, and I was impressed by what I witnessed during the cook-out. Several teens pitched in and helped out in times of great need. Others were looking for ways to share the load, and I observed several running, not walking, to a place where they could be of service. At a time when they have logged one long day after another, this group stepped up to the challenge in a big way and answered the call.

It has also been a joy to see how this group has meshed over the course of the week. We have several participating in this team that come from other churches – even other states – and to see everyone making connections each day, forming bonds and getting to know one another more shows how God can work in hearts when we are focused on Him. Each of these individuals has given up a week of their life to be here in Detroit. They have made a sacrifice to serve. My hope is that several lifelong friendships are developed as a result of this trip.

With the cook-out behind us, Saturday will be a more relaxed time for the team. We will go on a walking tour of downtown Detroit, taking in the sights. It will be a nice change of pace as our time here winds down. Please pray that the remainder of our time at Inter-City Baptist Church is profitable. Also be in prayer for Grace Baptist Church and their ministry. Pray that the cook-out will result in guests on Sunday morning and that the church can reach more of the lost in River Rouge.

Finally, pray for Aaron Coffey and the Spread The Word team. Once we leave they will continue the weekly cycle of visiting a suburb, conducting Cola Wars and cook-outs and supporting these church plants of Inter-City Baptist Church, and they’ll do so with little to no assistance. Pray that they will be energized to complete their work for the summer, and that their efforts to win souls and advance the kingdom will result in great things.

Soldiering On for Christ

Thursday our Teen Life Missions group spent a majority of the day serving at Grace Baptist Church in River Rouge. After breakfast and POWER Group time, we departed for Grace Baptist shortly after 11 a.m. Upon arrival, our team participated in a work project at the church. The men and boys spread mulch, pulled weeds, edged the sidewalk and cleaned off the driveway and parking lot. The women and girls cleaned windows, mopped floors and wiped down the pews in the sanctuary. A little elbow grease went a long way.

We also had a chance to hear from Grace Baptist’s pastor, Larry Rogier, who has shepherded this body of believers for 17 years. In fact, this is the only church Pastor Larry has led, as he was called to the pulpit shortly after graduation. The last 17 years have been filled with peaks and valleys. He didn’t mince words when talking about the experience of leading a church in an area that residents are desperate to escape. This is a far cry from Hamilton County.

“There are times that I think if I had set out to fail, I don’t think we could have done much worse,” he told the group.

Our team lays hands on Pastor Larry and prays for Grace
Baptist Church and God's work in River Rouge.

What Pastor Larry expressed we have all encountered at some point in time. Despite our best efforts, we often fall far short of the mark. On our own, we will always fall short, and that can be discouraging. But Pastor Larry has soldiered on in his work in River Rouge. He bought a house in River Rouge and his family calls this community home. He lives amongst the very neighborhoods he is trying to reach. The congregation often numbers between 40 and 60 on a Sunday, and they don’t conduct Sunday School. Years ago he eliminated it due to staffing challenges, and now attendees spend the time connecting in conversation. The decision, and subsequent results, were not intentional, but have worked well in a community where the investment in relationships is valuable.

It was great to hear Pastor Larry talk about the ministry of Grace Baptist, his challenges and the needs of the church. It helped us to understand just how important the time we are investing in this community is, as well seeing the field that is ripe for harvest.

Members of the NBC team join with Spread The Word interns
to take part in a daily POWER Group.

Our team once again canvassed the streets of River Rouge. Over the course of an hour and a half we distributed more than 900 invitations by going door-to-door. If a fraction of those invitations produce attendees at Friday’s cook-out, it will be a tremendous success. You should be proud of our teens, as they have taken on the challenge of spreading the word, and doing so by stretching outside their comfort zones. It’s great to witness this, seeing them enjoying the experience. There have been plenty of anecdotes and stories each time we return.

Thursday night also marked the second, and final, Cola Wars. The turnout was again strong, with some that participated Wednesday night inviting their friends to join in on the fun. Once again, the teens competed side-by-side with the youth of River Rouge. Sure, some finished the night with bumps, scratches and scrapes, but it was a profitable time, and many heard the Word. After a time of debriefing, we left Grace Baptist as the clock approached 10 p.m. We logged more than 10 hours at the church, and while we were sweaty, grimy, smelly and tired, it was satisfying to see how God used our team and Grace Baptist Church to make further inroads within River Rouge.

Dylan Zachary talks with his fellow Cola Wars teammates.

Friday we will go door-to-door one last time and then preparations will begin for the cook-out. It will take place from 6 – 9 p.m. and will offer free food and games. There is much to be done, but we’re up to the challenge.

Please pray for a strong attendance at the cookout Friday, and that members of our team, the Spread The Word team, and Grace Baptist Church will make meaningful connections in the process. Pray that our team finishes strong in this outreach opportunity, and that our youth come away from the Detroit experience with a greater desire to serve the Lord. Also, pray for Pastor Larry and the flock at Grace Baptist as they continue to soldier on for Christ in River Rouge. While we are providing able bodies to serve this week, we are only scratching the surface when it comes to ministering to the area. Finally, thank you to all that have prayed for us during this trip. We can’t tell you how much we appreciate the support as we tend to the work here.

A Shining Light in River Rouge

Our focus for 2016 at Noblesville Baptist Church is “Walking As Light” and I can think of no greater example than Grace Baptist Church and the work they are doing in River Rouge. Matthew 5:14 says:

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Grace Baptist Church is not literally set on a hill for all to see, but its impact in the River Rouge community cannot be hidden, as it is a bright and shining light in this economically-depressed area. Wednesday was the first Cola War for the week, and it took place in a park located across the street from the church. After canvassing on Tuesday, trying to invite local youth to the event, we again canvassed the area today. This time our youth and the Spread The Word team went door-to-door (in both rain and shine), inviting households to the free cook-out that will take place Friday.

The invitation was well received, and we hope for a strong turnout Friday. If today’s Cola Wars is any indication, it should be. Many youth from River Rouge turned out Wednesday in the first of two nights of Cola Wars. The Spread The Word crew said that it was one of the strongest first nights they had experienced in their six weeks of work throughout different suburbs of Detroit. While the event was taking place, a group of six men returned to door-to-door canvassing, covering some areas of River Rouge that were not completed earlier in the day.

Nine Square was one of the most popular games each night.

Cola Wars began at 6 p.m., and our teens had a chance to interact with many of the guests, competing alongside them during each activity. There were plenty of games and the Word was presented before finishing with ice cream sandwiches. Even after the event completed, several kids stuck around to continue playing until we had to break everything down and pack up for the night. Afterwards, our team moved to Grace Baptist Church for a time of testimonies and prayer. As the clock approached 9 p.m. we departed for Inter-City Baptist.

Once back at our home base, we grabbed a quick snack and game time commenced. Even after a long day of traveling, games and pounding the pavement, this group was happy to partake in another round of activities. The limitless energy of youth...

Earlier in the day our Teen Life Missions team took part in two workshops before heading into River Rouge. The first was conducted by Aaron Coffey, and he challenged us to live worthy of the Gospel by standing firm. It was a great reminder, and fits well with our challenge at NBC to walk as light. The second workshop was led by Inter-City senior pastor David Doran. We spent time in Ephesians 2-4 in a session entitled “God’s Purpose for Your Life”.

The team in front of Central Train Station, a symbol of the
hard times Detroit has faced. This iconic building is under
renovation after years of sitting vacant.

The other big event of the day was a tour of Detroit. Aaron Coffey showed us areas of downtown where millions of dollars are being spent on infrastructure and revitalization. But for as many good things that are happening there, you can drive less than 15 minutes from downtown to find neighborhoods abandoned or in steep decline. Lots sit vacant where homes once stood, while other areas are dotted with row after row of abandoned houses. Former luxury homes sit in disrepair. It’s a grim reminder of Detroit’s great history as well as its current struggles.

Thursday we will spend time at Grace Baptist Church taking on some work projects. Pray that our team can accomplish much at the church in the time we have. Also pray that our teens will continue to be bold for Christ as they serve here in Detroit. Pray that as our long days continue we will be refreshed and re-energized daily, seeking to help Grace Baptist become a brighter beacon of light in River Rouge.

Reaching the Lost in Detroit

The NBC Summer Mission Trip to Detroit kicked off Tuesday with the long drive to our destination. The Lord provided safe passage to Inter-City Baptist Church, our home for the week, and we arrived a little after 5 p.m. (thank you for your prayers as we traveled!). After unloading and setting up the classrooms where we will stay, we gathered for dinner (thank you Kat Foley for the meal!) and then it was off to the mission field!

Our group joined with the interns serving in the Spread The Word ministry and we canvassed the city of River Rouge, inviting 7th-12th graders to the Cola Wars events to be held Wednesday and Thursday nights. The canvassing consisted of us driving around in vans, and as we saw youth, members of our youth group would jump out, hand them an invitation and talk to them about the event. Others were stationed at Memorial Park, the site of Cola Wars and a cook-out that will be held Friday night as well. Our youth group did a fantastic job spreading the word while putting aside any apprehension of speaking with strangers. It was a great experience that stretched us all beyond our comfort zones.

While canvassing, we learned more about the mission of Spread The Word and the work the interns are doing as part of Inter-City Baptist’s ministry. Each week they are targeting areas around Detroit and holding Cola Wars and finishing the week with a cook-out. Aaron Coffey and his group of college men are canvassing these neighborhoods and conducting the events in areas where Inter-City Baptist has established church plants. During the events, the team is coordinating while members of the church plants get a chance to connect with those in attendance. It’s a wonderful way to reach the masses, and we look forward to being a part of the activities at River Rouge.

As of the 2010 census, River Rouge had a population of 7,903. This suburb of Detroit is marked by industry, and it has fallen on hard times. As we canvassed the area Tuesday night, it was clear the needs, both economic and spiritual. It is a valuable reminder to everyone in our group, as it can be easy to take for granted that we live in a growing and thriving county in Central Indiana.

As rough as River Rouge appears, Wednesday we will take a tour of Detroit, and we’ll see some of the worst parts of the city. You don’t have to travel to a third-world country to see need… we have it right here in our own country.

After returning from River Rouge, we split up into groups for our POWER Group sessions. We will use these throughout the week for a time of Bible study, personal accountability and ministry responsibility. Once POWER Groups were complete, we had time for some games before beginning to wind things down shortly after 11 p.m. It was a full, and exciting, day.

Please pray for our group, Aaron Coffey and the Spread The Word team this week. As we continue to canvas River Rouge, pray that many will come out and participate in Cola Wars and the cook-out. Pray also that we can be a blessing to this area through a time of fellowship and outreach, and that decisions would be made. Pray specifically for our team, that this week would have an impact on our youth, their desire for God and for missions. Pray that we will be selfless with our time, bold in our actions for Him, and that God will use us for great things.

Full Circle

Wednesday was a bittersweet day as the team wrapped up the work at the Barnhouse residence. There was the sense of urgency, knowing that this was the last chance to put in a full day's work and check as many items off the list as possible. At the same time, we were toiling next to locals for the final time before we departed. In some ways it would be nice to spend another week here, but we are all looking forward to getting home to our families.

As I have mentioned in previous posts, Doug Pennington has been struggling with leg issues. Those issues caught up to him today, and he had to sit on the sidelines. While I'm sure he missed being a part of the flurry of activity, his body needed the rest. Please pray that his leg improves. If it doesn't get better, I'm sure that Dave Barnhouse can keep him working on some other smaller projects that will keep him off his feet.

The morning started with the team again turning focus to the mission house. Like Doug, Donovan Zachary was sidelined for a bit as he didn't feel the best. He was back in action later in the morning and was critical to the team meeting our goals by day's end. While Scott Shepard, Pastor Hack, Lee Shaw, Kyle Morrow and Josh Hanji pressed on with completing the outside sheet metal and inside work on the mission house, I was back on the road.

Patrick, my guide during the trip into the bush, once again helped me as we drove into town, filled the Jeep with fuel and proceeded to go and purchase cement blocks for a project. We purchased 200 blocks, but due to the weight, we decided to split the load and make two trips. This mzungu (Bemba word for "person with white skin") wasn't going to take any chances.

After safely picking up and delivering both loads, I rejoined the team as they worked against the clock and the sun to finish the interior paneling. Scott, Josh and Pastor Hack worked on one set of scaffolding while Kyle and Donovan worked on another. I assisted Lee in measuring and cutting the pieces needed to be lifted and hung in place. The task was finished a little after 7 p.m., with the last cuts and screws driven in as the darkness took over.

We were in for a treat for dinner as Dave smoked and grilled chicken that was outstanding. We have all appreciated the meals offered during our stay. Dave and Maggie have gone out of their way to provide some great meals that make us feel less like we're in a third-world country and more like we are at home. And the meals are only topped by the time of fellowship we have had each evening.

Tomorrow we will pack early, finish a few things and head to the market. From there, the team will head to Ndola to begin our journey home. We will make stops in Johannesburg, Senegal and Washington, D.C. before arriving Friday morning in Indianapolis.

Please pray that we will get a good night's rest and that our return travel will go smoothly. Also, pray that once we arrive back in Indiana that we can recover quickly from the jet lag. It will be great to reunite with everyone on Sunday and talk about our experiences.

Band of brothers

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philipians 4:13)

Exhaustion. Sore muscles. Exposure to the elements. The last few days have been challenging. The finish is in sight, yet there is so much more that can be done. We are pushing ourselves to our limits, and then some. Tuesday consisted of more work on the Barnhouse property, much of it on the mission/guest house that Noblesville Baptist Church helped make possible.

It is days like this that I am thankful for so many things. I'm thankful that God made this opportunity possible; to come to Zambia and serve men and families that have made commitments to reach the lost. I'm thankful that we are here making an impact, working on things that will leave a lasting mark. Most of all, as we have our heads down trying to push as hard as we can to hit our marks, I'm thankful for the men that I am working alongside and serving with during this trip.

Each man brings his own skill set, and getting to know each of them on a deeper level has been a tremendous blessing. During this trip, we have bonded, become a band of brothers of sorts. We have learned to work with one another, rely on each other, and appreciate one another. I look forward to seeing how these bonds will further strengthen each of us when we return home. God has blessed us to have such a strong group here in Zambia taking on these tasks.

Today, Scott Shepherd, Josh Hanji, Pastor Hack, Lee Shaw and Doug Pennington resumed work on putting up sheet metal on the outside of the mission house. They were able to complete one side and begin work on the other. Our hope is that by the end of Wednesday it will be complete.

Donovan Zachary and I spent time in the morning working on updates on Donna Bryant's house. The biggest issue was getting the septic tank installed and everything working properly. We are close to finishing that, and it should be done tomorrow. We also tried to fix the plumbing for the kitchen sink. After several unsuccessful attempts, we believe the faucet needs to be changed as well. Finally, we hooked up the washing machine and tested it with success.

In the afternoon Donovan and I joined the rest of the group working on the mission house. It was strenuous work, moving up and down the scaffolding and putting heavy boards in place. Pastor Hack, Donovan and I switched our attention to the inside of the mission house, getting the walls ready for finishing work that may get underway tomorrow. Kyle Morrow was busy taking pictures, first at the orphanage and then later as we worked. He also joined Dave Barnhouse in the afternoon and evening as they attended a Bible study nearly an hour away.

It's hard to believe that one week ago we started out for Zambia. So much has transpired, and with a full day of work left, we are sprinting to the finish. Pray that we can get all the work accomplished, and do so safely. God has been with us the entire way, not only blessing us, but protecting us each and every day. Also, continue to pray for Doug and the issues with his leg. His discomfort is making it hard to work to the extent that he would like. Pray that he is given strength and that the issues will subside soon. 

Light in the darkness

After a long Sunday, we eased into the work at the Barnhouse property Monday morning. The big item on the agenda is completing work on the mission/guest house that is well underway. The team went to work on that while I was tasked on driving into the bush to pick up some Eucalyptus logs. More on that later.

The seven men moved scaffolding into place and began the work of framing in the gable end of the mission/guest house. The job was challenging as they first had to build the wood framework which would be used to mount sheet metal. Lee Shaw and Doug Pennington worked on the ground cutting wood to specification and preparing it to be lifted into place. Meanwhile, the rest of the group worked anywhere from 14 or 15 feet off the ground to as high as 30 feet in the air first putting the wood in place and then mounting the sheet metal. That definitely put a few of the team out of their comfort zone. Kyle Morrow did a great job documenting the events of the day, and you can see some of that on the NBC Facebook page.

Tomorrow the scaffolding will be moved to the other side of the building and the same work will be completed, as well as some other items on the agenda.

Later in the evening, Lee and Scott Shepherd worked on a small project at the Barnhouse home, fixing the issues with cold water in the kitchen sink. Small upgrades like that will go a long way, and Maggie was greatly appreciative.

Unfortunately my updates on the team for Monday are not extensive due to my activities. Dave Barnhouse asked me in the morning to pick up some logs he had purchased. He sent Patrick, a local that works for him, with me as guide to the lumber. With the roads as tough as they are, it took a while to get there, load up the first log, and return home. The Eucalyptus log was 15 feet in length and it took the work of eight men to get it on the trailer. Patrick and I made our way back and arrived before 3 p.m.

After unloading the first log, I returned to the bush to fetch a second. When I set out the second time I knew we would be hard pressed to get back much before dark. We arrived at the location, but this time finding a crew of locals to help was more difficult. After a few attempts, we had a group to load the second log. It went on, but the weight was not as balanced as the first load. I carefully set out on the trip back with a watchful eye on the log.

Needless to say, the imbalance of the giant Eucalyptus log caught up to us about 15 minutes from the Barnhouse home and just as dusk turned to dark. As we were closing in on reaching the main road, the trailer came off the hitch, and despite our efforts, we could not get it back on properly. Earlier in the day, as I headed out the first time, I asked Donovan Zachary if I could borrow his phone while traveling through the bush. Now stranded, I used that phone to call Pastor Hack, and then to illuminate the area as I waited. I'm so thankful that Donovan was gracious in giving up his phone for most of the day.

Barnhouse and Pastor Hack arrived a little after 7:20 p.m., and despite their best efforts to fix the situation, a plan was hatched to return to the house and pick up some extra resources. Barnhouse stayed with me as Pastor Hack and Patrick left. We had a great time of fellowship in the dark night while we waited. When Hack and Patrick returned, they had Scott and Josh Hanji in tow. In the darkness the team was able to get the situation fixed and we were on our way. I cannot tell you how welcoming those headlights were each time they rounded the corner and approached. For the second consecutive night I found myself in the bush after dark. I'm hopeful that Tuesday night I'll be sitting at the Barnhouse family table when the night descends.

If you can be praying for Doug it would be much appreciated. He has had some issues with his knee the last couple of days. Pray that his discomfort doesn't get any worse, and that his knee will improve. Both he and Lee will be here another four weeks after the six of us depart, so good health for both men is critical. Also, pray that we can be examples to those we encounter during our stay. We've had some great opportunities to get to know some of the locals, and I would just pray that we leave a positive impression, both as Christians and Americans, in our days here in Zambia.

Bush Adventures

The team takes down the walls of Roadside Baptist Church

The new church framework goes into place

For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12)

To say that Sunday in the Zambian bush was an adventure is an extreme understatement. It was a long day with memorable moments we won't soon forget. The day started at 7 a.m. with breakfast, and by around 9:30 we were on the path to Roadside Baptist Church. What was special about the day was that we were guests bringing gifts in the form of a new church building.

As I mentioned previously, to say that the roads here are rough just doesn't capture the conditions. These roads pulverize shocks and suspensions on cars and trucks, and passengers suffer through one hole after another. Normally it takes one hour and 45 minutes to drive from the Barnhouse residence to Roadside Baptist. On Sunday our trip took nearly three hours. The reason is that as diligent as we were in securing the new benches, poles, rafters, roof, etc. for the church, the rough travel caused the load to shift often and require stops to once again tighten down the supplies.

We took two vehicles to Roadside Baptist Church. David Barnhouse led the way, with Pastor Hack, Josh Hanji, Donovan Zachary, Ryan Morrow and Frazier (Pastor of Roadside Baptist) joining him. Scott Shepherd drove the second vehicle, towing the flatbed with most of the building supplies. I joined Doug Pennington and Lee Shaw in the vehicle, along with three chickens meant for dinner for the locals after the service.  

Upon arriving we immediately unloaded the benches and placed them in the church. To start the service, the eight of us and Barnhouse sang three songs for the bush people. Let's just say you won't see (or hear) this group performing at NBC anytime soon. Joyful noise? Not so sure about that.

Pastor Hack delivered the message, curtailing it to the demolition of the old building and construction of the new. He described what does and does not define a church, and talked about how the church is the people, not the building. But he also spoke of the value of assembling as a church body. The message, like our singing, was well received.

After the service, the demolition began. The old church consisted of block walls about three feet high, wood posts and a grass roof. They normally sit on lengths of tree trunks laying on the ground. With the help of the local men, we tore down all of it, leveled the ground, and went to work installing the new steel posts that provided the framework. The work was grueling at times, but the local men stepped in and helped to lend a hand. They mixed cement, assisted with the building materials and were invaluable in the construction.

The whole team really stepped up and answered the call, but Scott was instrumental in the project getting completed. From the time we pulled out and started the trip, he was a wealth of information, and solutions. We are so blessed to have him on the team. And others shined as well. Josh reached out of his comfort zone and did a great job of doing anything he could to help, spending several hours nine feet off the ground working on beams. Doug and Lee did great work in preparing some of the supplies in advance of today's work. It was a total team effort, and working next to them on a project this challenging was greatly rewarding.

The finishing touches were applied to the new church building as the last daylight slipped away. We packed our vehicles in the darkness, loaded the wood previously used as seating on the flatbed, picked up two goats Barnhouse had acquired, and began our return trip.

That's when things got adventurous. Hitting the road at 7:30, we began the trek back, the driving again slow due to the rough roads. At one point our vehicle lost contact with Barnhouse and the rest of the team. Scott did his best to catch up with the load of logs, but we did not see them make a turn, and we spent the next few hours trying to reconnect and find our way home. There are some poorly lit areas in Central Indiana, but nothing compares to the bush when the only illumination you have is a set of headlights and the blanket of stars in the sky.

The good news is that we made our way back, arriving after 10 p.m., and soon after Barnhouse and the rest of the team returned. That group had been driving the bush roads trying to find us just as we were looking for them, or the way home. When we reconvened at the house, the drive home was the topic of conversation as we enjoyed a late dinner. It was a fitting end to an interesting day; one that will stand as a lasting memory for each of us.

Sitting around the table with the team, I was again reminded of the sermon from earlier in the day. We may not have been in attendance at NBC today, but our church was represented in Zambia at Roadside Baptist Church. We had a chance to worship with fellow believers located thousands of miles from our home, serving the one true God.

With several long days under our belts, please pray that we will be energized to finish strong the rest of our time here. There is still a lot to be done, and we want to accomplish as much as possible. Pray that God will be glorified through our labors.

There's no one like Jesus

Takwaba uwaba nga Yesu
Takwaba uwaba nga Yesu
Takwaba uwaba nga Yesu
Takwaba takwa kabe

Na yenda enda konse konse
Na fwaya fwaya konse konse
Na shinguluka konse konse
Takwaba takwa kabe

(English translation)
There's no one, there's no one like Jesus
There's no one, there's no one like Jesus
There's no one, there's no one like Jesus
There's no one, there's no one like Him

I walky, walky here there
I searchy, searchy here there
I turn around, here there
There's no one, there's no one like Him

We enjoyed an incredible day at Faith Children’s Village, getting to meet many of the 60 orphans that are there, ranging in age from three years of age to 18 and 19. Mukuka Chilando, who is in charge of FCV, picked us up Saturday morning and we headed out through the rough terrain leading to the facility.

Before we left, however, we visited a local bakery just a short walk away to pick up doughnuts and cupcakes (they’re not quite like American cupcakes) to give to the men of Central Africa Baptist College. It was our way of thanking them for a great few days of fellowship.

Back to our trip to FCV. If you think the potholes on Indiana highways after the winter are rough, they have nothing on the treacherous passages used by the locals here each day. With the rainy season ongoing we took a Land Rover to help guarantee we would not get stuck. If the Land Rover experienced any issues, it was equipped with a winch to pull us out should we run into trouble.

We reached Faith Children’s Village without issue, but we were jostled really well during the journey. It was a special day at FCV, as one Saturday a month they celebrate the birthdays of all children there for that given month. Today, we cheered five children who were born in the month of February. As part of the festivities the children sang a couple of songs, including There’s No One Like Jesus. I listed the lyrics above in both English and Bemba, the language of Zambia.

For lunch our group of six was divided into three groups of two, and each group spent time in one of the houses at FCV. Scott Shepherd and Josh Hanji shared a meal with some of the boys at FCV. Kyle Morrow, Mukuka and I visited one of the girls’ houses, and Pastor Hack and Donovan Zachary visited another house for boys. It was a great opportunity to learn more about some of the children while sharing a great meal.

After the meal, Mukuka took us on a tour of FCV. I had a chance to visit the orphanage three and a half years ago and so much has changed. God’s goodness was evident as so many of the plans I heard about in my previous visit have come to fruition. The struggles to be self-sustaining are real, but they have put plans in place. This year they planted their first crop of corn, and in a little more than a month, it will be time for harvest. They are also raising their own poultry; hens to lay eggs, and others that will be sold at the market for valuable income. Some will also go toward meals at FCV. Another addition is a grove of banana trees that will produce plenty.

During our time at FCV, Mukuka told us of some of the orphanage’s greatest needs. One of the big hurdles currently is water. They are in need of two bore holes (wells) on the property to provide the water needed to further expand on their plans. Right now, those bore holes are the critical key in some of their strategic plans going forward. Mukuka explained that it would cost around $3,000 to have a contractor come out and do the work for one hole, plus another $3,000 for the infrastructure needed to pump and store the water. Doing quick math, that’s a $12,000 project with dire need of support.

Just as the song that we sang repeats, there’s no one like Jesus. He truly meets our needs, and the way that he has answered prayer for ministries in Zambia like Faith Children’s Village is awe-inspiring. Just as they continue to face challenges, I have no doubt that He will provide funding for these bore holes, but pray that they raise the necessary funding sooner rather than later and keep the momentum going.

After a rough return trip to Central Africa Baptist College, we packed our things and Dave Barnhouse picked us up. We traveled to his homestead and got settled in during the early evening, joining with Doug Pennington and Lee Shaw. These men have been working with Barnhouse and some of the locals on getting a saw mill started, and teaching the nationals woodworking skills they can use to create works to sell. We look forward to learning more about their labors in the next few days.

We joined together for a meal, and Maggie Barnhouse prepared a fantastic cabbage roll casserole (it’s much better than the name may sound). There were a few hours of conversation time before we turned in for the evening. Sunday we will visit one of the bush churches with which Barnhouse has been involved, and we look forward to a great time of preaching and fellowship with the people of the area. Pastor Hack will be delivering the message. Are the people of Zambia ready for his energy and enthusiasm?

Please pray that, like our time at CABC, this group of eight men can accomplish much during the limited time that remains. With our departure slated for Thursday, we want to make the most of the moments we have left. Also, continue to pray for the loved ones that are at home. While we have been fortunate to be able to stay in contact through texting, phone calls and Skype, it is not a replacement for our presence at home. We miss our families and look forward to getting back home. The Lord has provided us a unique opportunity to stretch ourselves and serve in ways we wouldn’t normally entertain. He has blessed our time, as we feel we have received far more blessings than our work has provided. Indeed, there’s no one like Jesus.

Walking as Light

"Africa has yet to see what God will do with a man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him!"

As you walk into Central Africa Baptist College's main entrance, these words are displayed for all to see. It made me think: could we replace Africa for America and say the same thing of ourselves? It also reminded me of this year's theme at Noblesville Baptist Church, Walking as Light, with the reference of Matthew 5:14.

In the time we have spent here in Kitwe at the college, it is so encouraging to see these men from all parts of Africa that are studying at CABC with the goal of going back into their communities and sharing the good news. Each student has a special story, and getting a chance to hear their testimonies is an incredible blessing. Some of these men are married with family that they leave to come here and study. They are truly walking as light.

Today was our last chance to work at CABC and the Link Business Park. Scott Shepard was again hard at work behind the wheel of the tractor, moving the red Earth to make way for concrete. When it was time for the group to head out to our evening activity, Scott stayed behind to try to accomplish as much as possible. Pastor Hack was busy painting the front of the building. After priming it the day before, he was busy as a one-man painting crew. Josh Hanji and Kyle Morrow were again in the "crow's nest" doing the same, apply the final paint to mark their task complete.

Donovan Zachary and I were challenged with replacing ceiling tiles on the second floor of the college. Water damage in several areas have caused the tiles to warp and badly needed attention. For two men that have no carpentry experience, we were pleased with the way God used us in this way. But we're also proclaiming no expertise in the area. Several times we had assistance from some of the students, and it was very-much appreciated. It was during these times that we had a chance to talk to them and learn their stories.

This evening the five of us (minus Scott) took part in a youth group event for Kitwe Church, Phil Hunt's latest upstart. Roughly 27 people were part of the night, and Pastor Hack entertained the teens and adults with a variety of games and a devotional. Phil said that many of the teens are fairly new Christians, and some of them have even encouraged their parents to check out the ministry. The parents have followed suit, as they wanted to know what had grabbed their children's interests and enthusiasm.

It was a long day, as we made it back to the college at 8:30, but it was once again a great experience. For the second day rain played a part in our afternoon. We lost power at the college and the job site beginning around 2 p.m., and it was restored not long before we returned this evening. The rain began a little after 5:30, and it was fairly constant throughout the evening, at times hard and other times a light sprinkle.

Tomorrow morning we will head to Faith Children's Village and spend time there before moving on to connect with Dave Barnhouse, Doug Pennington and Lee Shaw for the balance of our time here. It will be a great opportunity to see the ministry going on there. Pray that we will have safe travels there, as the road that we take to get to FCV is prone to washouts this time of year. Pray that we will be a blessing to the children as we get to see God's work firsthand. Finally, pray that we can take to heart the message on display in the CABC lobby and at NBC, and that we will strive to walk as light and be fully and wholly consecrated to Him!

Sweat Equity

Breakfast before a long and profitable day of work

Our first day working at Link Business Park was long, hot, and most of all, rewarding. As the six of us walked to the job site, we were prepared to dig in and help wherever we could be a blessing, and there was much to be done. We finished the day filthy, and our muscles will be sore in the morning, but we met so many new men that were at the site and had the chance to work shoulder-to-shoulder with them. It was a great experience.

As it turned out, we all split up and had a variety of duties. Scott Shepherd drove a tractor most of the day, moving stone, sand and dirt. He also began the work of clearing an area that will eventually be a concrete parking lot for the shops. Josh Hanji and Kyle Morrow worked up on the "crow's nest" on top of the three-story building, applying primer to some areas that will be painted tomorrow.

Pastor Hack worked with Donovan Zachary and I on a plumbing project to start the morning. He had to step away to preach in chapel later on, and his message was not just delivered to the students at Central Africa Baptist College, it was broadcast over the school's radio station, reaching three million people daily. While he had other responsibilities, Donovan and I completed what we could on the plumbing project, laying, cutting and fitting plastic hose.

We wrapped up the afternoon by cleaning the front of the Link Business Park structure, scraping off excess cement before applying primer. Just like with the crow's nest, tomorrow we will work on painting the front exterior. In less than a month this structure will be open for new tenants. Pray that this will be a successful venture for CABC and will help provide a needed revenue stream for the school.

We were reminded today that we are at the tail end of the rainy season here, as a storm arrived and provided lightning and heavy rain. It brought cooler temps and breezes, but it made a bit of a mess of the job site.

One of the great blessings of the day turned out to be the people we met and the stories shared. Each of us had a chance to interact with many during lunch on the grounds, as well as during Bible study at 9 p.m. We are rooming at the college, and get a chance to meet many of the students. They just returned to school in February, so they have much work to do. To see these men and women make a commitment to advancing the kingdom is truly amazing.

Before that, we were invited to dinner at the home of Ben and Amy Straub and their three sons. Ben is a faculty member at CABC, and the testimony of this couple and their desire to serve in Zambia was a great reminder of those that answer God's call to the mission field. The food and fellowship were great as well.

Pray that tomorrow (Friday) will be another profitable day and that we accomplish much in our last work day at CABC. There is much to be done, and our hope is to complete all that we can before visiting Faith Children's Village on Saturday.

Wheels Down in Zambia!

One of the main buildings at the Ndola Airport (Kyle Morrow)

It doesn't take long to realize you're not in Indiana anymore when arriving at the airport in Ndola, located roughly an hour from Kitwe and missionary Phil Hunt. It's truly another world over here. Kyle Morrow shot some pictures once we arrived, and as you can see by the included image, this airport is quite different than what we have become accustomed to in Indianapolis.

To recap our trip to date, the six of us (Pastor Hack, Scott Shepherd, Kyle, Donovan Zachary, Josh Hanji and myself) assembled at Noblesville Baptist church at 2 a.m. Tuesday, February 23. Our flight left Indianapolis at a little after 5 a.m. that morning, and we were on to Charlotte, then JFK, before embarking on a 14-hour flight (it felt like longer) to South Africa. There was very little time between flights, so our focus was on hitting our marks. We were able to get some sleep, but it's not easy, particularly when your destination is a country operating seven hours ahead of home. Our breakfast, for instance, was taken around midnight.

The fourth and final leg of our journey took us from Johannesburg to Ndola, arriving at 12:35 p.m. local time (5:35 a.m. back home). After getting settled in at Central Africa Baptist College, we were invited to dinner at Phil's house, getting a chance to meet his family. It was a great way to finish the day before resting up and rolling up our sleeves for some serious work tomorrow (February 25).

As part of our trip, Pastor Hack gave each man a copy of the book On Mission by Patric Knaak. It is a book covering devotions for short-term missions trips. Before getting to the first chapter there is a section that talks about "Holding The Ropes" and details British missionary William Carey setting out for India in the late 1700s. He famously said of the trip, "I will go down if you will hold the rope."

The first half of our time here in Zambia will be spent with Phil Hunt, and to witness what is going on in the ministry of Central Africa Baptist College, it is inspiring to see how many are holding the ropes for Phil. NBC has contributed to that, and I'm reminded of that when I see the portable classrooms that have been added to the property. And when we transition to see Dave Barnhouse this weekend, we'll get to witness more poignant examples of how others have been holding the ropes for these men, their families, and their ministries.

Speaking of holding the ropes, we need your help. If you read this, please remember to keep us in your prayers during this time. Please pray for each of the six men that made the commitment to come here, as well as Doug Pennington and Lee Shaw. Both of these men were part of an advance team that left more than a week before us and have been working with Barnhouse, and we'll unite with them soon enough. Pray that we will be instruments to be used by the Master, and that our work here will glorify Him. Also, pray for the families that we have left behind during this trip, and that their needs are met in our absence. We need as many as we can to help hold these ropes.

We will try to post updates as much as possible, but blackouts take place here each night from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. (3 p.m. to 11 p.m. in Indy) which may make it difficult to get online after a long day of work.