[Sonlifeafrica-newsletter] Zambian Ministry Trip

["Mark Tittley" <mark@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dear friend

I have forwarded Edgar Ramsami's report to the Sonlife Africa list for a
second perspective on the Sonlife Africa trip to Zambia.

Regards

Mark Tittley

----- Original Message -----
From: "Edgar Ramsami" <edgar@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Hi everyone

I have just returned from a successful trip to Zambia to present the
Strategy Seminar and set up key relationships with local leaders. Please
continue to pray for the movement under the leadership of David Mulonga in
Zambia

Zambia Trip December 2002

Monday 9th December 2002
Mark Tittley and Edgar Ramsami left Johannesburg in the midst of a typical
Johannesburg thunderstorm. We checked in for our flight to Ndola, Zambia and
then waited for take off. We were going to fly in a jet, a very small plane
but smart and we had great service on board this SAA Airlink flight.

17h30 - we arrive at the Ndola Airport. We were greeted by the local airport
authorities in pouring rain. We went through passport control without any
hassle but customs was still to come. We had to declare all our computer and
camera equipment and promise that we will take it back with us and we had no
plans to sell this equipment in Zambia.

We were met by our host in Zambia, Rev. David Mulonga who has also studied
at BTC Southern Africa and is currently studying for his MA (theology) with
the University of Pretoria.  We travelled to David's home where we were
greeted by David's wife Lydia and their two boys.  We sat down to a
delicious supper that was prepared by Lydia.  Supper was a selection of
vegetables and chicken which I had to carve up and the staple food in
Africa - pap (maize) and eating with my hands was no problem at all. It was
interesting to share with each other our
traditional approaches to meals. The Indians also eat their meals with their
hands. We then travelled to Fatmols Bed and Breakfast where we stayed for
the night.

Tuesday 10th December 2002
We had breakfast in the restaurant at 8am and spent the morning preparing
for the seminar. We had lunch at David's home and then proceeded to the
training venue. That afternoon we began the first session of the Strategy
Seminar. I
approached this training opportunity with a sense of anticipation of what
God was about to do in my life and in the lives of the participants who were
mainly from Ndola and there were a few that travelled from neighbouring
towns (Kitwe and Kalulushi).  Mark shared about the beginning the ministry
of Sonlife in Africa. I began with our introduction to the strategy of Youth
ministry based on the life of Jesus. And I was not disappointed; already on
the first evening there was an amazing depth of interaction from the
delegates. This was proving to be an exciting experience.

Wednesday 11th December 2002
I was initially apprehensive about having to do a full two day seminar
especially after Mark had asked to me present the full seminar the previous
week, but God gave me the strength.  I had some really great interaction
with the participants during breakfast just learning more about their
culture and their needs for youth ministry.

Having more time allowed me to really focus on the material at hand and how
the principles we were teaching was applicable to the youth workers. I truly
now see the value of contextual material.

I was also amazed at the respect that these youth workers afforded me as
their teacher especially as this was our first time to interact.

At lunch I spent time with the young men at the seminar again just learning
about their culture and traditions. We had a fascinating discussion about
"lobola" or bride price. It was interesting to find that we in South Africa
share the same word for this tradition.  I was also glad to hear the pride
in the voices of these Zambian young men as they spoke of their country and
its cultural heritage.  At 4pm we took a break for some recreation time and
I was amazed to find
delegates still working through their workbooks and chatting to each other
about the material that had just been taught.

I also enjoyed having questions that stretched me in my thinking which at
times can be so linear and "western".  Our times of prayer and worship were
great I have learnt a great deal from the youth workers about faith and
worship.

That evening after supper I sneaked into the church and heard the last few
minutes of evening prayers of the monks who are based at the training
centre. Just sitting there listening to them sing and then pray the Lord's
prayer made aware of how much I need to get to a deeper level of
spirituality that is sincere and genuine.

Thursday 12th December 2002
We had two really good sessions before we closed the training. I was really
moved buy the gratitude showed towards us for coming to Ndola to present the
Strategy and seminar and the question on every one's lips was when were
returning with Foundations Seminar.  Mark and I were presented with wall
clocks, his in the shape of Africa to pray for the movement at all times
(excuse the pun but I couldn't resist) I was given a clock in the shape of
Zambia which will remind me to pray and prepare for my return to continue
training alongside Brother David Mulonga.

At the end of every seminar we have participants complete evaluation forms
and these are helpful as we continue to strive to present training that is
contextual and effective. The 20 participants that we had at the training
provided us with some interesting evaluation. In general they truly enjoyed
the training and found it most beneficial to their ministry and lives. Also
their gratitude was evident in their responses. Here is a list of some of
their comments which Mark and I highlighted:

-----------

Thank you Edgar and Mark for hearty contributions you have helped Zambia
with. May God greatly move in your ministry and families. David Mulonga

I want to say thanks be to God who has allowed me to attend this wonderful
seminar. Please continue with this good work and may God bless you. Pashane
Mwanza

The seminar has very very challenged me personally and the church at large.
Thus I'm asking God to bless you the facilitators and your family, even the
executive director of the seminar and at the same time the Zambian
representative of Sonlife. May God bless you people and I hope to be with
you again in the future. Nathan Cheelo.

I thank God for according me an opportunity to attend this seminar. It has
been a life-changing event. May the good Lord bless you and us as we make
disciples who make disciples. Saviour Kuyumba.

The seminar has challenged me in such a way that I didn't know how I should
implement my goals and take the serious responsibility that God has given me
for the lost, the believer and workers. I have learnt what I wanted. Evans
Kampamba.

The course has enabled me to get the "how to" in the youth work. Its so
simple yet powerful and practical and would definitely help greatly in
enhancing and planning the work. It has also exposed the things overlooked
which are essential in the eventual process of multiplying. Thank God for
this opportunity and you people. Paul Chifofoma.

I would like to thank God for revealing this vision to Mark first and then
into Edgar. At least as Zambians we now know where to base and start as we
are involved in youth ministry. Otherwise the seminar in all was well
prepared and I have gone with something. Loveness Chimbala.

I will never forget in my life this seminar and my prayer is for Mark and
Edgar to continue doing God's work because our Lord has promised us rewards
in heaven. Thank you. Gehane Ntaimo.

I have really appreciated the seminar and I would like to appeal that the
quickest time should be found for the continuation of the course. This
course has encouraged me personally that I even feed despite being 42 years
old. May God help you greatly. Keep it up brethren. May his grace shine on
you. James Chendela.

-------

On Thursday afternoon we left on an adventure of a life time and I can
safely say like nothing I have ever been on before.

After taking a taxi from David's house to the bus rank we negotiated a good
deal for a bus ride to Lusaka the capital city. After a short wait we
boarded the bus to Lusaka and that is where the adventure began that would
ultimately take us to one of the most breathtaking scenes on the continent
of Africa.

Almost seven hours later we reach Lusaka where we are met by David's younger
brother whose car we were using for the drive down to Livingston. That night
stayed a guest house run by the Evangelical Church of Zambia. Early the next
morning we left Lusaka for Livingston about a five hour drive south.

We arrived in Livingston and could not wait to get to the falls part in
anticipation for something totally out of ordinary and part sarcastically
thinking it better be that good after the many hours we spent driving to get
here.

After some more negations we were allowed into the viewing area and with the
fear of sounding clichéd.  I cannot find the words to describe the feeling
you have as you stand there taking in all this wonderful creation. But I
think that David summed it up perfectly, "How can someone look at this part
of creation and not believe in the Creator."

I could go on and on about what happened in Zambia but here are a few
highlights:
* Getting to spend time with my mentor and friend - Mark Tittley as he
coached me through the training and shared his life and showed me how to
love people.
* Starting to develop a strong friendship with the Mulonga family
* Being part of starting the movement in South Africa
* Meeting and interacting with people from a new culture in a new country
* The Victoria Waterfalls
* Travelling around Zambia

Finally, a big thank you to all those who made it possible for us to go on
this ministry trip. Please continue to pray for all the leaders and their
families in Zambia and that God will make a way for me to return next year
to provide the second level of training and possibly to present the Strategy
Seminar in two other major cities - Kitwe and Lusaka

Sonlife South Africa
011 674 4104 - office
083 459 7025 - mobile
edgar@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
www.sonlife.org.za