IFIELD ADDRESS: FORWARDING AGENTS:P.O. Box 32184 Mr. and Mrs. Skip AllenLusaka, Zambia P.O. Box 611Africa King, NC 27021

"AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST" IN CENTRAL AFRICA. (2Corinthians 5:20)

Volume 22 May 1987 Number 1

The most newsworthy thing that hashappened since the last ZAMBIAMESSENGER is the completion of theSunday School building at Berean and thededication of that building to the glory of God.The project was prolonged when the decisionwas made to put a wall-fence around theproperty to help keep out thieves and vandals.There is, in fact, almost as much masonrymaterial in the fence as in the building.Already it has proved to be a blessing.

Lest you get the idea that our primaryconcern is with "buildings" let me hasten tosay that what is happening with the churchthat meets in that building is of much greatersignificance. Our Sunday School has grown

from three classes to five, meaning morepeople are involved as teachers. Judy and amember of our steering committee are servingas co-superintendents of the Sunday School.Another steering committee member isdirecting our children's church and involvingdifferent people each week to lead theirservice. Another addition at Berean is a smallchoir which has been a great blessing to ourworship services as well as giving people anopportunity to use their talents for the Lord.

Though numerical growth at this timehasn't been as dramatic as we would like,spiritual growtli and commitment are seen inmany areas. One major indication of this wasseen when the congregation unanimouslypassed a budget which demands that theydouble their giving for the remainder of 1987.Their response, seen in the weekly offerings, isespecially encouraging considering the factthat Zambia is going through the most seriouseconomic crisis in her 24 year history. God'speople here are truly following the example ofthe Macedonians in II Cor. 8 as they give outof the most severe trial and, quite often,extreme poverty. We praise God for theopportunity to work among His people hereand ask that you remember them in yourprayers.

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MAKING DISCtRLES OF JESUS CHRIST

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Dedication plaque.

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Front view of new classrooms.

Beginner class.

Intermediate class.

Junior Hi class.

David

Hi. Well not much has happened this year. Ihave just completed my second term of school(Form 3 which is the same as 10th grade) atthe International School of Lusaka. I haveenjoyed school this year. I have made lots offriends and fairly good grades. I am trying toget ready for my end of year exams which willbe next term. They are very difficult, but Ithink I will do o.k. in most of my subjects.

I am now a Brown Belt in Karate, whichmeans my next belt will be a black belt. I hopeto get it in about 10-12 weeks from now. I amgoing to begin giving some private lessons toothers. Since I am a Senior belt, 1 can givelessons and gradings up through the orangebelt.

That's about all the news from here.

Nyanja (local language) class.

f *7^ ♦ "My husband saysthat I only come tochurch topray forII ^ U U S IW die." "My husband will not allow me to attend

^ ^ church services. In fact, he doesn't know I am here thisafternoon." "Dotest-tubebabieshaveaspirit?" "Isitasinto be a surrogate mother?" "A test-tube baby cannot havea spirit, because it is man's creation and not God's." Thesesire only a few of the questions and statements that cameup at our last Women's Bible Study class. We have beenstudying 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 reasonfor their hope, they had good anwers, but these questionsand thoughts were a result of that discussion.

• "W At Berean, we have well-educated women, mostof whomJudy work full time to help support their families. Very

few of them have Christian husbands. In fact, although wehavealotofgood, capable men, and a lotgood, capable women, we have only five or six couples. Most of the men who are members have wiveswho do not speak English well enough to understand an English church service, and attend avernacular service. Most of the women who are members are married to men who will not attendchurch at all. Some have very good jobs, are financially successful, and see no reason to bother withGod in their lives. Some would simply rather spend the weekend drinking. Some claim to beChristian 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 getdepressed over the plight of the women here. They have no rights at all. One of our women, a newChristian, is married to a successful businessman, and she herself has a very good job. They hadeverything going for them. Until he decided he wanted a new wife, that is. He simply went to herfather, told him she didn't please him anymore, and he was bringing her back. She had to move outof the house, he kept all the furniture, their two children, and moved his new girlfriend in. No matterthat she was innocent of anything other than the fact that she just didn't please him anymore. Shecan't find a place to live, so is now back at home with her father, under pressure from all her relativesto use African "medicine" to bring her husband back. She has resisted all attempts from them to goback to the "old way," and is continuing to rejoice in Christ, believing that in time God will work outall things according to His will. It is examples like this that make all our disappointments seem sosmall 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 Godsupplying all our needs, our work would be impossible.

Be'Ofe you move, pieese seoa me mailing labei oeiow, aiong »iin a copy ot yo«»new aooiess loMISSION SERVICES ASSOCIATION, P O Box 2427, Knoxville, IN 37901-2427

Mission Services

PO Box 2427

Knoxville, TN 37901-2427

ADDfiess coAfKcnoN fvouesreo

ambia MessQnqer

2 A

IFIELD ADDRESS:

P.O. Box 32184Lusaka, ZambiaAfrica

FORWARDING AGENTS:

Mr. and Mrs. Skip AllenP.O. Box 611King,NC 27021

"AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST" IN CENTRAL AFRICA. (2Corinthians 5:20)

Volume 22 September 1987 Number 2

MISSIONARY

SEMINAR '87As we were returning to Zambia from our

last furlough in 1985 we attended the first all-Africa meeting of Christian Church/Churchof Christ missionaries. There were about 80missionaries from all over Africa present forthat first meeting. It was such anencouraging, inspirational and challengingevent that it was decided to have another onein 1987. Plans were begun immediately. Thegathering was named "Missionary Seminar'87" and the theme, "Entrusted with theGospel," was chosen. Dean was appointedprogram chairman for the '87 Seminar and,along with a committee, developed a programwhich we hoped would benefit everyone whowould attend.

May 31 through June 5 nearly 100 peoplegathered in Harare, Zimbabwe for SEMINAR'87. Speakers included missionaries fromvarious parts of Africa reaching from Ghanaand Ethiopia to South Africa and preachersand Bible college professors from the U.S. andAustralia. It was a wonderful opportunity for

missionaries working on the same continentto get to know each other and learn what istaking place in other areas. (Some who havebeen in Africa for many years had never metbecause their furloughs didn't coincide.)

Because the Seminar was such a blessing ithas been established as a bi-annual event andplans are already under way for MissionarySeminar '89 which will be held in North orEast Africa.

mDavid 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 consultation and scheduling of surgery. Dean andDavid then followed on July 5th to be presentfor the surgery which took place on July 8th.

BEREAN MEN'SRETREAT

One of the most exciting events to take placewith the Berean church was a recent retreat

for all the men of the congregation. Facilitiesat a small camp ground were rented where 14men from Berean and four visiting speakersfrom Zimbabwe and the U.S. gathered from

We want to thank all who prayed, called,visited and sent cards or letters during ourtime in the States. Also we want to say a bigTHANK YOU to everyone who sent specialcontributions to help cover the expense of thistrip and the surgery. Your love and concernnever cease to overwhelm us. We love youand thank God for you. May He bless youabundantly.

Friday evening through Sunday. Jack Pen-nington and Brian Morris of Zimbabwe Christian College and Gordon Clymer of OzarkChristian College and Steve Edgington ofPacific Christian College were the speakers.Effective Christian leadership was the mainemphasis of the retreat, punctuated by prayerhours and times of fellowship. The men wantto make this an annual part of their churchcalendar.

MISSIONARIESNEEDED

We have in Zambia at least three areaswhere churches are established but wherethere are no missionaries. The need for leadership training and church planting in theseareas is urgent. Z.C.M. needs some familieswho are willing to step out on faith and allowthe Lord to use them for the extension of Hiskingdom in Zambia. We aren't going topromise that it will be easy but we will assureyou that the rewards for such service arebeyond anything you could imagine. CouldGod 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 myillness. They decided they were wrong todepend on me for everything, and have takenon the responsibility for the ladies' meeting inmy absence (they also decided to meet moreoften), for cleaning the church and keepingthe grounds neat and trimmed, makingcommunion bread, calling on the visitors andvisiting the sick. I certainly wouldn't havechosen this way to encourage responsibility,but God has used it to strengthen them.

A special thanks to Cyndee who made usfeel welcome (even though I did break severalglasses!) and took good careof us; to the Wood-lawn Christian Church who always ministersto us when we are here, and to all those whomade special contributions to help with all ouradded expenses during this time. May Godbless you all.

DAVID'S CORNER

David

David & his friend, Adrian

40tli National Missionar>' Convention

Sept. aO-23, 1987

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As most of you are aware, I have been suffering from a ruptured disc since August 1986.This resulted in a trip back to the States inJune for back surgery. On July 8th I had anextremely successful operation for removal ofthe disc. There is no way I can express howwonderful it feels to be free from pain! Many,many prayers were answered, and I thankGod for such a quick recovery. I was only hospitalized 4 days, and after returning home (todaughter Cyndee's), I was allowed to walk upto a mile a day (which I didn't manage to dountil I was able to ride to an air conditionedmall!) 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 Ifelt like doing, including driving, and afterone month, exercise and light housekeepingcould be added. That wasn't nearly as interesting as being able to drive and shop. He also

gave me permission to travel back to Zambiaafter the 15th of August so we will leave onthe 16th and arrive back in Lusaka the 19th ofAugust. I will still be limited somewhat in myactivities, but I have been amazed at howquickly I've recovered. I had no pain at allafter surgery and just mild stiffness which isnearly gone. A heartfelt "thank you" to allwho prayed for me, called, sent cards, lettersand flowers. I am thankful to God for his goodness and mercy.

No cloud is without a silver lining, and ithas been a real joy to be able to be with ourfamily again, and to get acquainted with ourgranddaughter, Shandyn, who celebrated herfirst birthday June 16th, and re-acquaintedwith Joshua, our 3 year old grandson. I amlooking forward to the day when we can haveall our children and grandchildren togetherfor 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 toMISSION 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 AllenZ 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 theStates is, "When are the Zambian Christians going to stand ontheir own without our financial assistance?" It is a good question,and in most instances is asked by people sincerely interested in thegrowth and strength of the church rather than ones interested inputting their money elsewhere. We have many churches in Zambiathat are "standing on their own" and are doing quite wellevangelizing their areas. However, due to the serious economicsituation here (many people spend 80 to 90% of their income just toeat), 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 sacrificingDean preaching at Berean Kingdom ofGod, and God blessesthat kindofcommitment.On 1 November the Berean Church of Christ steering committee met for a planning session to set

goals and objectives for 1988. Among the priority items on the agenda was the hiring of a Zambianpreacher and providing him and his family with a place to live. (We have told them that we expectthem 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 thebuilding committee and approved by the steering committee. The stewardship committee wasinstructed to present ideas for raising the needed funds in conjunction with the 1988 budget. Bereanis undertaking this project with no promise of mission funds or personnel to assist them. As theirpreacher, I will only give them the same support and assistance that your preacher would give yourchurch in a building program. Their goal is to have one third of the funds in hand by June 1988 sothe building can be begun. Once the foundations and floor are completed construction will thencontinue 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 theirfirst full-time preacher. Ifsomeone is found soon he will be hired to work as co-minister with me untilwe 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 arepresently 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 BereanChurch of Christ in 1988.

Two of steering committee members atplanning session.

LEADERSHIP SEMINAR

FOR RURAL CHURCHES

Those of you who have been reading theMESSENGER over the years will rememberour work with the rural churches about 60miles west of Lusaka. Due to the pressure ofthe work in Lusaka we have spent very littletime with the rural churches in the past coupleof years. Recently, Gary Burlington andBarry Barnett, ZCM missionaries fromKasama, and I held a three day leadershipseminar for the leaders of the churches in thatarea. There were 18 men from 8 churchespresent at the Mulela church. Sessions wentfrom early morning to late evening Wednesday through Friday. Their thirst for the Wordof God and ways they could become more effective Christian leaders was an encouragement to us. The churches in that area are, forthe most part, doing well. The area, however,is in serious need of a full time missionary toassist and teach weaker churches as well asstart new ones. As you read this, is it possiblethat God could be speaking to YOU about aministry in Zambia?

KfiM

Oldest church leader and evangelist in ruralchurches, Bro. Sibande, pictured with us andhis wife, is 102 and still preaching.

"ASK THE LORD. . .TOSEND OUT WORKERS"

THE DOOR IS OPEN IN ZAMBIA! Presently we are having no difficulty getting employment permits for missionaries in Zambia.Reception to the gospel of Jesus Christ is verygood. There are many areas ofZambia with noNew Testament witness. There are at leastthree areas in Zambia where we havechurches but no one to give leadership training and plant more churches in those areas.

Opportunities are without limit. We needsomeone to coordinate and produce programswhich will be aired free on radio and TV. Weneed youth and music workers for thechurches in the cities. We need people to evangelize in 1) primitive rural areas, 2) among thelocal language groups in the urban areas, and3) with English speaking churches in thecities. We need dedicated, mature Christianswho are willing to spend and be spent in theservice of Christ. ZCM missionaries are praying for 10 families NOW. (We could use more!)Please pray with us for the Lord to send outworkers. If you are interested please write usfor more information.

i I

We do have Christmas trees in Zambia, justsmall.

I MERRY1 CHRISTMAS

From our house we pray that God willa bless you with a wonderful holiday^ season. We thank God for all of you. Wefc. thank you for all your cards, letters andfe 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 licensewhich is like a learning permit. I am so happy.Last week I went out for the first time alone atnight. I'm also looking into buying a car. Ihave one picked out (a Mitsubishi Colt) whichI really like. I've been saving up for it for along 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 inZambia. We have seen many changes in thesepast 20 years. When we arrived here therewere five families, one single lady, and onlyone of those families was on the Copperbeltwhere we were. Since that time there havebeen many who have come and gone. Somestayed one 3 year term, some stayed two orthree terms. Some left Zambia for good, returning to the U.S. to serve our Lord there.Others moved to other cities within Zambia.We moved to Lusaka from the Copperbelt in1976 and there are no families there now who

were there in 1967 (however there are threefamilies working there now). In fact, we arethe only family still in Zambia who was herewhen Zambia Christian Mission was estab

lished. At that time there were eight plus Mildred Pace, who has since passed away. A fewyears later our number increased to 13 families. At the present time we have ten familieshere» with three of those ten on furlough. Wehave many, many more churches now than in1967, but only two more families workingright now. So most of the older establishedchurches are working independently of themissionary. However, there are so many unreached areas in Zambia, besides the workersneeded that Dean has already mentioned.Please pray with us that more laborers will befound 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 forTexas where they will make their home. Wewill miss them here. We are really sad to seethem go, but as they feel God leading theminto another area of ministry, we pray forthem God's blessing in this new work. We willbe grandparents again in Feb. as they are expecting their second child then, and want to bein the States before its too late for Cindy totravel. This will be the first time I haven't

as they'leaveZambia and for the 20 years later and 3birth 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 toMISSION SERVICES ASSOCIATION, P.O. Box 2427, Knoxville, TN 37901-2427

Mission Services

PO Box 2427

Knoxville. TN 37901-2427

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED