We’re baaack!

Well, sort of.  Very tired and not ready to be thrown back into our respective realities so harshly but we’re all home safe, nonetheless.  For me, blogging is a challenge with an overwhelming amount of thoughts to process – not to mention no Internet connection for the majority of our time away. 

Our daily team debriefs have been amazing and emotional.  The team seems to have come away with much to think about and process.  Personally, I am thrilled to be a part of this group of new and thoughtful friends as we truly bonded over the last couple weeks - we’ve seen and shared so much together.

Packages from CPCers to our sponsored children to be delivered across miles of Moyo hills and countryside within 30 days.

While I continue to process and sift through an amazing amount of wonderful pics, please check out these great posts (and pics) from the trip by someone who does a great job capturing and sharing her thoughts… Laura Crosby. 

Thank you for sharing such inspiring thoughts, Laura! 

http://awakemysoulblog.com/2013/11/03/sitting-with-dirty-hands/ 

http://awakemysoulblog.com/2013/11/07/how-you-are-part-of-her-story/   

http://awakemysoulblog.com/2013/11/07/what-really-breaks-gods-heart/

http://awakemysoulblog.com/2013/11/09/heavy-lifting/

Many thanks for the prayers for a safe journey!  No one became ill and everything went extremely smoothly which is no small feat considering we were traveling with 13 huge duffels. Amen!

Speaking of overwhelming, the World Vision Moyo ADP office was beside themselves when they realized the amount of work they had ahead of them.  

Blessings,

Eli

A Few Thoughts About Today – From The Team

A Few Thoughts About Today – From The Team

As I sit to write this blog post, I’m realizing that I’m a bit too emotional and moved to put this entire story into words just yet.  It’s impossible to summarize what it was like to see Levincent (a boy born with paralytic polio) in his wheel chair smiling once again – let alone meeting his little brothers (Omega, Odrine and Omiza). 

Thanks to World Vision, Brian & I now sponsor Omega, Odrine is sponsored by my Aunt & Uncle and Omiza is registered (awaiting sponsorship). Levincent and his family have grown dear to me since I met them on the Moyo Countryside 3.5 years ago. I owe great thanks to World Vision for making it possible to make a difference in his life and I owe even greater thanks to God’s grace for the strength and courage Levincent has taught me. In May 2010, he was put in my path “by accident” and he has been upon my heart ever since – this past year, as I battled cancer and won I see now how he has done so much more for me than I could ever do for him.

God bless,

 - Eli

We saw the incredible impact that clean water has on a community. We visited a spot where a family had been gathering water prior to the bore hole coming to their community. World Vision is doing marvelous things in Moyo and across all Zambia.

 - Kip

The Word says that wherever two or more are gathered, the Lord is with them. Over the last week, we have been surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of brothers and sisters in Christ and the Word has truly come alive as the Holy Spirit has moved amongst us. It’s a blessing to see the many facets of God reflected in all the people made in His image. I will forever remember this experience.

-       Rebekah

We have had several great days in Zambia, and most recently have seen the wonderful works World Vision has done for the Moyo community …..a new secondary schools, clean water, a goat sharing cooperative etc.  Today is the day I’ve been waiting for! Judy and I get to meet our sponsored child, Mercy Simuyamba.  Mercy lives with her parents and 4 siblings.  Her father and mother are farmers.  They struggle to provide for their family.  Despite their efforts it is difficult for them to meet family needs.  It will be a dream come true to finally meet her in a couple of hours to tell her in person that we care for her and pray to Jesus that He will provide for her family and He will bless them with peace and comfort during difficult times.

To Ted and my family:  I miss you and can’t wait to see you!

-       Meg

It is amazing to see the smiles and joy being shared in the community.  There is so much celebration in the communities for what they have.   The CPC and World Vision partnership is truly transforming the community with the participation of the community working together.  I am surprised to the degree of the impact with the opportunity for kids to go to high school, for villages to have clean water, and for bicycles to go to school or work.  There is so much love and joy in this community, and now there is a high degree of hope.  I am so glad to participate, and see the great work firsthand.

- Ryan

This trip has been amazing.   We have learned so much about ourselves as well as the people in the rural village of Moyo, Zambia, We have spent several days visiting them,  assisted by our guides at World Vision, who work hand in hand with them, day to day.  Although the ADP is in the early stages, the progress is noticeable and measurable already. It is so impressive to see these people so filled with love, hope, and gratitude, despite the extreme poverty and hardships they face everyday.  It is very humbling for all of us.  I am looking forward to meeting my Meg and my sponsored child, Mercy, today, and developing a relationship with her, and her family.  

I do wish they had diet mountain dew here.  I did not realize how much of my energy is tied to it!  LOL 

 - Judy

Even in this most distant location, the boundless glory of God shines through. The beauty of the land and people never cease to amaze me. And even through all the difficulties of their lives, and while they are grateful for the assistance provided by World Vision, they are the first to pray for our well-being, for the safety and prosperity of our families, our businesses and our safe journey home. How people who have so little, can remain full of joy and hope, is truly a lesson for us all. God be with everyone.

 - Brian

Another great day in Moyo!

As another day comes and goes, we are again struck by the daunting challenge of putting into words the experience we are having here in Moyo. Here’s another feeble attempt. 

Our entire team has been fully engaged, very eager to ask questions of the community and World Vision as well as sharing their thoughts during our evening reflections. Every day seems to open up new horizons of insight and discovery, both general and very personal. It’s really only been a couple days in the ADP but it is already evident that the hearts of the trip participants have been forever touched.

This morning we arrived to joyful sounds of children singing in a clearing near the grade school.

The Crosbys had to leave this afternoon for Livingstone, en route to the World Vision International board meeting in Tanzania; but before they did, they had a great visit with their three sponsored children.

Glo’s had the privilege of meeting Clayton, the child she sponsors through World Vision. What she was not prepared for was the surprise she encountered when she arrived at the home. The family had been tipped off to the fact that today was her 76^th birthday, and they treated her to a beautiful rendition of “Happy Birthday to You!” She was overwhelmed with joy and awe. 

Watch Glo's birthday video here:

https://vimeo.com/78800756

Later, over 100 primary school children also sang to her.  Mike & Becky Montgomery also visited one of their sponsored children, and they said it was a wonderful experience.

Another highlight of the day was the chance to meet with a group of pastors who have formed a pastor’s fellowship, with the aim of uniting the approximately 80 worshipping congregations in Moyo around a unified vision for caring for their community. It was an encouraging experience for all of us.

Well, that’s it for now folks!

Eli & Paul

Moved and Amazed

I think I speak for the team when I say it’s almost impossible to summarize the events of this day and how much it meant to us.  Some of us are first timers to Moyo and some of us are returning – but we will all leave more tightly bonded to this place, its people and each other after today.

Our first day in the hills of Moyo was both moving and amazing. Our focus for the greater part of the day was on the dedication and celebration of the Ndondi High School.  To see this project reach completion compared to the days when we first visited (2010) when there was but a mere cinderblock outline on the ground, was surreal.  A bore hole, the science lab, boys and girls latrines and teachers housing has all since been completed. Being there alongside World Vision, government officials, Chief Moyo, teachers and students for this historic event made us feel honored and proud to be a part of such a giving community as CPC.

The remainder of the day was spent witnessing the impact of the ZWASH project (Zambia Water/Sanitation/Hygiene).  This was very important for us to see since CPC will now switch our focus from the high school to the impact of clean water in this community for the next three years.  For more info about the five life changing things World Vision is doing with the ZWASH program in Moyo click here.  http://www.theesmgroup.com/2012/what-a-differe…ish-rack-makes

But probably the most amazing part of the day was the relationships that were formed.  Greeting the Chief, meeting the World Vision staff, dancing with the locals, playing with the children and praying over Ruth (a woman living with HIV/AiDs) will not soon (if ever) be forgotten.  

We retire tonight with mixed emotions and much to ponder before our two-hour drive into the community again tomorrow when we start anew.

Please pray with us that God will do amazing things with this experience in our lives.  

Thank you for following our journey and God bless,

Eli

On the Bus!

All accounted for and on the bus headed to Choma (5 hour drive) where we will stay before heading into Moyo Area Development Program (ADP) tomorrow.  Musonda is herding the cats (as always), to keep us on schedule.  We made a stop at the wayside rest and Glo found a friend with something in common.  

We checked out of our hotel very early this morning after a great devotional led by Kip Boie and breakfast.  We visited our mission partners, IJM & World Vision’s regional office in Lusaka before our drive.  The team asked great questions and we learned a lot about their many great works.  

Our team is bonding quite nicely and everyone seems to be having a wonderful time in spite of jetlag setting in. Plenty of time to grab some shuteye on this ride! 

This may/may not be posted today depending on Internet accessibility/signal strength, which tends to be a little sketchy for the next few days of our trip.

That’s all for now.

Blessings, 

Eli

Day Two - Visit to George Community in Lusaka

Hello everyone!

We loaded onto our bus and Lawrence's SUV from Jubilee Centre for a 20 minute drive to George Community for worship this morning. As we drove along deeply rutted roads, past unbelievable poverty, we arrived at our destination. The group split into three to join Pastor Paul, Pastors Crosby (John & Laura) and Pastor Mike Owen of World Vision as they led the worship in three church locations.

The services were amazing as we entered the churches to glorious choirs sounds. We were welcomed guests, and some of us even sang a song in Bemba in front of the congregation. As the respectful laughter subsided, they all joined in and we were at home. There is such amazing grace, faith and belief amongst such difficult living conditions. It truly inspired us. More inspiring was the fact that we were supposed to be there to support them in their ministry. And, their congregation prayed for us, our families, our businesses and our relationship with God. When the songs, sermons and prayers subsided, we were led out - the first to be welcomed by every member of the congregation with special handshake. Many pictures of shy and boisterous children followed.

We drove out of George a truly enriched and moved group who realized that we had suddenly become more blessed than ever.

Blessings and be well!!

Brian Fudenberg

Safe and sound!

All here and accounted for including all the bags. That's no small feat - thanks be to God!

We connected with Musonda.  So good to see her again!  We arrived in Lusaka very late (it's 2AM on Sunday now) so we're all looking forward to seeing the area in daylight, starting with church tomorrow.  Paul, John & Laura and Mike Owen from World Vision will preach at three different churches within the George community.  We're are looking forward to seeing Lawrence too.  We learned two Bemba songs so we're ready if called upon to sign.  More soon but for now we gotta try to sleep fast.

Elizabeth (Eli) Mansfield

Hello Zambia Team followers,

We made it to Amsterdam and we're relaxing before our next leg of the flight.  The team is very excited to be en route.  Everyone did a great job mobilizing 13 extra huge duffles + their own luggage to the airport for a total of 27 checked bags for 14 people.  It was amazing the plane even got off the ground!

Nicaragua: Transformed Communities (Days One & Two)

So far it has been an amazing trip. Opportunity International is a fabulous organization that is 

changing lives for generations to come. God’s presence is felt everywhere we go. Day one was 

our agriculture day where we met with Ernesto Reyes at his Yucca farm. He is a leader amongst 

his group, and throughout his community. Through loans provided by Opportunity International he 

has been able to prosper, employ many others, and change the life of his family. Later that afternoon 

we visited with a family where OI had helped provide a new roof. Something so small as a roof 

greatly transformed the lives of many families in that community. Their house consisted of nine family 

members and was made of patched wood and dirt floors. 

Day two began our artisan day. We had direct contact with a potter named Pedro Guerrero, 

who showed us his store where we purchased his wonderful works of art followed by a visit to the 

OI technical high school for kids ages eleven through fourteen. Currently only serving kids grades 7-8, 

the school will add a grade each year, eventually serving all high school grades. The school uses a self-sustainable model, providing academic coursework in tandem with technical classes and apprenticeship within reach of people living in rural poverty. This school Is changing the lives of 

many  Nicaraguan youth. 

The afternoon artisans were two brothers who showed us their skills of woodcarving.

We learned more about how they partnered with OI to promote their sales and business. 

Geralyn Sheehan, OI Nicaragua's Program Director, and Hawell Ponce, the project manager, 

have played a major role throughout all of our travel with their vision and strong leadership. We are feeling the love and trust between Opportunity International and the community members.

Maggie Johnston (on behalf of the team).

CPC Visits Opportunity International in Nicaragua: June 2013

On Sunday a group of CPC families will depart for Nicaragua. They are being led by Missions Pastor, Paul Tshihamba, as they learn more about microfinance and the overall economic situation facing people in Granada, Nicaragua. Watch the video below to hear how Opportunity International was able to empower Rosa, a baker in Nicaragua.



Follow this blog and the stories of people from Christ Presbyterian Church as they journey to Granada, Nicaragua. 

Zambia: Justice and Mercy

We greeted our fourth day in Zambia with bright sun and the faint smell of charcoal which is used as cooking fuel. After a hearty breakfast – yes, we are privileged to have three meals a day - we drove to the International Justice Mission (IJM) to introduce ourselves and to meet its new director Claire Wilkinson and her staff. The IJM’s mission is to provide legal assistance to disadvantaged Zambians. For example, widows and orphans often face land and property grabs which means their property is taken by paternal relatives when the father of the household dies. Similar to US law property flows to widows and children, so IJM fights for those rights. Claire’s energy and passion for this difficult work was hopeful.

Our afternoon was filled with feeding program visits sponsored by three churches within a 26 church network that is supported by the Jubilee Center, one of CPC’s Zambian partners. Beautiful children crowded around, welcoming us with outstretched hands and wide smiles. Kiersti gave a two minute kids sermon, based upon Psalms 139: 14 “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made”. The team all took turns cooking nshima, a thick, cream-of-wheat type staple which is often eaten at each meal. Volunteers lovingly make these meals. We are never far from seeing God’s hand at work.

Over eighty percent of the children we served today are HIV positive. Their antiretroviral drugs (ARV’s) are to be taken with food, so these feeding programs are literally life saving. The children showered us with love and joy. Though we left with nshima, dust, dirty dishwater, and sticky who-knows-what on our clothes, we left having received more than we gave.

Our evenings have closed with intimate, reflective, candlelight (due to intermittent power outages) conversation. We share what we have sensed and felt. We ask tough questions and try to wrap our heads around each day. And we also laugh. A lot. We are blessed to have Pastors Paul and Rich shepherding this trip. As Rich would say. “It’s another beautiful day in Africa.” Amen.

Anne and George West