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.