Making a Difference
It's a joy and honor to play a small part in the grand story of God here in Zambia.
Once again, we reach out to thank each of you who pray regularly for us. Thank you for your partnership in the gospel.
Recently, I began reading Jonathan Edwards’s The Life of David Brainerd. What struck me in the opening chapters was Brainerd's description of his inward struggle with the gospel's simplicity. He wanted to bring something of his own effort, piety, and even sorrow over sin to the table as a reason he should be accepted by God.
"I at once saw that all my contrivances and projects to effect or procure deliverance and salvation for myself, were utterly in vain; I was brought quite to a stand, as finding myself totally lost."
Brainerd’s inner struggle is illustrative of what we observe here in Zambia. Although Zambia claims to be a Christian nation, very few grasp the concept that saving faith is a gift from God. Many testimonies voiced by our born-again Zambian friends at Kitwe Church include the line, “I grew up going to church…” followed by, “I didn’t realize you cannot be born Christian or do good things to become a Christian.”
As we continue to serve here, our hope is to aid the churches in training a generation of leaders who will proclaim the true, life-giving gospel—a gospel that calls us to fall to our knees and cry, “I bring nothing of my own righteousness; please save me!” A gospel that calls us to repent even of our own righteousness.
Ministry Update
Our shoulders have been to the plough the past couple of months. I (Austin) continue to teach at CABU (Central Africa Baptist University).
The students were especially encouraged this past month by your generosity. We have had the honor of channeling your ministry funds towards getting them the textbooks and lexicons. Our hope is that they will have the lifelong tools they need to effectively read and understand the Scriptures in the original languages. Several of the men asked me to thank you personally for your ministry to them.
Family Update
Our family continues to adapt well to life in a new place. We have been encouraged by several of you who have reached out to hear about the specifics of life. As we approach the one-year mark, the weight of not seeing you feels a bit heavier—but God is near, and He has used many here to encourage us.
- Thank you for praying for Rachel and the baby—Cyrus has grown rapidly the past several weeks and Rachel has fully recovered.
- We have had great opportunities to share the gospel and continue to build friendships at Kitwe Church.
- We were also finally able to gain access to our property, and the work has begun to clear it and prepare the house to be livable.
- We praise God that we were able to acquire Cyrus’s birth certificate. There are still more steps to take, so please continue to pray for God’s hand in getting all the details of life here to be settled.
We are overjoyed to be here and to partner with you in the gospel. We pray for you and look forward to the day we can share what God has been up to in our lives in person again.
Jesus Over Everything,
Austin & Rachel