Witch Doctors and Vending Machines
Friends,
We want to write to update you on what God is doing in our lives here in Zambia. Thank you for praying! God certainly continues to sustain us.
This past week we went to Zambia's RTSA (Road Transport and Safety Agency) to finalize the process of converting our US licenses to Zambian licenses. During the multiple trips there, we observed something:
African Traditional Religion is very much alive on every street corner in Zambia. If it weren't, these "doctors" would not be advertising. Even though many Zambians claim to be Christian, when crisis strikes—you find many running to solutions other than faith in Christ to solve their problems.
The western mind scoffs at these signs. We're incredulous that someone would actually call up Dr. Kalumba to help them pass their exams (and no, he doesn't have a stellar study plan). But when faced with suffering, how often do we approach our relationship with God in the same way?
What do I mean? We often treat God as if he's a heavenly vending machine. If we do the right things, if we live the right way, God will bless us. Put the coins of being faithful and generous church members, and out come the tasty treats. Or the opposite can be true. Like me, you may sometimes think that the problems we face are because God is withholding blessings due to our failures.
How is treating God as a tool to solve our problems any different from a Zambian buying a magic charm?
Believers in every culture are called to shift their mindset. You exist for God, not the other way around. Yet through Christ's work on the cross, the Father has reconciled us to himself. He has included us in his family. We are his children, and he is our God.
Instead of merely using God for our comfort, we can find uncommon joy as his children in the challenges we face.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Jas. 1:3–4
Our gentle Father gives us both trials and the power to endure those trials. His aim is to bring himself glory through the transformation of his little ones. The more we depend on him, the more he is exalted!
Though he tests us, he never abandons us. Instead, he delights in giving us wisdom and good gifts (Jas. 1:5; Matt. 7:9–11), and his Spirit empowers us to endure.
Updates
We are honored to partner with you in training the next generation of pastors and leaders here in Zambia. As God moves you, please continue to pray for our ministry. It is clear that he already is pleased to answer.
Praise
- Rachel was sick for over a week and a half, but she has recovered fully.
- Baby #3 is on the way!
- God has given us many opportunities to speak the gospel.
- We have started the process of joining Kitwe Church.
- We were able to get our driver's licenses.
Prayer
- Pray for the three young men we've shared the gospel with.
- Pray for a young man from Kitwe Church I began mentoring and reading the Bible with.
- Pray for Rachel as we prepare to have a baby here in Zambia.
- Pray for ongoing good health—sickness is a more common reality here.
- Pray for the faculty at CABU as we teach and mentor the next generation of African servant leaders.
Jesus Over Everything!
Austin & Rachel Hunt