June 29, 2021
Day 1
This was a long flight day as Art, Luke and I had gathered the day before at a motel in Chicago. Both of the others experienced weather delays, with Luke did not get to the motel before midnight. Fred drove and was dropped off by a friend that is keeping his vehicle.
We arrived at the airport about 7:20, three hours ahead of the expected departure time. It took about an hour to get our tickets and through security. Loading was put off about a half hour as the airplane had just arrived and needed to be cleaned first. We were on our way for a 13:45 hour trip to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, flying up the St. Lawrence seaway, over the ocean, through Portugal and Spain, jumping the Mediterranean, passing Malta on the way, then down the Nile. Having started a little late, we just had sufficient time to bus off the runway, go through security and bus back to another plane for the 6-hour flight to Lusaka through Harare, Zimbabwe.
Now we have arrived about 6 pm local time, had supper and trying to adjust the bodies to the new time schedule. There is a 7-hour difference between the Midwest and Zambia. Pray as we make the final leg of the trip tomorrow and become acquainted with the workers in this part of the world.
Day 2
This may look like a day was lost, and to a point that was true. We left in the morning Tuesday and arrived the next morning in Addis Ababa and spent the rest of the day getting to Lusaka. It all seemed like one day.
We all got a good night of rest in the guest house at the Flying Mission Zambia compound, had a great breakfast, then took a tour around the grounds and especially all the facilities in their hanger shop. Airplanes have many parts that are required to be certified to be used, but there are many other maintenance things for tractors, skid steers, trucks and such like that need to be made or repaired on site as shipping parts from far away is not an acceptable solution. Consequently they have a tremendous shop to work on, or make, nearly everything.
The plane from Chitokoloki arrived about 11 am to unload, refuel, reload and bid our hosts goodbye. After 2 ½ hours we arrived at Zambezi for our 2 hour ride to Chavuma. Zambezi is a dirt runway on the edge of town with few facilities or businesses around. Several children gathered to see the activities. The drive to Chavuma was mostly flat, uneventful, and on a good, blacktop road.
We arrived at the mission compound, unpacked and were shown around the area. There are a lot of buildings for various purposes and there is so much work to do for the few that labor here. As the sun was setting we were treated to a supper by the two Japanese ladies, Tamako and Ayumi, that work here. These two plus Martha Logan and Henry Dyck comprise the missionary staff. There is plenty of work available for anyone that the Lord brings here. The evening entertainment was getting to know each other.
Day 3, Friday July 2
This is the first day of work. Art was sent to check out a motor that is used to pump water from the Zambezi River to the supply tank at the compound. Short answer, after a day of work he has confirmed the motor does not work.
Fred, Luke and Henry were able to tear off about a third of one side of the roof and start the reconstruction job. The upper portion of the roof is difficult to stand on, so it is a challenge to get to the peak. By evening we had the first board on the wall plate, the new slope determined, and the upper board in place that will be used to hold the rafter up. One new experience is having ants fill the area above the end wall with mud, then get mad and bite when disturbed.
Day 5, Sunday July 4
We may think July 4 is special to us. Here in Zambia they are also having a holiday, one of 17 that usually starts about Thursday and run until Monday or Tuesday. We were able to meet with the believers at the chapel building where we are removing some of the room. In the process of removing the roof we uncovered the aforementioned ants and had knocked a lot of ant mud into the building. So the first part was to sweep out the mess before starting the meeting. There was a lot of good singing and praying. Wanting to not be reported for violations of government instruction everyone wore masks and did not have the elements to pass. If there was a report and shut down it would be very difficult to reopen.
The afternoon was spent relaxing and chatting. In the evening the English-speaking people normally get together for singing and listening to a taped message. Several families were out with Covid isolation and some were gone, so we settled for Harry and us three and the two Japanese missionaries, Tomaco and Ayumi. The fellowship carried on until bedtime, so no note was written.
Day 6, Monday July 5
The holiday is still on so there is less activity than normal, and Henry was able to spend most of the day working with us. Art is checking out more panels for electrical needs. In the evening for us I sent out a request to electricians I have contact with looking for answers to things that arise here. This is a British system, 240 volts and 50 cycles. As both a request and prayer, if you know of an electrician that could answer some questions for missionaries, have them contact me.
Luke, Harry, and I and a local man, Enoch, who is not afraid to get on a roof spent much of the day getting a rafter in place to measure from, like a cornerstone for a foundation. Fortunately, the building is quite square and level, so there are fewer adjustments necessary. As Henry and Fred worked the rest of the day on the end rafters, Luke and Enoch were able to tear off the rest of the half of the roof, finding a colony of bats. Made for interesting work.
The evening was spent again with Tomako and Ayumi, with them having supper with us and celebrating Ayumi’s birthday. Again partying until bedtime. I might mention that suppers tend to be later as we work until sun down, about 6:00 pm.
Day 7, Tuesday July 6
Art was working with a young man, Nathan, in checking the light fixtures in the chapel building. Luke and Enoch, plus another man, Sambo, spent their time putting in a rafter at the other end of the building so string line can be used to make the roof straight. Fred spent most of the morning settling up with the money carried over and paying the mission for our expenses of being here. The afternoon was getting more rafters in place so that about half of this side of the building has completed rafters.
Supper and contacting home consumed the evening. Few pictures are being sent as the internet connection is weak and not able to handle large loads.
Day 8, Wednesday July 7
In the morning Art continued to work on the lights in the chapel, and the crew continued the work of placing rafters on the roof. This does not lend to an exciting description as each rafter has to be either shimmed or carved to fit the boards holding them up so the roof will be straight from top to bottom. The process took a full morning to do about 10.
In the afternoon there was a church meeting, so we scattered to other assigned projects. Art and Fred were assigned to determine the electricity use in the hospital when the local electricity fails and the generator needs to work. Luke and Henry spent the afternoon working on a diesel generator that has an air leak in the fuel line, causing it not to run.
The evening is for staff connection and prayer. Singing and fellowship is sweet and enjoyed until bedtime. Martha has been in isolation due to having Covid, but was able to join in the fellowship, sitting to the side, so she could be with people again.
Day 9, Thursday July 8
Another day of about the same work. We were waiting for the purlins—boards that go across the rafters that hold up the metal roofing—to arrive, so Luke went back to the engine, Art on the lights in the chapel and Fred working on the last two rafters that hang over the end. By noon the purlins arrived so the rafters were finished and many of the purlins were laid. Luke and Enoch laid the purlins while Harry cut the ends and Fred worked the details that could slow the work.
Supper of pizza, salad, and macaroni salad was supplied by Tacome and the four of us men were joined by the three women and had an enjoyable together.
Day 11, Saturday July 10
As we come to the end of the week there are a few items getting completed. As mentioned yesterday, the purlin boards had arrived, so we were able to put them in place and get the metal roofing attached. This makes half of the roof complete and somewhat enclosed for the meeting tomorrow. This pushed the noon meal a little later as we packed up the tools and put some of the building material to the side for the gathering tomorrow.
For a while in the afternoon we went our separate ways, Art getting some receptacles in the chapel connected, Luke working on a diesel engine for a generator, and Fred checking the paperwork. At 4:30 we all took off to travel to the Angolan border and the sights on the way. There is no entrance into Angola, but what we could see.
The evening highlight was a gathering of the four missionaries for a meal of crocodile tail. Tamako had fixed may other dishes to go with it (she loves to cook and is a release for the stress of her job).
Day 12, Sunday, July 11
It is the Lord’s day and it seemed all slept in as the meeting is not until 10:00. It is wonderful to gather with other saints and sing and pray together, even though the words are in Luvale. Fred has been asked to preach. There is a large number of young people attending, which are also associated with the nursing school. There was a pause before lunch so the ladies could get everything ready. Another relaxing afternoon catching up on information, with a meeting tonight. After singing for a half hour, we watched a movie looking at current events in Europe compared to predictions in the Bible. Snacks afterward and everyone is heading home.
Day 13, Monday, July 12
Now we are ready for the roof on the other side of the chapel building. Having done one side, it is expected that having experience will enable the roofing project to go much quicker. Luke, Henry, and Enoch started in tearing off all the metal roofing on this side and had that completed and hauled away by noon. The afternoon was spent laying plate boards on the wall and getting the two guide rafters on each end of the building in place. Art continues at the chapel building, this time working on requested outside lights. Fred got a crick in his hip or sciatic nerve before breakfast and was forced by the pain to try stretching the muscles and laying around most of the day. No evening activities, except everyone is tired.
Day 14, Tuesday, July 13
The roof is continuing at a good pace, although a little slower as one man is missing. The cross beams to hold up the rafters have been put in place and rafters are going up until they ran out of material at about half done. It shortened the working day a little. Art put up two outside flood lights so people can see their way in the dark. The Lord has provided safety through this process. They are supposed to be bringing more wood later tonight.
Fred went to see a physical therapist about his muscle strain. He was given exercises to do during the day, and like most therapy, it hurts. Just like what the Lord brings into our lives. He found the Lord’s humor in the selection in Choice Gleanings today was about Jacob being struck in the hip, so he had to depend on God.
Day 15, Wednesday, July 14
The trailer carrying the lumber had a breakdown in the night, so part of the day for some of us is getting that repaired. We are taking a break from the roof as there was an intent to go to Dipolata today, but most of the people had left for the day, so the Lord had other plans for us. There are many other projects to work on. Luke returned to the generator engine, Art continued in the chapel building, getting nearly done. Fred helped Art for a little while, then went to PT, and helped by checking donated wheelchairs and walkers for parts and workability. Another day of many things to do.
In the evening there is the gathering of the staff for coordination and prayer. We talked about many concerns around the area and prayed for them. Contact me if you want the long list. I would encourage you to come as there is a need for help in many areas that is not included in the list.
Day 16, Thursday, July 15
Back to the roof work. The day was spent with Luke, Henry, and Enoch spending the day finish putting the rafters in place. Not much more to add about the work as it is trimming each one so the roof is straight. Art found a bad wire to a receptacle and replaced the wire. He also was adding two lights to the back room. Fred was checking more wheelchairs and walkers to see that they are in working order. Four wheelchairs and 5 walkers are ready for use.
Day 17, Friday, July 16
After a tentative start Fred was able to join the roofing party today, although in a different capacity. The Lord had given substantial healing so that work was able to be accomplished as he worked alongside the others. Thanks for the prayers.
The crew started finishing off the rafter process by cutting the tails and tying down the rafters. During this time Fred was laying out and cutting purlins in preparation for the days work of putting purlins on the roof. All seemed to progress well so that the purlins are in place and 10 sheets of roofing were put up. Art was installing more lights in the back room.
Evening was spent playing games with 8 local children.
Day 18, Saturday, July 17
Finishing off. The pressure to accomplish the main purpose has come to and end because the chapel building roof is finished. A good morning of work had the remaining roofing sheets go on and in the afternoon the ridge cap was put in place. All is nailed down and everyone has gotten off the roof without accident. Art has mostly completed his work in the building also. He does want to check a couple switches yet. In the late afternoon Luke went to help Enoch move some bricks, Fred checked the river and found his favorite suggestion for supplying water will not work as the river does not drop enough in elevation within a reasonable distance.
We were invited out for supper at one of the elders homes for a typical Zambian meal. The main part is nshima, which is a mixture of corn meal and water served as a ball and eaten in small portions by hand with the rest of the meal. Sometimes manioc is included in the nshima mixture, or becomes the base. The rest of the meal was steamed manioc leaves, boiled egg plant and chicken, beef, and fish. The conversation is expected to last for 2-3 hours.
Day 19, Sunday July 18
Another relaxed Sunday morning as the meeting doesn’t start until 10:00. Always to good to gather with other believers to remember what the Lord has done through songs and prayer. The speaker this morning was talking of the crucifixion from Matthew. Occasionally he would speak in English so we could follow along.
After a pizza lunch prepared by Tamako and a nap, we went for a ride on the Zambezi River. Beautiful afternoon to see several places from the river side and the scenery along the way.
After supper we had the English evening meeting where Art told of God’s work in his life and Fred shared some instruction from 2 John. Two girls and a couple joined us.
Day 20, Monday, July 19
Now is the time to work on the smaller projects. Art was trying to get a 3-way switch in the chapel to work and ended up restringing a new wire. Luke continued to evaluate and test the diesel generator, suspecting the problem is the fuel pump. Fred and Henry worked on tearing down the trailer, straightening and supporting the frame and starting to bend and attach the upper portion.
For supper and the evening, the three men went to spend time with John Leach, who is from South Africa and has done many different activities in his life. His current project is to go next to the Angolan border and offer to dig a well in trade for preaching the gospel. He hopes to use this to get the gospel into Angola. In the process he is also training young men to do the same, going from village to village to spread the gospel. He would encourage us to do the same in our own neighborhoods. Another idea to contemplate is to have men with business sense come to instruct people here how to start a business and lend them some operating capital. A good investment for God’s work and the gospel.
Day 21, Tuesday, July 20
Time to start thinking about leaving, which is coming up tomorrow. So, this is picking up the small projects that are not completed and doing and seeing what has not been available. We had made arrangements to go with John Leach out to a village to see some of the work the Lord is doing through a man there. We drove down the highway for a few kilometers, then took a sudden right onto a two-track path across the plains of Zambia at no more than 20 km/hr due to the ruts and bouncing for about an hour to reach this particular village that was located along the Zambezi River (which had made a big S curve from where we have been located). John has a vision of helping set up a medical clinic for medical work once a month to both take the pressure off the hospital in Chavuma and to allow the people to not to have to walk the distance we just traveled for an hour. He would also consider a camp for kids and a base for reaching further with the gospel.
After lunch we put tools away, put things in leaving order, made some final personal contacts and did a little waiting for supper. Tamako brought supper, which we enjoyed, then we sat down for followship and a time of sharing back and forth as to how we can be a better help to each other (Americans and mission workers). Expect more on that as the suggestions are contemplated. The enjoyable discussion went until 11:00.
Tomorrow we will get everything put together and leave around noon to see some sites and end up at Chitokoloki to meet some of the workers there and leave by plane for Lusaka the next day.
Day 21, Tuesday, July 20
Time to start thinking about leaving, which is coming up tomorrow. So, this is picking up the small projects that are not completed and doing and seeing what has not been available. We had made arrangements to go with John Leach out to a village to see some of the work the Lord is doing through a man there. We drove down the highway for a few kilometers, then took a sudden right onto a two-track path across the plains of Zambia at no more than 20 km/hr due to the ruts and bouncing for about an hour to reach this particular village that was located along the Zambezi River (which had made a big S curve from where we have been located). John has a vision of helping set up a medical clinic for medical work once a month to both take the pressure off the hospital in Chavuma and to allow the people to not to have to walk the distance we just traveled for an hour. He would also consider a camp for kids and a base for reaching further with the gospel.
After lunch we put tools away, put things in leaving order, made some final personal contacts and did a little waiting for supper. Tamako brought supper, which we enjoyed, then we sat down for followship and a time of sharing back and forth as to how we can be a better help to each other (Americans and mission workers). Expect more on that as the suggestions are contemplated. The enjoyable discussion went until 11:00.
Tomorrow we will get everything put together and leave around noon to see some sites and end up at Chitokoloki to meet some of the workers there and leave by plane for Lusaka the next day.
Day 22, Wednesday July 21
Today we start the return to home. With plans to arrive at Chitokoloki in the evening we were able to spend the morning picking up on the little activities that needed to be completed, and also to have a relaxed morning. Tamako fixed us some hamburgers and chips for an early lunch, which enabled us to have all fond farewells said and be on the road by 1:00. We made a quick shopping stop, then proceeded to drive 8 km off the paving to Chinyingi Mission to see a suspension walk bridge over the Zambezi River. Of course it is very open and bouncy. It was supposed to be a relatively short ride to the mission station and hospital at Chitokoloki, but along the road we had a flat tire. That wouldn’t have been a problem until the spare was very low in tire pressure, so the remaining 20 km was driven at a very slow pace, taking an hour longer than expected and arriving at sundown. We had an enjoyable supper with Chris Bundage and family,, our pilot, then saw a few of the facilities and spent some time conversing with Dr. David McAdam and his wife.
Day 23, Thursday, July 22
We had an early start to the day as our pilot, Chris, wanted us to leave at 7:00 so we could have sufficient time to get a Covid test. The flight went well, although we three men find ourselves cramped and nearly immoveable in the small airplane. A direct taxi ride for the Covid test, then to the Mission Flight Service guest house (this is different and closer to the international airport than the other one we stayed at). An hour or two later we received our reports that we are all negative for Covid. Shopping seemed too far away for interest, so we slept and read the afternoon away. Supper and a continued quiet evening.
Maybe we will go shopping tomorrow morning, then start the process of flying home at about 1:00. After a 4 hour flight and a 17 hour flight we plan to be in Chicago about 8 am Saturday morning.
Day 24, Friday, July 23
As is typical, the building cooled down as the last evening progressed. We all arose for an 8:00 breakfast. About 9:00 we asked for a taxi to go to a market to buy locally made items. After returning, we had lunch and prepared to leave. The lines were very slow at the counter, so we were glad to have arrived about 3 hours ahead. Even so, we arrived at the gat an half hour ahead of boarding time. The flight was 4 hours from Lusaka to Addis Ababa and included a nice meal. Since the flight was a little late, it was a direct change to catch the next flight, going through two security checks in the process.
Day 25, Saturday, July 24
The flight went through Dublin for refueling, so took 17 hours. The most interesting part was having three meals and a snack along the way. We have all arrived safely to the United States. Art and Luke had a long layover in Chicago before flying home, having arrived at 7:00 in the morning and leaving in the middle of the afternoon. Fred had a vehicle kept at a friend’s house and has made it to Andy’s. Thanks for praying for us along the way. We were able to the roof on, a few other projects completed, and learning many more things about the work and the needs of Chavuma. Hopefully I will give a better listing of the needs, and people for the area at a later time.