A Visit from Zambia

This week a group from Zambia took the long and arduous journey from Livingstone, Zambia to George, South Africa—two full days by bus. One of the buses broke down, which delayed their arrival further, but Jonathan, Henry, his wife Charity, and their daughter Keela finally arrived safely.

A brother named Chifanaru is also visiting. He met Brother Gert last year when Gert was on his way to Zambia. He’s originally from Malawi and has been taking serious steps toward the Lord. He and Jonathan have been sharing one glamping tent, while Henry and his family have been staying in the other one. The Zambians and Malawians have much in common in their language and so are able to communicate easily.

The group from Zambia originally heard about our Heritage South Africa community through Brother Mark Likkel from the Netherlands, who has visited their country several times. When Mark found our community, he urged the Zambians to visit us.

This is their first time to travel outside of their country. They were surprised by the vast differences in culture, food—even climate. They’ve taken pictures of everything so they can share the journey with loved ones back home.

They were anxious to visit the Indian Ocean. When Brother Gert brought them to the beach, they immediately ran into the sea, careful not to go more than knee deep into the cold water. They splashed about with the enthusiasm appropriate from those visiting the ocean from a landlocked country for the first time.

In her desire to capture this momentous event, Charity was swept off her feet by a wave and dropped two phones into the water! Although they drowned their phones, they assured Gert that the experience was worth it. Certainly their spirits were not dampened.

On Saturday, Gert led them on a hike up Vensterberg (Window mountain) in the Outeniqua mountains. The two-hour climb to the summit tested everyone’s endurance, and on the way down many prayed that the Lord would strengthen feeble knees. But those who shared the challenging hike also appreciated some stunning views.

Each night, our guests have shared dinner with different families in the community, sharing deep conversations and testimonies.

Brothers Simeon Adams and Tim Anz, who were part of the team that visited Zambia last year, arrived in South Africa in time to attend the Sunday meeting. The presence of God moved powerfully, anointing a message about faith versus idolatry, denying the flesh, and trusting God.

African churches are full of superstars who extort money from the desperate and the poor, and these dear brothers and sisters have been hurt by such charlatans.

Brother Simeon said, “I believe that God is going to open a door to Zambia. It’s too soon to know what part, if any, this group will play in that open door. Please pray that the Lord would open their eyes to see the kingdom of God and lay aside the judgments that have come from a false church.”

The Lord continues to use our community in South Africa to reach out to others in the surrounding area. He is expanding their ministry into other parts of Africa. Please pray for the Lord’s anointing and wisdom to animate our brothers and sisters as they serve as ambassadors of God’s kingdom.