Growing in God

Hello dear friends and family,

Well, we are suddenly finding ourselves finishing the third week of term 3.  The time has flown by. Sorry for such a long time since my last update.

A couple highlights of term 2: Second term I took the senior girls for Sunday School. That's ages 10 to 15. This involved friendship building activities (with the focus being God needs to be first in those friendships), chalk drawing activities which has shown them how they can share the gospel with others (Elva Hurst: Chalk Talk, thanks Mom and Dad for the Christmas gift), and hard conversations. John Louden, who has been taking the senior boys, had to be away for a weekend so I took all 35 seniors. We watched Ray Comfort's video "180" which compares abortion to the Holocaust. Ray Comfort has conversations with people on the street convicting them of Biblical truths without getting into shouting matches with them on this hot button topic.  He is calm the whole time not letting their differing views goad him into arguing.  

One of the grade 1 girls professed to be saved at the end of term 2! I am quite excited about this but will be even more excited to see if true fruit comes from this profession. This term has brought it up as an event that happened last term, so she is still holding to her salvation over being home and coming back to school. Please pray for her and the others who professed in term 1. They are all kind hearted girls naturally, so it will be good to see how they all stand for God as they get older.

Over the term break, I spent the majority of the time at Chavuma Mission Hospital. Thankfully, I was not a patient there. Janette and Margie Young (sisters teaching here at Sakeji) grew up as missionary's kids in Chavuma so most often return there for the holidays. I tagged along this time to get off station and see another part of Zambia.  I also visited Dr. Ros (from the UK) at Chitokoloki Mission Hospital for a week. I found out I had ringworm while there so I was glad to be in a place where I could readily access medication for that. Thankfully, it's only called "worm" because of the shape the fungal infection leaves on your skin. It has cleared up now, and as I had some medicinal cream left, I gave it to Pam Ronald (the nurse at Sakeji).  

The most exciting thing I did over the break was help at the girl's camp in Chavuma. It was such a blessing to work alongside the local women as they served God. Here is a link to a video I created of some of the fun we had: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYS0hsHwVMs (the videos were captured on my phone so if you watch it on a computer it will be quite fuzzy).  Despite hard beds and some food poisoning, it was clear to see God working.  The gospel went out clearly every day as well as Biblical truths for growing Christians. Our theme was the Holiness of God which led to some very convicting messages and discussions in our cabins.  The focus was highly on memorizing God's Word so about 20 girls memorized 40+ verses! Please pray that even now the power of God's Word would continue to impact the campers' lives as well as the counselors'. 

Being the third term, my grade 1s are settling in even better. There are still tears and sadness; however, they know what to expect and getting back into routine is a great comfort.  Some are having to learn again, they do not get everything done for them and have to be independent.  One of my boys who had the toughest time settling in first term has had the easiest time this term. He is also the one with the most questions in Scripture class this term. He is getting to the point where all the truths he has heard from the Bible are beginning to connect, and he wants to know more. Please pray for Luke as he sorts all these things out in his 6 year old mind and for myself and other staff members as we encounter students seeking answers. I would say all my grade 1s have more questions this term, but Luke has the most.  He lost his mom around 3 years ago so that is a piece of his puzzle.  She was a missionary in the area so from what I know of her, she will be in Heaven and he is trying to piece together what that means and what that means for him. 

The kids are already saying how they don't want me to leave, and I feel the same way. I need to dwell on right now and not think of December just yet. Prayer for God's guidance for the next step is much appreciated.  Also for the school's next steps as they go into 2023. They need more full time staffing to carry on effectively. There are quite a number of student applicants so God still has the door open for service. 

Thank you for your continued prayers and support. May God bless you and keep you as you serve Him.

Your sister in Christ,

Yolanda

Ps. Prayers for continued health: we had a flu bug pass through the school in both term 2 and term 3. It was in the last three weeks of school so thankfully not many teachers were down as we all had much to do with marking, writing exams, and keeping everything running (we had 4 staff members leave right before as well). This term a number of staff went down at various times with achiness, fever, and extreme tiredness. Most were able to take some time off and carry on with the help of God's strength and ibuprofen. I still have a residual cough trying to get rid of all the extra phlegm but am 99.9% better. 

-- 

"For we know that all things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to his purpose" ~Romans 8:28~

Here is a picture of my grade 1 students with their puppy friend. We are learning about animals in Science so they were very excited to hang out with Pepsi and the kittens who were born a couple of months ago.

God of Wonders

Hello all,


As we gear up for second term, I look back at the end of term 1 and the needed rest and change of pace of the last few weeks. I have seen God working in many ways which puts me in awe of Him. He is not limited to our way of thinking and our finite abilities, yet He chooses to use us for His glory.


I feel very blessed and humbled to have been used by Him to guide some of the grade 2 and 3 girls to salvation. One Saturday afternoon after swimming I walked over to the river area where the kids were playing. A grade 2 girl, T, came up to me and said she really needed to talk to me. We found a quiet spot to chat and she told me she wanted to be saved. We had a lengthy conversation talking about how salvation has nothing to do with anything she can do and everything to do with what God has done. During this time a grade 3 girl, C, saw us and said she needed to talk to me privately. T and I prayed together, but I still wasn't sure if she really understood. I talked with C briefly along with M, another grade 2 girl. By that time I needed to be on duty watching the kids so I couldn't put as much attention to our conversation. Thankfully, all three girls came up to me or one of the other teachers the following day and said they had gotten saved! Their classroom teacher wrote down the day so if/when they ask again we can turn them to this moment where they put their trust in Jesus and His work on the cross. "And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of my hand" John 10 28.


God has been taking care of me financially even when I forgot to cancel payments I no longer need to make. Some one has offered to cover one of my big monthly payments while I am in Zambia for which I feel truly blessed. This was an automatic payment out of my bank account. I forgot to cancel the transaction the first two months I was here. So not only was this person paying the bill but so was I. I was feeling quite frustrated with myself for this. Thankfully the money wasn't being wasted as it was still paying off my debt, but this was not how I intended on using the money I had. I received an email from the teacher's union saying there had been negotiations, and they had come to the agreement to pay occasional (supply) teachers more. This was to include back pay up to a certain date. A short while later I received a payment into my bank account that was enough and more to cover the two large payments I had forgotten to cancel! It makes my think of Matthew 6:26-34 but especially 31-33, “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."



God shows His not only in the big ways but in the small choices that we make as well. During the break Heidi and I went to Livingstone where the mighty Victoria Falls is located. The town in named after David Livingstone who did some of his work in the area. The national park there is called Mosi-oa-Tunya which means "smoke that thunders". We surely saw, heard and felt God's glory on display as we visited Victoria Falls. The sights were magnificent, and our senses were filled as we were soaked by the spray coming off the falls which is at its peak at the end of the rainy season. However, I spoke of small things.


On our second day there we decided to stay in town and experience things within walking distance of the hostel we were staying in. I had in my mind which shirt I wanted to wear so I reached into my backpack to pull it out. A different shirt appeared, and with out much thought, I decided to wear that one instead. We went on a walking tour around the town of Livingstone with some others from our hostel taking in the sights of local markets and stores and daily life. Afterward we parted ways and Heidi and I went out for lunch at a restaurant we came across. Typical of many of the restaurants we saw there was an outside eating area fenced off from the public with a roof overhead. As we finished up our meal and had just paid, a young man came up to us and said he wanted to ask a question about my shirt. On the back it said, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." Romans 12:2. He asked if he could join us, but as we had just paid the bill I didn't want to take up the table so we moved to the outside of the fence. He showed us a book that he had been writing of his analysis of the parables in Luke. I don't remember the exact conversation now, but it rang of truth and a believer's knowledge of the Scriptures. He was such an encouragement to us. it was so lovely to have fellowship with a Christian who was willing to come up to us and share what God had put on His heart. We prayed together as well. We were all so encouraged. The simple choice to wear that shirt led to a wonderful conversation enjoying the truths that God set before us. "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth" 2 Timothy 2:15.


Please pray with me:
- as we start Term 2
- for the safe arrival for the students this weekend
- as I prepare for classes this week
- that I would rely on the power of the Holy Spirit and not my own
- for students to come with open hearts for the gospel
- for students who have shown apathy towards school so far this year
- for safe arrival of more staff who are coming at the end of May


Your sister in Christ,


Yolanda


Ps. Here is a video I put together of our time in Livingstone.

He Is Faithful Day by Day

 Hello all,

I am finally sitting down to write another update. A couple weeks ago I was in my room as the juniors were in the next classroom for Sunday school singing “I’ve Got the Joy”. What a joy to hear their voices lifted in praise to God. Please pray that each one will receive the joy in their hearts that comes from trusting Jesus as their Saviour. 

Grade One has been a busy place these last five weeks.  Each one is new to the school and so has had to have a crash course in all of the routines they are expected to follow in classes, in the dining room, in the dorm, and on the playground. 

They are all very eager to share their knowledge in class which excites me. They are working on taking turns in sharing, not just blurting out.  It is a slow process. Some days are better than others, and some days I have more patience than others. 

I have one student who is far above the rest in her reading ability so I am trying to figure out how best to challenge her. Her Math skills are about the same as the others. She can actually read the instructions in the book so this helps her to be more independent as I guide the rest through the page. I am getting a crash course in how to direct the students around the page since they are still becoming familiar with the format.  The Phonics books are great because the page is set out the same way every time.

I have the grade twos for Grammar/Spelling. They are a more chatty group so require more structure. Since I only have them for one class I have set up a routine where they come in ready to learn. I start the class with five minutes of quiet reading which helps them to settle down for a successful class. They are a very creative group. I have them for handwork and it’s so fun to see what they come up with.  “Animals” is the theme for Birthday Party in March so we have made paper bag animals, symmetrical paint butterflies, and we will be making beaded lizards.  These will go on display in the dining room on the day of Birthday Party except for the lizards as we are still working on them.

This is a wonderful learning experience for me as well.  I have been supply teaching at home for the last year so I still have a lot to learn. Thankfully I have been teamed up with one of the senior staff here who is there to answer any questions and offer advice. Thankfully, God has promised to show His strength through our weaknesses. 

One of my favourite things here is how beautiful nature is. Sunsets are beautiful everywhere but when they are paired with the oddly shaped trees and the vibrant flowers of Zambia it’s just astounding.  It has been raining a lot as it is rainy season so we get an abundance of cloud coverage with nice sun breaks where the water has a chance to get warm enough to have a warm shower. You’re not likely to get warm water first thing in the morning as it has all lost its heat again.  We have had a few more sunny days lately which means some clear nights as well.  The other night four of us went up to the airstrip where there are no lights to gaze up at the stars.  It was an awesome view, and we even got a lightning show on the horizon!  

Wednesday is Birthday Party and Heidi Hanna and Natalie Grove will be the MCs.  They always get the new people to host the party. It consists of introducing all the sometimes hilarious and sometimes long skits the seniors put on for our entertainment, playing games, or putting on a skit of your own. The three of us will be dressing up as the three blind mice. Hopefully, we 

Remember to take a photo. The kids can hardly wait, and it will be quite the task to get them to do any work tomorrow or Wednesday with all the anticipation in the air.  I am most excited for the cake decorating the staff get to do tomorrow.  I got a hold of a cake decorating book back at home which has a lot of amazing animal ideas.  It traveled in my suitcase for just such an occasion. 

That is all for now. I hope this finds you well. As we learned from Noah today, God is with us and helps us even when we are in scary or bad situations.

God bless.

Your sister in Christ,

Yolanda

Grade 1 learning about how we use or sense of sight to see all the amazing things God created.

Here We Go Again

 Hello Everyone,

First, I want to say thank you all for praying for me as I set off on this adventure in Grade 1! 

For those of you who have not heard, I have had a desire to return to Sakeji School in Zambia for a number of years now.  I have looked for an open door ever since the last time I was here in 2016 between my Bachelor of Arts and my Bachelor of Education.  The door finally opened for this year, 2022.  Since I have tried so many times to come, doubts have crept in whether I was following God’s will in coming or just my own.  God has so clearly paved the way that it would be very wrong to doubt Him at this point. Satan is good at deceiving, but when you are willing to follow what God wants you to do, He makes it very clear it is from Him. 

The past year, even, I have looked into going, but I felt like God was telling me to wait.  He had more to teach me here. I even told some of the workers here that I was in the waiting stage and was learning to be good with that.  A couple weeks later we took a family trip out to Saskatchewan. After driving about 30 hours, we arrived around 1-2am and slept for a few hours before heading to meeting Sunday morning.  There I heard from a friend, Heidi, that she was planning on going to Sakeji in January.  Oh that made my desire even stronger! She had never travelled before outside of Canada or the States without family.  One of my first thoughts was, “Maybe God can use me to be a companion for her while flying.” If I collected frequent flyer miles, I would have racked up quite a few at this point (Note to self: look into collecting Air Miles). 

I did not want to make this journey against what God had in plan for me.  As wonderful as it would be, the best place to be is right in the middle of God’s will.  I would say the #1 lesson for 2021 was I cannot do anything with out God’s help.  Sure, I could get a passing grade, but it would not be my best. I had a traching experience in the spring of 2021 that made me realize just how much I needed to rely on God’s strength and wisdom. Anyway, I digress (though with purpose).

Back to September 2021 in Saskatchewan.  That week at the beginning of ministry meeting a letter is read from some missionaries at Sakeji School. During the meeting the preacher read Hebrews 4:16, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need”. If this verse didn’t fit exactly how I was feeling after the spring, I don’t know what does. Before that experience, I was thinking going to Sakeji would be easy as I had made three trips before.  I would have been going in my own strength. Have you ever been hit between the forehead? I can’t say I recollect a time, but I imagine that’s what it would feel like. Ever since then God has been giving me verses that show it is “...God who leads us in triumph in Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:14).  

Once I told some of the missionaries I was interested in coming for the year, I found out the school was losing two of their teachers for the year.  This, among other personal reasons, showed me God was opening the door.  Though I had a few months before December, it worked out that things were not finalized until November, December and even January! I sent in documents for obtaining a work visa, but heard right before Christmas that I needed one more proof before they would consider my application. Apparently the government did not have proof that I left the country last time so I had to send a picture of my exit stamp on my passport.  You cannot apply for a work visa while in the country.  Also if you have applied for work visa you cannot obtain a visitor’s visa upon entry. With this delay right before Christmas break, my application was not looked at until January 4.  Our flight left January 6! I turned to God to intervene and had many people praying that my visa would be approved.  If I did not have the approval letter by the time I landed in Zambia, I would be turned away. The prevailing thought was, “If God wants me in Zambia, He can surely get this application approved”. 

Our flight left around 10am, and with the new Covid protocols, the airport suggests being there 4 hours before an international flight. We left the house at 5am trusting that God would see it through. Five minutes after leaving the house, I checked my email once again to see if anything had come through.  I was flying with or without it making a plan to fly to South Africa or something until it was approved.  The “checking for mail…” message came up as it loaded. An email popped up with the subject line “Zambia Immigration. Case was approved.”

God is good all the time. I truly believe that even if I had not been approved God would still be good.  His will be done. We safely travelled the 13 hours to Ethiopia (it is in political unrest right now so that was another prayer point) and on the Zambia. We left the Lusaka airport with ALL of our luggage.  When Heidi landed in Toronto airport January 5 her luggage some how ended up routing to Ethiopia that night instead of coming with her.  The good thing is she didn’t have to recheck her bags and they were heading in the right direction. We just weren’t sure if we would meet them in Lusaka or if they would get lost. Again, God intervened.  

Up to this point I didn’t know for sure what grade I would be teaching. Once we got to Sakeji, I was given the keys for the grade one classroom. The government delayed school opening for a week so I and the other staff have had more time to prepare. I have had a chance to become familiar with my classroom and ready it for my seven grade 1s. The teacher who is away for the year is very organized so I was able to walk in not feeling overwhelmed.  Classes begin on Monday, so I will be preparing this weeks lessons this weekend.  Half the staff have every other weekend off, and mine is this weekend. The children mostly arrived yesterday so that has given me an opportunity to meet my students and interact with them before school starts.  I now have a sense of who they are as I plan for this week. 

God bless you all as you follow Him.

Yolanda