This week's cover pic is a reminder that we are still trying to do as many clean water projects as possible. We only do those projects as we have funds that come in earmarked for such projects, as we have to stay really focused from a general fund perspective on the feeding programs. The July project is a little different than most because it is clean water that will be intended for animals and not humans - although the community is certainly welcome to share!! This borehole was placed at the site of the farm project that will be underway in the next few weeks when Rog and his team go over to Zambia. Please do remember them over the coming days, as that travel is brutal! As of this time, we have a very fun roster involved in this trip. Here is a word about each member of the team:
Rog will lead. This will be his fourth trip to Zambia, and the second trip in a row he will have led. Besides the farm project, Rog expects to speak with many of our community leaders who will be bused to him this time. His message will center around some of the topics you have seen and heard here in America: we want our Zambian leaders to be sure they are in lock step with us as to the purpose of this organization - and that purpose is NOT about making the lives of our pastor partners easier. They are our PARNTERS in the work, and the focus of the work is on loving and caring for the people within their communities. We lost a few pastors - along with their communities - during this year because they seemed to be focused on building their own little kingdoms rather than serving in the larger kingdom. This will not be an easy message to bring, and it may not be an easy message to hear - for some. But for the majority of our leaders, I expect this has been their posture since they teamed up with us, and they will welcome the encouragement.
He will be joined in leadership by Matt, who is the most recent addition to our board. He is rather unique, in that he is an American who is currently living in the Philippines. So that gives him a little different perspective on life, and maybe a little more constant contact with a more impoverished surrounding. Although you may remember some of his local friends recently made the very first non-American contribution to the effort, which was VERY exciting! He also brings a love for our Zambian leadership team and an eye for detail that Rog and I are very thankful for.
They will be joined by Matt's dad, Dr. Curtis Youngs, who is a leader in the Animal Husbandry Department at Iowa State University. Dr. Youngs has successfully taught and developed in several other impoverished locations around the world, and we are incredibly grateful to have his expertise guiding the farm effort on this trip.
They will also be joined by our favorite contractor, Jose. Rog got to know Jose at his most recent church community, and I have gotten to know Jose through a couple of important projects around my own residence. He and his team in Iowa can get just about anything done from a construction standpoint. On this trip, we are counting on Jose to be able to direct a large team of Zambians in the construction of some animal holding facilities near the new water source.
It is so encouraging to have relationships develop here and around the world such that the timing puts us in the proximity where we are needed in order to be part of a team like this. I love all these men, and am excited to see what they can accomplish in just a couple weeks in country, as they work shoulder 2 shoulder with the six guys on our Zambian staff on the farm project, lead maybe dozens of Zambians in the construction effort, communicate our message to the community leaders, and spend time with the very people we are serving as we provide for a few regional feasts, as has been the custom when we are in country.
In case you are thinking, "What about the harvest?" Yes, we are still wrapping up that effort. I hope to have some numbers for you next week.
