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This past week, Dr. Chris & Marietta Williams, Dr. Sherry Gorveatte and I joined with General Superintendent Dr. Wayne Schmidt and a delegation of North American representatives to attend the dedication of the new campus site for Africa Wesleyan University in Zimba, Zambia.  Eighteen of us, including Dr. Schmidt and 9 district superintendents, boarded a flight from Johannesburg, SA to Livingstone, Zambia on Monday following the close of the International Conference. We arrived with time to visit Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, before settling in for the night at our lodge outside Livingstone.  We were on the road Tuesday morning for Zimba and the AWU campus dedication ceremony. Our arrival was scheduled to allow time for us to connect with Dr. Henry Smith, President of AWU and Dr. Scott Addison, head of Global Partners Health Network, for a tour of the teaching hospital at Zimba. The hospital treats an average of 120 new patients each day as the only medical facility in the region. The nurse training program offered at Zimba Hospital will be the first degree program offered at AWU.  Following lunch at the historic Zimba Mission House, the delegation gathered at the campus for this historic occasion. The Minister of Education was there to represent the Zambian national government and Dr. Wayne Schmidt brought the keynote address.  The celebration included multiple choirs and nearly 1000 honored guests including regional government officials and denominational leaders. The dedication concluded with the singing of “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” led by Rev. Peter Moore, Atlantic District Superintendent, who was raised on the Wesleyan mission statement at Choma.  Wednesday, we were back on the road to visit the Wesleyan Bible College at Jembo. After a brief tour of the primary and secondary school (serving more than 1000 students), Dr. Schmidt brought greetings and a message of encouragement to the Bible college students.  We overnighted in Pemba and then returned to the Bible college for a morning service in which Dr. Eric Hallett, Central Canada DS, preached. Then the students were able to attend a variety of seminars offered by the delegation. Dr. Chris Williams and I were among the team of seminar presenters. Following the morning session, we shared lunch with Dr. Kris Thede and Cory, her husband. They’ve relocated from their Global Partners appointment in Haiti and are adding value to the team in Jembo. Cory had been utilizing his agricultural training to assist with the development of this 1000+ acre campus.  We traveled back to Livingstone on Thursday afternoon. Friday morning, the group traveled across the border into Botswana for a day of adventure at Chobe National Game Park. It was an amazing day enjoying God’s creation with the members of the delegation. Dr. Sherry has some stories to tell. Ask her about the mother elephant and the kicking zebra.  Saturday, most of the team flew back home but the Williams and Gorveattes stayed on. We traveled with Bishop (National Superintendent) Rev. Juden Siachitema to his farm. The North American delegation donated 24 pairs of goats to be distributed to rural pastors and church planters. Bishop Juden takes the idea of bi-vocational ministry seriously with growing herds of cattle and goats to manage while also leading a growing national conference.  Dr. Chris Williams was invited to speak at Zimba Pilgrim Wesleyan Church on Sunday. This was especially meaningful since this congregation has partnered with Lakeview Wesleyan Church to build the wall at Africa Wesleyan University. They’ll also be partnering to sponsor a student each year at AWU. It was an amazing service with Dr. Williams bringing a powerful message. Many came forward for prayer in response to his sermon.  It’s remarkable to see the explosive growth of the Wesleyan churches in Zambia. When Chris and I last visited in April of 2022, there were 400 churches. Today, there are more than 480, an increase of 20% in just over 2 years. Praise God for how He is moving in Zambia! God is also on the move in the Crossroads District! Pastor Ed Friberg sent along the good news of another baptism at Shiloh Wesleyan Church. We love celebrating stories of God making lives new through the power of the Gospel!  Youth leaders: mark your calendars and make plans to bring your largest group ever to this year’s Crossroads District All-Nighter, February 21, in Fort Wayne. You can find all the information and registration at this link: https://crossroadsdistrict.churchcenter.com/calendar/event/174593782  Thank you for making a difference here in our mission field! God is on the move! Your servant in Christ, Mark Gorveatte Crossroads District Superintendent Comments are closed.
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