|
|
 |
Impact Live |
5 July 2008 (Saturday)
Day Eight
The day started off bittersweet, as all started contemplating our departure. Every person on this trip has been affected in ways we already know, and anticipate others God has yet to reveal. Our hearts have been profoundly touched by the students and the people of Ndola we have walked alongside. Moffat gave the morning devotions and then we broke into small groups to review the week for Northrise. The entire team then regrouped for a debriefing session.
Northrise organized a free afternoon concert for the community. As we were heading off to walk to the concert, I heard screaming and turned to see a hug-fest (if you will) at the front of Northrise's entrance. It seems that a group of children from Mapalo school walked 3 hours to come join us and attend the concert! It speaks volumes to the ones in our group who worked with these kids for the past week and built relationships with them. I was in awe that they walked 3 hours!! I know trust, bonds and friendships have been birthed out of Impact Ndola 2008.
The concert was kicked off by a guy with great vocals (sorry, I don't know his name) who sang an entire set of contemporary Christian songs which most of us knew. It was great to be able to worship and sing alongside our brothers and sisters of Ndola. Zambian Christian/Gospel music is alive and well and on fire, with Ephraim, Adonai, Tiko and many others taking the stage to sing God's praise. The house was rocking and everyone in it was too!
6 July 2008 (Sunday)
Day Nine
We left the hotel and loaded onto the bus at 6:00AM to make our way to Lusaka. It was sad to leave our newfound friends and a city and it's people that we grew to love. As we drove I sat watching an incredible sunrise. The sunrises and sunsets here are unbelievable, a huge bright orange/red ball of fire. I put my headphones on to listen to the radio as I took in the sight of the rising sun. I listened to many a Christian station playing songs that glorified the Lord, as I absorbed the beauty of God's creation and the wonder which is Africa. Tears rolled down my eyes as images from the week flashed through my mind. So many thoughts, so many faces, so much to process. In time, I know that all of this will gel. But one thing I am certain of, is the one thing that people warned me about. Be careful they said, you'll lose your heart to Africa. I did and I'm glad. I'm so thankful for an opportunity to serve in this beautiful country and it's people with such beautiful hearts. We do indeed serve an awesome God!
Praise the Lord, all you nations;
extol him, all you peoples.
For great is his love towards us,
and the faithfulness of the Lord
endures forever.
Psalm 117 |
|
|
|
|
