On this last day of programming in the ADP, our remaining tasks dictated that we divide and conquer. While LuAnn, Alan S., Emily and Scott visited the sponsored kids of Fowlers and MacMillans, Alan, Bettirae, Graig and Laura visited 5 children in 2 zones. These were for Kubys, Pollards, John Skillern, Hilgaertners and Peggy Williams. These visits are significant not only for those in the sponsorship relationship, but also for the community. They learn that sponsors are very real people - not bureaucratic fabrications! - who deeply care about them and pray for them. These visits make it all real.
During the afternoon, World Vision staff and the GoTeam met for a time of reviewing the trip and as
sessing it, followed by an exchange of gifts and affirmation that left everyone feeling encouraged and optimistic. Among the LGPC gifts were beautiful handmade silver pendants, crafted by LGPC member Amelia Anderson. They had the names of female staff members and wives of male staff members stamped into them, along with the notation, "Isaiah 43:1-2", a particularly poignant verse for this flood-plagued region. These were delightfully received along with other gifts.But the WV staff, led by manager Betty Mbewe, really blessed us this year with wonderful sport shirts celebrating the persevering 8
year partnership between us (see photo with new World Vision staffer Alan Shiffer). These shirts also have "World Vision Sinazongwe" and the Lake Grove logo embroidered on them, real keepsakes of high quality. We are humbled by these generous gifts and grateful to God Who formed the partnership and sustains it. "No one returns consistently like you; no one prays for us like you," said the manager. And we respond, "We don't have a choice: God leads us here and aside from that, we have grown to love you."Closing our time with singing, we all headed home with joy for having been among God's people, as well as for experiencing in our unity a glimpse of His kingdom.
Blessings on all who read this!
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