Well, God did it again! Seeing the short film last night about our trip to Serenje reminded me, re-awakened me and warmed my heart again for the people we are partnering with in Zambia. Seeing and hearing Alex being interviewed, and seeing footage of our meeting with the Mwansakano community brought it all back. Since being back in Bracknell, I'm talking and thinking Serenje all the time - and yet I'd forgotten quite what it was like. Quite the welcome we received; quite the dancing and singing; quite the integrity and earnestness of Alex Ilunga; quite the love and service shown by the 66 female volunteers that go out into the villages to support those with HIV.The picture above is of Mary and her children - the Volunteer who was interviewed.We saw Mary at every meeting we went to - front row, child on back, others at her feet. What touches and challenges me is that these women aren't serving from a personal place of wealth and health and strength. Many of the volunteers have HIV themselves; many are widows or have husbands who are not supportive (one woman said "it is very hard, my husband is a drinker and a fornicator")many of the women are living in very similar situations to the women they are helping.They reach out to others in God's strength and with God's love - knowing that only He can bring change.
God spoke to Leah Mutala, saying "It was already in My heart to carry out a work in Serenje". And Simon echoed this at last night's prayer meeting - with the realisation that the Pastors Fellowship in Serenje had the ideas and hopes for their community - they had been praying for support to carry out these plans. At the right time, we at Kerith became available. So we are all simply obeying what God is saying and doing.We are making ourselves available to join in with one of God's great plans.