The same day that I preached the hour-long sermon from Jude at my home church (from previous post), I took off for trainings in Zambia and Malawi. The trip over was quite stressful as agents at each transition point told me I would not be allowed to board the plane for one reason or another. In addition to that, I had an 8-hour layover in Amsterdam and an 8-hour layover in Nairobi, so about a 50-hour trip door to door with short cat-naps totaling about two hours of sleep. But such is the life of an international itinerant trainer of pastors.

In Zambia, I was pleased to offer the final workshop to our Lusaka group as they preached full sermons through the book of Habakkuk. We did thorough critiquing of sermons, pointing out strengths and growth edges, and practicing all Pathways principles so they will have a strong pattern in place, since it may be quite some time before I return. The pastors all demonstrated much growth over the past five years of working together in their handling of the Word and developing a message that honors the author’s intent. Following the final day of training, we had a sweet graduation ceremony during which several shared testimonies of their experience with Pathways and appreciation for the opportunity to receive the training. I brought pastor library sets of books as gifts for each of the graduates which proved challenging because of the many flight legs and variety of tickets I had purchased. Thankfully, eventually they all reached the intended recipients who received them with much joy. Enjoy these brief video testimonies from Pathways graduates in Zambia.

Pastor Oliver:

Pastor Andrew:

Ministry leader Elizabeth:

Ministry leader Mirriam:

Pastor Zinga:

Pastor Isaac:

Following Zambia, I flew to Malawi to spend time with Bishop Edwin from the Christian Pentecostal Church denomination, meet his leaders, cast vision for a new Pathways network in Lilongwe, and offer a conference to leaders from his and other denominations. It was so encouraging to hear the testimonies of these 17 pastors who are actively pastoring church, NONE of whom have received any formal training whatsoever, as they were inspired to become faithful students of the Word. “This is exactly the training we need!” Bishop Edwin declared, and the entire group rose to their feet with hearty “Amens!” and “Hallelujahs!”

So I’ll continue working with Edwin, praying for God’s timing when to launch a new network in this poverty-stricken country. I just wish I had more U.S. trainers who were willing to go with me and train these pastors, because I could easily launch five new networks in various parts of Africa if I just had the trainers.

On a side note, one morning Edwin and I stopped at the home of a family in his church. The daughter (Selena) had been diagnosed with cerebral malaria, an extremely dangerous, oftentimes fatal form of malaria. She dragged herself to the couch so we could pray for her. I sent her picture and prayer request to Holly who spread it to several others. Two days later, I asked Edwin if there was any update on her, and he exclaimed, “She has been healed!” God still works miracles… Amen!

By the time I made it home, I was one exhausted guy, and recognized I’ll need to make adjustments if I am going to maintain this pace over the long haul. But by God’s grace, we press on in gratitude for the joy of serving the King.