, FIELD ADDRESS: FORWARDING AGENTS: I

P.O. Box 32184

Lusaka, Zambia
Africa
Mr. and Mrs. Skip AUen
P.O. Box 611
Kmg,NC 27021
-AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST" IN CENTRAL AFRICA. (II Corinthians 5:20)
Volume 19 May 1984 Number 1
FURLOUGH TIME
When you receive this ZAMBIA
MESSENGER Judy and David will already
be in the States with Cyndee and Rick and
their new baby. I will be in the final stages of
tying up the loose ends and making
preparations to leave Zambia on June 19th.
Jim, who is finishing his first term as
missionary in Mongu, will travel with me
directly to Chicago where I'll go through the
Mt. Sinai Tropical Disease Center to see if
they can find the "bug" that has been
bothering me for the past six months.
This will be our fourth furlough and as
always we look forward to seeing everyone
and reporting first hand to all ofyou who have
been so faithful as fellow-workers in the
spreading of the Gospel. We can see now that
it is going to be a busy furlough as our
itinerary is already almost completely filled.
(We have reserved some time to spoil our first
grandchild and be together as a family.) We
are also looking forward to filling our own cup
at the North American Christian Convention,
the National Missionary Convention and the
Johnson Bible College Homecoming. We are
praying that God will use us to challenge you
and others to greater involvement in world
evangelism.
BEREAN IS GROWING
Last Sunday we had a record attendance of
96 at Berean (the English speaking
congregation in Lusaka). By the time you
receive this we hope that we have broken the
100 mark. The emphasis at Berean is not on
numbers and in fact the attendance figures
are never mentioned during our worship
services. The emphasis is on the
commitment and faithfulness of every
believer. Most of the people who have come to
Christ have been led by friends who have
witnessed to them before follow-up calls have
been made by me. When someone comes to
confess Christ he/she is usually baptized by
the person who led them to the Lord. Then
there is a discipling program for each new
Christian again, when possible, led by the
person who influenced that individual for
Christ. One young man who came to Christ in
March 1983 has already baptized six people
into Christ.
Discipling a new Christian
Since we feel we are still too young for the
selection of elders we have a steering
committee which conducts the affairs of the
church. Recently the committee was
increased from 6 to 8 men. Each man has been
made responsible for "shepherding" a certain
number of members so that everyone receives
personal attention and care.
In April we began two Bible School classes
(adult and children 10 to 16) and response has
been so good that already we see the need for
more classes. We will soon have to consider
adding more classrooms to the building.
About 20 young adults meet every Sunday
afternoon. Activities vary between Bible
study, visitation, prayer meetings and times
of fun and fellowship. They have been a real
source of inspiration to us as we've seen them
grow in Christ.
Berean "Christ In Youth" Group
Most of the ladies at Berean work at public
jobs but just before Judy left for the States
they expressed a desire to get together for
fellowship and getting to know each other
better. There were 9 women at their first
meeting and plans were made for them to meet
one Saturday afternoon of each month. They
also volunteered to each help in the
preparation of the Lord's Supper and set up a
schedule for that.
Berean is growing!! We praise God for the
influence this congregation is having for
Christ.
OUR REPLACEMENTS
We have been blessed to have Chris and
Donna Alexander in Lusaka for the past year.
They came to Zambia first in 1981 as interns
for three months. At that time they were not
married and Chris worked in Chipata while
Donna worked in Lusaka. After their
marriage and Chris' graduation from
Johnson Bible College they came back to
Zambia as "replacement missionaries". They
where the Baumanns '
were ministering. (
When I leave they j r.
n . 1 Unris and Donna A exander
Will take over the
ministry at Berean to replace us while we are
on furlough. They are a sweet, dedicated
couple who have proven themselves through
hard work and a deep love for the people with
whom they work. Please pray for Chris and
Donna as they continue to serve in Zambia.
BENOITS LEAVE US
Three years ago a lovely Canadian family
came to Lusaka to work with the Zambian
ministry of Agriculture and Water
Development. They are faithful and devoted
Christians who have shown great interest in
the work by visiting churches, preaching and
encouraging the Zambian Christians. They
have visited most of the missionaries with
Z.C.M. and have been a constant source of
encouragement to all of us. Randy, Mindy
and Ben assisted in the establishment of the
Berean church and were faithful servants
there right through their last Sunday in
Zambia. They are cherished friends whom we
Randy, Mindy and Ben Benoit
shall never forget. Their contract with the
government of Zambia has been completed
and they return to Canada. We and the
Berean church hate to see them go. Thanks
Randy, Mindy and Ben for making our lives
richer by having come to know and love you.
Kd Benoil, Randy's
father, preaching at
Berean. Bro. Benoit has
for many years been a
preacher of the Gospel in
Christian Churches in
Canada. We greatly
enjoyed his three week
visit in Zambia,
DAVID'S CORNER
My sister has had a new baby boy so Mom
and I came home early on furlough to help
take care of the baby. Dad will come in a
month or two. I am liking being here but I
miss all my friends back in Zambia. It was a
big job packing everything up and getting
ready to come.
I am going to school here for the last month
of grade seven to see how I fit in with the
American school system. Then I will move on
to the 8th grade when school starts again.
I'm looking forward to seeing all of you.
--David
seBve
ONe
ANOThCR
Love
NOUTb AMeulCAN ChulSTlAN CONVeNTlON
lUL^ 10-13, 1984 ATLANTA. QeOUQiA
The phone rang at noon. "We've taken
Cyndee to the hospital; the baby's on its way"
was the message! The women's group from
Chawama, 15 in all, had come earlier that
morning to tell me good-bye, so they were just
as excited as I was. Children are so important
in their society and they immediately started
singing and dancing and congratulating me.
It seems that grandchildren are even more
important than children. Many, many
Judy and Joshua
couples have divorced because they were
unable to have children, thus depriving their
parents of grandchildren. If a son's wife
hasn't had a baby by the end of the first year,
the first murmurings are heard. By the end of
the second year, the parents start insisting on
a visit to the "African Doctor" to see what the
problem is. By the end of the third year, most
wives are sent back to their parents in
disgrace, and usually the lobola (bride price) is
refunded because the bride hasn't had
children. No one ever believes it could be the
husband's fault that there are no children.
Even if a medical doctor checks the couple and
finds that the husband is sterile, it's the wife's
fault. Just last month, neighbors of ours went
back to their village so the elders could decide
what to do about them since they've been
married for three years and have no children.
They have been to doctors here and found that
the husband is sterile - but the village elders
"treated" the wife with traditional medicine.
If she doesn't conceive soon she says, her
husband will probably have to get another
wife since she's no good. So the women were
understandably happy that we would soon be
grandparents.
"If the baby is a boy", one said, "that means
Dean, the grandfather, has a walking stick. If
it's a girl then you, the grandmother, has a
walking stick. It's much more important that
the grandfather have the first walking stick.
That's why we Africans always want a boy
first".
Well, Dean has his walking stick as Joshua
Allen was born just a few hours later. Rick
and Cyndee are the proud parents of a beauti
ful baby boy. Dean and I are the proud grand
parents, and Dean is looking forward to "lean
ing on his new walking stick" in his old age!
We thank God for answering our prayers
and we are looking forward to spoiling our
first grandchild.
THANK YOU
We want to thank all those who responded
to our request for used communion trays.
We now have plenty and have even shared
them with missionaries in other areas.
Thank you for being a channel of blessing
to the Zambian Christians and aiding
them in their worship of the King of Kings.
ambia MesgQnq
FIELD ADDRESS: FORWARDING AGENTS:
P.O. Box 32184
Lusaka, Zambia
Africa
Mr. and Mrs. Skip Allen
P.O. Box 611
Kmg,NC 27021
-AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST" IN CENTRAL AFRICA. {II Corinthians 5:20)
Volume 19 December 1984 Number 2
Se/uorCi GnMi/uji
We want to take this opportunity to wish you a joyful, Christ-filled Christmas as you celebrate, in
your own way, the birth of our Lord and Saviour. We pray that 1985 will be for you a fruitful year in
His service.
This Christmas is special to our family because it will be the first one in five years that we have all
been together as a family. Ofcourse adding to the joy ofthat is the fact our family has increased since
that last Christmas together. This has been an extremely rewarding furlough for Judy, David and
me as we have spent time with Rick, Cyndee and our grandson Joshua. We have been blessed with
another lovely daughter as Jim and Cindy have
you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" Dean, Judy, and David
NEWS FROM ZAMBIA
Shortages
Hearing about shortages in Zambia comes
as no surprise to us since we have been ex
periencing them in varying degrees over the
past 17 years. However, we are concerned
about the present situation and would like for
you to join us in prayer about it.
For the past three years the great drought of
northern Africa has been reaching into
Zambia. The country has experienced below
normal rainfall which has not only reduced
the production of essential crops for food, but
it has critically diminished the availability of
water in rivers and storage reservoirs, many
of which are now completely dry. Because the
water table has lowered, many wells have
gone dry and large areas of the country are
suffering from lack of water. The rainy
season in Zambia has just begun. PLEASE
PRAY for a long season with heavy rains both
in Zambia and the other drought stricken
areas.
Also due to serious economic problems the
country is not able to import such essential
commodities as gas and diesel fuel, spare
parts to keep equipment running, medical
supplies and drugs. Please pray for the presi
dent and government leaders of Zambia as
they seek to find solutions to these difficult
problems. Pray for the Zambian Christians
that their faith may be strong and their
witness effective in these difficult times.
The Church
In spite of difficulties being faced, reports
from both the missionaries and the nationals
are positive. The Berean Church is continu
ing to enjoy growth under the capable
leadership of Chris and Donna Alexander.
Following are a few quotes from letters that
we have recently received.
"Chris and Donna are continuing from
where you left off. They are both doing a fine
job. We have formed a volleyball team for our
Christ In Youth group and we meet every Sat
urday. We also meet on Mondays for lessons
in a class that is especially arranged for new
converts. The Christ In Youth group and the
Sunday Bible Study class are strengthening
and encouraging to all the believers at
Berean." "The congregation is fine and
growing strong.."The Lord is keeping us
safe and we are now getting ready for a
crusade with Bro. Cecil Byrd doing the speak
ing." "The Church is doing fine and we are
happy to report that all is well with the
Church at Mongu where we, the Steering
committee, go for preaching every month.
This program is helping us and them."
Reports like the above are certainly encour
aging to us and we must admit make us home
sick to see and be with these brothers and
sisters in Christ again.
NEW PRAYER PARTNER
COORDINATORS
For several years Hoyt and Grace Johnson
faithfully served as coordinators for our
Prayer Partner program, sending out the
requests and encouraging you to pray for the
specific needs that arose in Zambia. Because
of Hoyt's death it has become necessary to
find someone else to take over this vital
ministry.
Having had an enjoyable ministry with the
Capella Church of Christ near King, N.C. just
prior to our going to Zambia, we have appreci
ated their continued interest and support
through the years. These ties are now being
further strengthened as Steve and Phyllis
Martin, presently ministering at Capella, be
come our new Prayer Partner coordinators.
We are thankful to have Steve and Phyllis
working with us in this way and we pray that
God will bless them and their ministry.
Many victories have been won in Zambia
because you have responded to the prayer
requests presented by our prayer partners. We
say a special THANK YOU to the prayer
partners in each of our supporting churches,
and to each of you who continue to pray for us
and the work in Zambia.
Steve and Phyllis Martin
ASSOCIATION
SMCE 1946
HORizorrs.
16151577-9740 '
RaBox2427.Kncuville.TN. 37901
MISSION SERVICES -
SERVING MISSIONS
Because of the many nice comments we
receive when we are on furlough we knowthat
you appreciate the ZAMBIA MESSENGER.
We are thankful for that and hope to keep you
well informed through this means.
However, the quality of printing and the
efficient mailing of the ZAMBIA MESSEN
GER is due to the loving service performed by
the team at Mission Services. They do the lay
out, printing, folding, addressing and mailing
of the MESSENGER and 75 other newsletters
and publications for missionaries all over the
world. They send out two million pieces of
mail a year and are the largest bulk mailers in
Knoxville, TN. The valuable service they
perform relieves us of time and work which
can better be used in our efforts to evangelize
Zambia.
If you, your class, or your church would like
to support a mission that is worthy because of
the significance and importance of what they
are doing for world evangelism, pray for and
support MISSION SERVICES. You will be
helping us and many other missionaries when
you do.
riiir-
The Mission Services family
DAVID'S CORNER
Things in the States are nice, although I am
a little homesick for Zambia. Right after I
came to America this time I bought a
computer with money I got from selling my
bicycle in Zambia. It is a Commadore 64. I
play with it a lot and I am having quite a lot of
fun with it. I am learning to type on it.
My birthday was not too long ago and I got
a small used motorcycle. I really like it and
ride it a lot.
I am hoping for quite a bit of snow this year
since we do not get any over in Zambia. It
would be fun to play in it.
Well, that is about it for now. I love you all.
David
Rick, Cyndee, and Joshua
Furloughs are great if you can adjust to all
the travelling and separation and being
homesick for Zambia. But being in the States
for a year, seeing family and friends, visiting
supporting churches and presenting the work
in Zambia is a great boost to our morale.
Right now David and I are eagerly antici
pating the first snow and hoping we'll have a
white Christmas. We both love cold days and
snow and hope we will have lots of it. While
most of you are dreading the thoughts of
winter, with its high fuel bills, snow, ice and
slush, we are excited just thinking about it. I
realize there are many who really suffer
during the cold season and we understand
why you don't look forward to it, but for us
"tropicalites" the changing of the seasons is
refreshing.
Just as the highlight of the summer of '83
was Cyndee's wedding, the highlight of the
fall of '84 is Jim's! Jim was married Friday,
November 23 to Cindy Moore in Dallas,
Texas. Cindy is a former schoolmate of Jim's
from Rift Valley Academy where they both
attended school in the 1970'8. Cindy is no
stranger to Africa as her parents were mis
sionaries in Tanzania. She is an artist and
after college in Texas has been painting and
working in a frame shop. We have been
Mission Services
PO Box 2427
Knoxvilie. TN 37901
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED
praying for Jim to find that girl that God had
for him and we praise Him for working all
these things out bringing them together again
at the right time and the right place.
Jim and Cindy became husband and wife
the day after Thanksgiving and are living in
Indianapolis while they travel and prepare to
return to Zambia in June or July of next year.
Their address is 4263 Burkhart, Apt. A,
Indianapolis, IN 46227.
Please pray for them as they settle into their
new life together and prepare to serve God
together in Zambia.
Congratulations Jim and Cindy. May God
guide you and bless your home and future as
you grow together.
Jim and Cindy
Non Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Knoxvilie, TN
37901
Permit *374
f CHRISTIAN MISSION
DEAN AND JUDY DAVIS
Dean and Judy Davis have worked in Zambia, Africa
since October of 1967. During their first two terms in
Zambia they worked together with Charlie and Betty
Delaney in the copperbelt city of Ndola located in the
north central part of the country. While in Ndola the
Davises were instrumental in starting seven churches
in Ndola and the surrounding area. When congrega
tions of believers were established assistance was
given in constructing church buildings to provide
meeting places and stability. Leadership training
classes for the men and Bible classes forthe women in
each church were part of the weekly responsibility of
Dean and Judy. When they left Ndola, new mission
aries came in to continue Bible training and
establishing new churches. There are now more than
20 churches in the area.
After survey trips to the northern province of
Zambia, the Davises moved to the provincial capital of
Kasama in 1974. They spent six months there, starting
one church and opening the area for more work. Other
missionaries followed and continued the work of evangelism
throughout the Northern province.
Shortly after their second furlough, the Davises moved to the
capital city of Lusaka where opportunities for church planting
and establishment equaled that of earlier years in the
copperbelt. Dean and Judy reopened the Chawama church in
Lusaka and started the Mungwi church near where they lived
12 miles west of the city. Classes for both men and women
were held weekly. Besides the city work, they assumed the
leadership training of 5 rural churches west of Lusaka. From
1980 this responsibility extended to 12 churches in a 40-mite
radius. Through two dry seasons (April - October) Dean spent
two days a week in this area having classes among the 12
churches.
In November 1982 most of the work with the above-
mentioned churches was turned over to other missionaries
and Dean and Judy concentrated all their efforts toward the
establishment of an English-speaking church which could
minister to those English-speaking Zambians who are in
government, business, technical, and executive positions, as
well as the college and university people of Lusaka.
While the Davises are on furlough Chris and Donna
Alexander are ministering to the Berean Church.
Dean and Judy have three children. Jim and his wife, Cindy,
are missionaries in Mongu, Zambia and are presently on
furlough. Cyndee, a nurse, is married and she and Rick and
Joshua Allen live in Knoxville, Tennessee. David is in the 8th
grade at Doyle High School in Knox County, Tennessee.
Dean, Judy, and David will return to Zambia in 1985.
Please continue to pray for them and for the people with
whom they work in Zambia.
Furlough Address:
Johnson Bible College
Box 516
Knoxville, TN 37998
Phone (615) 579-1326
Forwarding Agents:
Mr. and Mrs. Skip Allen
P.O. Box 611
King, NC 27021
FOR HORIZONS
Y;
IN OCTOBER 1967 the Dean Davis family arrived in Zambia to begin the work of
establishing churches and training a national leadership*in fehosc diurchftCi
They were the first Christian'Chur di missionaries to enter the Oopperbelt
city of Ndola and continued their work there until Sept. 1976. During that
time they were instrumental rn starting seven churches in the Ndola area.
They also spent six months at Kasama in the Northern Province of Zambia where
they opened work and started one church.
In 1976 they moved to the capital city of Lusaka where they began two
churches and assumed the work of 12 others that had been established by former
missionary, Don Mechem. In Jan. 1983 they began the Berean Church of Christ
in Lusaka. Berean is a ^^lish-speaking church which is reaching Zambians who
perfer to use^^iglish in their worship. This congregation is making an effective
witness among people who befope we were unable to reach.
Through the years -our main emphasis has been to train a national leadership
which can carry on the work without the presence of missionaries. Vte-arehappy-
-thet^^Apiy of the churches now have strong elders who are leading the congregations
in effective outreach in their respective communities. Jt^must be undei'stood that
-^^e growth and influence of these churches has resulted from the combined efforts
of the Zy'c>l45tl^^' as they have worked together and carried on the work of
training the leaders of churches that were already in the area when they arrived,
as well as starting new churches.
Presenty Dean and Judy are spending most of their time with the Berean
church working toward ,the goal for them to have their own trained Zambian Minister
by 1989. During.-ur-furlough in 1984 and 1985 Chris and Donna Alexander will be
ministering to the church. Chris and Donna have done an excellent job of filling
in while the Ron Baumanns were on furlough and have worked with the venacular
speaking churches in Lusaka, Kafue and surrounding area. ' Wften^^^ return to Zambia
in July 1985 we'^ill resume the ministry with Berean and endeavor to lead them to
a completely self-supporting position. At preasent Berean is 85% ZAmbian and
15% whites from various other countries. The church has a strong desire to reach
out beyound itself and recently sent one of their members with Dean and Judy for
an evangelistic tour to Uganda.
Itio importaduthat wo mefrion-l:-heworkthat-Judy -haS' done-threugh-bhe
.years-with- the women. -She-'has had an influencial ministry meeting regularly with
womens classes of various churches to encourage their growth in the Lord. She has
also been teaching literacy classes to women who don't know how to read or write.
One of the most rewai^ding parts of her ministry has been seeing the joy of these
women as they read the word of God for the first time.
request prayers for more workers, both missionary and national. Please
pray for the Berean Church that this congregaton may be preparing itself to lead
in the development and evangelism of churches in the non-english speaking areas
of Zambia.