Preaching at Justo Mwale

          A chapel service was held at 7:30 a.m. today.  Everyone at the college attended -- students, faculty, administration, visitors.  The service was rather simple.  Dustin welcomed everyone and read Psalm 146.  We sang "To God Be the Glory."  The singing was magnificent.  There were no instruments, other than the beautiful voices.  The harmonies were astonishing, as well as the voices that wove in and out throughout the hymn.  Dustin then introduced me.  I read 1 Timothy 4:6-16:

⁶If you put these instructions before the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound teaching that you have followed. ⁷Have nothing to do with profane myths and old wives’ tales. Train yourself in godliness, ⁸for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. ⁹The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. ¹⁰For to this end we toil and struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. ¹¹These are the things you must insist on and teach. ¹²Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. ¹³Until I arrive, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhorting, to teaching. ¹⁴Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. ¹⁵Put these things into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. ¹⁶Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.

          My sermon was about the person and work of the minister, which is the school's theme for this year.  On June 26, I will mark the 30th anniversary of my ordination as a minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).  I reflected on my experiences as minister as I encouraged the students who are preparing for their ministry.

         After I preached, Dustin shared a list of prayer concerns, including the soccer match between Zambia and the Sudan later today (apparently there can be some bad blood between soccer teams).  He called on a student (who is in my class) named Godwill Mwanza to lead the prayer.  I bowed my head and waited for the prayer to begin, "Dear God . . ."  Instead, Godwill and the other students began call and response singing that was absolutely beautiful.  Have you ever listened to some of the songs on Paul Simon's CD "Graceland"?  That's what it sounded like.  After the singing, Godwill offered a heartfelt prayer for every concern listed by Dustin.  Following the prayer, we sang another hymn.  Again, the harmonies were astounding.  I delivered the benediction.  The registrar of the college got up to make announcements and then everyone was dismissed.

         I stood at the door, along with members of the administration, and shook hands with everyone.  A young woman named Tabitha asked me where in North Carolina I live.  She had just recently visited in Charlotte for two weeks to attend her sister's wedding.  She told me how much she loved North Carolina and how beautiful our state is.  She made very interesting comments about the perception of the United States (via media) in Zambia and the reality she encountered on her visit.  She was impressed at how friendly, welcoming, and kind the Americans were to her and how religious the people are.  (I told her she was in the Bible belt!).  She told me that, upon her return to Lusaka, people didn't believe her when she told them about America and its people.  She is interested in studying for a master's degree in gender/women's studies at a university in NC.

          The rector (president) of the college has not been here this week.  Also, his father-in-law died this week (not his mother-in-law).  The registrar announced at chapel that students who did not have class or other activities today could sign up in the school office for a ride to the funeral today.

          The registrar and other school officials repeatedly express their gratitude for the support our congregation has given to their students and for the support we provide that helps the Ellingtons be here.

          Continue to pray for the Ellingtons.  They have a lot going on.  They are packing up to leave for a year.  Dustin is teaching twice as heavy a load of courses as usual.  He also has many administrative duties.  Their boys are having to say goodbye to good friends for a year.  It is a busy and stressful time for their family.

          Marty and I were supposed to go to a woman's house for supper last night.  He told me that last year, when the appointed time arrived to go to her house, no one came to pick him up.  About 30 minutes later, pizza was delivered to his door.  Last night, at about 6:00 p.m., two pizzas, a dozen bananas, eight apples, and two cartons of orange juice were delivered to our door.  The delivery man said the food was from our host who regretted that she could not host us that evening.  The pizza was good.  We think it was chicken!

          On Sunday I will attend an African worship service in a Presbyterian church.  Dustin has told me the service might last as much as six hours.  Mission co-workers, such as Dustin and Sherri, are required to have a formal relationship with an African congregation.  The ceremony is called "being inducted."  Two PCUSA mission co-workers are being inducted on Sunday morning.  Dustin has said I am not obligated to go, but I want to attend, both to experience the worship and to show support for PCUSA global mission work.