Breakfast in America

Friends,

Crocs at Kalimba Farm

I am back in the U.S. of A., mostly. Without the strength of God, I might tear apart trying to straddle the oceans as I long for the "home" I find in different places. Everyone seems to be curious about the reverse culture shock (a common phenomenon for travelers abroad, especially in missions) I may be experiencing. Aside from the barrage of red, white, and blue merchandise found at Washington Dulles Airport, I have found myself adjusting back to this country with relative ease.

Thankfully, our travels remained true to the script. John's health has rapidly improved, and his time at home should be much more enjoyable than his last few days in Zambia. The last week there was difficult as we wrestled with thoughts of home and the things which await us. However, this week may be just as trying as I bounce between two worlds. So far, things seem to be going well. In my first day back, I have eaten several breakfasts (though not necessarily at breakfast hours) along with a boxful of homemade cookies. I am grateful for great friends like Steven Berube.

I hope to publish a web album through Google Photos before the end of the week. Keep an eye out for it in the coming days. For those of you whom I will see soon, I also will be working on a few video presentations. Pray for me as I rest (something that ironically requires diligence) and prepare for the coming semester. The excitement is definitely growing for this year!

By His Grace,
Jon Chen

Sunny Skies, Sad Goodbyes

Friends,

Your commitment to walking alongside the ZamFam through the last two months will never be forgotten. It is saying little of the reality of this experience, but God has answered our prayers in ways I had not anticipated and in ways I have yet to understand. Our time in Zambia has been a swirl of frustration and confused delight, failing to submit to our petty expectations and demolishing the barriers of our heart.

John has been recovering remarkably from Malaria. In a mere four days, his health has stabilized, in time for a grueling trip back to the U.S. It may not have been the way we wanted this trip to end for John, but it is certainly a testament to the faithfulness of our Provider.

I am at peace with returning today. A part of me may never leave, but I have no regrets about our time here. It is my prayer that I may one day return. The things I have seen I shall describe once I have settled down in West Lafayette. Until then, remain strong in prayer. I am 30 hours away. :)

By His Grace,
Jon Chen

Let Them Eat Cake (Just Kidding)

Friends,

The excitement of the last few days has come and begun to subside as the reality of our imminent departure grows heavier with each farewell. However, I am confident in the purposefulness of the remaining time the ZamFam has here. Just as our plane steadily builds speed as it rolls down the runway, I believe our ministry among Zambians has steadily gained momentum. It is my hope that, as our plane lifts off the tarmac, it will be equally true that the fruits of our labor take flight by the time we reach the end of our seven week runway. We must trust that the Spirit will provide lift to their wings.

Metaphor aside, orientation week concluded at a much slower pace than it began, but the relationships which developed are dear to me. Phinias and Jonas are incoming student at UNZA who have been visiting the tent and inviting me into conversation. They are sincere in their faith, ambitious in their vision, and humble in receiving counsel. I give God glory and thanks for the things I have witnessed in our time at UNZA this week. Pray for the students we have met and the students to whom the Navigators of UNZA will continue to reach out in the coming week.

"But just as you abound in everything, in faith and utterance and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love we inspired in you, see that you abound in this gracious work also."
~  2 Corinthians 8:7

Last night, the Scripture Union Fellowship of David Kaunda Secondary Boarding School invited our students at Ridgeway and I to introduce The Navigators and to present the gospel. To my astonishment, the room was packed! Over two hundred students squeezed into rows of benches in a dimly lit room to hear our message. Several students at this school for the gifted have gone on to join The Navigators, including our very own Gershom. I sensed they attended without knowing what would be shared and left hungry for more of the saddest and most triumphant narrative ever lived. I had been praying for the salvation of five students, but now that I have seen them, I ask you to pray with me for fifteen.

Away from the campus, the ZamFam had the privilege of sending home a team from the States who have been laboring in Malawi and Zambia with YouthHope for the last seven weeks. One of the members of the team is a Navigators student at Purdue (Amy Schafermeyer). It was good to meet the team and share our experiences in southern Africa from the last couple of months.

This evening, the students and staff of the ZamNavs bid us farewell through sharing, eating, dancing, and gifting. I have shared my favorite image of the celebration. The impact of God's word upon their lives through our time together is an encouragement to me as I prepare to leave, entrusting the lives over which we have labored and poured our hearts, to God.

I have few details regarding this last prayer request. John has fallen ill with something that resembles Malaria. I have been informed that Malaria may require four days to recover. Please pray for his rest and recovery, even as we begin traveling back to the States.

By His Grace,
Jon Chen

Orienting towards Eternity, Recruiting for Christ

Friends,

Some have told me in the past that I have a tendency to ask hard questions. This week has not been an exception thus far. Can anyone blame me though? Hundreds of students from all over Zambia have descended upon UNZA for the first time in their young lives. They are beginning a brief season of life which will likely define/redefine their passions, social circles, vocations, and habits for the rest of their productive lives. Some know what they want and what they expect from their time at UNZA. Others are hoping someone will draw them a clearer picture and point them in the right direction.

I remember my first days at Purdue. It was all too easy to lose all that excitement and energy in the vastness of the college world. When everyone vies for your attention, even the most ambitious grows weary of it all, like a ray of light diffracting in every direction. When it comes time to orient the disoriented, I would rather not be another predator scanning the herd for prey.

"When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things."

~  Mark 6:34

Compassion. Christ understood the needs of the hearts of each individual, and He shepherded them. He embraced the people of the crowd and welcomed them to eternity with Him. This is my hope for the orientation process here and at Purdue (as I think ahead to the fast-approaching Fall semester). I have been encouraged by the sincerity of the men and women with whom I have interacted. The delights of their faith are as real as their frustrations. Surprisingly, they have received and answered my invitations to deeper investigations of purpose, discipline, and legacy. Many embrace the principles integrity and Christlike living. They give me hope for Zambia who has struggled and suffered through years of poor leadership and rampant corruption.


The ZamFam goes out fighting these last few days, despite being worn out and hard-pressed on several fronts. The things which pull our hearts away from these students will have to wait until after our work is done. The things which pull our hearts away from Christ will know defeat. Persist and have faith! Please pray for perseverance and courage.

By His Grace,
Jon Chen

Won't Back Down

Friends,

With nine days remaining until the ZamFam departs, determining how best to invest our time is a growing dilemma. The question becomes more difficult to answer as we encounter unexpected success and unexpected disappointment. It is a reminder that God's work requires persistence and patience of His laborers. It is a reminder that our hope is ultimately in the sovereign LORD.

"Wait for the LORD;
               Be strong and let your heart take courage;
                              Yes, wait for the LORD."
                                             ~ Psalm 27:14

Since our first Manifeastion on Tuesday night, we have not met to listen to and discuss Wild at Heart. Several unanticipated circumstances have contributed to this sudden halt, despite the momentum we gained four days ago. A couple of the young men have had emergencies; others lacked motivation without the encouragement of key leaders. I have a feeling we are opposed by unseen forces, but I remain confident in God's plans for these guys. They still want to meet with me, and I have not left yet!

The ZamFam took the opportunity to spend the day at Ridgeway today. Despite concerns that many students would be absent due to recent graduation ceremonies, five students responded to our invitations to lunch and soccer. I enjoyed the rich conversation we shared on discipleship, spiritual generations, and legacies. An area in which the Ridgeway ministry struggles is student leadership. Pray for these men and others, that they may be filled with compassion for their peers, and that they may respond to Christ's call to make disciples.

Beginning tomorrow, the ministry at UNZA will be welcoming first-year students as they arrive during orientation week. We will be engaging the students with the gospel and an invitation into fellowship with The Navigators at UNZA. Pray that God would lead us to receptive students. We are hoping for many seeds to be sown this week!

By His Grace,
Jon Chen

ManiFeastations of God in Our Hearts

Friends,

Manifeastation has come to Zambia! For those of you who do not know the term manifeastation (man-i-feast-ation), I can briefly describe it as the uncompromising gathering of men looking to sharpen one another towards godliness, to share in life, and to partake of a feast. The men of the UNZA Pacers basketball B-squad will be coming this evening to meet, as they did last night, to listen to an audio version of the book by John Eldredge Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul. Our first evening together was exciting, filled with dynamic discussion. These guys can barely wait to hang out tonight! I know many of you have been praying real-time for this, and God has answered mightily. We meet tonight at 1 p.m. Eastern Time, 7 p.m. local.

The ZamFam will be preparing for a transition from our focus at Ridgeway, to a crucial orientation week for incoming students at UNZA. Our struggles have partially been a result of the distance to the Ridgeway campus. I am praying our zeal will remain steadfast as we leave the Ridgeway ministry with as much momentum as God will provide, and as we jump into an unfamiliar environment at the larger UNZA main campus. I have been convicted of my lack of faith, doubting our heart for these students and believing that our labor may actually be done in vain. Now is a great time, as the summer trip careens (in a good way) to an end, to meditate and to pray:

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord."
~  1 Corinthians 15:58

Personally, the last few days have been a great blessing despite great trials. Even as I recover from fatigue, I am experiencing God in my life and in my observation of others. I will expound on these things as I have opportunity. Now, I cook spaghetti for a crowd! Mulungu aku dalise!

By His Grace,
Jon Chen

"Without Christ, Not One Step..."

Friends,

The ZamFam has returned from its adventures in Livingstone, Zambia, with many stories to tell. Before all is said, I am grateful to God for safe travels and the magnificence of His creations.

"Without Christ, not one step; with Him, anywhere!"
~ Dr. David Livingstone

Early Wednesday, the ZamFam, the GAPers, Nelson, and Okike departed from Lusaka down the Livingstone-Zimba Road south to Livingstone. The journey was long and tiring, but we made it safely. Strangely, our first meal in Livingstone, a land of wildlife parks and natural beauty, was at Debonairs Pizza. However, we would soon experience all that makes Livingstone so famous. Instead of describing what we saw (a task I could never imagine to perform successfully), I shall endure the upload of select highlights from our image collection (which sadly also do not fully capture the wonder of the works of His hands). I hope you enjoy them.

ZamFam Harnessed for Action

Bungee Jumping at the Victoria Falls Bridge

Cautiously Posing Next to the Rhinoceros

Bank of the Zambezi

Baboon and Baby

Bird Searching for Fish

Lazy Hippopotami

Dinner Tradition at the Pub & Grill

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls Bridge

Zebra & Impala

Giraffe, God's Gift to Some Friends of Mine

I am praying about spending the coming week reaching out to students and residents in the Copperbelt in northern Zambia. If the ZamFam ends up going, we will be preaching and initiating relationships for incoming staff, namely the Masonas to build and from which to revive a collegiate ministry at Cobberbelt University. It is also becoming increasingly clear how limited we are by the remaining weeks. We are still recovering from the busy week, but we are also eager to continue where we left off. My relationship with the UNZA basketball players continues to deepen, and Richard has responded well to thoughts of a team Bible discussion. We have decided that, if other players agree to invest time and a little money, I would acquire copies of John Eldredge's book Wild at Heart. The book made a significant impact in Richard's life, and he desires to see that transformation in his teammates. However, my time with the team may be limited in the coming weeks. Please pray for discernment and God's providence for this ministry. In my total insufficiency, God is totally sufficient!

On a brief note about my health, I am experiencing signs of physical fatigue. I have observed these signs before, and I hope my recovery will be swift. Please pray for healing and rest before the coming week commences.

By His Grace,
Jon Chen

I should name my future son Okike - National Conference Summary

Friends,

The Navigators of Zambia held their Annual National Conference this last weekend at the Twin Palm Baptist Seminary. Okike Offia of The Navigators of Nigeria taught a series on the featured theme of the ministry, the truth and sufficiency of the Scriptures for the whole of life, centered around 2 Timothy 3:16-17. In short, the case he made regarding Scripture was thought-provoking and challenging. I am especially convicted by a statement he made during one of our sessions: "Your attitude towards the Scriptures reflects your attitude towards God". It is extremely sobering, as someone who preaches the word, to evaluate my heart towards the word and my heart towards God. I have to ask myself and affirm, "Is my study and knowledge of the word translating to a knowledge of the Holy Lord?"

The National Conference brought together over eighty people from all over Zambia, Nigeria, Namibia, and the U.S. Fellowship was genuine and deep as we joined in study, discussion, and song. I pray that those who had not yet known Christ when they attended might be drawn closer to Him. I have some criticisms of the event, not to pass judgment, but to encourage progress, and to remind myself of my own tendencies. I observed that the laborers were indeed too few. Unfortunately, they lacked not human resources, but incorporation in planning and execution. As I personally experienced, this led to a level of exhaustion and frustration that dulled (though, by the grace of God, not nullified) the intended encouragement of the Scriptures and fellowship. I find that I too ignore the divine blueprint for laboring in Christ laid out in 1 Corinthians 12. It is good to have partners in this work, and I am thankful for all of you in your diligence to read these updates and pray for this team.

Yesterday, the team, Nelson, and Okike made a visit to what is informally being dubbed "NavLand" (It has a ring to it). The story behind it is amazing, but long. God provided, as only He can, a piece of property of a little over 27 acres. It is fertile, flat, and now has an electricity receiving station! The vision is to develop the land into a conference grounds, equipped with offices, lodging, recreation, meeting halls, and even crop-producing plots. The idea is exciting to me, and I hope to learn more about it and how others, including myself, might get involved. The place is huge blessing and has great potential as a tool for discipleship.

Our trip to Livingstone was postponed until tomorrow. We will be enjoying the area from Wednesday until Friday. Pray for safety, transforming experiences, and great memories! I might be too excited about this. I woke up at 2:30 a.m. this morning, and thus the blog post. Pray also for rest as we recharge before going back to campus ministry.

By His Grace,
Jon Chen

P.S.  Thank you for the birthday wishes! The greatest thing about waking up that day was the retrospection of God revealing Himself mightily and compassionately through the previous year, and knowing that I can trust Him even with the lives of those around me!

Gearing Up for ZamNatCon'11

Friends,

Weeks of preparations and recruiting will yield its fruits this weekend at The Navigators of Zambia Annual National Conference! Zambian Navs will be arriving from all over the country to worship and grow in faith, discipleship, and fellowship at the Twin Palm Baptist Seminary in Lusaka. Gershom, Mutinta, and Nelson will be teaching workshops and seminars at the Conference. The ZamFam will be manning the registration table, bookstore, and physical details for the weekend. Please pray for our speaker Okike Offia from The Navigators of Nigeria, for our staff and organizers, and for all those attending.

"But the word of the Lord continued to grow and to be multiplied."
~ Acts 12:24

Following the Conference, the ZamFam and friends will be going to Livingstone to take some time seeing some of Zambia's natural beauty, including the Victoria Falls! Pray for our travels and for our hearts to be deeply drawn toward God as we take time to rest.

By His Grace,
Jon Chen

Teams, Tents, and the Truth

Friends,

Sometimes, initiating a friendship with a Christian, especially in the context of Christian ministry, can become merely the norm. Perhaps, it is hard to appreciate the unifying power of the Holy Spirit in each of our hearts when it appears that Christian social and cultural influences are the primary facilitators. I was thus reminded of the truly unique dynamic of the community of Believers when I went to the UNZA main campus one evening. My intention was to find some gym time to see if Abel was bluffing about his basketball skills. We were able to get into the gym despite the campus being closed thanks to a student, Vernon (aka Big Vern), whom Abel has been discipling. When we arrived, we were surprised to find that the UNZA Pacers school team was still on the court. Abel fled to the weight room, intimidated by his smooth dribbling countrymen. However, they invited me to join them. To be clear, I am not a good basketball player, as much as I enjoy poking fun at Abel, but I saw a great opportunity to meet some guys and have some fun! While resting on the bench after a couple of games, I engaged in conversation with one of the student athletes, Richard (aka Controll). I was surprised to hear him share of his frustrations regarding the team, and his struggles with being an older leader among younger guys. He desired to be competitive, but not as individuals; he wanted the team to learn to work together and appreciate one another, to be the national champions that their reputation suggests. Controll had invested time, energy, and money into his teammates and the program, and he was beginning to lose hope for both. Surprise number two: Controll walked me back to where I was living and hung out at the Nav office! It was then that I learned about his genuine faith in Christ. Like many Zambians, he was brought up by Christians parents. But unlike many Zambians, he eventually took it to heart and made faith his own. We had a good time sharing life and figuring out how to move forward with his dilemma. Pray for this story to continue!

The ZamFam has made a lot of progress with cleaning out and reorganizing the office storage room. John has been leading and coordinating the project, and has done an amazing job. The ZamNavs love to go camping, and they have a chaotic assortment of tents. Unfortunately, these tents have been thoroughly "loved", and our efforts are much like assembling a three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces. Thankfully, we succeeded in restoring five tents and a gazebo!

My time since last weekend has mainly been invested in studying and preparing for Nav Forum at Ridgeway, where I spoke last night on "the Truth and Sufficiency of the Scriptures for the Whole of Life". I thought it was a mouthful, too, and an even bigger mindful. The experience has reminded me of my dependance upon God and the Holy Spirit in my ministry. Examining the Scriptures and recalling its many impacts on my life has bolstered my convictions and confidence in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Everyone can see that the Bible and the life of Jesus have shaped mankind, but knowing Jesus personally as I plunge into the depths of the Scriptures is nothing short of a life-giving miracle, the work of God for the salvation of the spiritually blind, of whom I once belonged.

"The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me."
~ John 17:22-23

Please continue praying for the ZamNavs National Conference taking please this weekend. It will be a spectacular gathering of men and women who are seeking God. Pray especially for students struggling to attend due to financial constraints, for workshop and seminar leaders, and for our speaker.

By His Grace,
Jon Chen

Eating the Scriptures and Fried Caterpillars

Friends,

The theme of the Zambia Navigators this year has been one of the core values of The Navigators - "The truth and sufficiency of the Scriptures for the whole of life". The students of UNZA Ridgeway have begun investigative bible studies (IBS) in the book of John. I am impressed with the response of students to the invitations we extended to these IBS groups. UNZA Ridgeway is a branch of the University of Zambia which focuses on the study of biology, pharmaceuticals, and medicine. The culture is less socially-driven and more academically-driven, but we are learning that students deeply crave more community and deeper relationships. This hunger has given us an opportunity pour our lives and the gospel into the campus through the narrow cracks of the busy students' schedules.

I have been honored with an invitation to speak to students at their Forum meeting, an evening of fellowship where students join Navigators in hearing teaching and worshiping in songs. I humbly request your prayers as I prepare to teach on the theme of the ministry.The Forum will be on Wednesday night.

Almost a week later, the team has yet to fully recover from the trip to Ukwimi. As a team, we are serving the ministry by cleaning and organizing the overwhelmed storage closet. Work has been difficult, but is making great progress. I have adjusted my resting schedule to make better use of the morning, and to avoid the fruitlessness of restless evenings. Unfortunately, Chris seems to be struggling a little more to regain his strength. He has battled flu-like symptoms and muscle soreness. John is growing more energetic with each day, and has also been growing motivated as he spends more time on campus. Gershom made a special lunch today to give us a little more energy for the afternoon: caterpillars! Honestly, it was not our favorite. John later recalled, "I had butterflies in my stomach!"

Next week, we will be hitting the road again. The Zambia Navigators National Conference will take place July 2-4, hosting staff, students, and partners from all over the country. I am excited to expand my perspective for a weekend and see what God is doing all over this amazing country! Please pray as we recruit heavily for this conference. We would like to see all the students in whom we invest attend this life-changing event. Following the National Conference, the team will travel to Livingstone, home of the Victoria Falls.

One last thing: if you have a story about how Scripture has impacted your life, please email me that story. I may end up sharing some of the stories when I speak on Wednesday!

By His Grace,
Jon Chen

Song of the Redeemed Rising from the African Plain

Friends,

Praise God! We have returned from a fantastic four day trip to Ukwimi of the Eastern Province. Our team of seven included Nelson (national director of ZamNavs), Gershom (GAP staff), Abel (GAP staff), Kakoma (a friend and former Navigator student), and the ZamFam (the summer team). Departing Friday at dawn, we drove about six hours without incident through beautiful hills and plateaus, ending up in a village characterized by straw thatched roofs, bare feet, and curious faces.

Settling into the Community

Our first evening, John facilitated a Frisbee workshop among neighborhood children, demonstrating the fundamentals to what he hoped would be a community Ultimate Frisbee game. We pitched our tents on hoed and swept plots of red soil, graciously provided away from the colonies of ants, who opportunistically gather around anyone who may be sitting for a meal.

Rest (or the lack thereof) became a theme of our trip to Ukwimi. Our nights were either cold, windy, or short. John would recount a feeling of gratitude that Kakoma, a former rugby player, would weigh down the tent as they slept the second night. God was sufficient in our fatigue, giving us strength as we required.

The team split to perform our appointed work at Ukwimi. On Saturday, five of us joined Pastor Shakala, our host, in serving one of the local cotton farmers in the field. We experienced cotton picking by hand for the first time. Typically, workers spend fourteen hours harvesting up and down the rows under the intense sun. By contrast, we spent a mere four or five hours, feeling scorched and tired by mid-day. The others went with Mrs. Shakala in search of a goat to slaughter for our supper on Sunday. After a long and tedious search on foot, they came back with only a bag of ground nuts (aka. peanuts).

Laborers in the Field

Our labor, as expected, was mostly sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ to members of the community. While the goat seekers failed in one respect, they did come across some field harvesters along the way, sharing how a relationship with God is possible!

On Saturday night, the leaders of the Zambia Fellowship of Evangelical Students (ZAFES) at Ukwimi Trades Training Institute (a vocational school) invited us to share with them. We preached on the importance of the Scriptures and getting the most out of time in the Scriptures.  I left that meeting deeply saddened. No one in that student fellowship group had ever read an entire book of the Bible. Furthermore, no one claimed to know God (as opposed to knowing about God).

Pastor Shakala and Evangelist Mauluka invited us to preach at their respective churches, the Pentecostal Assemblies of God and the United Church of Zambia (UCZ). I took the opportunity share at UCZ what many of you have heard already, because it has been part of our vision at Purdue. I preached my sermon on ministering out of an overflow of a personal relationship with God and a Christ-centered church community.  Chris also taught on the Wheel Illustration at Pastor Shakala's church.

Chickens!

The team also had some fun Sunday afternoon. Since we were unable to acquire a goat, we purchased two chickens for our supper, chickens we still had to catch. Without going into too many details, it took teamwork to catch the fastest chickens I have ever encountered! The neighborhood seemed thoroughly entertained by the spectacle of two Mzungus (Caucasians) and a Choachoali (Oriental) running after the elusive black birds.

Overall Impressions

All said and done, I am hopeful for the work prepared for laborers in and incoming at Ukwimi. Without a doubt, the need is great for sound doctrine and discipleship. Churchgoers do not have a personal relationship with God. Some church elders even participate in Nyau, a dark and powerful demonic ritual which is deeply rooted in the community. It is a hardworking community though, and they welcome gospel. I pray that laborers like Pastor Shakala, Evangelist Mauluka, and future teams will see the continued work of the Spirit in this land. Pray for the song of the redeemed!

We returned safely yesterday, and our time will be spent immersing ourselves in campus ministry and preparing for the National Conference of The Navigators of Zambia. Pray as we recover our strength and return to the relationships we began at UNZA Ridgeway.

By His Grace,
Jon Chen

From the Campus, to the Town, to the Village

Friends,

Thank you for your messages of comfort and encouragement through this last week!  My family is grateful for your prayers.

Leaders at UNZA at Ridgeway continue to open the doors for our team to initiate new relationships with students.  The campus of about 1,000 is geared towards biological and medical vocations.  Less than half of the students are involved in any way with churches or fellowship groups - even fewer who are truly Christ-followers.  Several students have encouraged me, sharing their passion for growing in their faith and sharing it with others.  Pray for these students and our team as we come alongside one another in seeking God and His will our lives.

The team is resting much better, and we are adjusting to life here in Zambia.  The last few days, we have experienced much more of Lusaka, especially the town square and Ridgeway.  Our walk through the markets of town square left a deep impression on my heart regarding poverty.  Unfortunately, I do not yet understand this poverty (if anyone honestly can), but I am hopeful that this team will continue to mature in compassion as we dig further into a biblical perspective of poverty.

Africa will undoubtedly expand my perspective of the spiritual realm.  Our overnight prayer with Pastor Max and members of his church from the village of Miyoye was indescribably refreshing.  The faithful here have a deep appreciation of the power of the Holy Spirit, and it is evident in their prayers and their songs.  This coming weekend, we will be traveling to a village in the Eastern Province of Zambia called Ukwimi.  The staff team has informed us that spiritual opposition is evident and strong there.  Please pray for God's protection and leading as we seek to engage and serve the community.

By His Grace,
Jon Chen

A Moment from the World to Rejoice

This day was made for celebration

For victory and for fulfillment

For a life well-lived and a life well-loved

For utmost humility through grandest achievement

For steadfast strength through darkest trials

For wisdom amidst foolishness

For gentleness amidst conceit

For the work eternal of Christ

To whom a man of God may now go

To rest after a life of fruitful labor

To enjoy the company of his Father.

Zhuang Tinghuai, my grandfather
Went to be with the Lord June 12, 2011

Sunrise Through the Eyes of a Lagging Insomniac

Friends,

First, I will apologize if my thoughts do not retain coherence through the duration of this update. The fatigue of jet lag has not yet hit bottom yet, and my hope is that my body will soon realize its need for rest.  I am not doing poorly, but it is not a secret that I do not last long without sleep.  Please pray that God would grant me peace as I try to rest this coming weekend.

The last couple of days, the team has been meeting the staff and students of the Navs ministry at the University of Zambia Main Campus (UNZA) and the University of Zambia Ridgeway Campus.  The excitement is mutual as we lay out the vision for advancing the Kingdom and the gospel into the campuses.

I humbly share my observations about life in Zambia not to impress or to portray myself an authority, but to invite you to see what I see.  Zambia seems to struggle with a lack of strength and integrity in leadership.  Several of the concerns are associated with the government's inability or unwillingness to sustain reform and improvements.  On the street, it translates to helplessness and complacency.  The common Zambian seems to be trying to merely get by.  Gershom, one of the GAP staff, shared that unemployment is a problem for many, and it is not unusual to see a man intoxicated before 9 in the morning.  On the college campus, students are full of energy and ideals, but most are without the leading of Christ.  I pray that our labor and God's spirit would transform lives across this nation through what happens on these campuses through our ministry.

The team is currently reading a book called "When Helping Hurts" to better understand what it looks like to bear sustainable fruit through our labor in countries outside of our own.  Please pray that we would continue to grow and mature in our understanding of and approach to the issues we see here.

The staff here have also requested that I join them in teaching and training student leaders.  I hope to grow in my understanding of the culture and its people so that I may be able to serve more effectively in this role. Please pray for God's leading in this assignment.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
~Proverbs 3:5

By His Grace,
Jon Chen

Bwangi from Zambia

Friends,

The "day" is finally over. John, Chris, and I have arrived safely and without setback.  Everyone I have met so far at the Navigators office have been so spirited and encouraging to me and the team.  Nelson and the Zambian staff team have done an incredible job preparing for our arrival and for organizing our summer.  I am insufficiently grateful to God for this experience thus far.

I thought it may have only been a commercial ploy, but it turns out that African kids really are THAT cute.

I am anxious to see what plans this ministry and God has for us this summer. We will meet students and the rest of the staff tomorrow. Everything I am learning and everyone I am meeting have been energizing me, so much so that I hardly feel the exhaustion to which I will inevitably succumb in a few minutes.

Please remain faithful in praying for us! I cannot begin to describe how amazing His responses have been. Your prayers have power, and He is listening!

"My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever!"
~Psalm 145:21

By His Grace,
Jon Chen

Understanding Blindness

Friends,

International travel, especially to an unfamiliar place, can be like walking into a furnished room blind.  The process of exploring and growing familiar with a new country and its customs can at times be painful and frustrating, like stubbing a toe on a new obstacle.  I have also learned that it helps, for all unaccounted ignorance, to be humble in ignorance.  They love to see that a traveler is trying to learn; they hate to see that a traveler thinks he has learned.  Therefore, I welcome the opportunity to work alongside the Zambian staff team.  They will be my teachers and guides with eyes as I meet other members of our eternal family.  To expire this metaphor, I hope I may come to a point this summer where the unfamiliar becomes familiar, not in boasting, but in love developed and rooted.  I will not be so bold as to foresee , but rather, to merely hope that Zambia may become like another home to me.

Tomorrow, my teammates Chris and John, and I will begin flying to Zambia. Please pray for us. For anyone who would like to be praying with us throughout this summer, please make use of the bookmark pictured here. Feel free to save and print the image.

As a team, we have been meditating on and praying through a psalm which speaks of the worship for which we hope.


Psalm 96

Sing to the LORD a new song;
Sing to the LORD, all the earth.
Sing to the LORD, bless His name;
Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.
Tell of His glory among the nations,
His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.
For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised;
He is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
But the LORD made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before Him,
Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.

Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,
Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory of His name;
Bring an offering and come into His courts.
Worship the LORD in holy attire;
Tremble before Him, all the earth.
Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns;
Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved;
He will judge the peoples with equity.”

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
Let the sea roar, and all it contains;
Let the field exult, and all that is in it.
Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy
Before the LORD, for He is coming,
For He is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
And the peoples in His faithfulness.

By His Grace,
Jon Chen

Counting Down the Days

Dear Friends,

In eight days, I will be embarking on one of the most stretching adventures of my life.  To be honest, I am probably not qualified nor prepared to "lead" a team overseas, but as I have to continue reminding myself, it will always be by God's grace that I respond to this calling.  John, Chris, and I will be going to Zambia to partner with African Navigators collegiate staff in ministering to students and communities.  We will be gone from June 6 until July 28.  Prayers are and will be crucial.

I will make an effort to provide at least a weekly update with regard to our condition, our ministry, and our prayer needs.  It has not been a strength, as much as I had hoped it would be, through this last year of ministry, so I also invite you to initiate with us!  If you would like to correspond with us, please feel welcome to email us.  It may be a while, but it would serve as a reminder to me that I need to bring my co-laborers, extra-Zambia, up to speed.

If you would like a Zambia prayer bookmark, please email ASAP.

Note on following my blog posts: I discovered that you can follow through your email! Just subscribe at the top of this blog, and all future blog posts will be emailed directly to you! Brilliant!

The prayer quest of the week: for wisdom and safety through preparations and travel, and for Christ-filled hearts as we make this exciting and difficult transition.

By His Grace,
Jon Chen

March Madness

Friends,

Thus breaks the silence that has plagued this blog for four months. For all concerned, I am well and continue to learn how this life is purposed for peace and joy in Christ. Trials have taught me to seek the joy discussed in 1 Thessalonians. My existence and all its melodies eventually becomes a beautiful arrangement of dissonant and resolved tones. Looking back (as I often do) offers me reassurance of the love and faithfulness of God. I seek and anticipate the phrases upcoming in the Lord's perfect orchestration, trusting that I will one day join the multitude in a grand final chord of worship to my Creator and Father.

That is all for now. Until next time, grace and peace be with you.

By His Grace,
Jon Chen