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
