Psalm 16
“…As for the
saints who are in the earth, they are the majestic ones in whom is all my
delight… You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is the
fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”
Lusaka is a buzzing metropolis of over two million
individuals. Many among them have converged from all over the world, and for
the week, the team of seven from the American Midwest finds its place among the
swarm. Unlike the persistent streams of New York City, the streets of Lusaka are
a nest of hundreds of buses, cars, pedestrians, merchants, peddlers, and
indiscernible taxis, comparable to a hive and its bees.
I am delighted to see
the team embracing the culture, the people, and all of their stares. The
arrival of a mzungu (Caucasian) or two is fairly commonplace in town. However,
a group of six and an accompanying choinchoili (Oriental) made a splash in the
regular swirl of town as we stepped off the jam-packed public bus into a state
of cautious amazement.
Bryce is perhaps the most cautious member of the team, but I
have found it entertaining and appropriate to refer to Bryce’s reputation as
righteous trouble. While he does nothing to draw attention to himself, he seems
to be the most popular of the seven for street peddlers, security guards,
drunkards, and bus conductors. He complements me well, and he is a man of God.
Aaron, who happens to be Bryce’s younger cousin, is an
adventurous, likeable soul, though recent events would suggest the elder cousin
has the edge on both traits. I anticipate a swift turn of events once the
nearby university’s basketball team comes into the presence of the 6’ 4”
stature that I sometimes utilize for relief from the midday sun. He is zealous
for life, and he is a man of God.
Nathan is a purposeful and dynamic man, one with whom I
delight to engage in conversation. Much to my amazement, the topics from which
to choose and upon which to expand seem inexhaustible with Nathan. Experience
in building relationships should serve him enormously through the coming month.
He has given much towards the establishment of disciples at Indiana University,
and he is a man of God.
Todd and Silas are often seen together. The father-son duo
is worthy of emulation, and they bring much energy to the team. Todd is a
meticulous team leader, a crucial element for a group of traveling young men. A
passion for college students and persistence in prayer have placed him on this
team. After a nineteen year wait, Todd has returned to Africa. Silas, the
youngest of the seven, is experiencing life overseas for the first time, and he
continues to demonstrate competence in cultural adaption. They could not be
more excited to be in Zambia, and they are men of God.
Dan is a refreshing and thoughtful teammate for me. Depth in
insight and prayer has become distinguishing marks of the companion from Ball
State University. In his own words, Dan is a “gentleman and a scholar”, and
most prominently, he is a man of God.
Looking across the room at them all, hope and excitement
well up in me as I imagine how these noble men will continue to, in the words
of a Zambian, raise some dust for the Gospel in the nation. Optimism and
eagerness preside over the room as they make preparations for week-long
partnerships with churches in rural villages in the region.
