Bible Zone: Enter with wonder!

Our dedication is to Jehovah our Salvation, Jesus the Christ our Lord and our God. This same dedication is by HIS work in us as we move at HIS direction in Zambia, Africa. Holiness by HIS Grace, the gift of eternal life in Jesus, is our desire for the Tribal People of Africa; that they may turn to HIM receiving forgiveness, remission of sin, just as we have received according to the Scripture.

Phil and Melody Stephens, Servants of Jesus the Christ

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Oh the joy of ministry at Kooma Basic School. Each week of school terms during dry season, Melody and Pastor Aaron of Grace Baptist Church teach Scripture truth and stories to the students. (Rain season cuts them off even for 4x4 travel for extended times; a wet weather river flows through the area for over 60 kilometers flooding a plain of deep mud.)
Tuesday was final day for this term. I preached to the 5th to 7th grade classes inviting them to receive Jesus Christ as their own Lord and Savior to follow HIM in repentant faith believing HE died for their sins, and would be their eternal Life. 18 responded.
Then with care, Pastor Aaron and Alfred, Pastoral Assistant working with me and in training to be a Pastor, spoke to each of them. During my message there were 2 girls and one young man that were intent and seemed anxious to know Christ personally.  Oh how my heart yearns to see, written on their countenance, the reproof of Scripture and the Spirit of Christ in their souls.
Is it worth the sacrifice of homeland, family fellowship and close personal friends in Texas and across USA? Yea and more, it is worth the humble honoring of the call and enablement of the Lord Jesus Emmanuel, Messiah, King of saints, who died for me that HE might deliver me from this present evil world; it is worth more than anything and I think of the words of that old hymn, "I'd rather have Jesus, than silver or gold, I'd rather have Jesus than riches untold, I'd rather have Jesus than anything, this world can now afford". Oh that HIS Life be my life for HIS sake and for the sake of the lost and lonely needing HIS deliverance from death, hell and the grave!

Sunday, July 20, 2014

To all our friends, my apologies for not writing in over a year. I have used another media for posts but realize I should keep this up. Let me tell you the story of Chuma, a 3 year old girl who was dying. Her body was swollen. Her eyes were nearly closed from the swelling. Her home was a bush village and the hospital in nearest city was of little help.

A team of youth and adults from Arden Road Baptist Church was visiting us from Amarillo Texas. We were on bush village visitation, 2 groups going in different directions, inviting all to come to a Bible Conference at Grace Baptist Church of Kooma village. As we passed out invitation, one of our group, the headman of Kooma asked us to pray with Chuma. We did.

The next night she and some of her family came to the meeting, walking nearly 6 kilometers. The whole mission team and many members of Grace Baptist gathered and we prayed for Chuma. The Arden Road Baptist team then met and took up an offering to send her to a mission hospital in Zimba that has a good reputation for up to date care.

Yesterday, Chuma came to church with her mother (Mother and Chuma on right in photo). I did not even recognize Chuma.
Her mother said she nearly died before she arrived at Zimba, but glory to God, did not even recognized her. The swelling was gone, she had a big smile on her face and chattered away in Tonga while her mother wept for joy.

Her mother has testified she will follow Jesus and be faithful to attend Grace Baptist to grow in the Lord. Pastor Aaron (photo on the left)
will follow up and disciple her while witnessing to her family regarding faith of Jesus Christ only name given whereby men must be saved from sin.

Oh by the way the mother on the left in photo with Chuma is holding her last born. His name is Shepherd. He was dedicated to the Lord at birth thus the name. He has a serious medical problem also. The mission team from Amarillo gave more than needed for Chuma and asked us to use it as needed to help others. Shepherd leaves with mother and grandmother for Zimba by tomorrow. Praying he can be helped also. Trusting the Lord to put his hand of mercy on Shepherd also.

I think I owe a promised story from over a year ago. Pray I do not fail this blog again.

Loving Regards in Jesus Emmanuel,
Phil n Africa