“What did you do last summer?” Nine students from Fox Valley Lutheran High School, Appleton, Wisconsin and three chaperones traveled to Zambia to see mission work in the Lutheran Church of Central Africa. The trip was intended to show a real partnership between our mission workers in Africa, and Americans who support those workers.

A little over a year ago, the Fox Valley schools pooled their mission offerings to support two Christian schools in Lusaka, Zambia. This trip gave our students the chance to see not only see how those offerings were used but also the people who teach the students and bring Jesus’ good news of forgiveness to them. The FVL students spent four days at two schools:   Kaunda Square School and Kuunika Matero School.

The first day spent at each school was a chance to get acquainted with the students and teachers, to interact with the students, and to see similarities and differences between African schools and American schools. On the final day at each school, the FVL students acted out and taught the Bible account of Jesus calling Peter and providing a great catch of fish. The American students then led their African counterparts in singing and helped them make bracelets that reminded them of Jesus’ love and power. They also made a large poster of the young students’ painted hand prints, which will remain on display at the school. The week concluded with reading books to the youngest students and joining in more singing and games of soccer during recess.

The cross-cultural interaction with the Zambian school students was eye-opening. This trip provided the perfect opportunity for young Christians — from two different continents — to get a taste of a different culture.  It also gave everyone an appreciation for the Holy Spirit claiming believers around the globe to be part of Christ’s kingdom. This mission trip was a once in a lifetime experience for the American visitors, and all are extremely thankful for the opportunity to serve their Savior.

Please pray for those working in fields that are ripe for harvest. Share their story, engage with future news and receive updates. Go to this link to learn more about our mission fields and how the Holy Spirit is working faith in people’s hearts. https://wels.net/serving-others/missions/africa

The Board for Christian Schools of the Lutheran Church of Central Africa coordinated the itinerary of these young missionaries, and the Lutheran Mission in Zambia and the Seminary faculty hosted the students at the Seminary Guest House.  The group visited local sites of interest, such as Eureka Animal Park, a boat cruise and Victoria Falls. You can view many more photos of this mission trip at fvlvibe.fvlhs.org/novl/zambia2017

Missionary Daniel Sargent, Zambia

On August 28^th, 2017 the Lutheran Church of Central Africa – Zambia held a Christian funeral service for one of its faithful servants, Fainos Tarisayi.

Pastor Mutebele Chijoka delivered the sermon based on Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am the LORD.”  The committal service was held at the Tarisayi family farm near Mwembezhi.

Pastor Tarisayi was born in 1961. He entered the Lutheran Bible Institute in 1996. He completed his seminary classroom work in 1999. He was assigned as a vicar to serve at Linda Congregation under the supervision of Pastor Chijoka. He was ordained as a Pastor in 2001 and assigned to serve Mt. Sinai in Ndola.

He received and accepted a call from Linda Congregation in 2003. He has been serving Linda congregation in a Parish Union with Kabanana in Lusaka till the time of this death.

Pastor Tarisayi has served as Vice Chairman and Chairman of the LCCA – Zambia Synod. He also served as a member of the Mission Board and the Board for Christian Schools. He was the Lutheran Christian Magazine Editor and worked closely with the Publications and Education Committees. He was instrumental in starting outreach efforts in Zimbabwe, where currently one Zimbabwe Pastor and two congregations are members of the LCCA-Z.

Pastor Tarisayi’s wife, 7 children and 4 grandchildren, his congregations members, other family members, friends, fellow Pastors and the LCCA – Zambia Synod will miss him indeed.  He was a servant of the LORD with a heart for the Gospel and was always prepared to share that good news!

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Life doesn’t always go smoothly on the mission field. On the way to pick up missionary Paul Nitz and his family from the airport today our Toyota’s clutch gave up the ghost, leaving us stuck on the side of the road and the Nitz family stuck at the airport. No AAA emergency towing in Malawi, we wait for another missionary to come to the rescue.

Living as an expatriate missionary, we are used to unexpected surprises like power outages during get together’s and ants swarming out of the electrical outlets. Workarounds and backup plans become second nature. Given enough time, there’s always a way to get out of a jam.

We prepare ourselves for flat tires and for solar eclipses, because we know they are coming.  Jesus said, “You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (Lk 12:40) There will be no plan B, no do overs, no other way than straight toward the seat of judgment. He will upset our current way of life like no natural disaster ever before.

In Malawi, as in every other corner of the world, people pass their days busily pursuing their daily bread. Like a warming triangle by the road side, we remind others of their broken lives and the One who is coming soon to rescue us.

Missionary John Roebke

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