Connecting with Langham Partners, Zambia

August 31, 2008

Zambia – June 30-July 7

Zambia has been experiencing a period of economic growth and political stability. After twenty years of decline, copper is once again in demand, prompted by the growing economics of India and China. The situation in Zimbabwe has driven tourists and business to Zambia. And President Mwanawasa has gained favor with the World Bank and is regarded as the strong leader of southern Africa. Unfortunately, during my days in Zambia, President Mwanawasa suffered a stroke while attending the African Union conference in Cairo. He is still in recovery in Paris, where he was taken for special treatment.

I went to Zambia to participate in a special event at Northrise University in Ndola. I’ve been on the Board of Directors for Northrise University Initiative since 1997 and have been teaching there every year since we opened in 2004. Although this was not a Langham/JSM scene, so to speak, I did have the opportunity to meet Joe Simfukwe, current principal of the Theological College of Central Africa (also in Ndola) and member of the Regional Council for southern Africa as well as Lazarus Phiri, Langham scholar who serves with Pioneers. Time with Lazarus Phiri was quite interesting—he has very strong opinions about scholars who do not return to their home regions. I appreciated hearing from him.

Impact Ndola was an outreach by Northrise friends to the city of Ndola. One part of the event was a pastors’ conference where participants received copies of Fanning the Flame, edited by Chris Wright. These pastors were very grateful for the “free” books.

My final days in Zambia were spent in Lusaka where I visited with a former student, Rev. Patrick Phiri who is the primary leader of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church.

South Africa – June 22-29, 2008
Kenya – July 8-12, 2008
United Kingdom – July 13-19, 2008

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