I started this last month off teaching and preaching a leadership conference in the North West province. The road is horrific making the trip quite tiresome and difficult on the body. Once we arrived, all the aches seemed to vanish as we were welcomed by the 65+ people already camped out and preparing to learn. This group of people seemed to have a real zeal for Biblical truth – each day we taught for 6 hours and each day the majority of the people had notebooks in hand and really seemed to grasp the lessons presented! This group has invited me back for a major conference at the end of August in which many hundreds would be exposed to the gospel message! 

After returning from the conference, time was quickly passing as preparations for the next term of Bible Institute was approaching. We are teaching Minor Prophets, Life of Christ, NT Survey, Romans, and the 5 T’s this term. For some reason, there is an excitement about the students. We are trying a new program this term called, “Serving Christ by serving our community”. The idea is to expose the students to being a servant by helping in areas of our community (rural clinics, leper colonies, police posts, rural schools, etc.) even when there will be no reward in return.  I feel like we have made good progress in getting rid of some problems and improving some areas – we continue look to the Lord to truly train up these men and women so they may impact their communities, churches, neighborhoods, etc. Please pray for the following students:

1.     Henry Chendela
2.     Luke Chimbayama
3.     Jonathon Chimfumpa
4.     Linna Chimfumpa
5.     Betson Kampamba
6.     Potipher Kapindula
7.     Boaz Katambwela
8.     Felix Kunda
9.     Macktin Mboyonga
10.  Kapolo Ng’andwe
11.  Cody Sapp
12.  Moses Mutale
13.  Felica Mumba
14.  Elizabeth Mulenga
15.  Francis L.

I preached at the following churches:

1. Shimibanga BBC
2. Mpongwe BBC
3. Mabasela BBC

Although each of these three churches are located in rural areas – each in striving to truly please the Lord in a big way. Shimibanga is working diligently with the youth and raising funds for new church pews. Mpongwe is a new church plant and the pastor is trying to stabilize the people will solid doctrinal teaching and edifying messages. Mabasela is looking to re-build their current church because it is literally standing room only. Each week I sit with the pastor after the service and stress the need for spiritual growth among the people. With some of the pastors, there is a real spark and desire to attempt what seems to be impossible. With others, there seems a lethargic attitude almost like there is no use in attempting such feats. I am still under the persuasion that God does the impossible and in-fact often exceeds expectations. Please pray for our Zambian pastors as we stress the need for churches to mature and take steps of development. 

Prayer requests:

a.     Zambian pastors to lead their churches in spiritual growth
b.     Bible Institute students to learn humility & servitude alongside scriptural knowledge
c.     Personal wisdom and discernment in dealing with the culture and obstacles
d.     Help in learning Bemba – a local Zambian language
e.     Vehicle problems – we have had a rash of break downs 

Thank you for doing your part in reaching Africa with the gospel of Christ! (Phil 1:3) 

Kevin Pestke
Kafulafuta Baptist Mission
PO Box 90247
Luanshya, Zambia
Africa

011 260 977 477 151