Looking back over 2009, it is wonderful to see the Lord working in and through much of our ministry in Zambia. One of my goals for the last couple years was to get the Zambian leadership to take more responsibility in spiritually growing their people and performing the duties of a local church. Although quite a challenge, many pastors responded positively and are moving forward trusting the Lord to grow and go!

We had two marriage seminars in 2009; one at the beginning of the year and one at the end. We believe that a strong family helps to produce a strong church. Overall, we had more than 100 attend those seminars with very positive comments and many encouraged to make their families Christ honoring. In July, I attempted to change things a bit by asking 10 Zambian pastors to prepare a 1-2 hour message on different “men of faith” in the Scripture. We all came together for a 4-day seminar in which these 10 Zambian pastors preached and taught from God’s word. I believe this to be one of the best seminars we have had in many years as it was apparent many of these men were able to Biblically challenge all of us to a greater walk with our Lord. It was truly a time of great rejoicing! As always, the August Bible conference was one of our most exciting events. We had a group of Americans come over to help with Vacation Bible School as well as teach and preach – this year we had over 1,000 children and 5,000+ Zambian adults in attendance and saw the Lord do a work in many, many lives!  The theme of the conference was taken from John 8:32 where Jesus describes the liberating value of TRUTH! There were over 20 messages preached on this topic and as a result many gave their lives to Christ and others rededicated their lives afresh! Praise the LORD!

One of my primary responsibilities is to oversee the Bible Institute at Kafulafuta and our surrounding satellite schools. In December, we had our graduation in Luanshya in which 12 graduated with a 3-year bachelor of theology and 7 ladies graduated from a 1-year women’s course. As well, our Bible Institute in Mpika graduated 8 more with a 3-year bachelor of theology. Now that these people have been Biblically equipped it is time for them to discern the will of God for their lives and determine their next course of action. I would ask you to pray as many desire to serve our Lord in full-time ministry and find that specific place He would have them use their skills and talents.

Switching gears a bit, we were able to help many churches with building and roof projects in 2009 thanks to many of you praying and giving so faithfully! Our medical clinic is having an additional wing put on as well as a more modern toilet facility. We have expanded our chicken pilot project as well as our community service emphasis to reach more and more of our community.

Savannah is now 7-months pregnant and will be delivering our first born child in New York. Once the child is born and we have the paperwork in order, we will be heading back to Africa as soon as possible. Our goal for 2010 is to shift our ministry focus to the city of Chipata in the Eastern Province of Zambia. We believe this to be a strategic location and a wonderful opportunity to evangelize, disciple, and plant Christ-honoring churches! This will be a big move for us as there is very little work being done in this area already – we see the need for more missionaries to reach this border town and possibly push into other nations.

Thank you for all your prayers and support over the last 12 months of 2009! Savannah and I count it a great joy to serve the Lord in Africa and know it would not be possible without the many of you that have invested in this work. We ask you to continue with us praying for the souls of the lost in Africa as we beseech our God to bring in the harvest!

Happy New Year and God bless you!

Kevin & Savannah Pestke

Missionaries to Zambia, Africa