Postcards from the field

Impacting Zambia:
By Gail and Ron Davis

Recently during a brief visit to Zambia, Stephanie danced upon our hearts. We dined with her, laughed with her, prayed with her, listened to her. But it is the awe of God's work through her that is speaking the loudest. On one occasion after hearing her in-depth "True Love Waits" message, 700 commitment cards were signed. At another school, 400 cards were returned with signatures. With her broad smile, giggly mannerisms, energetic enthusiasm and innocence, God is using a tall, blonde vivacious young lady to teach African students Romans 12:2. Not conforming to the traditions of their heritage and culture has always been taught as disrespectful to elders here. Some of their culture causes sin and bondage.

Yet God has been successful in teaching these people new mindsets---to allow Him (through Stephanie) to transform their minds so they can "prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." During our visit, I accompanied Stephanie to the orphanage where I visited often while there. I spent much time re-acquainting myself with "Aunt Elizabeth," the dreamer of the dream of the orphanage. All the while, as she and I sat comfortably discussing every issue she faces, I could watch Stephanie at work–teaching, praying, loving, disciplining, even cuddling the small one as she spoke.

It was beautiful, it was genuine, it was a re-creation of Mark 10: 14. Those children laughed, sang praises, said their own little prayers, shared their joys and sorrows, and dreamed, all over and around "Jesus" that day.

Jesus took the form of a beautiful, tall, vivacious, energetic, loving blonde American who puts into her daily walk with the Lord, John 15:12-14, "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you." Ron and I know Stephanie very well; we know that she has, for a time, laid her life aside to exhibit for others the life and love God has so graciously granted her. She does not take it lightly, but rather as Ecclesiastes 9:10 commands, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might ..."

As time works on the side of our Lord, time has given Stephanie much honor and respect among the school leaders in Zambia. She is being invited to return to continue with "True Love Waits" and to introduce the students to deeper levels of God's truth. Yet Stephanie is quick to point out, " ... it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."