Last blog from Africa

I clearly remember the heat of the African sun beating down on our heads, that Easter Day, ten years ago. It was the day we arrived in Zambia. Cees had already been there before but for Joas, Rhoda and I it was our very first time to hit the terra soil of Africa. What an eventful journey lay ahead of us. A journey that taught us a lot about God, ourselves, different people and cultures.

I only started to write blogs in 2011, when we had moved from the bush in Zambia to the city of Lilongwe, Malawi. This will be my last blog written from the African soil. Our suitcases are almost packed. We are leaving in eight days….it will be Easter again. I humbly ask you to continue to pray for our family. Leaving Africa, which has been our home for ten years, in our circumstances, is very difficult. Starting a new chapter of life might be even more difficult. Gods promises are a huge comfort!

As we are very busy with selling our possessions, dismantling our house, doing all those ‘last time’ things I would like to update you on the project Grace and I started in the community here. Today I said farewell to 800 children that came to our weekly Bible club. It was hot and sticky. The 65 loaves of bread I brought were not enough…we quickly had to add a couple more. My heart was heavy and sad but at the same time so very thankful for all the Lord has done in only a couple years already. The ministry has much potential and Gods hand is upon it. The Lord will go with us as well as stay with the people of Nyenyezi here.

At Nyenyezi Ministry we primarily teach the Word, praying that it will bring Jesus Christ at the forefront of the hearts of the children and women. And from them carried home to fathers and neighbors. Our multipurpose building is being used every day, fulltime.  From Monday to Friday, every morning around 7:00 the first pre-school students start coming and half an hour later they all line up outside to sing their morning songs, including the national anthem. At 8:00 O’clock all eighty students quietly enter their classroom, one for 4-5 year old, one for 6-7 year olds. In both classes, the day starts with a Bible lesson and Bible songs. After calendar time and some games it’s time for math. The cement floor works really well for an exercise book; the kids get a piece of chalk and have to write or copy whatever the teacher taught. At the end of the day the floor will be mopped and clear for new exercises. The restrooms are in the back of the garden, all kids walk in line to have a restroom break. In the garden we grow maize and soybeans for the daily porridge. Everyone needs to wash hands with soap at the bucket tap. We give the kids porridge because most kids only get one meal a day at home. Letters are being taught and the best part for the kids is when the toys are brought in. They love playing with the donated Duplo’s, mega building blocks puzzles and other materials. I first had to teach the teachers how to use those as they never had the privilege of playing with toys. 

Another daily program is our literacy school for women. From 1:30-3:30 an average of fifty women sit down to learn what they should have learned growing up; reading, writing, math and English. The first half hour is spend in the Word of God and questions are being discussed. Sometimes women would request an appointment to discuss problems they face with the desire to deal with it in a biblical way (instead of the traditional way). Literacy class gives the women access to Scripture, deepens their knowledge of the Lord. It also empowers a person to become an effective and contributing member of society, hopefully breaking through a whole chain of factors that cause so much poverty and suffering.

Thursdays is still and hopefully will always be the big Children Bible club afternoon. Four years ago we had about 100-200 kids coming, this year it‘s more like 600-700 each time. I designed a “from Genesis to Revelation-in-two-years” teaching schedule which we follow faithfully. I want them (including the teachers) to see the big picture of Gods redemptive plan and connect the dots in the history of God’s grace and covenant.

Nyenyezi now works with four local teachers who pour themselves out to the women and kids every working day. Visitors come from different directions and all are impressed by the great work that is being done. There are so many opportunities! Recently a church plant has started by the chairman of our board. So, the building is even used on Sundays. This man also plays soccer with the older guys who feel too big for the club.

The community that Nyenyezi Ministry serves has many needs. So many people, especially the vulnerable (women and kids) get sick and cannot afford to go to the nearest clinic which is a two hour walk away. As a result school days are missed, students get behind or even suffer till death. During our opening ceremony in May 2015 the chief asked us to please add a community clinic. It was my wish and desire to work on that, but my time has run out. Please pray that the Lord will open a way to fulfil this big need! Any plan to raise funds are welcome! I will still be involved from the side line, mostly for PR, fundraising and advice.

I am very thankful for the opportunity the Lord gave me to work among the African children and women for the past ten years. As we transition with our family to the Netherlands I pray for people to carry this ministry to the next level.

“Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done”.