February 2006

Dear Friends,

Ted and I recently drove 480 kilometers to a meeting in Livingstone. People come from all over the world to see Victoria Falls and David Livingstone’s memorabilia.

As in many tourist areas, we saw a wide contrast between people who just visit and those who actually live there. The gulf was even wider between people with jobs and the desperately poor who have no job. One unfortunate aspect of tourism is the sex trade there in Livingstone. It exploits the poor, and results in a higher HIV rate than elsewhere in Zambia.

Now, one may wonder: Why build, when so many other needs are so urgent and great? Well, classrooms in government schools are small. The rent they charge is rising. There is pride and security in having one’s own structure. New members can also be attracted more easily, seeing a visible church.

We drove through areas where most church members live—shacks without doors, windows without screens. The absence of screens means exposure to malaria. Mosquito nets are often too expensive. Malaria is deadly, especially to small children, pregnant women, and persons with weak immune systems.

On the church plot I saw an unusual tree. It has me thinking now about partnership. The trunk had split into two separate branches that grew intertwined. It strikes me as a symbol for interdependence.

We commend this book to American Christians who want to think about exploring cross-cultural possibilities.

By the time you read this, Ted and I will have moved to the “Outreach Foundation House,” built for our use at Justo Mwale. It will be great finally to unpack, knowing we can settle for however long the Lord may want us here.

We look forward to welcoming friends from near and far!

We shall return to the States during June for a meeting of regional liaisons from all around the world. We will of course stay to see family and friends in Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts. Our parents—who weren’t thrilled about the call to Africa—look forward to seeing us especially. As parents, we too will enjoy seeing our children. Dave has lined up some Phillies games to attend, taking a break from his job at Kirkwood Camp. Bethany, the performance artist, has established herself in our home in upstate New York. We can’t wait to see the décor!

So whether we find you on this one or a future trip home, we are grateful for your love, support, and prayers. We know that we are never alone in what we do. The Lord uses each of you in this ministry. May you be blessed also, as you are a blessing to us.

Faithfully,

Ted and Sue

The 2006 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 341