October Extra two!

MY REFLECTIONS ON THE SOUTHERN AFRICAN MISSION TRIP DAVID BARBER

I support a number of pastors in Africa, so I took the opportunity to join a mission trip. The trip was to four countries to meet with pastors and do leadership training, vision casting and networking. We travelled to Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Durban in South Africa.

I am a retired pastor, so I found myself involved in the leadership training, passing on some of my sermon material and preaching in some of the churches. It was a joy to meet with four of the pastors I partner with. It was also an encouragement to talk and share with many others. All expressed their gratitude for the support they receive, which for many is their only consistent income. It was also a pleasure to preach in the churches. Church services can go for three hours but it is a great joyful experience. In each country, English is the official language, but most people converse in their local language. I often spoke with the help of a translator.

The poverty in many countries in Africa is a culture shock. Most people are unemployed and there is a great deal of begging. There is so much in Australia that we take for granted. Not least of which is drinkable water that comes out of a tap.

Overall the trip was effective in opening my own eyes to the importance of the part we play in partnering with those who work among peoples of great need.

David Barber

Dianne, David, Paul, Christine & Ed met for the first time on the eve of our trip. We came with diverse life experiences, different personalities and various giftings, and yet we were united by our common love for Jesus and desire to love people. The trip started and ended in South Africa, with Zambia, Zimbabwe & Malawi in between. Our first ministry stop was in Zambia. Here we met with pastors in the home of James & Patricia where we enjoyed many meals. We greatly enjoyed the music & fellowship of the rural churches, where we preached; we also managed to squeeze in a visit to The Victoria Falls at Livingstone.

Leaving Zambia in taxis, we crossed the border into Zimbabwe, where we connected with Matthew & Wessie, the Bulawayo Regional Leader & drove the arduous 450KM to Bulawayo. We were based in a beautiful mission house and conducted training over several days in a conference center.

Paul & David’s teaching was well received by the pastors. Matthew added his skills in facilitating interactive workshops, which resulted in excellent engagement by all participants. Our trip to Matobo National Park was a lovely pause before our flights to Malawi.

In Malawi, training was mainly in Paul’s church. Once again, pastors were encouraged to serve and equip their church members to reach out and make disciples. Hurts and burdens were laid down and, cultural practices were questioned and exposed and lives transformed. The highlight for many of us was to connect with the pastors we support. The Table Banking concept opened up the thinking of the pastors, to realise that they could work together to save and invest in sustainable, income generating ventures. Manthando talked about his pig raising venture. Please pray for him as he is currently undergoing treatment for throat cancer.

We finally travelled back to South Africa, where Matt returned to Australia & we then were met in Durban by Gary. After some more training, we enjoyed several days in a retreat in the Drakensberg Mountains. A special time to refresh and connect as a Team.

“From South Africa we flew back to Australia, where we had been committed to the Grace of God for the work now completed. On arriving there, we gathered our friends, families and churches together and reported to the Live Connection partners all that God had done through us, and how He had opened a door of faith to the African brothers and sisters.” Based on Acts 14:26-27.

Dianne

Blessings

The Live Connection Team.