COMMON QUESTIONS ANSWERED (updated)

Is it a Muslim country?
No. And actually, their constitution states that they are a “Christian nation”- that doesn’t necessarily mean a lot though! I believe the current President’s wife is a Jehovah’s Witness, and the President himself doesn’t claim to be anything. (The previous president ran as a Christian, and then when elected, took the country to the mat and fleeced them.) And answered in a question below, Zambia is well “missionized”, so there are many Christians there. There may very well be more Muslims around our current location than where the bible school will be. If you click the link to the CIA Fact Book on Zambia link on the right side of the page, you will find TONS of info on Zambia, from government to religion to natural resources and everything else.
What about the kids?
They were excited and ready for us to go the first time we mentioned it. They of course don’t fully understand what life will be like. But Cybil and Mariah understand why we would be going over there-to serve others, to be obedient to God.
What about school?
We already home school, so nothing new there
What about doctors, hospitals, etc?
There are many mission organizations that have clinics in Zambia, plus the nationally run clinics and doctors. And yes, people in 3rd world countries are able and do go to school, some even go on to become professionals. Some nationals leave their home countries, then when they get older, go back to serve their people. There are also quite a few Asian doctors, dentists, and ophthalmologists in the capital as well. Not worried about it.
Is it safe there?
Well, I ask, is it even safe here?!! Yes, it is considered a “safe” country. There is no political upheavals or tensions right now. Part of the food shortage comes from the fact that refugees from other countries come there.
Will you have electricity?
When we build the house, I think we would try to add in solar panels. Otherwise we will rely on batteries and a generator until the power lines are connected to the campus. Let’s face it, it’s all about having money to do it. Gospelink is planning to have electricity, it’s just when they get enough money to do it.
Will you have running water? Is it safe to drink?
Yes, they just dug a new well and are in the process of getting it to the first student compound. We would be able to tap into the line for our house.
What is the weather like?
A friend’s nephew who is stationed there said it is “perfect, all the time.” It is elevated, so not as hot as the western side of Africa near Liberia, Ghana, etc. During their winter (our summer) it may very rarely reach 33 degrees at night but it is typically more like 40 degrees, and is easily 70 during the day as soon as the sun is up. The summers only get up into the 80’s. They have a dry season and a wet season (November to April or so) It is a tropical climate.
What about Joseph, you just brought him out of Africa?
We didn’t “save Joe from Africa”. It wasn’t about getting him out of Africa. It was about adding him to our family. He’ll be going with us; he’ll still be in our family.
Are there other mission organizations in Zambia?
Yes, quite a few. Zambia is considered a “well-missionized” country. YWAM, World Vision, Sons of Thunder, Grace Ministries are there, just to name a few. I already have one contact with a missionary north of Lusaka in Kabwe. He told me the mission community is very welcoming and like a family.
Where will you be located?
The bible campus is about 45 miles due east of Lusaka, the capital. Yes, it is bush country. There is a nearby village about a mile away, it even has internet! WOW! In Africa! J There has been talk of a copper mine a few miles from the campus-that would be awesome! They’d have to have electricity, and to get that may need to go straight through the school campus-that would lower Gospelink’s cost to get it!! Lusaka is a very modern city-movie theaters, stores, hotels, restrauntants, many Asian businesses.
What about malaria and other diseases?
We will use recommended measures to prevent malaria, but malaria is really a bigger deal to us than it is to an African. Yes, if you malnourished and not really healthy, it can be very dangerous. If you are healthy and get to the doctor right away, it is more like getting a bad case of the flu. Joe's already had malaria. As to other diseases, we will i am sure get our full immunizations before we go, but after that who knows. We may just end up being healthier there than we ever have here! No processed junk food, fresh fruits and veggies...
Will you need to raise support?
Yes, we will be raising monthly support, and also seeking donations specifically to cover some upfront costs (house, vehicle, travel).
So you’ve already decided your going?
We both feel this is where God is calling us. Unless there is some big neon flashing sign that says “STOP” or “WAIT” we plan to keep moving ahead. Not being willing to go, yet still exploring the possibilities, well, that wouldn’t make any sense. And anytime God decides to close this door, we will step away knowing we faithfully pursued this in obedience. But we don’t see that closed door yet, so we press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Phil 3:14)