Update from Dan

Today was another whirlwind day with 4 different presentations between two schools. Our morning at Kalanga was a good one. We talked to three groups of kids, about saving sex for marriage and about what if we have made a mistake. We were able to share the grace of God that is new every morning. We shared some of our own stories and mistakes and sin in our own life and how God has redeemed us and continues to redeem us. Because we presented there three times, we didn't have small groups, which is the main means of reflection. So pray that the Word of God would take root in their hearts. Pray that they would know that we are available to talk with them and that they are not the only ones who are struggling with sex and temptation. We will be returning to Kalanga for our last day tomorrow. Please pray that we would end on the right note, one of empowerment and encouragement.

Today was our last day with the sweet girls from Pomodzi. We had the whole school, so we spent some time dancing and worshipping to start the day off. A couple of the girls from the STS club shared a song and Austin and Casie both played songs. They also both spoke from their hearts about saving sex for marriage and mistakes. Then Henry ended with an empowering message encouraging the girls to Be The Change. It felt like a rally... it was pretty cool. Then we had an impromptu time of dance and worship. Everyone was dancing and the girls were shouting the words to the songs and clapping their hands. It was like a celebration... we were all celebrating life, which I think is so crucial in a culture so marred by death. So pray for the girls at Pomodzi that they would believe they have worth and that they would choose life with the decisions they make.

After leaving Pomodzi we all went to get ice cream downtown. The sun was setting in the distance as we all sat under this lovely African veranda (an old gas station) enjoying our strawberry-vanilla swirls in pink cones. I really love moments like this, moments of stupid pictures, moments of laughter, moments of joy, moments of rest.

Finally, today was the last day with a handful of our team members and friends. Megan, Jim, Duane, Adam, and Beth are all leaving for various places: Megan for California, Jim for Florida, Duane for Kenya, and Adam and Beth for Kenya then Uganda. We had an amazing last evening of sharing in worship, confession, thankgiving, communion (Lord's Supper), and intercession for those departing. There were many tears shed. It is truly amazing how God has knit our group into a family in the short two weeks we had together. We ended our time together singing this hilarious song Doctor Thinus taught us in Bemba, which has an accompanying dance... awkward, yes, but it was a perfect end. Please pray for our co-laborers as they go to where God is leading them next.

To all of you back home, we love you so much and we miss you. Thank you for your prayers!

Twa Totella,
Dan
Team Stop the Spread