‘Beverly Schools’ and ‘Beverly Christian Schools’ are the two names which were suggested by two Zambian women who knew Bev but did not know each other. I thought that was quite something, from God. Adding ‘Snelling’ makes it too North American and would not make Beverly very happy. While it is not in stone yet, we have chosen the second name at this point.
Although the actual land title has not yet come through, here are some of the developments since I last wrote.
There have been several visits to Commissioners of Land assuring us of title “sooner or later” (that is a direct quote). A formal visit to the Chieftainess scheduled for August 2nd was cancelled the night before we drove the 40 Km out in the country to see her. Fortunately we called and found that out the night before. There was no indication we would have been called. That visit was rescheduled for August 9th. We drove the 40 kl bearing gifts as is custom but, you guessed it, cancelled again. She had decided to attend a three hour prayer session with her Priest exactly at the time of our appointment. Oh yes, her office kept the gifts.
On Friday August 21 we suddenly learned that The Minister of Land was actually in his office and we might just be able to see him. We did see him but he knew nothing about our request for land title. Very kindly he requested us to return on Tuesday Aug. 25 by which time he would have learned the details and make a decision. Tuesday we were there but were eventually ushered into the office of the Commissioner (mentioned above) who was quite upset that we had gone over his head. As we sat there The Minister suddenly entered and told him to “give the church the land”. Consequently we were promised a letter from the government, before I leave, indicating that the title would be given. Truthfully only God knows. I am trusting Him to provide.
Each of these trips requires us to coordinate the pickup of four people from various parts of the city by taxi. Often one is late or fails to show up at all. Thank you God for teaching me a little bit about patience.
God is in control. We wait (sometimes impatiently) for His will.
Throughout July and early August I began with prayer, looking for God’s choice of a vehicle to solve the problem of transportation both during this summer and then as we move into the building phase 30+ Km out of town on unimaginable roads. Suddenly Earnest explained that Springs of Living Waters Church had saved, over a long period, funds with which to purchase a small, 15 year old car to better facilitate his ‘Overseer’ position of about six other churches in his denomination, Pentecostal. After prayer we decided that we would combine his $5000 US with $4000 US from me and purchase a 1997--4WD Toyota ‘Surf’ (similar to Toyota ‘Highlander’ in Canada). This vehicle will allow him to navigate country roads (trails) anytime and Lusaka city slum “roads” (where he lives and his church is located) even during rainy season. When I return to Africa (God willing), I will need to purchase my own vehicle as Earnest will be knee deep in construction supervision and the overseeing of his churches.
It is a wonderful sign of God’s control of Ernest’s life that he is willing to contribute to this vehicle purchase rather than simply ‘accept’ from North America. He is obviously willing to put his “money where his ‘faith’ is”.
The car purchase triggered the need to request exemption from duty on importation of this car (a huge saving of about 31%). The car purchase was made on August 7. We will deliver the last document necessary to complete this request tomorrow, Thursday August 26. Ernest, and Edward mentioned in previous Blogs have spent literally days going from govt. office to govt. office filling out the various forms necessary for this exemption. The good news is that, when granted, this exemption will lower the cost not only of the car but on almost all building supplies for the new school and school supplies thereafter.
And then there is the setting up of a joint Business Bank Account necessary for transmission of donations to Zambia, and a personal account for myself. I have spent, together with Ernest at least four hours of each and every one of the last 4 days filling out the required forms for these and driving them back and forth to the various govt. offices. I’m glad I cannot actually recall all those steps to share with you. I’m sure you are also glad.
I would like to assure all those of you who have already contributed to this project that none of the money you have donated has been used this summer. I have felt directed by God to fund this summer’s expenditures myself (with help from Farzam and God transferring Bev’s BA air miles to me). I do not state this for personal glory but felt guided as a steward of God’s money that no donations should be used until title has been granted. If title is not granted I want to be in a position to return your donations.
Please continue to join me in prayer that the title will be granted and that God will provide the funds for construction. Interestingly the price of concrete is very low at present because of the world economy. God does have a way of making “all things work together for good” Romans 8:28.
“Watching God work”, continuously….
