Visit to Victoria Falls before Heading Home

Before heading for home mid-week, the Banda's took us to the most scenic (and most famous) location in Zambia--the world-famous Victoria Falls. The 7 hour trip was educational to say the least, but while in Livingstone (the city on the Zambia side of the Zambezi River and Falls), we had the chance to see one of the wonders of the world.

We were able to see the falls up close and personal, so to say. The shere volume of water that tumbles over this mile-wide, 340 foot drop is truly powerful and overwhelming. When David Livingstone (of "Dr. Livingstone, I presume..." fame) became the first white man to see the falls in 1856, he understood why the locals called the thundering river, "Mosi-oa-Tunya"--the smoke that thunders! It truly does!

We enjoyed the Zambezi river area and were able to see a croc. on the river and several pods of Hippos. We have deeply appreciated the hospitality of the Bandas and the Zambian brethren. While our work here was short, we hope this is the beginning of future projects to help and serve God's people in Zambia.

~Doug Horchak

A Sabbath To Remember in Nalubanda!

The Sabbath of June 13th gave Kristine and Zach a chance to see the "real Zambia" where most of our members live--in the rural areas of this beautiful country. The day began with Mr. Banda and the three of us heading out in his Nissan pickup on a 4 hour trip to the Mumbwa region to spend a Sabbath with most of the three congregations that meet in the environs around the small village of Nalubanda in the south part of the region. The last 80 miles were on dirt road, through the game park, and then to the dusty last 20 kilometers of rough pot-holed road in the bush! We got to see all of three of the local church halls in the area (and they are all identical with each other!). We met up with about 30 members and family at the house of elder Mr. Jerry Shachoongo. He is a farmer and has quite a successful maize and cotton farm. We ended up at the north congregation which was 8 kilometers off the "main" dirt road....the most remote UCG congregation in all of Zambia. The members were enthusiastic as they walked, rode bikes, cattle carts, and came in a Church truck bed to be together that day. 111 were in attendance and the Sabbath was wonderful. The special music was inspiring, and the post-Sabbath service group meal of freshly harvested Gamesbuck (antelope) was a treat indeed! Zach gave a the sermonette, and Kristine was a hit with all of the children after services. We drove home right before sunset and rattled our way through the bush and rural areas back into Lusaka where we arrived to the comfort of the Banda's home about 9pm Saturday night. It was a "Sabbath to Remember"...

Computer Classes a success

Zach Zimmerman spent the better part of 5 days orienting 13 students (many whom had never touched a computer before...) to the capabilities of the laptop computer. Thanks to one of our members in Dallas that was able to donate 5 IMB Thinkpads (from former employer), we had 7 laptops that Zach used. He "linked" all 7 computers to his for the first day of classes as the students looked at their screen to see what Zach was referring to. He introduced them to the keyboard, the touchpad, the idea of a "cursor", and the many ways which computing can make our lives more organized and even simpler! (yea...right...). It seems most of the students were most impressed by the capabilities of the Power Bible CD Software, and the use of email and the internet. While Zach was unable to connect them to the internet (they were at the Church campsite/feast site/ property), they did get a wonderful chance to see the many capabilities of the laptop computer. We hope this program can continue with our UYCorps efforts in Zambia next year. Good work, Zach!
~ Doug Horchak

Classes End—a Great Success!

Our 5 days of classes ended on Thursday evening, June 12th by giving each of the 45 participants a Certificate of Completion for their dedication, time, and effort in both the Computer Skills Class and the Basic “Church English” Skills class. Both Zach and Kristine did an outstanding job. The got to know all of their students by name and took a real personal interest in them all. And, I may add, the members/students were aware how important they were to both of our teachers!
During the week, I assisted Kristine where needed—helping out with songleading, word games, and going through Scriptures at the end of each day which contained the 12-15 new vocabulary words they learned that day. In the English classes, the basis of each day’s class was a new Church Hymn. Since most of the Zambian brethren know the English version of virtually all of the hymns, teaching them the real meaning of key words in each of the 5 hymns was very helpful. They love to sing, and having the hymns as the starting point for learning each day turned out to be very effective! Kristine planned all kinds of picture games, Pictionary, charades, and even “bingo” and “go-fish” with the vocabulary words and pictures. However, the use of Powerpoint for projection (with pictures and video) with a group of this size has proven vital. Having our church projector has been a God-send, indeed. (…and thanks to Kit Mohr for her advice and help…)
One of unique things about these people (and is true in much of Africa that at one time was under British rule) is that they were once taught English in elementary school (all through); however, since they live in the rural areas of the country—they have had little or no opportunity (or motivation) to learn and practice English for many years. Our desire was to “awaken” their past learning experience of English early in life and to give them confidence to continue to expand their vocabulary and learn the English language. It is a known fact that the more proficient that some in this part of the world are with English—the better chance of success in education, business, and life they have.
God truly blessed this effort in many ways. The weather was very pleasant and no rain. This is their winter—so it normally is cooler. Temps varied between the mid-60’s to mid-70’s each day. All of the members (and those of us with the Youth Corps project) remained in good health throughout the week. They fed us (and the entire group) very well. The members were very motivated and appreciative of the classes (and thus, made wonderful students). And, our two United Youth Corps volunteers did a wonderful job in both preparing for their teaching in advance of coming, and were extremely effective motivating and adding to the member’s knowledge.
On Friday the camp/tents will be taken down. The three of us (chaperoned by a member or two from the Banda family!) will visit the downtown “market” of Lusaka and have a chance to see the craft area of the city, as well. On the weekly Sabbath, the three of us will be driven by Mr. Kambani Banda to one of the rural churches about 4 ½ hours west of Lusaka in Nalubanda. We will leave early Sabbath morning and meet with combined group and return Sabbath evening. We look forward a wonderful weekend with God’s people here in Southern Africa! (PS: I miss my wife and family!..)
~Doug Horchak

Sabbath June – and Classes, Sun/Mon June 7-8

On Sabbath, June 6, we were picked up at the hotel by Joseph Banda (Kambani and Shirley Banda’s 19 year old son). Joseph drove to their home for us to unpack our luggage and be given our sleeping quarters. What a lovely surprise! The Banda’s have taken care of us royally. We each have our own bedroom, and I am give the small guest house in the rear of the main home. This was formerly their garage; however, they converted to a very nice guest room with shower so that Mr. Andre Van Belkum (minister that was the Sr. Pastor for the area out of South Africa) could have a place to stay when visiting the brethren and conducting Church work with Kambani in Zambia.
After lunch, we were all driven out to the Church property where we were able to visit with the 60 or so brethren. We began services about 3pm; and while I was asked to give the sermon and update the members on God’s work in the US, the highlight of the service was the grand special music members from Mumbwa presented. All a capella, and all sung in wonderful harmony! We visited with the members until dark, then came back to the Banda home that evening for dinner.
On Sunday, June 07, 2009 began our first day of classes. After a restful evening (in which the local dogs and resident roosters serenaded us on-and-off through the night!), we drove off to the camp/property site. After arriving and get the generator going and getting setup for projection of class material for English/Kristine McNeely and power for the student laptops for Zach—we were off to the races!
We had a wonderful day of classes on the first day! The weather was great (about 78-80 degrees and sunny). All 13 computer skill students (ranging in age from 19—48) were totally “green” to computer use—and were able to get immersed in the use of the laptop (keyboard, mouse, screen, understanding software, and an overview of the many capabilities of computing) use, and raved about it! “The best class I’ve ever taken” could be heard from some. Kristine had an enthusiastic group of students (age 23-66) that were anxious to learn English. The curriculum we decided on was teaching vocabulary words from 5 of the hymns in our UCG hymnal. Notebooks of words, picture, and drawing paper were given to each student. Kristine had picture games, charades, drawing the words, etc. throughout the day. I was able to assist Kristine with songleading, explaining Bible verses in which the words are used, and assisting with a few of the games. We ended classes about 5pm. After a short break, prior to dinner--we showed the entire group (with “big screen” on white shower curtain…and projector) one of the inspiring installments of PLANET EARTH (Discovery Channel Series). Needless to say, the don’t get to see such presentations and projection, and were simply mesmerized by the video.
That evening we had a meal of white rice, shima (pounded corn meal balls), chicken, and carrot/onion sauce. Very good meal, indeed. We headed back from the campsite property to the Banda home about 7:30pm. The week ahead promises to be busy, but rewarding as the brethren really appreciate learning.

Today (Monday, June 8) we had a wonderful day of classes. Students attentive, eager to learn, and great weather again! We had minced beef and vegetables for lunch... Needless to say, they are treating us very, very well. Tonight, before leaving the Church property, we set the members to all watch a large screen viewing of THE LION KING! They were very excited about seeing the movie, as much of the setting of the Lion King movie is East Africa.

Safely in Zambia~

After 3 flights (4 for Zach!) and 22 hours of flying, we finally arrived safely in Lusaka, Zambia at 1:30pm local time on Friday. It was wonderful to see Kambani and Shirley Banda again, as they and another couple recieved us at the airport. All of our donated laptops arrived safely (thanks again, Tim!), and we were able to retrieve all of our luggage...which is a blessing. Actually, after 2 days with little sleep and relaxing in our clean but modest room, I went down to the small "bar" at this hotel and bought me a MOSI lager!

Tomorrow we will be meeting with brethren coming in from the rural areas for classes, and should have about 100 or more for Sabbath services at the Church property outside of Lusaka. Should be a wonderful Sabbath, and we'll get the chance to see the property, building, and environs we'll be conducting our classes all next week. Both Zach and Kristine give a big hello!

~Doug Horchak

In London---Happy Anniversary!

Well…our flight left 90 minutes late from DFW airport; however, once we got on board our American Airlines flight to the UK, we were fed our evening meal…and then as most international travelers go, struggled to stretch, find a place for your feet and legs, tune out the fussing baby across the aisle, and get some sleep!

Zach Zimmer and Kristine Mcneely and I arrived at Heathrow airport about 1:15pm local time on Thursday, and after getting our boarding passes for our next flight (8:30 tonight!), went into the cavernous Concourse 3. 100’s of stores, duty free, restaurants, pubs, lounges, and even a couple of Starbucks. Right now, Zach, Kristine, and are sipping on a Starbucks coffee doing a bit of people-watching and swapping travel stories.

We will be taking a Virgin Atlantic flight this evening for 10 hour overnight flight to Johannesburg, SA. We arrive there tomorrow morning (Friday) local time about 8:30 and then 2 hours later catch a short (2 hr.) flight north to Lusaka, Zambia.

We are looking forward to seeing Mr-s. Kambani Banda at the airport as we set our feet (for the first time, I may add) in Zambia. This Sabbath (June 6) we’ll be meeting for Sabbath services with the 70 or so brethren from outlying Church areas along with the local Lusaka congregation. Then, bright and early Sunday morning drive outside the city to the Church property to set up and begin computer and English Classes. Can’t wait!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TANYA! ~ I have to do a call out to my lovely wife. Today, June 4, 2009, is our 35th Wedding Anniversary…and wouldn’t you know it. Her husband is en route to Africa. Anyway, it has been a lovely 35 years, and she should get a gold medal for PATIENCE living me all these years! Love you, Tan.

~Doug Horchak