George!

George and Jason are like brothers, and it's rare to see one without the other. What one doesn't think of, the other will, and they are the source of much mischief and laughter wherever they go. George can melt the hardest heart with his smile--if you don't believe me, take a look at this clip.

And here are a couple more pictures of Mr. Personality.

Jason!

I've been in love with Jason since Sara first brought him to our house in 2007. He and George became my "grandsons" and gave me lots of practice being "Nana." And I miss them! So I begged Roy Merritt who runs the Eric's House orphanage and he was kind enough to send me this video of Jason (I'll post one of George later).

Jason is now five years old, but here are some pictures of him in earlier days.

Easter 2008 - a little intimidated by all the excitement!

Christmas 2008

Sara with George and Jason - 2009

Jason, George, and Kevin - 2010

Rajiv Siamweela

When David and I neared the end of our five-year commitment in Zambia, my greatest concern was the sponsorship program. Who would take care of all the students? Who would take pictures of the new high school pupils? Who would collect letters for sponsors and write articles for the sponsorship newsletter? I prayed about it, and others joined me in praying that God would send just the right person. God answered those prayers richly by providing Rajiv Siamweela to serve as the on-site assistant coordinator of the sponsorship program.

Rajiv was sponsored through Namwianga Christian Secondary School, the Business and Computer Studies program, and George Benson Christian College. In December he completed his three-year teacher training program at GBCC. In high school and college, he distinguished himself in academic performance and spiritual leadership. Rajiv assumed his new role as assistant sponsorship coordinator last February. Since then he has shown great competence and energy as he has handled the communication and record-keeping duties for the sponsorship program at Namwianga. Rajiv also has a heart for ministry. He knows the sponsored students and cares deeply about them.

I am very proud that one of our own sponsored students is now taking a leadership role in helping the program grow and bless others.

Off to Change the World

Last month a new crop of GBCC graduates set off to change the world. Or to at least change a few communities in rural Zambia. The recent graduates headed off to areas of western and northern Zambia where they will serve as teachers and work to either plant a church or encourage an existing one.

The passengers--the graduates and their families-- rode on the yellow bus. A truck in front of them held their household goods.
The graduates are headed for new homes and new challenges. They'll be dropped off hundreds of miles from home, left among strangers to brighten the community with the light of Christ.

The small vehicle shuttles families from the large bus to the small, outlying communities.

The man in the middle is Bornwell Kayanda, with his wife and four kids, outside the house that will become their home. He’s a soft-hearted, gentle fellow who looks frightened right now, but the sturdy Spirit in him will calm him. Soon he will settle in this bare house and adjust to his new life. And do his part to change the world.

Photos and information provided by Roy Merritt.