Showing a smile, hugs, words of affirmation, giving attention to the usually ignored people are things which are always within our reach in our everyday life, yet we daily take them for granted.
Every year as I have served with mission teams, I have seen them manifesting the fruit of the spirit usually in the form of caring deeds both among each other and so much more to the locals here.
On one occasion we spent the whole day listening to one couple's problems and praying with them. On other days, we spent time playing with and investing in the lives of children in my community. On some evenings after worship we would minister to each other as we shared about our group and personal encounters that we had during ministry. We would then pray for each other. In fact, I would always look forward to these times because of how I saw the Lord use them to change so many of the team members lives, including my own.
I’ve seen time and time again; these teams come and actively show God’s love for my friends and neighbors here in Zambia. It’s a simple ministry but yet, so profound. And as I have observed them, year after year, God has used their example to teach me this truth – “I have all that I need to show the light that is within me.”
Living in an environment like Zambia. where you are surrounded by many who have an un-ending list of needs, you are tempted to feel that you always need to provide things in order to show the love of Christ. But these teams have shown me something different. As they have come here, stepped out of their comfort zones and served, they’ve done it mostly by just being present, listening to the stories of my friends and countrymen and then stopping long enough to pray for and encourage them. I’ve seen them stop what they’re doing, put their own agendas aside and just play games with children who are starving for attention and the love of the Father. I’ve seen them go into homes where oppression and fear exist and proclaim the love of the Lord over broken situations. They’ve taught me through their actions that there are many ways in which we can be the hands and feet of Jesus and that we are fully equipped to do so if we only surrender all that we have to Him.
So, as we prepare for another year and another season of ministry. I’m excited. I’m excited for the new friendships that I will be able to form with visiting teams. I’m excited to see how the Lord will work through this new crop of young missionaries and I’m excited to see the fruit that comes from our time serving together in Zambia!
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About the Author: Laban Mwelwa is a dear friend to many who have served on a mission trip to Zambia. He is an associate pastor at Lusaka South and works part-time with Awana Zambia. The article above is his perspective of working with visiting teams.