“An unforgettable experience”
On July the 11th, myself and 6 other people from my church in Stalybridge went to Singazongwein the Gwembe Valley Region of Zambia, for 10 days, camping at the Longezia Mission Base.
We were going to help the field co-ordinators, Theuns and Karin Englebrecht’s work with the Tongan tribe spreading the message of Jesus. Myself at 15yrs old had no prior experience of doing any missionary work, and what an amazing, life changing, eventful time it was.
On the team there was 2 other people my age, the way the people of this team pulled together and got on was fantastic, just shows how God puts these teams together and has a plan for each one of us. Each person I felt brought something new to the team.
I had always felt a calling to go and do God’s work in a third world country, and this mission was the right time for me to go and help and learn about God.
I went expecting to give what I had to the Tongan people, whether it being my testimony or participating in a drama. Yes, I did give what I could, but I found I received a lot more.
From giving testimonies to over 500 in the middle of nowhere, to dipping kids feet in paint to make a tree of spiritual growth. We had a mission packed of variety, drama, preaching Gods word, crafts and much more. I really enjoyed these experiences and had lots of fun and laughter. Whilst I was there I encountered an emotional roller coaster, from feeling overwhelmed, to feeling challenged, then encouraged. These ups and downs showed me how God is always here for us, and he has does have a purpose for us.
Here’s an extract from my journal, which I wrote sitting on a rock looking out to Lake Kariba…
“These people that you see on telly that are so poor actually live real lives and it’s starting to hit me! They’re so kind, open and willing to learn from you, even though we are no better than them. Today I really enjoyed joining in the African worship it was amazing! Now I’m feeling really settled here, it is great to have so much time focusing on doing God’s work. Looking at the stars and around at the people tonight I understand why they find God amazing and now I find Him amazing.”
This mission opened my eyes to the poverty of Gods people, I found it amazing how these people with so little had so much faith and hope in God. It taught me to be more thankful and rely on God more in my life and the importance of reading his word. What an unforgettable experience that I will always look back upon and be thankful for that amazing encounter with God.
Tom Bamford