In Prison

Three weeks ago, we started a service that I don't think I can ever stop again--here in Africa or when we get back home. We went with one of the deacons to visit the two major prisons here in Lusaka. At first, I was hesitant and actually a bit afraid to go. I didn't know what to expect but I finally reminded myself of the Lord's words "I was in prison and you visited Me" (Matt 25:36) and was convinced that I would see the Lord face-to-face...and I did, I really did. We walked into the prison expecting to see different buildings with inmates cells..and we did, except those cells were empty and all the prisoners were outside in a communal area ready for worship. They began with singing songs and then awaited for one of us to share the word of God with them. When I say singing, don't let your mind go to any church meeting or Sunday school class. Their voices shook the prison walls and everyone in that little town knew when it was time for worship at the prison.

Every face we saw, every word the prisoners said, we felt the love in their hearts, towards us (people they've never met before) and more importantly towards the Lord Jesus. Everything they did, they did with passion. In their singing, they were fiery, in their prayers they were consistent, and those who could read (or afford a bible) had one in their hand. They all sat quietly as we shared the word of God (reminder: these are a group of thieves, murderers and rapist) but in looking at the change in their lives (while in prison anyways) you would never have guessed they are criminals. Every time we go, we remind them that this time was granted by God for them to repent and become better people and in this time, they will find blessings.

When we left the first prison two weeks ago, we didn't feel that God really has spoken through us (talk about faith :/ ) but God wanted to prove His promises never fail, in spite of the weakness of our faith. He said, "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:10-12) and his promises are true. We were doing some shopping at the near-by grocery store and a gentleman stopped Fady in one of the Isles and said to him "You probably do not remember me, but I remember you from the time you can to visit me at the prison. I was finally pardoned and you had told us, that if we come out to come find the Coptic church". Fady gave him the number and address of the church and we are praying that he finds his way to the arms of the Lord. 

They had a great saying in prison that Fady and I picked up and will never forget. One person would say the first part (like a chant) and the rest of the men would answer with the second part..

"God is good"
"All the time."


"All the time"
"God is good"


Amen :)

Kasisi-Children's Home

Sister Maryola - Head sister of Kasisi

This past weekend, we were blessed to have visited a Children's orphanage called "Kasisi ". Kasisi is an orphanage that currently has about 300 children. It is run by the Roman Catholic Church's order of nuns called "Little Servants of Mary Immaculate". This order was founded by a man named Edmund Bojanowski, who was a patron of orphans. I have to confess, before going there, I had my doubts about the service at the orphanage. The Copts here at St. Mark's that visited before me, were describing this place as "heaven". They continuously spoke about the  the beautiful guests rooms, with the comfortable beds, and extravagant decor. Fady and I were not impressed by all the talk and we were going there determined not to utilize anything of what we heard about. Fady was going to do a day- clinic for the sick kids at the orphanage and I was going to help out as much as I could. The head nun, Sister Maryola, drove about an hour to come pick us up from St. Mark's. Her warm smile greeted us at 8:00AM and we all jumped into the orphanage's car and headed to Kasisi. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted with more smiles. The love and hospitality that the sisters showed us was overwhelming. But it was not love just from the outside and it was not only directed to us as visitors. The love and fellowship of the sisters extended to all the children at the orphanage, and to all the staff--for the least to the highest of ranks. We felt a comfort and peace on all their faces that proved to us that the sisters' care for them runs way deeper than we could ever think. Although the children are provided with much love, that love is also balanced with a healthy amount of discipline (which in reality is the definition of true love). The kids had everything a child could want, from their own beds, to their own play rooms, play grounds, cafeterias, and mamas to take care of all their needs. But they also had set times of waking up, prayers, and readings. The children were not lacking manners, from the youngest to the oldest (23 years old). They all showed respect to the staff, the sisters, to us, but most importantly in their dealings with one another. We realized that all of this was due to the amazing balance of love and wisdom that the sister's portrayed in dealing with the children. They treated each one as their own, without spoiling them and without lacking the love and tenderness that every child requires. Our experience at Kasisi cannot really be described in words. We have experienced love and service to the utmost capacity. Oh and the "luxuries" that all the Copts spoke to us before we went, doesn't even come close to the true treasures we've discovered there.

God-willing, there will be a clinic for these kids every 2-3 weeks. Keep us and them in your prayers!

Sister Maria (my right) and Sister Janina (my left)