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September 19, 2001
Dear Praying Friends,
Our trip to Lusaka, Zambia, from the12th to the 17th of September
was very profitable.
We attended the Justo Mwale Theological College (JMTC) 50-year
celebration. It was a wonderful combination of looking back at
the history of the college and looking forward to the future.
As newcomers, it was very helpful for us to hear and meet the
missionaries and Zambians who pioneered the college and to catch
the vision for what the present leadership sees as the challenges
and opportunities for the future. We, the PC(USA), will continue
to partner with JMTC by sponsoring 12 students a year and helping
with various building projects in the years ahead.
The highlight of the trip to Lusaka came Sunday morning at the
Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Matero congregation
(Lusaka West). The worship service was truly exhilarating. The
youth choir was amazing, about 40 of them. They sang two or three
songs during the service and then sang continuously when the service
was over. Of course, the singing was entirely a
cappella except for several African drums. Bob had a bit part
in the service and when he quoted the verse "All things are
possible with God" in Chichewa, they applauded and cheered.
The congregation was so gracious, as if he really knew the Chichewa
language instead of just a few words.
Prayers for America were offered three times during the three-hour
service. We wept, sensing more than ever before that the Body
of Christ really is One Body. An offering was taken for the victims
of the atrocities in America. To help you get the full impact
of what it means for poor people to give, we have attached a photo
from another service we attended. The offering there was dedicated
to the Lord, several bills, all from the visitors, a few coins
and an egg. Wow, an offering taken for the victims in America
given by victims of the
violence of poverty here in Africa. It was powerful. We wept again.
We will long remember the Matero congregation and the worship
we shared together with them, and with you, through Christ Jesus
our Lord.
Thanks for your prayers and concerns.
With love,
Bob and Bobbi Snyder
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