Last day in Lusaka and on to Zimbabwe -- Victor Kubik

January 11, 2013

Today we wind our meetings with the ministry and deacons here in Lusaka.  At breakfast Cherry Pringle brings mangos from their estate in Kitwe. Mangoes are in season (it's only for two months a year)   She has a special variety that is not stringy.  My moments with them are so enjoyable....they are dear friends. God-willing, they will be coming to our General Conference of Elders in Cincinnati this May and will be staying with us.  They want to tour the US, as well afterwards.

We had an important financial meeting to discuss accounting.  Our finances to cover all the the eight active churches in Zambia is in great shape.  I'm so pleased as to how both Wilson Nkhoma and Derrick Pringle seriously and conscientiously care for the people spiritually and physically.

With Derrick I also discussed helping an orphanage in Mufumbwe where we have one of our churches.  It is run by one of our church members and has a different way of operating.  He has struggled to keep this orphan center going.  LifeNets likes  to pick up projects that are already up and running, but struggling. We, then, like to give them a hand up.   They have done an incredible work with the meager resources they've had.   Last year we helpued with only $500, but it did an immense amount of good.  We are going to increase that this year and you'll be seeing stories and write-ups on this on our LifeNets communications. 

We had other matters to discuss through the morning as our visit is winding down. I fly to Zimbabwe later in the afternoon. 

We have learned more about the dark operation of those who left us in Zambia. They still are called UCG, but affiliated with the abigail folks, a strange, even humorous alliance.  I would like to openly invite all those who have left us to come back.  You will be welcomed with open arms. We miss you and really we should all be together. You were stampeded out of our fellowship by being told we would change our beliefs and that we would cease to exist. None of that has happened. In fact, we are closer and more bonded than ever here in Zambia.  Some of those who left are beginning to see that what they have been told is not true and just sit at home. Some are intimidated knowing that their cattle will be confiscated as it was done last year to all those who remained in the United Church of God by those who unscrupulously use our good name LifeNets.  To you I say, come back to your fellowship and don't be bullied.  We will care for you as we have cared for all who were harmed.  If good men do nothing, evil will prevail.  This is already happening by people in different places around the world who see no value to be in an org that is so thin in what they offer, particularly in preaching the Gospel. By the way, our LifeNets work in Zambia has not diminished one bit.  We still grant scholarships, provide cattle and agricultural support, and work with orphans .  This has given us as donors great deal of pleasure. 

Derrick and Cherry had some Friday afternoon shopping to do before their 3 hour drive back to Kitwe. Wilson and Gracious took me to Lusaka airport on the earlier side.  They, too, have to get ready for the Sabbath and I just waited a few hours at the airport.

On this short leg from Lusaka to Harare I am on Emirates Airlines from Dubai.  An interesting experience.  Because of all the stuff I'm hauling I needed two bags.  It cost me when I left the US  I was wondering how much I'll be charged here. Nothing!  The check-in policy was ultra liberal like in the good old days of air travel.  I could have driven a car up to the counter and they would have put a luggage tag on it!. 

There were maybe only ten of us that were added to this 45 minute flight to Harare. We landed in the rain.  Zimbabwe and Harare are looking better than the last time I was here which was ten years ago.  Seems to be more bustle at the airport and on the streets.  Regular American currency is the the legal exchange.  It's funny to see people paying for things with real American money. 

Mike Mukarati and Mabasa Chichaya picked me up at the airport.  Was it great to see Mike again..e have not seen each other since 2003!   I have never met Mobasa, but his wife Chisomo is one of our scholarship recipients.  She will be getting her teaching degree and will be teaching primary school when finished.

Harare is a city that always makes me feel cheery inside.  I love all the trees lining the streets.  The hotel where I'm staying is right downtown.  This is where we will be holding Sabbath services and the Kingdom of God seminars tomorrow. 

All of us five when to dinner at the hotel at 8 pm.  It was, once again, a wonderful evening of friendship, sharing of our common  journey and love.  Tomorrow is a big day!

Even though there is a warm rain falling here and temperate 80 degrees, there are no mosquitos as there were in Zambia.  I got bit some, but hopefully my daily doxycyclene will give me protection from malaria.