Updated Statement about Zambia

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Original Prayer Request

December 11, 2011 

While the cattle issue in Zambia has yet to be fully resolved, much progress has been made to restore the livelihoods of members living in that African country. Both LifeNets and the United Church of God have moved to positively intervene to ensure that members whose cattle were taken were able to find other means to plant their crops and continue on with their lives. That action was taken before the Feast of Tabernacles. Over the last few months, LifeNets has contributed more than $19,000 to members and families there to stabilize the situation and provide for future growth. 

Given that the facility that was built through support from the United Church of God and the generosity of two UCG members living the United States was taken by people associated with COGWA, the United Church of God was able to find a last-minute alternative for the more than 170 brethren who were able to travel for the Feast of Tabernacles. In all, UCG in the United States contributed more than $14,000 for Feast-related expenses. Thanks to God, the Feast was able to go forward for these members despite the unnecessary hardships they had to temporarily endure. This relief no doubt came at least in part from the many prayers offered up by God’s people in the recent prayer request. To those who prayed that God would intervene, thank you! It is clear that He did, particularly given that facilities needed for members are not typically readily available on such short notice.

We are also very pleased that Jim Tuck will be returning to Zambia for a two week visit in late December. Mr. Tuck is the pastor of the San Francisco and Oakland, California congregations who previously assisted with the 2011 youth camp and other activities in Zambia earlier this year.

Part of Mr. Tuck’s purpose in going is to evaluate how best the $14,000 raised at Gatlinburg, Tennessee and elsewhere during the recent Feast of Tabernacles can be used to help Zambia brethren improve the quality of their lives. If cattle are purchased to replace the ones inappropriately taken before the Feast, they have to be trained and undergo other hurdles.

We are also always looking for other ways to help our brethren there, including the digging of new wells for water and other necessities.

God has certainly looked after His own in Zambia, and we count ourselves privileged to play a role in serving them. While all is not yet resolved, much as been achieved. Thank you for your past prayers, as they are being answered. Please continue to pray for positive resolution of the remaining issues, and that God would bless His people with peace and stability there.