Monday, 15 July 2013

Maposa Mission Trip 2013


Pete's Zambia Blog

Since coming home from Zambia, I have tried and failed on numerous occasions to use my limited vocabulary to talk about our experiences. I feel frustrated that no matter who or what I talk about, or how long I talk for, words do not explain quite how incredible this place and its people are. I'm finding it hard to come to terms with the fact that I'll probably never be able to explain it in a way that does the people justice. And as much as its true that I have a limited vocabulary, I believe it is also true that it wouldn't matter if I were an incredibly talented wordsmith. These spectacular people really do have to been seen to be believed.

The images that we see on our TV screens every time 'Children In Need' or 'Comic Relief' comes around depict a level of suffering and hardship that just seems so unlikely. Like it couldn't possibly be real. But as much as we would try to rationalize these things and pretend its not that bad, it is, and there is no other term than heart wrenching to describe how it feels to see it first hand. To come face to face with the most beautiful little girl you've ever seen and know that statistically she has more chance of being raped than she has of getting an education cuts through your soul in a way you can't possibly prepare yourself for. Let me tell you that seeing it first hand only makes it harder to believe.

However if I'm honest the thing I felt most unprepared for was the faith of this small community (Maposa). How on earth could these same people who suffer such hardships and tragedies greet the morning sun with such joy? I went expecting to see people defined by grief, controlled by fear and despair. And please understand I'm not saying they don't suffer these emotions, but they aren't defined by them. In Maposa we were not greeted with hearts defined by sadness, we were greeted with open arms and the widest smiles you've ever seen, with singing and dancing, with children who don't care if you can do anything for them, but just want to spend time with you because they can.

These people might not understand the riches of our culture, but why I ask myself would they waste their time trying, when their riches are so much more than silver and gold. Relationships, faith & true community have nurtured indomitable mentalities and hearts of grace and compassion. The true joy that our culture can only provide in starts and stops, that is so often dependant on our circumstances is provided here in Maposa by their faith and their accurate understanding of what it really means to live in relationship with God and with each other. These people have given me no choice but to reconsider what it really means to have much or to have little.

To see a small child willingly share the only hot meal she would receive for two days with another child who had nothing to eat tells you everything you need to know about the spirits of the people we met. I felt ashamed to stand and watch knowing that in less than a week I'd fly home to a place where too often sharing is considered an inconvenience or a hassle.

 
 
To quote the 'Mocha Club' Maposa and its people have taught me that "the possessions in my hand will never be as valuable as peace in my heart. They've taught me that I don't need what I have and that I have what I need."

I went to Zambia in ignorance thinking that I could actually do something for these people. Instead I found that Maposa taught me more in 2 weeks than any of our countries most expensive learning institutions ever could.

I come from a non Christian background, I found faith by the grace of God when I was 20. Obviously I still have a lot of non Christian friends, and often when things go sour they'll ask "Where was God when this happened?" That can be hard to explain sometimes and I don't have all the answers. But I know that I've never felt closer or seen God's work so near as when I was in Zambia. And it gives me tremendous happiness to know that this is the heart of God, the God of peace who draws near and cares for people who are in need, people who are alone, people who are earnestly crying out for his grace. This is where the people of Maposa find their peace.

In the UK we have this clouded image of Christianity were tradition and religion meet together and get in the way of what its really all about. Religion writes unnecessary rules on top of unnecessary rules and tradition makes the madness of yesteryear the confusion of today.

In Zambia they understand that God is not about religion. They don't know the Jesus that is taught in religious churches in this country. They see the Jesus who cared enough about his friends to give his life to save them on the cross. They see the Jesus who cares more about the motives of the heart than the outward appearance of the hypocrite in his Sunday best. They see the Jesus of faithfulness, peace, love, kindness and humility. They know the real Jesus. And because of him, they are defined by joy and peace in an area of the world where rightfully there should be none.

Finally I'd like to just take a moment to say thank you to anyone that donated towards this trip, whether that be in terms of finance, sponsorship, encouragement, prayer or anything else you have done. I appreciate everyone's contributions so much. And on behalf of everyone in Maposa, THANK YOU! Please keep this community in your thoughts and prayers. God bless

Pete

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