Macha BIC Church...where it all began in Zambia

It has just been gorgeous weather during our time in Africa.  It is their winter, but feels like our spring.  Most people find it very cold, though, and are wearing their heavy coats, hats and gloves!

Esther treated us to a pancake breakfast before church on Sunday morning.  Bridget and I walked to church, hoping not to get lost, even though it was only one path.  The BIC church in Macha was the first Brethren in Christ church established in Zambia.   It is where the BIC began!  There are actually now 800 BIC churches in southern Africa, up to 80,000 members! 

We enjoyed the worship service, with several different choirs singing.  I just love the music and singing here!  There was a time to welcome first time visitors at the church, which included Bridget and I among several other students from PA that plan to study at Macha for a few weeks.  Jake shared the message. 

After church, a group of BIC workers gathered together at John and Esther’s home for a potluck lunch of bushbuck curry, rice, sweet potatoes with rose hips and orange glaze, and various salads.  All of it was delicious—first time I’ve ever had bushbuck.  It was nice to visit with so many of our BIC family and hear their stories.  Check out Esther finishing off the bushbuck bone!

Just a joy to get to know John and Ester more!

Late afternoon, we travelled with Jake and Nancy from Macha back to Choma for another night at the Nahumba Guest House.  Jake and Nancy have been married for 59 years and have such a beautiful relationship.  What a joy to see their happiness together after so many years.  During our drive to Choma, we heard so many stories of their time serving in Africa.  Our time with them is just beginning—I’m sure we will hear many more stories of their journey together!

We spent some time hanging out with Bruce and Joleen and their family before calling it a night.  We head out early on Monday morning to go to Zimbabwe.