the Maxwell's

the Maxwell's
Us at Easter 2012

Monday, July 26, 2010

Whats been going on in Zambia

The team has been doing amazing things. I almost feel bad writing about it because I know I will be unable to really put into words how amazing it has been for them. I get goose bumps just thinking about the lives that they get to touch and the fact that their lives will never be the same. So far they have visited an orphanage where they were able to do evangelism through songs, evangacubes, and balloons. The kids loved having them there and were so grateful for what the team was doing. They also got to have a full day of ministry in Makanda.. This was a rural area, with thatched roof cottages, no running water or electricity, and all the people make their own living by growing bannas, and selling them on the main road, not too far from their villages.they said it was definite culture shock. Josh preached on 1 John 1.. it was difficult with a translator, but he believe it was effective.
They have also been able to have some down time and sight seeing. Josh posted a hilarious video of the killing a spider. If you are friends with Josh you can see it on his facebook page. They also had the chance to go to a market place where (in josh's words) were able to get souvenirs at a good price.
This week they are heading to Victoria falls. I know I can't wait to see pictures of God's beautiful creation.
If you are praying for the team, please keep in mind that they are hitting the half way point. They have all been together for a while in tight quarters and personalities can start to clash and nerves can get stretched thin. Please pray that they can keep the lines of communication open and that they can remember why they are there.
Thanks for checking in.

Monday, July 19, 2010

A Face with the name


Brad, Madison, Arline, Josh, Fridah (front in the red shirt) Tyler, Brady, and Tim.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Sunday July 18th and following

In the words of Kip from "Napoleon Dynamite"--"Yes I love technology not as much as you you see. Yes I love technology. Always and forever." Why do I share this with you? Because this morning while I was getting ready for church, I received a Skype call from Josh. There is an internet cafe where they will be able to access their group e-mail (wcfzambiateam@gmail.com), hope on facebook, and skype with their families. Lord willing, next Sunday they will be able to Skype us while we are in the church service.
One thing the students did in preparation for this was back yard bible clubs. They did three different weeks at three different location. They taught the kids songs, games, and lots of verses. They were able to share the gospel by using evengacubes, making the colored bracelets, and doing face painting. These skills are going to be put to good use as they will be going to Vine Orphanage for Children Evangelism on the 20th, on the 21st meet with the orphans of the church on the 21st, and then on the 22nd they will be going to Chismo Drop off Center where they will get to do more evangelism.
Please pray for the team as this is going to be a huge culture shock for them. These students might think that they know a lot about the world but they are about to be in for a rude awakening. This will be big for Josh and Arline as well. This is not something they would ever see here in Winnemucca. Tim and Fridah are from there so they might be a little more "use to it" but it still can be hard to see. Please pray that the gospel is preached boldly and clearly. Also please pray that the hearts of the team will be open to the blessings that this community can give to them.

Friday, July 16, 2010

July 16th. Departure day

A lot of you already know that Josh has been planning a trip to Zambia for a little less than a year. Some of you may have even got support letters asking for your prayers. God has been good and answered those prayers. Originally I was planning on going on the trip but then we found out in March that we would be expecting our second child in November and my doctor did not think it would not be a good idea if I went. This was very bitter sweet. I loved going to Africa when I was in high school and have had the desire to return one day. But at the same time I LOVE being a mom and don't know if I could leave Joshua behind for such a long period of time and I did not want to but baby #2 in danger.
Now, the time as come. After many hours of service, several Sunday meetings, hundreds of prayers, and thousands of dollars, they are ready to go. This morning the team and some of the family member met at church to get all the paper work in order, get the bags weighted and to load the bus. Once everything was checked and rechecked it was time to pray and say goodbye. This was very hard for me. I am not used to being the one who is left behind. I have always been Josh's right hand man when it comes to trips. I help control the crowed, try and think ahead to help alleviate stress, and try to encourage him when things don't go as they are suppose to. When I knew I wasn't going crazy. But like I said before I know that it is best for me to stay behind and be one of the prayer warriors for the team.
I ask that you join me in this and pray for them. Here is the list of the people who are going on the trip.
Josh Maxwell
The Adults:
Tim Banda
Fridah Banda
Arline Gomz
The Youth:
Brad Pearce
Tyler Duran
Brady Riley
Madison Waldie
I will be posting a blog every few days so you all can be updated on what they are doing and how you can continually pray for them. (If you read this off facebook it may be a few days behind. For a more accurate timeline go to my blog page to check for updates)
Today they made the very long drive to San Francisco and their flight will be departing at 10:24 PM (west coast time). They will be landing in New York (JFK) at 7 am east coast time on July 17th. From JFK they will depart at 11:15 and fly to Johannesburg, South Africa and arrive at 8:40 am on July the 18th. (This will flight will take 15 1/2 hours in the air) Then at 10:50 am the team will depart and plan to arrive at Lusaka, Zambia at 12:30 pm (3:30 Winnemucca time) Once they get in they will get settled in the house where they are staying and then off to a welcome service.
For now please pray for safety and sanity (haha). This group is going to be stuck in Airports and planes for many days. Pray that they are kept safe and that they can use this time to bond and relax. Also pray that their bodies will adjust well to the time change. Please also be praying for the family's that have been left behind. This is the longest amount of time that Josh and I will be apart and I am already feeling lonely knowing that I will not be able to talk to him everyday.
If you would like to contact the team you may do so by writing them an e-mail. It is an address the entire group can access. wcfzambiateam@gmail.com
I will do my best to let you all know what they will be up to while they are there. Thank you in advance for all your prayer and support.