Transformative Mission: Serving and Supporting Zambia's Children

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Presence

Being physically present in the lives of those in need can profoundly impact both the giver and the receiver. When you are there in person, holding a child's hand, seeing their living conditions, and sharing in their daily struggles, it brings a new level of understanding and compassion. This presence is a powerful testimony of God's love and care, showing that you are willing to step out of your comfort zone to be there for others. It’s not just about financial support; it’s about showing up and being a tangible expression of God's love. [36:21]

Matthew 25:35-36 (ESV): "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me."

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who could benefit from your physical presence. How can you show up for them this week in a way that demonstrates God's love and care?

Day 2: Small Acts, Big Impact

Simple, everyday items that we often take for granted can significantly impact the lives of those in need. For instance, a water filtration system or solar power for refrigeration can save lives by providing clean water and preserving essential medicines. These small acts of kindness can lead to monumental changes. It’s a reminder that even the smallest contributions can have a ripple effect, transforming communities and bringing hope to those who need it most. [49:27]

Proverbs 19:17 (ESV): "Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed."

Reflection: Identify a small, practical way you can help someone in need this week. What simple act of kindness can you perform that might have a big impact on their life?

Day 3: Joy Amidst Hardship

Despite the severe challenges faced by the children at Operation I-Dream, their joy and gratitude were overwhelming. This serves as a powerful reminder that joy is not dependent on circumstances but on the presence of God and the community around us. Their smiles and songs were a testament to their resilient spirits, showing that true joy comes from within and is often found in the most unexpected places. [38:50]

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced joy despite difficult circumstances. How can you cultivate a spirit of joy and gratitude in your current situation?

Day 4: The Call to Be the Body of Christ

On June 30th, we are encouraged to go out and be the body of Christ in our communities. This means stepping out of our comfort zones to serve others, whether by taking someone to lunch, visiting a family member, or helping a neighbor. It’s about living out our faith in tangible ways that reflect Christ's love. Being the body of Christ means being His hands and feet, actively seeking ways to serve and love those around us. [04:39]

1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can serve someone in your community this week? How can you use your unique gifts to be the hands and feet of Christ?

Day 5: Ongoing Commitment

Our mission to support Operation I-Dream is not a one-time event but an ongoing commitment. We are called to continually support these children and their community, ensuring they have access to education, medical care, and basic necessities. This long-term commitment reflects the enduring love and provision of God. It’s a reminder that true ministry is not about quick fixes but about sustained, faithful support that makes a lasting difference. [01:01:29]

Galatians 6:9 (ESV): "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."

Reflection: Consider a cause or person you have supported in the past. How can you renew your commitment to them and provide ongoing support? What steps can you take to ensure your help is consistent and impactful?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, I shared the transformative experience of my recent mission trip to Zambia, specifically to the Operation I-Dream center in Ndola. This trip profoundly impacted me, revealing the dire needs and incredible resilience of the children and families there. We encountered numerous challenges, from flat tires on treacherous roads to witnessing the severe lack of medical supplies and basic necessities like clean water and food. Despite these hardships, the joy and gratitude of the children were palpable, especially when they welcomed us with songs and smiles.

Operation I-Dream serves over 400 children, providing education, medical care, and meals. We saw firsthand the impact of their work, including success stories like a former student who now works in construction at the center. However, the needs are immense. Malaria, cholera, and other diseases are rampant due to inadequate medical supplies and poor living conditions. Simple solutions like solar power for refrigeration and water filtration systems can make a significant difference.

Our church has already raised $5,000, which has been allocated to expand the Estreta Health Center and complete a library for the children. But the mission doesn't stop there. We are committed to ongoing support, including providing basic needs like iPhones for documentation, laptops, and even a television for educational purposes. This mission aligns with our core values of embodying the power of God and making a tangible difference in the world.

I also emphasized the importance of being the body of Christ beyond the church walls. On June 30th, we will not have a service but will instead go out to serve our community in various ways. This is a call to action to live out our faith in practical, impactful ways.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Dream, their joy and gratitude were overwhelming. This serves as a powerful reminder that joy is not dependent on circumstances but on the presence of God and the community around us. Their smiles and songs were a testament to their resilient spirits. [38:50]
4. The Call to Be the Body of Christ: On June 30th, we are encouraged to go out and be the body of Christ in our communities. This means stepping out of our comfort zones to serve others, whether by taking someone to lunch, visiting a family member, or helping a neighbor. It's about living out our faith in tangible ways that reflect Christ's love.

5. Ongoing Commitment: Our mission to support Operation I-Dream is not a one-time event but an ongoing commitment. We are called to continually support these children and their community, ensuring they have access to education, medical care, and basic necessities. This long-term commitment reflects the enduring love and provision of God.

### [38:50]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[04:15] - Limitless Summer Announcement
[04:39] - Be The Body Sunday
[36:21] - Life-Changing Mission Trip to Zambia
[37:56] - Why God Sent Me to Zambia
[38:50] - Welcoming Songs from the Children
[40:27] - School Day Presentation
[42:13] - Success Stories from Operation I-Dream
[44:05] - Medical Challenges and Needs
[45:23] - Pharmacy and Power Issues
[46:31] - Emergency Room Visit
[48:20] - Rescuing Girls from Child Marriages
[49:27] - Teaching Trades and Skills
[50:24] - Water Source Challenges
[51:02] - Feeding the Children
[53:30] - Visiting the Children's Homes
[55:54] - Water Filtration Demonstration
[57:36] - Providing Clean Water
[58:24] - Leaving Clothes and Shoes
[59:03] - Fundraising Success
[59:49] - Completing the Library
[61:29] - Ongoing Commitment to Zambia
[64:43] - Jesus' Example of Meeting Physical Needs
[66:27] - Introduction of Pastor Keenan
[74:39] - Father's Day and Identity in Christ
[77:14] - Battling Feelings of Inadequacy
[89:24] - Balancing Grace and Discipline
[94:11] - Story of Grace and Discipline
[98:13] - Faith, Prayer, and Fasting
[103:01] - Prayer for Fathers
[107:44] - Invitation to Receive Prayer
[108:44] - Call to Salvation and Recommitment
[109:46] - Closing and Final Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 25:35-40 (NIV) — > "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." Then the righteous will answer him, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?" The King will reply, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

2. James 2:14-17 (NIV)
> "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

3. 1 John 3:17-18 (NIV)
> "If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."

Observation Questions

What were some of the challenges faced by the mission team during their trip to Zambia? ([36:21])
How did the children at Operation I-Dream welcome the mission team upon their arrival? ([38:50])
What are some of the specific needs mentioned in the sermon that Operation I-Dream is facing? ([45:23])
How did the church contribute financially to support Operation I-Dream, and what were the funds used for? ([59:03])

Interpretation Questions

How does the passage from Matthew 25:35-40 relate to the mission work described in the sermon? ([36:21])
In what ways does James 2:14-17 challenge believers to act on their faith, and how is this reflected in the church's commitment to Operation I-Dream? ([01:01:29])
How does 1 John 3:17-18 emphasize the importance of tangible actions in demonstrating God's love, and how does this align with the mission trip's goals? ([49:27])
What does the joy and gratitude of the children at Operation I-Dream, despite their hardships, teach us about the presence of God in difficult circumstances? ([38:50])

Application Questions

Reflecting on Matthew 25:35-40, how can you personally contribute to meeting the needs of those in your community who are hungry, thirsty, or in need of clothing? ([36:21])
James 2:14-17 speaks about faith accompanied by action. What specific actions can you take this week to help someone in need, and how can you involve your small group in this effort? ([01:01:29])
Considering 1 John 3:17-18, identify a material possession you have that could significantly impact someone else's life if you were to give it away. How can you make this a reality? ([49:27])
The sermon highlighted the importance of being physically present in the lives of those in need. How can you make time in your schedule to volunteer or visit someone who could use your support? ([36:21])
The children at Operation I-Dream displayed joy amidst hardship. How can you cultivate a similar attitude of gratitude and joy in your own life, regardless of your circumstances? ([38:50])
On June 30th, the church will go out to serve the community instead of holding a service. What specific plans do you have to be the body of Christ on that day, and how can you encourage others to join you? ([04:39])
The church has committed to ongoing support for Operation I-Dream. How can you make a long-term commitment to a cause or organization that aligns with your values and faith? ([01:01:29])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "I would encourage you to go to the Limitless table and get an invite card and invite somebody to Limitless Summer on the 23rd of this month. Hey Limitless I'm excited to tell you about Be The Body Sunday The last Sunday of this month June 30th We will not have service Why? Because we're going to be out being the body Whether that mean you're worshipping at another church Or maybe you're going to a church That you've been invited to We encourage you to go out And be the body Sunday Be the body of Christ Maybe for you That's taking a family member Or a non-believer to lunch Whatever that looks like I want to encourage you to go out And not just be here in a silo But actually go out and be the body of Christ." (38 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "He said, go into the nations and preach the gospel. Part of that preaching the gospel is being it to the people. Right? Why? Because I already know some of y'all, I see the religion jumping up in you. Why? Because Jesus, when he was there, you know what he did? He fed people. Because he's like, ain't no way they can hear about this Savior if they can't hear over their stomach growling. Amen? I can't pay attention to the spiritual need because the physical need is so dire. Yes. So we're going to go and we're going to be the example of Jesus that God has called us to be." (46 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "You must keep doing it. How amazing is it when you have something like that? You found home. You found your place. How amazing would it be for someone else to experience that as well? And I always say, you never know. One invite could change someone's life. We've had stories of people who've invited others and you've seen them, told the stories. You've heard us tell the story. Just invite them to one service and see what the Lord does with the rest." (30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Maybe you're here today and you've never made Jesus Lord of your life. You cannot do it alone. You've tried. It doesn't work. But he says if you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, you shall be saved. Confess him as Lord. guide or emergency use only. But confess him as Lord of your life. Today is the day. The Bible says today is the day of salvation. So if you've never made him Lord, I offer you that opportunity today." (45 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "I can tell you that my life will never be the same, and so I wanted to take a couple minutes. I'm going to try to go quicker than I did first service, but I really want you to know kind of why and what, because if the Lord sends me, there's a reason that he sends me. Throughout my life, everything that I've been a part of has been because the Lord sent me, and he sent me there to make a difference. When I started a youth ministry, I joined youth ministry, because I loved what was happening, but I just felt that I could. I could bring something that would be better, whether that's excitement, maybe, you know, music or whatever it could be, and so when I joined youth ministry, that was why I joined." (39 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "And so I want to share with you that one of the awesome things that happened is, well, awesome, well, not great, that turned awesome. On our way there, the roads are so bad that we got a flat tire. I wouldn't be in Mission Street without something a little crazy happening. But we got a flat tire on the way there, and so someone had to come pick us up, and we had to take a little walk to Operation I-Dream. Operation I-Dream is where I went, where I went to serve. And so on the way there, we're walking, we maybe walked, you know, maybe about a half a mile. And as I'm walking, I begin to hear music, and I begin to hear people singing. And I was like, oh, this is amazing. And as we got closer, the kids from I-Dream... were singing to us. And they begin to grab our hand and walk us into the Operation I-Dream center." (55 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "And so over the last two weeks. I was telling you guys just about everything that we did. And was raising funds for it. And collectively. Over the past two weeks. You guys raised $5,000 for us to give. And so what we were able to do with that. We were able to give $2,000 towards the Estreta Health Center. And what that's going to do is that's going to expand that building that you saw. So that they have the opportunity to treat more kids. And instead of them having to send them away if they have AIDS or they have something. Now that will create four more opportunities for kids to stay. And be able to get the treatment." (46 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "I want to ask you this one last question as we get out of here. Over the years, I've seen how faith has molded you. I've seen how fasting has molded you. I've seen how prayer has molded you. And even in dire situations with your girl. With Elisha. You have exemplified something that I can't even put into words. And my question, I believe for me, for the fathers that are here, how? Because faith, prayer, fasting, we look at these things and we want to do these things and some of us do these things. How important has it been that you do these things?" (48 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "I want to challenge you guys. Just take one. Just one. You can take more. But I'm only challenging you to take one. And invite somebody to service. You guys have been here because you've had and you've experienced something amazing that the Lord is doing. And you keep coming back. So I guess, you know, I'm going to take one. You must keep doing it. How amazing is it when you have something like that? You found home. You found your place. How amazing would it be for someone else to experience that as well? And I always say, you never know. One invite could change someone's life." (39 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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