To support this ministry....

The blog entries for this site are completed... the blogger, Keli, has moved to another ministry.

To be added to the email lists for updates from Steve Majeski, email coffee21058@yahoo.com

And for the Fishers, email chibangu@gmail.com

October Happenings

Good news!  The barrels and tools and saw blades and donations from America all arrived in Lusaka and have been brought to the mission!  That's especially good news for Steve M as he can now have his tools to work on the vehicles. There is always something that needs fixed on the Isuzu or Pajero.

Let us introduce you to the souls who keep the mission running...  Back row Kelvin is new to the mission. He asked Steve for work, having come from Southern Province, and he asked just when the men were piercing the hard dry ground to lay new pipe. And he now has housing and medical care for his family. Your provision is provision for Melvin and his family of 3 children and wife. In the black and white top in the back is Best, and her main job is laundry and cleaning. She runs the generator driven two barrel washer every Mon and TH and hangs it all to dry, and she irons with a coal iron on T and Fri. Richard is in the red shirt, and he is married to Sabina in the front row, left.  Richard is Steve's trusted man and runs the store and fixes things and runs the hammermill saw mill. Sabina has many children to care for and she also cleans and cooks for Ruth. Terence is next to Richard, and he has helped Oscar with the big saw that will cut lumber from the massive trees, and he helped dig the trenches for the water pipes. Cloud is in the blue shirt on the right, reaching out to Steve M. That's their relationship...  and Cloud is the main gardener. Next to Steve M on the right is Catherine who runs the clinic and is the main translator for everything... prayers, patient care, the villagers communicating with Steve and Ruth. The children I will just name... Linda, Inez, Foster is in Steve M's lap, Flora, Ridgeby (which is impossible to say with their accents), David.

Malaria is beginnning to spread through the area, and several families at the mission have children who've already been testing postive for malaria. Ruth also treated a girl this week who fell from a tree getting catepillars. The rains are coming and slowly beginning, and the mission is lush green, and so catepillars will even fall from the ceiling when you get up to go to the bathroom at night... yes, personal experience speaking here. The Zambians love to squeeze out the inside of the catepillars and then fry it in oil. Ifishimu is the name in Bembe.They have it as a main meal called "relish" with their ground maize porridge.

Last month Steve and Ruth and Keli went to Saint Anthony's school to take the orphans out for a picnic. Ruth surprised everyone hiking up the hill that overlooked the gorgeous spring fed Lake Kashiba

. Ruth fixed a generous lunch of egg salad sandwiches and potato salad and even chocolate cake.... AND cheese curls and candy bars and paw-paw. What a feast! There was laughter and hiking and swimming, and they all had a wonderful time! Plus all the orphans got a new tube of toothpaste, soaps, shoe polish, and even cookies to all share.

Challenges continue with getting the water pipes fixed... lots of days without water and needing to use only the water that was stored in barrels. When the wind isn't blowing... things are hard. So Steve installed a solar powered pump onto the roof this first week of November. But the rains should be coming more plentifully, and planting should occur Nov 15, so perhaps the water needs and supply will balance out.

The Women's Conference planned by Ruth was attended by 14 women.. Walking with GOD was the theme.

One night a snake was in a grass roof so one of the men burned down the hut. Steve spoke the next day, Sunday in church, on chasing away snakes instead of burning down the whole kitchen! The men are rebuilding a kitchen that burned last year... now they will have to build two. 

HeadMan and Getting Resettled

The news from Steve Majeski:

We had an opportunity to visit the “area” N... to visit the Chief’s “main man.”

 On the way I was able to take some pictures of the conditions and people of this area.  (Keli is at an auto repair shop in Ndola, and I can't get the picts to upload... check back with us later or see us on Facebook Project Redemption). The people are very in need of basically everything including water. They live on sorghum, rats, and fish. We parked the vehicle and walked across the man made bridge to cross the river. People were friendly but all of them drunk. They need Jesus. I sensed a deep spiritual darkness there. We went to see the area head man to ask him to inform his people to come together for the community to build a police station. That is what the police asked us to do. It’s a community project so you have to go to the head man to organize his people. So the head man said they will call a meeting so everyone can be informed. To get to the headman’s area, there’s no road so we went as far as could drive and walked the rest of the way, about ½ a mile.   We were probably the first white people who have been to that village. 

 

The head man’s mother was very sick. Steve F asked them to bring her to the clinic. They said it was too far. They asked if we would build her a new house.

We are praying for the Lord’s spirit to reign in this area.

(Steve has already torn apart three engines to put together parts to make one engine.)

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The news from Steve and Ruth:

We are in the process to stop and visit some other villagers we were familiar with over the years. We have stopped in to greet them and tell them we are back.  So to continue to reach out in an area like this, and have an effective ministry in the area is a forever challenge. The road is not much of a road.

First priority was to check on how it went while we were gone with getting the police station built. The people were to have made bricks. I did not see any bricks. So Steve and I traveled to head man to gain his cooperation. The N... people said they will organize a meeting and they will inform us this Saturday, and then we will go from there.

Yesterday we went to visit the husband of one of the orphan girls we had adopted. (The Fishers have over 30 orphans they continue to care for as family). When she was an orphan she had come to the hospital as a patient. She had an abscessed breast, and she and her sister worked hard with warm compresses and doing all we told her to do so she could heal. That is how we came to know of her. When we came back we learned she had died just one week and two days ago. She had a difficult childhood delivery and she passed away. She probably had malaria too. They failed to give her an IV drip and she died. So the child was taken by the husband’s sister, and she is nursing the child. So it was a sad visit with a husband who had lost one of his two wives.

The question always comes back to how do you minister to a situation like this when the blame goes out in all directions. And that’s what we have to look over, not overlook, and see how can we put life into a destroyed situation. This is where we can only reach into their lives with the reality of the Gospel and help them – with  Ruth also wanting to provide formula and clothing. The husband was sharing about his hardship with the  wife’s family  because it was an orphaned family. The wife’s family now wanted him to pay for all the time he had his wife. He had to pay to get her as a wife (dowery) and now the family demanded he pay for the time she worked for him, and they demanded money for that (1500,000 kwacha or $500 each time… so $1000.) The issue is always money, wanting money money, not caring about logistics or reality. So he had to sell one of his cows to help pay for the money the family demanded. Also, 800 (yes, eight hundred) people came to the funeral that lasted for a week and they all had to be fed and cared for. He was not the jolly fellow we were used to seeing.

This is just another cry from the bush saying “help.” So as people pray for us, we’ll be able to reach out to another hurting family that needs help and direction.

The children are back to school on Monday, and all the things that they need and the school fees are to be paid. Just to get the children organized and back into school will cost $3,000.

The price of fuel is about $8 per gallon, but God is our Provider. The drive from Lusaka back to Chibangu cost $400 total, filling two vehicles twice to journey 400 km. We still have a little problem with the vehicle that was fixed, a problem with the injector pump, but I think we will get that sorted out with a bit of patience and determination. But we arrived safely and traveled well. So only as you pray and let the Lord guide you can we bring new life and  a difference to the area in which God has called us. Our ministry is definitely to the lower class.

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The news from Keli:

I have been busy helping Ruth get the household organized as we unpack the many bags from America and get the cupboards restocked – getting things back together. Before leaving Lusaka we purchased dry goods and fresh meat and vegetables. 

Upon unpacking we all discovered items that had been “pinched.”  Knives, hydroponic test kit (why?), clothing… “since America no longer allows us to shrink wrap baggage things get stolen. We can’t shrink wrap people’s minds,” says Steve, “so we continue to experience difficulties.”

I’ve been observing how Ruth guides the staff living on the compound, five families with 15 children, with the cleaning and cooking. In the nearby community there must be 30-40 children. One morning I went out to sit with the children that were occupying themselves, and they did a good job mimicking me in saying the ABC’s. Some had a good ear for the English accent.

I have greatly enjoyed meeting just a few of the people the Fishers love – a Christian businessman who is in Zambia making aloe and providing jobs for Zambians, meeting OM (Operation Mobilization) South African missionaries at the base in Kabwe and having tea and talking with the teens as they were hand grinding their meat to make sausage. On each jaunt we have stopped to meet people, which is encouraging.

Termites are in the house so the flesh eating ants come parading in a rapid moving line yet stop to bite us on the way. So Steve has had to pour lots of kerosene on the floor, and watching our clothes closets for termites daily is necessary. In two days a group of termites had already placed their mud on my raincoat to establish a new home.

At night the stars shine bright – it is beautiful. And you can still Orion although it sits in a different place in the sky. The dogs bark fiercely as robbers come to steal the nice vegetables in the garden. The roosters crow whether it is dark or light. The 6 pm sunsets and 6 a.m. sunrises cast a gorgeous pinkish light over the buildings. And during the day, I especially like the quiet symphony of music that comes as wind passes through the windmill. I didn’t know a windmill could sing. That makes me smile.

There are battles to be fought and we are a part of that....with you.

Have you ever walked into the middle of a movie, realized a powerful story was being told, and you just had to see what was next? As the story continues you hope to somehow be able to catch up on what had already occurred, but no way are you going to miss out on this story.  This is how I feel joining Stephen and Ruth Fisher in their work in Africa, and I hope you feel the same as you follow this blog and contribute prayerfully and financially to the work in Zambia. 

This Spring, 2013, 50 year career missionaries, Stephen and Ruth Fisher, left their home in Zambia to visit the USA. Prior to their leaving, they had experienced vehicle breakdowns, a new vehicle not being released in customs, seeing 30-60 patients a day in their Zambian bush clinic, and personal sickness (Ruth recovering from malaria) and health concerns (Ruth falling but now fully recovered). However, they had also experienced miracles of healing in the Zambian people, and a new windmill that was pumping clean water from the well. 

A new chapter is being written. Stephen and Ruth came to the US as a team of two. While in the US, God has multiplied their work. Two more are returning with them, Keli and Stephen. Others are considering coming in the next year to contribute as well. 
On the eve of their returning to Zambia, below are the words of Stephen and Ruth.
*********              ************            *************               ************  

It has been a hurried and a varied adventure, as we tried to contact the many who care about the life and way of those who are more unfortunate. We found that many were away for the summer or they have other interests at this time of the year.
But this tells me that times are changing, big time! So we set out to see. How we can best do what we are here to do, getting the parts we need to continue the work The Lord has called us to do. 

So with that we again sent drums with supplies for the skid loader and the saw mill, and tools and supplies for the work we will be in when we get back.

Our people called us often to check how we are and to understand how soon we will be returning. They are anxious for Mom and Dad to be present. So far they are all well, and the place is not over run with sickness.

      King David once said, "I have not seen the righteous forsaken, or his seed to beg for bread," and this is the magnitude of the God we serve! The intelligent do not understand this!

       In this world of ours it is so full of problems of every sort as you well know. Disaster is everywhere and on every hand, but you know what? Our God has not died nor has he discontinued his plan nor altered his route! Therefore, we will not stop and quite. But we shall continue to tell the Nations and its people the life old message that Jesus is the Life Giver, and He will restore life to the weak, and that the hungry shall be filled. So live on my dear friends and be encouraged; the end is not yet. There are battles to be fought and we are a part of that. So be very courageous, very bold, and be very strong!

       We are not aware of what the future holds, but we approach it as we do a horse; the bit is in his mouth, he has the strength and he has the power. But we have the control.  And if we guide the beast with the control in our hands, the job will get done with honors. So we know we do not control the world. But the method we use to do our work is done like this.

        Lord willing we will be leaving on the 28th and arriving in Zambia on the 29th, and then there will be great rejoicing, and we shall be overwhelmed with joy!

        Then we are told that the water is being pumped very well. But we will be putting in a new 2" water line to carry the water to the tank as there is too much pressure with the wind wheel into the one and one half inch existing pipe. So we will have some corrections to make as soon as we return. But we are told that the vehicle is repaired and that a second one is also ready and so we will begin a new journey with fresh help, both for Ruth in the clinic (from Keli), and for Stephen in the vast work what ever (with Stephen M.) We will keep you informed. Thank you for your prayers and your help as we continue to make a difference in the lives of those who would otherwise have no hope.

Plans are to connect with Steve and Keli at the airport as they will be flying with us!

        Faithfully, and in the Master's service, Stephen and Ruth Fisher

A New Chapter

A New Chapter begins with observing a huge Milestone!

After serving on the AfricaMercy in Togo with Mercy Ships, I asked God to open a way for me to continue to serve internationally.  I was working in a job that was providing well for my needs, yet I was exploring ideas and talking with many people with a future time line in mind, not immediate. God intercepted my path in an unmistakable fashion.

This winter I heard of a couple, Stephen and Ruth Fisher, who had been ministering in several countries in Africa. I was meeting people who knew this couple, and I was hearing how they experienced many hardships and had also seen God work powerfully. I emailed them to say I was interested in serving in a nursing capacity. They would soon be coming to the USA, and they agreed to meet. When I met them for the first time in beautiful Lancaster, Pennsylvania, I was moved by their powerful faith, perseverance, love for their work, and a genuine warmth. It wasn't long after that I found out they were speaking to a church missions group in a town about two hours away from where I live in VA. That very Sunday, as I sat in the church's worship service right next to the Fishers, the pastor spoke a message in which he emphasized hearing from God about where we serve. Interestingly, the pastor emphasized, "Just because there is a need, and just because you are willing to fill it, does not necessarily mean you are the one God has in mind. You need to hear from God."   I listened to the Fishers share at a picnic later that day, and I asked God to make it clear to Keli, speaking my language, making it unmistakably clear as to what He wanted me to do.

I cried out to God to show me quickly. I prayed diligently, analyzing every "sign" and thought. A week later I was weary and decided God would just have to make it clear to me, Keli, anyway He chose, but I had other things to think about for now.

That next week I decided it was time for me to attend to my weekly reading of the book of Galatians as Pastors Cliff and Robby were asking those of us at Movement Church to do to prepare for Sunday and community group discussions. In a simple moment of obedience, practicing what my church was directing, I opened the book

Galatians 1

New International Version (NIV)

1 Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— ² and all the brothers and sisters^[a] with me...

 

The word "sent" JUMPED off the page. SENT!  The word was instantly penetrating every part of me. I went for a walk down my beautiful street - I didn't read all of Galatians that morning.

Sent... when I send something to someone, I have chosen it with a purpose in mind for those to whom I am sending it.

...  When I send something, I contemplate the price to purchase and send it with the goal for it to be used and build their lives in some way. 

...When I send something it is to bring some sort of change - positive, of course.

Sent... I, Keli, was being sent. Not from nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father.

 

Within a month I attended the yearly convention in Missouri for their umbrella organization, Anchor Bay Evangelistic Association. I witnessed them receiving this wonderful plaque for all their years of service! I became credentialed in the association as well - which has been encouraging.)

 

In July Project Redemption Ministries held a wonderful evening for supporters in Pennsylvania. The evening began with Stephen and Ruth welcoming the generous people who give and pray for the work where the Fishers have been for the last 16 years - Zambia, Africa

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 Ruth, who has spent her life as an RN in Africa,  gave her testimony to the healings in the clinic. Powerfully she spoke about a family carrying their daughter who died in their arms as they were walking in the night to the clinic. Several hours from the clinic they still pressed on, knowing the clinic had LIFE. On their way, after the child died, the child's breath of life returned- the child was instantly healed.  The family proceeded to the clinic to say what had happened! There was much JOY!

 

Steve and Ruth gave me, Keli, an opportunity to address their supporters.

And I am not the only one the LORD is calling to this new adventure; this is Stephen (yes, another STEVE!) who is a mechanic and has felt the call of God to go, too.

 

During this same trip to Pennsylvania, items that would be shipped, literally, had to be prepared for being picked up by a transport truck to be taken to a port in Maryland. Here are some of the drums packed with tools, and more tools, books, extra clothing, lots of donated shoes, blankets for the when it will get cold at night (low 40's during parts of the year and we have no heat). People have donated generously, and many items have been purchased, so 20 drums are being shipped.  Much expense was incurred, but people are generous, God is generous, and there are needs to be met in Zambia in the Name of our Generous Creator.

 

Please consider contributing to the work in Zambia

 

Please consider a monthly pledge to the work and adding this ministry to your automatic bill pay for $25, $50, $100/month for either "The Fishers," "Stephen Majeski," or "Keli Price" on the memo line.

Anchor Bay Evangelistic Association

P. O. Box 406

Maryville, IL 62062

 

Coming attractions: See the new team arrive in Zambia, See the 20 drums make it to the village compound.