Ministry Partner Update - Lee & Cheryl Albaugh

Dear friends and partners in ministry:

The past year has been what I would call unpredictable and changing, but I also know that our God is predictably unchanging in His plans and purposes.

In late 2021, we knew that the challenges of Covid in the world had changed things, but in spite of that, it was time to encourage and engage with our partners in Zambia and other regions of Africa. With that knowledge, we made a plan to go in March last year (2022) for a month, which resulted in plans to return in October and November.

When I went in March, the government in Zambia was beginning to lift the stringent Covid restrictions. During my time there, Pastor Evaristo Chongwem and I were able to spend time together. He took me to church (a large open shell with unfinished roof) with the congregation all seated wearing masks, spaced apart, but it was their first time able to meet! It was a praise gathering indeed! This was typical of the whole trip. What I found is that the churches had actually grown in number during Covid, as they broke into house churches that in themselves now had become worshipping communities! Doesn’t it amaze you when God does the unexpected?

Here are a few of the unexpected things you have been part of with your prayers and support:

• We saw over 25 new church families, supporting each other in those hard times.
• The perseverance of the Training Center to put in a water and toilet system for Makola Primary School so that the students could go back to school with funds provided through Nesteam.
• Witnessed how the Health Post was now taking on the function of a full clinic because we were able to get the container of supplies to them with medical necessities last year.
• A full boarding class of servant leaders at the Training Center, as well as skills programs going ongoing.
• Ministering to those who had lost family and friends during Covid. Yes, we have some new orphans, but it could have been worse. Ongoing sponsorship of orphans for school and living needs.
• Was able to assess needs at the Training Center, churches, communities and families
• At home, we had our first Munada Market in 3 years! Planning again this year.
• With your partnership, the roof in Mpika and many more are finished! Training Center has had its needs met and we can make a plan for the road ahead.

Now, in light of what was learned, we focus on 2023. What needs to happen this year?

• Re-engage some of our staff, such as Principal Shakwamba who suffered diabetic and Covid problems that nearly took his life. He is finally back to ministry, even with the loss of a leg.
• Food crisis, brought on because of the Ukraine war and skyrocketing fertilizer costs. Although this was a challenge, it also is helping us prove to farmers that with mycorrhizae, and some training, they can still get living yields to feed their families. It is working! God is at work!
• We welcome Dr. Natasha Chenga on the Board to replace our brother Dr. Chipeta who passed. She is a strong Christian, has examined our shipment and is making plans for her clinic, and how to maximize the clinic at Makola to minister. She was trained in the Ukraine, in a town that is now only rubble. Unfortunately, she has not heard from her friends from Ukraine.
  

Here are a few steps we need to take in coming months:

• In early April Lee will be going to Kenya and Zambia to move projects ahead.
• Dr. Chenga and Lee will go to Mbala to expand the Health Post to a Clinic at Makola. Organize outreach.
• We have a critical need for power at the Clinic, and the nurses quarter, as well as to complete the house for our Manager at the Luswepo Center.
• Focus on discipleship and servant leadership through the ministry teams.
• Meeting with our Board of Directors in Zambia to encourage one another, and plan for the days ahead.
• Recruit a Munada Home Team! You can be part of this! Our chance to meet up at home and be apart of the days ahead.

I rejoice in how God has been at work, and is working. He never stops! There is still the brokenness of our world and the lost who have not come to Him. He is patient, and so we push on and keep looking up.

Would You Consider?
I often think of where we are in light of His plan. No one knows the day or the hour: “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” “Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” (Matt 24:36, 25:13) He will come, as He went, in the clouds of Heaven! When I was young, these words took us to the mission field. What I say now is, we are closer than ever! Come Lord Jesus, come! In the present, we just keep moving on and rejoice in His provision.

There is much to be done.
Would you write and let us know how we can count on you in 2023? This helps us be able to see what we can plan for and how we can meet the ministry needs. We are a faith based mission and dependent on your partnership to meet the ministry needs. We also have a new online giving ability that you can find at nesteam.org/donate. You can also see our website there.

God bless you, keep you strong and, yes, keep looking up!

Your Partners until that Day!
Lee, Cheryl and all the team in Africa