Deputation Notes

April 2007


It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.

Psalm 18:32                

Dear Praying Friends,                                                                                                         

 

The past few months have been very exciting for the Smith family.  We are not talking about vehicle problems, sickness, or any other mishaps along the deputation trail, but of the wonderful working of our Lord.  A few more churches and individuals have been added to our support team and our support level is now at 94%!   It has been so exciting to see how the Lord has moved His children to pray and give toward the ministry.  The verse above states our understanding of how God has led us through our deputation ministry.  Only when we submitted to His leading did we benefit from God’s strength in order to continue in His perfect way.

 

In March we had the privilege of serving in churches in Tennessee, South Carolina, and Ohio. We also have been busy organizing and packing our container.  During the coming weeks, we look forward to presenting our ministry in churches in Tennessee, Michigan and Ohio.

 

In addition to our support increasing, the Lord has moved some of you to help with the financial aspect of our outfit and passage needs.  Currently we have about 90% of our outfit covered, which has enabled us to gather many of the necessary items we will need to live and minister in Zambia.   It has also provided the cost of our shipping container and the funds to ship it to the city of Kitwe.   The remaining 10% of these costs are for our entry expenses (visas, immunizations, and security fees) and the estimated cost for language studies. 

 

Now we are mainly trying to save for our passage fund which includes our airfare costs (we are estimating around $10,000 for our family of five) and the emergency fund that our mission board requires (which is 60% of our airfare costs).   At this time we have not included any funds for the purchase of a vehicle, however it would be very helpful to our ministry to have one.  We know the Lord will continue to use His people to supply the remainder of our need. 

 

We truly covet your prayers as the Lord leads us along His pathway to minister in Zambia.  God has promised to supply all our needs!  We know that when He gives us a task to do that He will supply everything needed in order to accomplish that task.

 

With a Zeal for Zambians,

 

John and Sophie Smith

Joshua, Caleb and Becky