See what people are saying about their visits to Stir the Fire in Zambia.
I had been asking the question what does total surrender to God look like? God answered my question on a mission trip with Stir The Fire ministries in Zambia. I really like my comfort zone all too well and to go on my first mission trip was a huge step of faith. Having a prayer team here in Iowa praying that I would have a willing and able heart to do whatever was asked of me and to really surrender to God’s plan in very unfamiliar territory was life changing for me. I went there without any special qualifications, so I smile when I think about how the trip wasn’t about anything that I did but what I learned. The people of Zambia blew me away with their gratefulness with what this ministry is doing with and for them. How can people with so many needs and uncertainty in each day be this joyful? So many lessons learned on what’s important in life and what’s not. I look at situations so differently now. To see orphan children go from no hope for a future, not knowing if they were going to eat that day and not getting any education, to now getting a good education at Stir The Fire Academy from dedicated teachers and getting fed a good meal everyday has changed their lives. To personally hear them talk of the future and what they want to be one day was awesome. I was amazed at how many of the children want to be teachers. Not to leave their community but to stay and teach at Stir The Fire Academy so that they can help change the lives of future children just like the current teachers are doing for them. This mission trip with Stir The Fire Ministries was the first of many trips that I pray I get to participate in. The pastors, teachers, and staff in Zambia and in Iowa have become great friends that I have so much respect for. I can’t wait to watch these children grow up and fulfill their dreams and to see the next set of lessons God has for me.
My wife and I were blessed to be able to go over to Zambia with a group. My job was to help out with whatever building projects needed to be done. I was able to work with and encourage a small group of nationals and show them how to use some of the tools that I use in my construction business. They were so intrigued with the power saw and cordless drill. They all wanted to try them. I was so humbled by how little they have, but their faith is so strong. I am in awe of what Pastor John is doing there and how much passion he has for the children at the school. I was able to return for a second trip, do a few projects, and reconnect with my brothers from Zambia. Stir the Fire is a real passion of mine and is such a blessing in my life
I have had the amazing opportunity to visit Stir the Fire Ministries in Zambia on two occasions. I had many doubts leading up to my first trip, nearly backing out. Even enroute I kept questioning if I had made the right decision. When our car pulled in the school yard, I could hear the voices of the children singing a welcome song to us. My heart melted and I knew I had made the right decision. I had the privilege of meeting and working with an awesome team of teachers. A more dedicated, professional, caring group of individuals would be hard to find. I was able to observe their serious, professional sides in the classroom and see their competitive, playful sides as they battled each other in a game of “Around the World” during a training session. I have taught for 22 years. I went on this trip thinking that I could teach them something, but they (unknowingly) taught me. I learned that you don’t really need that much to get the job done and do it well; a little love, a few books, a chalkboard, and Jesus. My prayer is that the ministry continues to grow and be blessed, and that I may visit again.
I’ve been over to Zambia twice and have been involved with the music ministry, speaking to and organizing activities for the youth, and some work with the building needs in the church at Twapia. I came back feeling that I was the one that was blessed. The people we met were so happy to meet others who were truly interested in them and cared about their future. They are extremely poor in material things but showed tremendous faith in God and were such happy people despite their poverty. (Twapia actually means poverty.) They work hard to better themselves and escape the cycle of poverty but are limited in how far they can advance in school because of finances. The thing that impressed me the most though was their sincerity in their worship and their strong faith. Pastor John is an inspiration to all of us with his heart for the ministry and the orphans that he strives to provide for.
First with this being my first mission trip ever, Diane and Ron help prepare us so well. It stretched me greatly speaking at the “women’s conference” about praying for your family. The amazing part was listening to the women’s response after some statements I would make. Judith was beside me to interpret and the women were very vocal in the agreement!! I helped Diane with simple physicals for the children. Touching each one of them and looking into their eyes was one of the most deeply moving experiences in Zambia. The work that that the ministry is doing is so profound: caring for these precious souls is indescribable. The vast difference in cultures, what little they have, and their living conditions, but that they still have the joy of the Lord is a testimony in itself!