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murrays_ministry
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Name: The Murray Family
Interests: "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
Expertise: "Go forth from your country and from your relatives and from your fathers house, to the land which I will show you."
Genesis 12:1
Message: message meEmail: email me
Member Since:
10/23/2005
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| Hello folks,
I have been trying to get a chance to write this e-mail since Sunday, but
the computer has been clogged up with people.
Mark is on a busy schedule where he works on the computer about 3-6 hours
everyday writing and editing his
course papers. He has such a love and clear understanding of his
materials that it is somewhat of a challenge to
get it into a from that everyone else, especially those on a much lower
level than his can understand. After
his first of 4 classes, Abram and I worked with him to get the second
session into a different format. Everyone
noticed a big improvement, even Mark was glad for the feedback.
He has now completed his first course and will be teaching it again at
another location. There are already 20 people
signed up for that class. People are already asking about what he will
be teaching next. In our new house Mark will
be glad to have an 'office' in the small 3 room servant's quarters behind
the main house. There are already bars
on the windows and after we put up a 'grill' (a outer door made of rebar
welded together in an attractive design, Mark
will be all set to move in.)
Well, we had creamed eggs on toast with frozen peas for supper! Made me
think of you, Dad. It tastes almost like
home. I think I will freeze a lot of peas when they come in season
again. They were around when we first arrived
but I was too scattered to think about freezing anything, not to mention
I didn't have a freezer. I now have a very small
one that a Zambian friend has loaned to me. She used to have a stand in
the market, but does not currently. She is building
another house so she will let me use a bigger one as soon as we move to
our bigger house. There is a nice sized pantry
right off the kitchen so I'm pretty sure it will fit in there. Frozen
veggies,along with almost everything else are very expensive.
I think I pay about $6/ 1# bag for frozen peas and corn. We tried
cutting the "white maize" off the cob the other day.
It was alright for my black bean soup, but not so good just to eat. I
think I need to find someone to pick me some ears early,
while it is still a bit tender. We did bring some Silver Queen seeds, so
we will eventually get to that too.
GUESS WHAT???!!!! I found a tortilla recipe that is delicious. We are
all VERY happy. Up to now all we could get
was strange flavored Doritos. Plain corn tortilla chips is a big deal to
a family who used to go through about 4# of chips
in a week. Abram, was known, on a regular occasion, to sit down in a
night and wolf down a 2# bag and a jar of
salsa! We even looked far and wide before we came for discount jars of
Pace salsa so as to ensure dietary
consistency. To this end, we brought about 11 cases of salsa with us in
our container!!! After that supply is
exhausted I think we will begin making our own. There are plenty of
onions, tomatoes, and green peppers.
They are CHEAP!!! They are the mainstay of any Zambian recipe, along
with vegetable oil. I used Mealie
Meal, the ground corn used to make their staple, nshima. The recipe also
called for regular flour, baking powder,
salt, oil and water-pretty simple! Now if we could just get pretzels!
I was able to find course salt, so I am hoping
to make some soft pretzels soon. I figured if I let some of them bake
for a long time they would get hard and
have some resemblance to something from home!!!
The person who had the recipe has left the country, but I was told their
family used to make and sell
the chips. I am thinking seriously of starting a co-op. I have found
soft wheat to grind into good
whole wheat flour, black beans, white fat (Crisco), powdered vanilla, and
a few more odds and
ends which are not easy to find. It won;t be anything like we had
before, but if we can supplement
our support it will sure help. After Micah and Abram lost 10# each they
were getting a bit edgy! Noah
has lost 25# as well. But now they are all on a pasta splurge. Which is
great for them, but not so us
older ones...........
We have had 2 days of sun shiny weather! Yeah!!!!! That's a good thing.
It's been an especially wet
rainy season. A few weeks ago the southern part of the country had
already received 150% of their
total rainfall, and the rainy season goes until April. Houses had
started washing away and things have
been rotting in the fields because of the lack of sunshine. We even had
power outages 5 nights in a row
because the generators were under water, or so the story goes. We were
told the message on TV said the
whole country was without power for about 5-8 hours each time. Then
people started squawking and the
lights haven't gone out since. We did notice that suddenly our Zesco
(electric) bill arrived. The men at
church told us to expect it. Zesco needed to quickly collect some
revenue to make the necessary repairs.
Monthly electric bills you ask????? Remember T.I.A- This is Africa- I
don't think too much of anything
is done on budget, on time or on purpose!
We went to the compound today (That's the really poor ghetto area. Lots
of people live in the compounds.
The houses, for the most part are without indoor plumbing and the
electricity is out more than it is on. Most
of the people have no source of regular income and alcoholism runs pretty
high.) We try to go every Tuesday
afternoon, unless we get rained out. While I talk and pray with my
friend, Irene, the kids play with the children.
We draw a pretty big crowd because the compounds are not the place that
too many musungus frequent. Our
big blue Benz bus doesn't easily slip in anywhere unnoticed. In fact,
when we get about 6 'blocks' from Irene's
house kids start singing "B-I-B-L-E- a dats da book of meeeeeeeeeee"
It's encouraging to been known as the white
ones who sing about Jesus.
The dirty, uneducated, poor, kids love to have someone play with
them-jumping rope. tossing bean bags, being
swung in circles til they drop, or playing soccer with a makeshift ball
made out of plastic grocery bags and fiber
from Mealie Meal bags- makes their week. Abram brings his guitar and
sings; I tell a Bible story. Just a few
weeks ago I started telling stories using felt pictures from Betty
Lukens. We purchased a set just before we left the States.
You would think that I was showing jewels. Before using them I had about
45 kids sitting in the dirt at my feet.
Now I have well over 75 kids,plus another 25 teens and adults who stop to
listen as they walk by. God is doing something, but
none of us is sure what. Usually 3 or 4 youth from church come to help
and the pastor has come as well. He is
already talking about a church plant, starting with a regular Bible
study. It is not far from church, but since almost
no one in the compound has a car it makes sense to bring Jesus to them.
We know we must be stepping on the grounds
of the enemy because up until last week we were always warmly greeted.
Last week a neighbor came out and complained.
She wanted to know who had given 'permission' for us to play on the dirt
'streets.' Today 2 of the children cut themselves-
which is not hard since there are broken bottles everywhere. A municipal
garbage system is just now starting among the
'comfortable' Zambians. ( Throwing whatever, wherever is a Zambian way of
life, along with going to the bathroom
wherever. We are always careful to watch were we walk and to wear shoes
whenever we go off the property.)
Irene says the area is heavily populated with Jehovah's Witnesses, but
they know enough not to even come to
Irene's house when they are going door to door. Please pray for God's
direction in this growing ministry.
Despite all the peculiarities of the country we are really enjoying our
time here. The benefits far out way the
difficulties and it is exciting to watch each day and see what God is
doing and who he brings along our way.
If we left today I'm sure we have made a difference in the lives of many
people-both young and old.
The church is growing as well. Many of the folks who had left during the
years of struggles are back. Last weekend
we had an all night ladies prayer meeting. It was loads of fun and very
exciting. I spoke on forgiveness, another on
unity, an other on fervent prayer and a final message was on love. We
had more than 20 women there, and we ALL
stayed up all night. Everyone was asking when we plan to do it again.
We have started using a new Sunday School curriculum called Firm
Foundations, published by New Tribes Missions.
Mark, Micah and I are all teaching different classes.The number attending
has grown each week and we are all
systematically working through the Bible, not just learning the stories
of the Bible, but to learn what God did in
the lives of people like Noah, Abraham, Sarah, and Joseph. And to learn
what God wants to do in our lives today.
I have the class of 4-6th graders. About half of the kids are from the
orphanage just a block away from the church
and a block away from our house. Micah, Sarah, and Abram have started
visiting there during the week as well
as at the baby orphanage which is about 1/2 mile in the other direction.
The possibilities for ministry are endless.
I will close for now since I have gotten pretty long winded. Mark should
be sending out an update in the
next few days, so stay tuned. We hope to have our web site up and
functioning also in the immediate
future. Check our www.xanga.com/murrays_ministry
Love to all, we are praying for all you guys on a regular basis. Keep in
touch. Let us know if there are
particular prayer needs. | | |
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November
11, 2007
Our
container arrived this month. Nearly
four months after we packed it and after traveling thousands of miles – it was
finally here. Back in PA we had chosen
to work with a shipper with considerable experience with missions. He assured us that all of our things – our
personal belongings and the books for the Bible School – would be duty
free. Two months ago, I made contact
with the agent in Lusaka that would be clearing our goods through customs. I made other visits to the agent as the
container drew closer to Zambia. After
providing additional details, letters, and paperwork, we were told that
everything was in order. We tracked the
container’s progress with anticipation.
I thought my biggest concern was finding a place to store all of the
stuff that was coming. Little did I
know...
The
container arrived at the border between Tanzania and Zambia late on Wednesday
night. We expected that it would clear
customs and be on its way the next morning and that it would be here by
Friday. On Thursday I was told that they
were waiting to receive our documents (which I had provided in my many visits
to the agent). On Friday I was told that
they needed additional information, info that the agent had already deemed to
be unnecessary. Now this was not really
surprising, since shipments often take a few days to clear customs at the
border and it is not unusual to have to re-send documents. The weekend passed with no progress. On Monday I was told that we definitely had to
have a ministry tax-exempt number. Since
I didn’t have one, I needed to find a ministry that would be willing to sponsor
my container. I admit, I was starting to
get frustrated. But on Tuesday morning I
found a local minsitry that was willing to sponsor our container. I sent the ministry’s info to the border,
glad to have cleared all the obstacles.
You guessed it, the border wouldn’t accept just a name and a number. I
spent the entire day at the office of my agent as they negotiatied with the
border. They wanted a letter on ministry
letterhead (they are big on formalities here) stating sponsorship of my
container, along with a similar letter from IPM. By the time I had a letter, the custom office
was closed. Okay, I was more than a
little frustrated. But on Wednesday, the
container was allowed to pass through on bond, or under probation. I would have to sort things out with the main
customs office here once the container arrived.
Thursday
morning I did ask the Lord to bring the container to our door without any more
delays or costs. But more importantly, I
asked Him to help me keep my heart right - so that I could be a testimony. There were the usual delays; after all, this
is Africa. The agent sent two guys along
to help me at the customs office. The
container cleared customs in just a few minutes, but the customs officials
asked to see me. Imagine my surprise
when they invited me to “share a message to refresh them.” They were inviting me to preach! So in the heart of the customs office, while
they sat at their desks and others filled in by the door - I preached!! By the afternoon, the container had been
unloaded at our door. The driver even
made an additional stop so that we could unload into two different storage
areas. And the final costs actually came
in lower than the original estimate.
So
our container arrived – full of stuff.
But in the process God encouraged me in my faith and brought glory to
Himself. That is just like the God we
serve. He can take our stuff – and make
it a testimony to Himself!
We
are staying busy at church. As I have
mentioned previously, the church was without any real pastoral leadership for
several years. Many of the folks are
discouraged. This shows in their lack of
participation. Others are finding that,
after years of doing whatever they wanted and calling it “church”, there is a
pastor who is re-establishing Biblical standards. As we develop relationships, disciple the
willing and address the errant, we are beginning to see the possibilities of
change. We do not expect instant
results. We do know, however, that God
will bless His work done in His way. We
need great wisdom and patience as we deal with the day-to-day details of
renewing the church.
Since
I received my work permit, I have been working with my local mission board,
Baptist Home Ministries of Zambia (BHMZ), to lay the foundation for the Bible
School. The former pastor took almost
all of the files and resources for the
school, so we are trying to recreate the records. I am planning to visit pastors of like-minded
churches in the coming weeks. In
January, I will be offering an initial course – introducing both my ministry
and the school to the local community.
We
continue to invite you to pray for us
for the church
for the pastor as he seeks to shepard a
scattered and discouraged flock
for the deacons as they are learning to
be leaders
for the congregation as they hear and
respond to God’s word
for the church as they work at
reconciliation with their original mission board
for a man who recently resigned from
leadership because of allegations of anger and abuse
and for his wife and children who have
sought safety at a local women’s shelter
for
the youth in choir and Sunday School as they are challanged, held accountable and
rewarded
for
consistant Bible reading and participation.
for open hearts during our weekly children’s
outreach in the compound (ghetto)
where
Tracy’s prayer partner and her family live.
for the Bible School
that pastors will see the school as an
asset for their churches and ministries
that God will begin to raise up a student
body
for me as I both write and prepare to
present my first course
for the Murrays
for Mark and Tracy
as we continue to try to track down
Mark’s suitcase – it has been found on computer, but not in reality yet!
as we look for long-term housing or a
property to purchase
as we learn to be patient with the
fact that everything seems to take longer over here
for the children
as they continue to make new friends and adjust to life here
as they learn to lead and disciple
others
as they continue to miss familiar
people and places
for Micah
as he works out the details for Sarah
coming to spend some time with us early next year
for Kirstin & Sam
as they
prepare for a short-term missions trip to Japan next summer
as Sam explores options for finishing
his college coursework
Many of you have asked us about contact information. We have included our mailing address on the
header.
Letters take about 2 weeks, packages about 6 weeks. Mail from the States is always a highlight
here.
Please continue (or add us) to your Christmas card
list. We especially appreciate photos
and personal notes.
These help the
little ones remember people and then we often refer to these as we pray for
you.
In His service,
Mark, for the Murrays
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| Yesterday we moved into the cottage that we've been working for two weeks to renovate. Almost all the walls have been repainted white, and some of the ceilings. New green paint has been brushed onto the concrete floors. We added tan to the entryway, bathroom, and kitchen. Dave built all new cabinents and counters for the kitchen, and installed a new sink. We've set up beds, washed chairs, and unpacked all those red tubs. It looks much better.
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| Greetings from Kleinfeltersville!
Many of you have asked about my health. The infection
in my leg flared up again while we were in Indianapolis – so
another round of antibiotics. There is still a good bit of swelling, especially
if I am on my feet all day, but I am able to do most normal activities. The
doctor says the swelling just takes awhile to go away. Recently I started
working with another doctor to evaluate and boost my immune system. He ran a
battery of tests and I have a follow-up appointment scheduled for mid-May. The
goal is to have a healthy immune system before I head to Africa. I would
appreciate your prayers for a complete recovery and for wisdom in working
towards better health.
Tracy and I had a good week in Indy. We did present our
ministry to two churches. We also worked on the transition plan for getting to
Zambia. Mostly, we just worked at hearing one another’s hearts.
We spent time in God’s word. We enjoyed leisurely lunches. We took walks along
the river. We read a book together. We visited with friends. Simply put, we
enjoyed each other’s company. What, you may be wondering, does any of this have
to do with ministry? It is a reminder to us, if nothing else, that in the midst
of being a missionary, we dare not neglect the priorities in our marriage or in
our family. We are probably busier than we have ever been – and it is only
going to get more intense. In the midst of our busyness, we want to be
intentional about nurturing relationships within our family.
The Missions Conference at Colonial Hills
Baptist Church was a blessing. It is special to preach and share your vision
for ministry at your home/sending church - among those who know you best. Our
family was involved in six presentations during the week – from the 4 year olds
to the senior saints! We also had the privilege of meeting several missionary
families – including two from Zambia and one from South Africa. At the end of a
long day, it is fun to relax with others who have the same call and similar
experiences – it was a real encouragement. On the last night, we each had a few
minutes to express thanks to the congregation, but I was overcome with emotion.
How do you say thanks to a church that has been used by God to change the
direction of your life? Another Missions Conference at Colonial Hills, another
very special week!
We may still have a presentation or two, but we are
turning our attention to the transition to Africa. We are trying
to get a realistic idea of what we need to set up house and run a school over
there. Then we have to figure out what we need ship and what we could obtain
once we are on the field. We are in contact with our friends in Zambia and with
Americans who have lived there. It is exciting to see how God brings people
across our path – Tracy bought a lot of pencils at the local store. When the
clerk commented on the purchase (doesn’t everyone buy pencils in bunches of
750?), Tracy told her about our ministry. Turns out the cashier had an aunt who
spent twenty years in Zambia. A few weeks later, we met her aunt and benefited
from her first hand experience. Well you get the idea - our days are filled
with lists, internet searches, and boxes. In the midst of the busyness, we
continue to be excited about what God has done and what He might do in
Zambia.
We want to praise the Lord for answered
prayer!
for Mark’s improving health
for someone providing a car for us to use until we
leave
and not just any car - it is by far the nicest and
newest car we have ever had
for individuals and churches continuing to partner
with us
through financial support and commitments to
pray
for extra luggage – British Air had reduced the
baggage allowance from 75 to 50 lbs
however, they are extending the old limits through
September -
that gives our family an additional 225 lbs of
baggage
We invite you to partner with us in praying...
Pray for this time of transition
that we would have wisdom in determining
what to save,
what to sell
what to ship
as we try to list, prioritize and
accomplish the many things
on our transition “to do” list
Pray for our ministry
as we adjust to the changes and opportunities in
Zambia
with the school, local churches and emerging
leadership
as we work with our national partners to complete
work permits
to find temporary housing
to find land to purchase
Pray for our family
for Mark
as he leads his family
balancing the demands of each day with the
preparations for Zambia
as he prepares for his role as the director of a
Bible School
for Tracy
as she begins the process of packing
to have patience and flexibility, she is much
more comfortable in the predictable.
for Kirstin & Sam
that they will lay a foundation that generations
can build upon
that they will develop a routine for school,
work and spending time together
for Micah & Abram
as they try to balance family, jobs, school
courses and time with friends
as they begin to say good-bye to familiar
friends and places
for Noah
that he might build on the experiences and
opportunities we shared in Zambia
that he would be successful in
school
for the younger children
that they will be able to adjust to the ever
changing school and travel demands
that they will begin adjusting to the idea of
leaving the country
In His service,
Mark, for the Murrays
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