Getting Ready

well ill be in Zambia in just under two weeks! Its tough trying to get everything ready atthe moment. Its one thing organising all the practical things... travel insurance, malaria tablets, tents etc, but its more difficult preparing my spirit and mind for what lies ahead in the next couple of months

Usually, I have to admit, I strt to think about these things when im sat on the plane, but as im going to be in Africa for 6 weeks, slightly longer than in the past, im trying to prepare more in advance this time. I've really been challenged to up the ante on my devotional with time with God, studying the Word and in prayer. The obvious benefit is simply knowing God, what he wants me in Zambia for and how hes going to use me. I certainly feel like im being challenged anyway, financially and in my walk with God. I definately feel like im stepping out at the moment

me

No going back now

My flights to Zambia have been booked today...awesome...and my funds are coming in to pay for them...even better. I finally recieved written confirmation from work that my 6 weeks leave have been authorised as well. ....Praise the Lord!!! I will be flying out on the 4th August and won't touch UK soil again until September 16th.

Please keep praying as well for the detoriating situation in Zimbabwe. Zambia does border Zimbabwe, and the Zambian president Levy Mwanawasa has come out recently to say that the siutation there is an embarassment to Africa. He has been one of the few African leaders to publicly speak out against Mugabe and his henchmen. Scary I know! Please keep praying

Zambia

Guys this is going to be place to look for updates on my upcoming Zambian trip! In the 2nd week of August i'll be going to The CopperBelt Province of Zambia to take part in the Life Mission with an organisation called www.dignityonline.org.uk. I'll be over for 6 weeks. More info soon........

Universal

The weather is scorching over here in the UK, a great way to start our summer....here's hoping it continues for a while longer

I wanted to bring your attention to some important stories I've become aware of this week.

Firstly, the amazing story of the Florida Revival. A Canadian evangelist, a guy called Todd Bentley, is leading an amzing series of meetings in Lakeland, California. He has now lead over 30 successive nights of prayer and healing, he is not asking for money but is purely driven by a hunger to see God move. its all featured on God TV, but you can also check it out on http://www.freshfire.ca/

Secondly the story of Craig Bellamy. A Welsh footballer who plays for West Ham United and who as a reputaion for being, er, a bit of a bad lad. Grame Souness, his manager at Newcastle United, once famously said he could never allow him to play in one of his teams again. Well Mr.Bellamy has decided to invest in a football school in Sierra Leone, investing about £650K. Its all of his own back, he even went against his clubs wishes and they refused to insure him. I was truly astonished when i first heard about this...it just shows how people can surprise you.

The dreadful scenes in Burma have been awful to watch and its difficult to comprehend the scale of this disaster. The death toll is continuing to be revised upwards, and as the miliitary junta opens up the country to foreign aid agencies, i fear this is only going to get worse. Its difficult to know what to do to help when things like this happen or as a Christian how to offer any explanation for catastrophes like this. Its something i wrestle with myself, how can so many people be allowed to suffer?