Hands and Feet of Christ to Zambia
On June 14, five team members from the Grand Island Evangelical Free Church embarked on a two-week mission trip that would take them halfway around the world to the continent of Africa and the country of Zambia. The team members, which included Melissa Benson, Maureen Thomson, Cindy Hadenfeldt, Alex Bednar, and Lori Schlick, planned to share the love of Christ and provide the manpower to complete a medical clinic on the grounds of the International Bible College operated by the mission group Gospelink.
Grand Island 2008 Zambia Mission Team
Two months earlier, two of the team’s members, Kevin Hiegel and Paul Schlick, left the comfort of their homes to lay the groundwork and begin construction on the clinic in Zambia. The men set to work clearing the bush with the use of a worn-out backhoe, which had not run in eight months. Once operational, the backhoe started blowing hydraulic hoses that had become brittle in the blistering, African sun. This was just one of the many trials the two would face. Gathering building materials in a rundown truck with bald tires was a challenge in itself. A shortage of lumber and the supplier’s short hours added to the dilemma. If the truck did not cooperate, the men would not reach the supplier in time to acquire the needed lumber. The sheet metal for the roof proved to be another obstacle. The sheet metal did not come in as promised and ended up arriving nearly four weeks later. By the time the metal arrived, Kevin had returned to the U.S., so Paul enlisted the help of three young Africans and his wife Lori, who had recently arrived with the other team members, to complete the roof.
Much was accomplished with simple construction equipment
By the time the five team members arrived in June, the clinic was ready for the finishing touches. The able team members accomplished painting the clinic, inside and out, in just three days’ time. A building of its magnitude would normally take several years to complete in this third world country. Yet with the assistance of local workers and archaic machinery, the clinic, complete with fresh paint and curtains, was constructed in a record-breaking 90 days. In addition to the clinic, Kevin and Paul worked on over 30 other buildings, including cabins, bathhouses, staff houses, and classrooms.
Medical clinic walls
The hand of God was evident throughout the construction process and many prayers were answered. Necessary supplies arrived just when they were needed. There were also days when the needed materials did not come. In those times, the team realized they had been so busy with the project they had forgotten to pray. Through it all, they learned to rely on God for each and every step of the way.
Construction progress
Paul and local workers prepare for the installation of the roof.
The team shared the love of Christ wherever they could. The ladies taught the Word of God in schools and distributed Bibles that were donated by Bill Sapp of Omaha. (Through his generosity, 30,000 Bibles have been distributed and overwhelmingly accepted.) Kevin and Paul led a daily devotional time with the work crews every morning. The workers asked thought-provoking questions, which sometimes required further research in order to answer. Everyone was appreciative of what the team was doing and always asked when the team would be back again. Kevin and Paul had speaking opportunities in a couple of the churches. Afterwards, the people spread out a blanket and presented them with gifts of peanuts, gourds, and squash—gifts they could not afford to give but were honored to do so.
Lori Schlick and school children Alex shares his testimony with students
The team learned how difficult life can be for those living in a third world country. When the electric generator broke down, water could not be pumped from the well, and for a week, water had to be taken from the river. Bottled water was always available to drink, but the showers were always cold . . . and sometimes with not-so-clean water. All of the food had to be purchased in town, which was always a 14- to 15-hour trip—not because of distance but because everything and everyone moves much slower in Africa. Since there was no refrigeration, trips had to be made at least once a week. Kevin and Paul eventually made friends with some farmers and were able to purchase watermelons and other vegetables locally from them. The team also learned firsthand that death is an all-too-common occurrence. Paul was humbled when he was asked to build two coffins. One coffin would hold the sister of a block layer who worked on the clinic; the other would hold a one-year-old child, the son of one of the laborers. Notwithstanding the grim facts of life, God provided for each member’s needs and not one of them became sick in the course of their stay . . . in a country plagued with malaria, tuberculosis, and AIDS.
The team put the finishing touches on the medical clinic
Many friendships were forged, and most cried when it was time to leave. After three mission trips to Zambia, Paul Schlick confessed, “When leaving Zambia the first two times, it felt as if I were leaving friends and coming home to my family. This time, I felt like I was leaving family and my home and coming here for a visit.” Through their many experiences, the team’s faith grew as one could not help but be in awe of God’s power and glory.
“But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”
Exodus 9:16
The clinic shell is complete and now awaits tile flooring, medical staff and equipment.
Prayer Requests
-
Gospelink’s presence will remain strong in Zambia and that its sponsorship of national pastors will continue to grow.
-
The basic necessities of life of food and water will be met.
-
God’s word will spread to every corner of Zambia and Africa.
-
More people will continue to be blessed through mission trips to Zambia.
-
Sponsorship of a national nurse to staff the clinic
-
Donations of medical equipment and supplies, plumbing and electrical fixtures, floor tile, and paint. (These items can be shipped over on a yearly container shipment.)
Workers, Gosplelink staff and the Zambia join the local tribal chief in dedicating the medical clinic to the Lord.
Future Plans
Plans for phase two include a maternity department and two isolation rooms. Phase three will include an operating room and a central sterilization area. Equipment for the dental and ophthalmology departments is also needed to complete the clinic.
If you would like to learn more about Gospelink and its mission opportunities, you may wish to check out its Website at http://www.gospelink.org.
