PRAYERS

I have not done a lot of blogging recently but I have been doing a lot of thinking.

Over the next couple of weeks we need to make a decision about our future. It's really hard. There are lots of possibilities and options but we want to do what is right. (We were even offered a job managing a lodge last week in Zambia!). Heart and head are at different places for us at the moment so we are praying that God will make the way clear for us. We are confused about the future so we ask you to pray for us. Our contract here finishes in May so we are nearing the time where a firm decision needs to be made.

In all honesty I would stay without hesitation at Chikankata if it weren't for the burden of the finances. It is just almost impossible. We are doing the best we can with what we have. It even seems like getting funding is like a lottery. It's all upside down. Big organisations (most of whom are just funders not implementers) raise money on the basis they are helping the poor, then make those that are actually helping the poor jump through hoops to get the money. Anyway before I get on a rant, it's important to concentrate on those who do give and their kindness. But it is a heavy burden and I am not sure I can carry it for much longer. Please pray for the finances at Chikankata.

December 1st was World AIDS Day. I hate HIV/AIDS. It's a horrible disease. We have seen first hand the devastion this disease causes amongst families and the consequences for people in this area. I have seen first hand the havoc and distress this diseases causes, even amongst our own staff. Even in the last week I have seen at first hand the utter despair brought when someone is told they are HIV positive. So in the same way as the UK has rememberence day for the victims of the war, it seems that Zambia has rememberence services for victims of this disease.

I am convinced more than ever that the church has leading role to play in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Without taking the moral high ground by teaching people in the way of holiness. You can have all the fancy programmes in the world but I still believe good Christian teaching and love is best way forward. Please pray for those who are suffering from HIV/AIDS. Please pray for those left behind and please pray for the church and the hospital as they treat the causes and the symptoms.