Base Camp.

Greetings from Zambia!

We are so grateful to have all of you to share this amazing time with! I write this to you on behalf of my family and in some part all of the Tanzania ministry team. Before anything else, I would like to acknowledge our friends and loved ones in Windham, NY who have been hit very hard by hurricane Irene. I know there are many people who have been affected by the storm - not only in Windham - and there are more under siege in the gulf coast region right now, but our prayers are with the town of Windham in particular. So many people from there have played key parts in my life and been instrumental in our family being where we are right now. Please remember them and offer anything you can to your brothers and sisters at home facing the storms of life around you. If it is you facing the storm, look to the Lord and to those He has placed around you because none of us are island unto ourselves and we all need God's help just to breathe.


This morning saw the majority of our Advanced Mission Training (AMT) class depart for the first of three bush expeditions. The two families with children have stayed back until Tuesday to meet the rest of the group and minister to villagers until Friday. The setting for this will be a section of river in the tribal nation of the Nyawa people. For the first time, Overland Missions expedition teams will be involved in ministry during the regional fishing celebration where thousands of villagers from many tribal nations converge on the river for a week. As the river drops the catfish congregate on this particular spot on the river where there is still water and it results in an abundance of fish for the people. There is a flurry of activity as fisherman use every and any thing in there possession - from spears to buckets - to haul as much fish as they can.


Our ministry will be basic evangelism and prayer for these people as we live with them for a week and share in their experience. We will be meeting people and some of their needs one on one and establishing relationships that will open doors for future ministry into many of the nations represented. We expect God to move mightily and for people to experience His great love and power through our witness with salvation, healing, and deliverance manifest in our midst. Keep us all in prayer as we don't always know what to expect going into situations like this but we know the cover and anointing of the Almighty is above all else...


Up to this point, much of the last few days has been getting settled on base and acclimated to the day to day operation of Overland Missions. Most everyone has stepped in quite smoothly, however, this is the African countryside so things sometimes move at a pace that's slower than we are used to. Our family has been living in a temporary tent so we haven't really been able to unpack. Its a little inconvenient with the kids, but really not a big deal. Donna (mom) has been dealing with some minor things that have been big enough to hold her back a few days from the expedition with the family group. Her eyes were giving her trouble when we first arrived but God is good and there was an American team of opticians that were temporarily working in town and they were able to treat her. She also had an infection in her tooth that was causing great pain and a dentist in town was able to see her and prescribe the necessary meds. It can be scary to deal with this stuff in Zambia, but we were able to find people who are reputable and you just have to trust situations like this are in God's hands, just like everything else!


On another note, Donna and Steve got their Land Rover back from a mechanic in town yesterday. When we left Dar Es Salaam last week, some work was done on the exhaust system. The welds were so poor and sloppy that the entire exhaust pipe was warped and wasn't fitting properly to the engine's manifold. Simply explained, the work compromised one of the exhaust pipe's seals, and in turn it created a leak that was allowing a large amount of heat and even flames to escape. What we didn't know was the extent of the issue and the mechanic showed us that flames were washing over our undercarriage for two full days of driving and it was a miracle that nothing caught on fire. It was so hot that 4 of the 6 bolts holding the pipes together melted. Just a day at the office, I suppose...



In light of all these fringe happenings, things have altogether seemed pretty smooth and even at times feel normal. The kids have been having the times of their lives in this awesome landscape and I would have to admit, so are the parents. It really is an incredibly beautiful place and the team is an amazing mesh of people from so many backgrounds and with incredible strengths. We are working into a very selfless and seamless operation with one heart and one goal - the salvation and restoration of nations.


The next time I write will most likely be after our expedition next week. until then, be blessed and keep us in your prayers.


With love,


--
The Garrett Family