July 2022 Newsletter

July 2022 Newsletter

Receiving goods from our supporters

is a vital and memory-filled

EXPERIENCE!

When the Mineral Springs Baptist Church mission team opened their bags and started pulling out Bibles, soccer balls, inspirational books and a very unique Bible study – with not just one or two handbooks – but 50 – it was difficult to hold back the tears – JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT WE NEEDED!

A man once “chastised” me that all we do here is offer an “experience” to the folks who come to visit. He said, “that’s not real ministry”. You know, he was partially right! For me, It WAS an experience that stopped me in my tracks back in 2008 when we first came here on a mission trip to this very same mission field. But, God used that “experience” to change our direction forever…and opened the door to a ministry effort that has lasted more than 14 years. We found a passion and a drive on that trip that has kept us “busy” with an entirely new agenda in life…that continues to be new and compelling every day since then. It was that “experience” that inspired the name of this ministry – “Come Go With Us“. I can’t explain it in words that can be understood without inviting you to come here for yourself and taste this “experience” first-hand. Only then, can you find something you never before thought possible. When people come…they “get it“. And that experience is the catalyst that inspires and enables God’s provision in so many different sways. We can’t always articulate the exact needs because they are so varied…and so many. But when they come – and they always do – they come at just the right time…and in just the right amounts.

It never gets old!

Mineral Springs Baptist Church – 3rd visit??

Action packed Trip!

MSBC built this church for Kabondo in 2020. This is the first time anyone from MSBC has had a chance to visit there.

This time they poured their energies into the Mukalahani village.

The current preaching point at Mukalahani – a giant tree.

Dion Minter spoke eloquently.

Isabella Minter teaching the youth.

Returning ventriloquist, flautist, teacher and all around great guy, Dennis Yeattes, picked up where he left off after his last visit.

Getting excited with Dennis’ balloons.

Dennis brought Sonny with him again this year. The kids loved him.

Sonny meets the children.

The Minter family waiting to teach with Linda providing moral support.

These ladies showing gratitude for the lessons.

Preparing to show the Jesus Film.

It is winter time here…

Evangelism in Mukalahani bearing fruit!

We brought the “River Jordan” just in case. Little did we know that we would be baptizing the next day.

I wish our RiVER JORDAN was little bit bigger???

The teacher.

Dion sharing with the women.

They certainly have rhythm.

Dennis captivating the people of Mukalahani with his traditional flute.

The whole team pitched in with a variety of lessons.

Linda, taking it all in. Unforgettable times.

Dennis had them in stitches…or was it the other way around???

Dennis palling with an old friend.

At certain times of the day Victoria Falls produces brilliant rainbows.

Last time the rainbow was coming out of Dennis’s flute.

Culture night at the CGWU base.

Everyone played the part – traditional Chetenges are a common covering in Zambia

Nathaniel modeling a Zambian Chetenga.

They all had a hand in making nshima.

All Zambians are adept at carrying a 40 pound bucket of water on their head. Dennis did not disappoint.

Brighton and Dennis

The Mukalahani kids were thrilled to get a brand new soccer ball.

George Kashongo made surprise visit.

The Minters with Brighton.

The team went on a game safari in “Big Orange”.

The last time this team came they discovered just how much the Zambian pastors love ties…What a Treat!

The effect of Covid-19 still lingers. Everyone had to be tested before going on Safari in Botswana.

Dennis reconnecting with our friend Doubt at the curio market.

The first Good News Club at the new church site was witnessed by the MSBC team.

Prayer time is such a sweet “EXPERIENCE”. It never gets old.

The balloon man at it again with the GNC children.

…and they had such a great time.

The kids thanking MSBC for the good time they had with them.

Cool Hand, Dion!

Experiencing another lifelong memory.

We’re gonna miss these guys – again!

FAMILY

We all know about the sacrifices that come with being on the mission field. One of those sacrifices is that of being away from family – too much. Then, there are those magical moments when family comes to see us. Although far too infrequent, when it happens it is an amazing gift. We thank God that Karen’s daughter, Blair and her husband Jesse, were able to visit with us this past month.

They arrived safe and sound.

Victoria Falls was a must.

Mother and Daughter experiencing Africa.

…and they did “EVERYTHING”!

Jesse honing his guitar skills on a traditional home-made Zambian instrument.

We went on a safari too.

Tasting a Mupane Caterpillar like a champ…and getting the certificate!

Her mom has spoken of Nonoka for 14 years – Blair finally got to meet her in person.

Joining in on an employee luncheon.

How many can say they have driven a vehicle in Africa?

The end of a great day on Safari.

Lovers sunset.

Safariin’

We shared them with some of our local friends.

Relaxing like they are on a trip to Africa

Making friends with the staff.

A farewell coffee at Kubu.

First service in the books!

July was probably as busy as we have ever seen.

We finished Phase 1 of the new Church of Life construction and had our first service. It has been hard work and long hours for everyone. Our staff are to be commended for their dedication to this ministry. I wish you could see them in action.

It really needed a cement floor.

Laying out the bags of cement on piles of sand and gravel in equal portions to be sure the mix would be just right.

They worked day and night for 5 straight days to get it all done in one continuous pour.

“Whew!, I’m tired”!

We thought this day would never come.

First service was surprisingly well attended.

Men’s Bible study in Mukuni.

Karen, Bertha and some of the quarry ladies.

Showin’ how it is done.

Pretty good attempt.

Bertha is a “HIT” with the GNC kids.

Preach it, Brother!

I really like this picture of one of my best friends.

Mark came a very long way to get a replacement Bible for the one he lost.

Happy (yes, that is his name) is happy to be getting a new bicycle.

A visit to Global Samaritans Children’s home to meet a new batch of “young’uns”.

A woman carrying a daily load of fire wood she harvested in the bush near our base.

Love,

Ken & Karen Buckner

GIVING

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