The Journey continues  We returned to Zambia on April 4 after a wonderful time with family and friends. God blessed us with the opportunity to share in 57 churches and witness six come to Christ. We are so thankful for answered prayers as God gave our family a beautiful baby boy, Jay Otting Smith, born December 29, 2016. Our two grand children, Peighton and Jay bring such joy to our lives and we love and thank God for them everyday.

We hit the ground running as we helped with both the youth and deaf conference in April. We offer a special thanks to those who made it possible for 321 deaf from all over Zambia to spend a week

in Livingstone learning about Jesus. This years conference cost $5800.00 and without your support it would not have been possible. But because you prayed and gave, 51 were saved. Praise be to Jesus!!

In May the Agape Puppet team from our hometown ministered with us for 3 weeks. We camped in the Nyawa Chiefdom for 5 days and spent 2 nights in Sesheke, presenting the gospel through puppets and storytelling. We

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shared with 14 schools and 10 villages. Many children prayed for Jesus to rescue them and over 20 received Christ in the nightly village services. The puppet team gave 3000 boxes of colored pencils to children, and teachers received the “Jesus Story Book” bible to read to the students. Thank you Linda, Drake, Kelsey, Leslie and Jess from America and Rina from South Africa for a wonderful experience and for donating all the puppet equipment so a puppet ministry can continue in Zambia.

What a joy it was to give the baby dolls to the children, especially Rachael. She is the little girl whom God used to begin “Barrels of Blessings”. She received the very first doll made by “Fish and loaves” ministry at Naomi Baptist

Church.

As we traveled through the bush, with a team from Calhoun, GA, we stopped at some huts. Children came to us and were so excited to receive dolls, cars, and balls. Oh, how I long to capture their faces when they see the toys. Eyes become like saucers and BIG smiles spread across their faces. Those eyes and smiles say thank you to all who gave.

To date we have received 39 barrels and every item has been a blessing.

While home we shared our vision to build a bible training center in Nyawa. As of now we have not been able to meet with the chief but praying to do so in the very near future. However the work continues in Nyawa and the need to reach the people becomes more evident every time we go. One of their greatest struggles is understanding “Assurance of Salvation”. Please continue to pray for the people of Nyawa and for God to use us to teach them more. Last year we began praying about the purchase of a 2nd vehicle for the bush. As we travel to the bush villages it is necessary to take a minimum

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of 3 interpreters and then pick 2-3 more once we arrive to guide us to the different locations. We can not do this with one vehicle and carry all the needed supplies and equipment. Also we have come to realize that is is not safe to travel alone. We had prayed about a specific vehicle but it did not seem that God wanted us to have it as obstacles kept standing in the way. We prayed that God would show us, in a God-sized way, what and when we should buy another bush vehicle. When we returned this year we were ask if we were still interested in purchasing the one we had been praying about. We ask to drive it for a short time and if God gave us peace then we would pursue the purchasing of it. The night after this decision was made, we received a phone call from someone, wishing to remain anonymous, stating they would give up to a $10,000 match to help buy the vehicle. We believe this is the God-size plan. It is a 2013 Land Rover, very low mileage and excellent condition. The cost of the Land Rover is

$35,000 and they are allowing us to pay ½ this year and the remaining next year. We know if this is God's plan, He will provide. Please help us pray for God's will and provision.

We are grateful for everything you do, so that together we can minister to the people of Zambia. Serving Him Todd and Kim Smith Missionaries to Zambia

   

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