Toni makes great “Zeeb BBQ.” I didn’t mind the gathering process either : )
Good secondary road in southern Zambia. It was great until it rained a few days later.
Toni’s dad and two brothers each served/serve as United States Marines. We thank the Lord for their part in the freedom we enjoy today as Americans. The standing we have as a country allows America to be a primary ”sending” country for world missions. Bob Gibbons (Toni’s dad) served in the Vietnam War. Shawn Gibbons served during the Iraq War. Brian Gibbons served two tours in Iraq and continues to serve today.
Brian and Heather Gibbons. He and Heather presently live in Texas where he is nearing completion of a Master of Divinity. He has already served two tours in Iraq and now plans to serve as military chaplain.
Shawn and Tara Gibbons. He presently works and lives with his wife and two children (only Gunnar is pictured) in Eastern, Ohio.
We enjoyed taking a tour of the USS North Carolina battleship. The boys especially enjoyed the “big guns” while the girls enjoyed the infirmary and living quaters. Reading the history of the ship and the experiences of those on board reminded us of the great price of freedom we enjoy today in America. We thank the Lord for His goodness in that our passports bear the insignia of the United States of America. For more information on the USS North Carolina please visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_North_Carolina_(BB-55); http://www.battleshipnc.com/index.html
The North Carolina sand dunes with their 100+ heat index surely reminded us of the hot/dry season in Zambia.
“…in whatever state I am, to be content.” New Hampshire, Ohio, Minnesota, Michigan, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia - to name a few. I know this refers to “whatever situation,” but we enjoy the applicational meaning as we travel far and wide. We have enjoyed the family time that travel on the road has provided. We are also thankful that gas (petrol) is not $6.50 per gallon like in Zambia. Pictured above is Emilee and Isaiah content and joyful during one of our road trips. We thank the Lord for continued safety as we travel and glorfiy Him for what He is doing in Africa.
Our family enjoyed the beauty of God’s creation as we traveled along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.
“I am so far from thinking that my education has been wasted in coming here, that I only wish I had got double the amount of education, not only in the way of book learning, but also in practical skill. This is a field which offers scope for the highest energies. No man can know enough, and be able to turn his hand to too many things, to be a useful missionary in Central Africa.” - Mackay, letter to his father, Uganda, 12th Nov., 1882.
The students (and faculty) have one week remaining until a much anticipated mid-term break. Every week brings clear evidence that God is working in the hearts of both the faculty and students. The work is much deeper than mere technique or information but a transformation of character and devotedness to our Lord. It is a high privilege to serve alongside this tremendous team among this very special student body.
I have enjoyed teaching Pulpit Speech this year. Worked into the fabric of this class is the requirement that two ministerial students preach in chapel every other week. It is amazing what this has done as they have opened the Word to their teachers and peers. I would much rather preach chapel, but these men have risen to the occasion and have preached authoritatively. They each get 12 minutes, must not stray from the outline prepared, and preach. Eleven men who need not be ashamed for they have accurately handled the word of truth. Four of these men could help teach this class to other young African preachers in a few years. They are already taking part in this now. Last Friday I handed evaluation sheets to each Zambian pastor and they had valuable input for the other young preachers. This was Paul’s passion as he moved to other places to preach the Gospel. He established the foundation and let others build upon it. I believe some of those men are already in our midst.
“And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren,that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge,able also to admonish one another.”
Romans 15:14
“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.”
1 Corinthians 3:10
