Phil's ZMS Newsletter - December 2008

Christmas at OMF

8 am the alarm rang and everyone rushed to the living room to see what Santa had delivered. Yes he comes even to Zambia! All the boys had pillow cases with their names on full of presents. Small radios, thankfully with ear plugs, smart new clothes, sweets, tooth brushes and many other things. Santa C’’ is so wise.

Later in the day Christine cooked an abundance of food, turkey etc etc etc and we all sat down for Christmas dinner, just over 30 people so it was a quiet one compared with other years! All the boys wore their new white shirts and black trousers and looked incredibly smart.

Their plates were mini mountains of food and afterwards many could only walk bending over as their stomachs were so full. I had the same feeling so I know!

My artistic skills were put to the test as I was asked to ‘build’ a ginger bread house. Six pieces had to be ‘cemented’ together using icing and then the whole thing decorated. Even I was impressed (surprised) with the result.

Danny and Patrick

Two little boys turned up the other Saturday having walked 20kms from downtown Lusaka. They lost their mothers recently and their next of kin didn’t bother to look after them so they ended up on the streets. Above they are enjoying the remains of one of our dinners, mushroom risotto and rump steak! Imagine! And below after receiving their Christmas presents they stand like two body guards daring anyone to enter the house.

Old MacDonald's Farm

Leading up to Christmas the boys were on holiday so they all helped on the farm. Feeding all the different livestock and tending to the crops in the field. Weeding, applying fertiliser, repairing fences, planting vegetables, there was plenty of work to be done. They thought the rain would give them a break but unfortunately for them I had other plans. There was more weeding to be done in the tunnels! ‘Ah Mr Phil’ they cry but he justifies himself by telling them that when they leave school they will need to know how to work hard!! Tis true.

Back in the UK!

God willing I will be back in the UK on January 15th until March 24th.

ZMS PRESENTATIONS

If anyone would like me to visit their church or family group to give a presentation on the various projects ZMS is involved in then please contact my Dad on 01580 763604

WHEELS!

I’m in need of wheels (preferably four and with power!) for my time in the UK. If anyone has a car available that I could ‘borrow’ this would be greatly appreciated as the hire of a car for two months is quite expensive. If you can help please email me.

philinzambia@yahoo.co.uk

PRAYER POINTS

• Pray that the boys will remember the true meaning of Christmas
• Pray for safe travel to and around the UK during Jan-March
• Pray for Tuesday and Bilison as they faithfully manage the farms at OMF and Covenant College.

Thank you for your continued support,

Love Phil