Tonight was our 4th night in our Journey with the Magi. We read Matthew 2:3-10 about when word spread to King Herod about the Magi’s unbelievable journey…”When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where Christ was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'” Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”
After reading these verses, Parker and Laney immediately started saying, “Herod was tricking! Herod was tricking!” Yes–this is true. BUT we know the end of the story–but in the moment…they did not. The wisemen thought they had been favored. They thought being summoned by Herod was probably an honor. They may have even thought this was God’s blessing on them getting to meet with the king. It won’t be until a dream later they learn otherwise, but for now–remember they didn’t know any different. Tonight, we talked about being wise, putting our trust in the Lord, and being careful to listen or trust just anyone because of who they are or who they say they are. They had much to risk by not obeying the king’s orders—but they had much more to risk if they didn’t obey the Lord. A big lesson is to be learned here…
Once again–I loved hearing how the children saw Jesus today. And they agreed that they should move close to our manger scene–where Laney said, “This is where they now belong.” Indeed, they have seen the star—and tomorrow will be grand as they worship this babe they have traveled through desert, storm, army to get to him…for weeks, months and quite possibly over a year. And when they drop to their knees in worship…their hearts will know the journey was worth it. I can’t wait to share this tomorrow night with the littles!!! I think a few songs about the Magi will be in order with our new karoke machine:).
ALSO…Just wanted to tell you all April and Harris (my sister and brother-in-law) arrived safely at Wiphan Zambia!!! They were greated with lots of this…
Don’t those sweet faces and smiles just MELT your heart?!?!
Some of the kids recited a poem on AIDS and how it is effecting their worlds…orphaning their communities…but that AIDS will not take away their future!
At Wiphan Care these kids are being offered not only hope in Christ—but also a free education and a meal a day. Wiphan is always in need of families to join us…to sponsor a child…to join us in making an impact in their world. Please visit the website to learn more how you can sponsor a child!
Here is April and Harris with some of the Wiphan Zambia team…
An update I received from Ndola via April today to update you all on their trip:
Our updates are going to be short and sweet:) Internet isn’t very consistent:)
Day 1 in Zambia was an “easy” one. We went to Sinia and saw all of the improvements- the kitchen, the library the fellowship hall, the bathrooms and offices. It was so awesome to see all of the changes that have been made since Harris and my last visit. God is so good:)
We were greeted by the students at Sinia- again so blown away. Each of them in uniform, sitting on sturdy benches and desks (another huge improvement!). They sang us precious songs, several students recited poems about AIDS, education and what God and Wiphan has done in their lives. We then had dinner with the Wiphan Zambia Board and their families.
Last we got to end the night with a short Skype with Isabelle, Emma and Anna Kate- short because we kept losing connection but so sweet to their faces! Poor Nana Papa already look a little tired. I couldn’t more grafteful for their willingness to do what they are doing there so we can be here! Each one of you play a huge role in our ability to be apart of what God is doing for His children in Africa. Can’t wait to share the pictures and videos we already have!
Tomorrow and Thursday we will spend at the schools with the sponsored kids giving them their letters and then we will get to visit a few of the children’s homes.
Friday, I will meet with the women of Wiphan Zambia and the female teachers to demonstate and hand out the “Pad Kits” from It’s a Girl Thing Project. Will take lots of pics and will hopefully even send some, too!
Love,
April (and Harris)
Thank you for praying for April and Harris as they serve this week in Ndola, Zambia!!! Please continue to keep them in your prayers!!! ALL of you who took part in the project “It’s a Girl Thing” stay tuned!!!! Your hard work is about to be handed out and bless this community!!!!! Thank you for joining us and serving alongside us!!!
Love the insight on the Magi…..making me think a lot…a good thing.
So glad your sister & hubby are there and digging in on what God has for them! 🙂 Can’t wait to see and hear more.
i love that your sharing this journey with the magi with us because I would love to do this with Isaac when he is older!