Location: Zambia, Africa
Ministry Focus: John and Ruth recently celebrated 20 years in Zambia. Working with a great team of Zambian leaders, their ministry centres around Trans-Africa Christian University in the copperbelt city of Kitwe. Here various development programs are offered, along with the training of pastors and leaders. A teacher-training college has recently been added. Over the past 50 years, graduates of TACU have filled many strategic roles and pulpits across Zambia. Surrounded by Shanty Towns of 400,000 people, TACU reaches out to its impoverished neighbours through an agriculture co-op, skills-training, tailoring school and the Barnabas Soccer League and Discipleship program. The soccer league disciples some 700 youth weekly through the "Brian's Place" Youth Centre.
Ministry History: John and Ruth's ministry in Zambia followed two decades of pastoral ministry in Canada and began with a 3-month short-term assignment to Zimbabwe in 1996. Such was the stimulus and fulfilment of working with the emerging leaders of Africa, they returned to the region and focused on Zambia. They find much joy in their roles of teaching and administration on campus. They also love to engage in week-end ministry with their graduates across the country. The involvement of Canadian work-teams has been very strategic in the development of the campus of Trans-Africa Christian University over these twenty years: the J. Harry Faught Library; the Robert Hall Ministry Centre; the Administration and Class-room blocks -- all carry the stamp of Canadian investment and skills.
Prayer Requests:
- That peace and divine favour would prevail in Zambia
- That the scourge of poverty might be lifted, providing all Zambians with a future and a hope
- For continuing good health and vitality for John & Ruth and their Zambian colleagues
- For safety in their "going out and coming in" -- especially on the roads