The Rouch Family in Zambia

January/February 2006

Dear Pastor, Church Family & Friends,

“The proof is in the pudding”, my wise Grandmother used to say. How silly that sounded then. Now many years later, I remember and smile as I watch the Lord work – proving over and over again that we cannot improve on His plan and that He is in full control – all the time.

We are concerned as we watch the devaluation of the dollar continue in Zambia, leaving us with a loss of 30% of our buying power, in addition to now having a 25% VAT (value added tax) imposed in January to building materials, vehicles, etc. We also need wisdom in moving forward or waiting for a while concerning building projects (with the high cost of materials).

Although it takes years to see real stability in the lives of new converts, especially discipleship of those in a culture other than your own and despite this recent financial upset in the Zambia economy, God’s blessings are not upset nor is His plan changed. Recently, Pastor Chitondo of Central Baptist Church in Kasama was excited to tell me that their new building will soon be finished! The members worked hard despite the weather through this rainy season. Members harvested trees, cutting them into planks (by hand) to make trusses and benches (pews), while others (men & women) made and burnt 7000 mud bricks needed to complete the walls and an additional 7000 to sell, using the profit to buy most of the cement for mortar. He chuckled as he told me of a new problem on the horizon. The new building is large enough to hold 250 people. They are now running over 300 regularly in their rented building! Something besides the economy is not calculating here! A new building in need of an addition even before they move into it! I asked him what the reason was for this steady growth, and he answered: “Preacha, in spite of the economy and in spite of the rain and sickness, people still need Jesus. You taught me and I have taught our people here in the Northern Province the Biblical principle of multiplication. After three years, our people are becoming so faithful in soul-winning and discipling others. God always blesses when we obey and follow His plan – no matter what problem surrounds us. We Zambians know about problems, but now because of having and believing God’s Word, we know what to do with problems, and God is blessing us!”

Pastor Chitondo and his wife, Ruth, have three teenagers and are very poor. They have many times gone without, trusting the Lord for food and shelter to see this work remain. They also have two bush churches, operate one of our satellite Bible Institutes, and have sent one man out of their church to the very northern tip of the country to start another work. The hardships have matured them greatly in the Lord. Salvation, baptism, and his people becoming not only disciples but disciplers is resulting in “much fruit.”

As I finish this letter, I am also forwarding monies that many of you have given which will complete the roof on Central Baptist Church in Kasama. Thank you so much for helping Pastor Chitondo and others like him who are doing the same. For sure . . . “the proof is in the pudding!”

Thank You

“Thank You” for your faithful prayers and financial support to this ministry. God is so good. As we prepare to return to Zambia soon, we request your serious prayer and consideration of the following:

Ministry and Economy in Zambia
Health: Alternative health care option approval for our family due to major cost increase in current coverage
Financial:

1. Additional supporting churches so that we may return to Zambia with full support
2. $7000 additional needed for field vehicle due to loss of buying power and country tax increases
3. Church building projects in Zambia (now costing @$6,500 per building)

Partners in His Harvest,
Brother Charlie, Tressa & Taylor
crrouch@aol.com