AZ Breaks New Ground

Action Zambia ventured into new territory this past April by creating an internship program. The vision of AZ missionary, Steve Allen, this program seeks to link churches in the West with Zambia through experiences of college/post-college students. These experiences are usually 2-4 months in length, but can be one year in length.

While interns are valuable in what they bring to the field, it is universally understood that they will learn more than they are able to contribute. AZ sees some of the benefits that interns will gain as:

• a biblical and practical understanding of how a Christian should love the poor.
• a close-up view of poverty, oppression, disease, and trials of a majority world country.
• a chance to rub shoulders with missionaries and their families as they see what it is like to live in a different culture.
• a chance to drive on the left side of the road (intentionally) and to be exposed to a new language, culture, food, and customs.
•  a chance to meet godly Zambians who will influence and
  exhort in ways that only they can do.
• a chance to grow in their knowledge through bibilical training classes.
• learning how a mission operates through attendance at staff meetings.

However, the contributions of interns to the field are broad in their scope and vital. Some of the tasks assigned to visiting interns will include:

• updating AZ's sponsors blog with pictures and videos of Zambian pastors, community school teachers, and HIV/AIDS workers. This enables AZ to keep its sponsors well-informed and updated about happenings in Zambia. It also gives interns extensive exposure into the lives of these people.
• grading tests and papers to assist the teachers of Pastoral Leadership Development.
• training teachers and students in basic computer skills.
• participating in an orphanage and/or a community school.
• providing blogs and postings for AZ's website that give  glimpses into their learning experiences.

Tyler Dingman, AZ's first intern and a former youth group member of Steve Allen's, arrived in Zambia on April 1st. While here Tyler has been in charge of teaching basic computer skills to the pastors of ABI (Action Bible Institute). He has also trained them in the use of Logos Bible software. Some pastors have never even touched a computer and teaching them to "double click" and to open or save a document has proved a challenge for Tyler. However, he quickly realized that this was a cultural difference, not a lack of ability or intellect on their part.

In addition, he has also helped launch AZ's PLD Network online as well as the pastors support blogs which document the lives of each ABI pastor.

Owen Thompson will arrive from the states on June 11th and is a graduate of the University of Washington. A pre-med student, Owen is also considering becoming a pastor and will help with the pastors conference in August. He will also continue the work Tyler began in teaching basic computer skills. Owen will also assist with administration alongside AZ missionary, Brent Roberts.

Expected in late August is Michelle Widman, a graduate of Western Washington University, where she majored in human services, minoring in psychology. Michelle interned with Campus Christian Fellowship as a campus pastor to women during which time she led small groups, taught, and helped to lead CCF. While in Zambia she will work in administration as well as with the C.R.O.S.S. project, the HIV/AIDS branch of AZ.

Would you pray for each of these interns that God's purpose would be accomplished in their lives and that He would give them the grace needed in Zambia? In addition, pray for AZ as it seeks to serve these individuals who are investing their time and talents in God's Kingdom. 
 



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