2011 KAFAKUMBA NEWS
Christmas Celebration
Posted January 8, 2012
The Kafakumba community celebrated Christmas with the traditional hymn sing at the Enright's house. There were delicious cookies and other treats plus good fellowship and fun. During the Christmas morning church service, the Kafakumba church choir debuted with a selection of Christmas songs sung in four-part harmony. Some of us still aren't used to the warm weather, growing grass, and rain, though.
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Enright Dinner Meeting
Posted January 8, 2012
There was a great turnout at the annual Enright Dinner Meeting on November 9 in Noblesville, Indiana. There were also some special guests: Pastor Kilembo (Kafakumba Training Center director) on his first trip to the U.S., Lorraine Enright, and Ken Enright. Pastor Kilembo spoke about how God has been working here at Kafakumba. In addition, a new Foundation for Pastors' School was introduced. You'll hear more about that in the future.
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Management Changes
Posted January 8, 2012
There have been a couple of management changes at Kafakumba. Starting in October, Bill Bauson is now responsible for managing the Kafakumba woodshop. A lot of his Delphi management experience has come in handy here. But instead of high-tech electronics, he's working with rosewood and pine logs, sawmills, and woodworking machines building doors, windows, and furniture. Pastor Kilembo has taken over the Kafakumba Training Center management. Pastor Kilembo, Bill Bauson, and Cassie Bauson work closely together to keep everything running at the Center.
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Candlemaking Class
Posted October 11, 2011
Three visitors to Kafakumba this week taught the Kafakumba ladies how to make candles and lip balm. Using beeswax produced through Kafakumba's own honey project, Lori Losch (Canada), Frances Tieulie (Canada), and Suzanne Watts (United States) showed their eager pupils how to melt the wax and mold it into candles. They also mixed wax with other ingredients to produce natural lip balm. These new skills will enable the local women to produce and sell candles and lip balm, providing income for their families.
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Family Camp
Posted October 11, 2011
Family Camp at Kafakumba took place during mid-August. There were as many as 574 people, including 215 children, coming from churches in Ndola and Luanshya. There were four classes: Health, Development, Family Issues, and Bible Study. There were two sermons a day as well as a campfire night and a testimony night. During a special prayer night, many people gave their lives to Jesus after confessing their sins.
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Bauson Dinner Meeting
Posted August 18, 2011
The Bauson's dinner presentation in Kokomo, Indiana, USA went well. Nearly 200 people were in attendance. Bill and Cassie talked about their first year in Zambia and about the way God has been working at Kafakumba. The family had a good time visiting with many old friends. Many thanks to Kokomo Zion United Methodist Church for organizing and hosting the dinner! You can learn more about the Bausons at their website: http://sites.google.com/site/bcbauson.
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Dinner and a Movie
Posted August 13, 2011
Last Sunday we had a very nice Kafakumba dinner. When Bill sent out a text message reminder to everyone to bring their own silverware, one of our friends from the community asked what he should do since he couldn't find anything silver to wear! Next time, we'll use the word "cutlery." Following the dinner, we went outside for our "drive-in" movie. The kids also watched their own movie inside the auditorium.
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August Cleanup Day
Posted August 13, 2011
Last Saturday saw another Kafakumba Cleanup Day as several of the residents and visitors picked up trash. It will be a never-ending struggle, but the place looks a lot better now. We have added several new trash barrels around the center to help encourage people to "Keep Kafakumba Clean".
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Record Honey Harvest
Posted July 7, 2011
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Six young African elephants: that's about the weight of honey that was harvested in the past several weeks. 12 metric tons! It was a record harvest for Kafakumba's honey business, Bee Sweet. All of the honey is produced by local villagers who were given hives made at Kafakumba's beehive factory. The villagers make money by selling their honey to Bee Sweet, which processes, packages, and then sells it in stores and markets.
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Women's Empowerment Seminar
Posted June 26, 2011
The Women's Empowerment seminar was completed last week. Approximately 70 women attended. The husbands joined the women for the couples portion of the seminar on the first day. Some of the topics the women learned about were: health issues, HIV/AIDs and STD's, relationships, working together as a community, and alternatives to beating for disciplining children. The seminar was taught by Dr. Mary Kay Smith and Jennie Conrad, with help from Julian and Josh Davies. You can watch some video clips here: Clip 1, Clip 2
Movie Night
Posted June 18, 2011
We had a great time at our first movie night at Kafakumba! We projected the film onto the front wall of the auditorium. People were even able to sit on the new steps. It was a beautiful, cloudless night with a full moon. There were several requests to do it again soon.
Pastors' School Completed
Posted June 16, 2011
June 15 marked the end of the 2011 session of Pastors' School. The session culminated with the graduation ceremony. There was much rejoicing as the 38 pastors received their diplomas. The pastors' wives also received certificates for completing the wives' program. In the evening, we celebrated with a bonfire as we watched the lunar eclipse.
New Computer Lab
Posted June 2, 2011
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| The new computer lab |
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| Pastors enjoying learning a new skill |
Kafakumba now has the beginnings of a computer lab! Thanks to the First United Methodist Church of Oviedo, Florida and the Gift from God Computer Foundation, we have twelve computers running and being used in Pastors' School. This week, we had the first classes in the new lab. The pastors are learning how to operate the computers and will soon be receiving e-mail addresses. They are very excited! Even the children can't stay away. We plan to install more computers after Pastors' School and hope to offer classes to the community.
The Containers Have Arrived!
Posted May 22, 2011
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| Unloading the containers; they arrived about a week apart. |
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The two containers that were shipped from Indiana in February and March have finally arrived at Kafakumba. They were filled with clothing, shoes, sewing supplies, medical supplies, equipment and many other goodies. Clothing and shoes will be distributed in a few weeks. It is always a wonderful time for the people here.
One special treat is a large number of desktop computers generously supplied by the First United Methodist Church of Oviedo, Florida. These computers will be used to create a computer lab at Kafakumba. The pastors here for Pastors' School will be the first to benefit from the new computers as part of the computer class being taught by Bill Bauson. The pastors are all anxious to learn about computers. Only three of them have ever used one, but all of them have heard about computers and the internet. Many of them will have at least some access to internet cafes when they return to their homes. Perhaps some day the pastors will even have computers of their own.
Pastors' School Activities
Posted May 22, 2011
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Pastors having
their morning tea |
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Bill Bauson teaching
the computer class |
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The Reasners and Jenny;
Poor Judie has to stand |
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After a couple of weeks Pastors' School, things are starting to settle down. People are getting into the classroom routine, the cooks are busily preparing three meals a day, and laundry is being hung out to dry. No babies have been born (yet), and there have only been a couple of hospital runs. We had our first bonfire last week. All is proceeding well.
Pastors' School is Underway
Posted May 11, 2011
Pastors' School has started at Kafakumba. This is one of the big events in the life of Kafakumba, where nearly 250 people will be coming here to stay for six weeks. The group consists of about 90 pastors plus their wives and children. We just finished up two additional dormitories to house all the people. Pastors and their families have come from Zambia, the Congo, and Tanzania. Several teachers have traveled here from the Congo, Zambia, and the United States. This year, we have the 4th year class of pastors from the Congo school so they will be able to graduate with the 4th year pastors from the Zambia school.
Preparing for Pastors' School
Posted May 4, 2011
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Carrying chickens
to the dressing area |
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Can't wait
to taste these! |
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L-R: Pastors Katembo,
Kilembo, and Vance |
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One of the signs that Pastors' School is just around the corner is the chicken dressing event. Pastor Ken Vance provided the chickens from his ChicKEN project. Today, the ladies dressed 150 chickens which will be put in the freezer for use during Pastors' School. Tomorrow, they will do another 100. Pastors' School begins on May 9.
Goodbye to Dru Smith
Posted May 2, 2011
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Dru Smith (R)
and Cassie Bauson (L) |
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After many years of serving in Zambia, Dru Smith has moved back to the United States. Dru worked with Lifesong for Orphans in Kitwe. She lived on the Kafakumba Training Center grounds and participated in many activities at Kafakumba including the Women's Bible Study group. We had a farewell "braai" (barbecue) for Dru the week before she left. We have been grateful for Dru's friendship and association with Kafakumba and wish her well in her new life in America. Dru was accompanied to the U.S. by Cassie Bauson, who went to the U.S. to help her daughter plan for a September wedding.
Hands at Work conference at KTC
Posted April 15, 2011
This week, about 200 people from 13 different countries descended on KTC for the Hands at Work conference. Hands at Work is a Christian non-profit organization working in vulnerable communities across sub-Saharan Africa where HIV/AIDS, poverty and numbers of orphans are highest and support structures are very low. They help the local church in those communities to effectively care for the orphaned and vulnerable. Learn more at their website: www.handsatwork.org
First English Church Service at KTC
Posted April 10, 2011
Today we started an English church service here at KTC. There is already a Bemba service, but there has been a long-felt need to have an English service as well. About 30 people attended this first service. There are visitors to Kafakumba this week, so we had people from 6 different countries here: Zambia, Congo, Ethiopia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Pastor Kilembo, KTC director, preached the message.
April KTC Cleanup Day
Posted April 10, 2011
Yesterday was our April KTC Cleanup Day. We had fun working together to help keep Kafakumba clean. The weather was nice and cool and we enjoyed some snacks afterwards.
"Walk to Emmaus" Planning
Posted April 2, 2011
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| Planning for the Walk to Emmaus |
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Ralph and Renny
visiting the fish ponds |
On March 30 - April 1, 2011, Ralph Willcox (International Representative for Africa, Upper Room Walk to Emmaus) and Renny Stoltz (past International Rep for Africa) visited Kafakumba to help us plan the establishment of a Walk to Emmaus program in Zambia. The Walk to Emmaus is a spiritual renewal program intended to strengthen the local church through the development of Christian disciples and leaders. The program's approach seriously considers the model of Christ's servanthood and encourages Christ's disciples to act in ways appropriate to being "a servant of all." Establishing the Walk to Emmaus in Zambia will take a few years, but we are excited about getting started.
Beekeeping Course Held at KTC
Posted April 2, 2011
On March 29-31, 2011, approximately 35 people attended a Beekeeping Course at KTC to learn how to manage beehives and beehive "schemes" or cooperatives. Students spent time both in the classroom and in the field.
March KTC Residents Dinner
Posted March 26, 2011
Last night we had another KTC Resident's Dinner. One interesting (and tasty) dish was "kapenta" - small fried minnows with a very fishy taste. We made good use of the new projector that arrived a few weeks ago and showed everyone concepts of planned improvements at the Center. We also had an interesting discussion comparing different cultural traditions and beliefs.
A New Baby
Posted March 16, 2011
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L-R: Mama Therese,
nurse, Pastor Kilembo |
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Congratulations are in order for the Kilembo's! Mama Therese gave birth to a baby boy on March 15 at about 11:00 PM. His name is Makarios Mpande Kilembo. Makarios is Greek for "blessed"; Mpande is Therese's father's name. Pastor Kilembo is the Director of the Kafakumba Training Center. Mama Therese is one of the leaders of the KTC Women's Group.
Cooking for KTC
Posted March 11, 2011
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Bertha carrying
vegetables |
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The kitchen staff L-R: Bertha,
Patricia, Margaret, Gladys |
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Each weekday, our kitchen staff makes lunch for the workers at KTC. The menu includes nshima (a paste made from ground corn, which is called "mealy meal" here), vegetables, and a source of protein such as fish.
New Grass at KTC
Posted March 11, 2011
New grass has been planted in the Center. If it looks like it was planted one blade at a time, it basically was. To plant Simba grass, you dig up the dirt, then plant little clumps of grass that you cut from another yard. We hired a group of local people to do the planting. This provides a small source of income to people who don't have jobs.
Ladies' Tea
Posted March 11, 2011
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| Ladies' Tea at the Bauson's House |
Tuesday, March 8 was International Women's Day. This is a holiday in Zambia, so everyone had the day off. The Ladies' Bible Study group celebrated by having a tea at the Bauson's house. Everyone had a fun time visiting and sharing stories.
Tilapia Enterprises
Posted March 9, 2011
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| New sign for Tilapia Enterprises |
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Nathan Enright recently put up a new sign for Tilapia Enterprises. Now, customers know exactly where to go when visiting the hatchery and ponds.
Several new ponds are being added. Each pond is 1/2 hectare and typically holds about 30,000 fish.
Welcome back, Grandma Lorraine!
Posted March 5, 2011
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| Grandma Lorraine's return |
Grandma Lorraine (John Enright's mother) has returned to Kafakumba. We welcomed her back in the traditional way with a group of people singing to her as she stepped out of the vehicle. She is staying at her house on the Kafakumba Training Center grounds.
Construction Progress
Posted March 5, 2011
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| Pastor Kilembo's New Office |
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Work has been started on a couple of new fronts: building Pastor Kilembo's office and finishing up Toilet Block 3. We have a lot of work to get done before Pastors' School in May.
February KTC Residents' Dinner
Posted March 5, 2011
The KTC residents met for another community dinner on February 25. After dinner, we discussed the happenings at the Center and made plans for future activities.
New Ceilings for the Kids
Posted February 20, 2011
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| God's Kids' new ceiling |
The Children's Building has new ceilings! The picture shows John Sondash teaching a God's Kids session under the new ceiling.
Morning Prayers
Posted February 20, 2011
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| Morning prayers |
Every Monday through Thursday at 7:00AM we have singing and morning prayers near the woodshop. On Friday mornings we have singing and a sermon in the dining hall.
Construction Work in Dorm 4
Posted February 15, 2011
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| Dorm 4 Ceiling |
Electrical wiring and ceilings are being installed in Dorm 4 in preparation for Pastors' School which starts in May. Ultimately, we will also install windows and new doors and paint the rooms.
KTC Cleanup Day
Posted February 15, 2011
Saturday, February 12 saw a group of KTC residents working hard to pick up trash around the Kafakumba Training Center. It is a never-ending task, but we made a lot of progress towards making KTC cleaner. Even Red, the dog, had fun hanging around all the people Afterwards, we had homemade peanut butter cookies for a snack.
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| Dru, Joel, and Pastor Kilembo
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| Vipata, Joel, Hope, Tamara
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Construction Activities
Posted January 30, 2011
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| Children's Building Ceiling |
Here's a picture of progress we're making on finishing up the children's building. The framing is for putting in a ceiling. Unfortunately, some of the nice wall artwork will be covered up.
Friday Morning Devotions
Posted January 30, 2011
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| Friday Morning Devotions |
Singing with the workers at Kafakumba Training Center during Friday morning devotions. We also have singing and prayers Monday through Thursday in the outside lot near the woodshop.
New Women's Bible Study
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| Women's Bible Study |
Posted January 17, 2011
Cassie Bauson has started a weekly women's Bible study group at KTC. One of the Zambian ladies translates into Bemba. Here is what they covered at their first study: Discipleship, Characteristics of God's Word, Benefits of Knowing God's Word, Disadvantages of Not Knowing God's Word, Biblical attitudes to God's Word. Everyone enjoyed it and is looking forward to more!
Anamed Natural Medicine Conference Held at Kafakumba
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| Conference participants |
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| anamed teachers |
Posted January 17, 2011
In January, more than 30 people from all over central Africa attended a week-long seminar on natural medicine at KTC. Experts from anamed international taught participants how to recognize and use a variety of local plants in a combination of the best traditional herbal medicine together with accurate methods of preparation, dosage, and storage of medicines. Read more about anamed international at anamed's website.
Happy New Year!
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| New Year's Eve Dinner |
Posted January 1, 2011
The residents and neighbors of the Kafakumba Training Center celebrated New Year's Eve with a dinner at the center. We had a great time of fellowship, food, and singing. Pastor Kilembo reminded us all of the great blessings that God bestowed on us in 2010 and encouraged us to keep our eyes focused on Jesus as we begin this new year.
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