SPOTLIGHT ON MISSIONS: Mickeal & Sharon Quillman • Zambia

      Mwabuka buti (Good morning) from the Quillman family, serving in the Southern Province of Zambia. We hope this report finds you blessed and encouraged. We are writing to you today with a mix of challenges and blessings from our mission field.

         • Drought and Famine — Zambia is facing an unprecedented drought and famine, affecting countless communities. The land is parched, and water sources are scarce. Yet, in the midst of this dryness, we find hope in Jesus’ promise: “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38 ESV).

      We are reminded of God’s faithfulness in Isa. 43:19, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Even in the desert, God can create a river. We trust that He will bring life-giving water to our communities, both physically and spiritually.

      • Drought-Related Challenges — The drought has brought an unexpected challenge to our area. Elephants, searching for food, have wandered into town, causing significant damage to local gardens, fences and buildings. Sadly, three lives were lost in August due to elephant encounters. The elephants are only returning to areas with available food sources, highlighting the severity of the drought.

         • Food Shortage — A severe food shortage further exacerbates the situation. Most of our families are receiving less than one meal per day, making it difficult for them to survive. We are doing our best to provide support, but the need is great. Even walking to church has become a hardship because of the lack of daily calories for energy.

         • Chabantu Missionary Baptist Church — Our church is thriving, despite these challenges! We welcomed 16 new members to our family this Sunday, and we will be baptizing 5 more next Sunday. God is moving mightily in the hearts of our Zambian brothers and sisters.

         • Community School Update — Our community school, Chabantu Baptist Academy, is growing! We currently have children ages three to grade six, and we’re providing breakfast and lunch for them and our five dedicated teachers and two teacher assistants. The school is not only a place for education but also a hub for spiritual growth. About 50 children and some of their families are now attending our church on Sundays, and we’re seeing the impact of God’s love in their lives.

         • Prayer Requests — We covet your continued prayer support as we serve in this beautiful but struggling nation. Please pray for rain and relief from the drought, strength and wisdom for our ministry, the Chabantu church family as they grow in faith, our community school and its impact on the children and families, protection from the elephant encounters, food and nourishment for our families and our health and safety.

         • Prayer Praises — Praise God for the 16 new Chabantu Missionary Baptist Church members. Also, the headman we have been praying for has been coming to church faithfully and is now bringing three of his children. We are thankful for the donations we have received to provide meals. We are praising God that Sharon and I are both healthy after two weeks of illness.

      Thank you for standing with us in this mission. Your prayers and support make a tangible difference in the lives of the Zambian people.