Amanda Paltzer is the wife of Jason Paltzer, health and development director for our mission in Zambia.  He’s one of seven WELS full-time workers in the country – a mission field that is being impacted by upcoming budget reductions in WELS mission fields at home and abroad. 

The Zambian mission field is heading for some changes just around the corner.  By the end of July, 3 mission families will be gone- one to Malawi, and two back to the U.S.  One was called to serve in Malawi, one will be pursuing more schooling, and another was called back due to the financial situation in WELS.  In a way, the missionaries feel a bit like the wind has been taken out of our sails.   We wonder what is happening, feel that it seems like the end of the large missionary presence in Zambia and we find ourselves with left with many questions unanswered.

We can look to God’s word and remember that it is his power and his word that accomplish his purposes whether there are 7 or 4 missionaries in Zambia.   As he says in Isaiah 55:10-12 “As the rain and snow fall from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.  You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees will clap their hands.”   The Lord has been working in Zambia to spread his word through WELS missionaries for over 50 years and he has accomplished many things.  There is an established LCCA synod with the desire to learn and grow.  The LCCA is led by pastors, students, and laymen who have been trained by missionaries in the true word.  We need to trust that God can and will work through these years of WELS presence and help the LCCA to stand more fully on its own and continue to preach and teach God’s saving truth in Zambia and surrounding countries.  Missionaries who are leaving can “go out in joy and be led forth in peace” returning to their home country or going to a new one, knowing God will accomplish his purpose in Zambia and will open a new ministry to them in a new place.

Please pray for God’s guidance for these missionaries leaving their homes, friends, and congregations of brothers and sisters in Christ.  Pray for the many missions around the world that have lost missionaries.  Continue to support missions with your prayers and gifts.  Thank God for the opportunities we have had to share the gospel around the world and pray for new doors to open.