Caring Shepherds International

06/08/2026

06/08/2026

What an incredible trip! From the moment we left until we safely returned home, God was faithful every step of the way. We experienced no lost luggage, no major issues, and arrived home safe and sound. We are so grateful for His protection, provision, and countless blessings throughout this mission.

I didn’t have the opportunity to share updates from Saturday and Sunday, but they were truly unforgettable.

Saturday was the day we held our Vacation Bible School (VBS) and the official grand opening of the library in Solwezi, Zambia. What a day! The library was absolutely packed! We had well over 300 children, not including the teenagers, men, and women who came to celebrate. Outside the library, people enjoyed volleyball, soccer, and even American football, creating an atmosphere of joy, excitement, and community.

We were honored to have many pastors and church leaders join us for the official opening. Standing there and seeing the library finally open after so much prayer, planning, hard work, and generosity was overwhelming. What was once only a vision is now a place where people of all ages can learn, read, grow, and hear the truth of God’s Word.

One of my favorite moments was welcoming groups of children into the library. I had the privilege of reading a book to them, introducing them to the library, and sharing how this place will serve their community for years to come. Watching their excitement reminded us why this ministry matters so much.

To God alone be the glory!

Sunday marked our final opportunity to worship alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ before returning home.

Jeff preached at Peace Baptist Church, and I had the privilege of serving as his interpreter. We also attended the morning Bible study at Peace Baptist Church. Ashley and Morgan faithfully taught the children’s Sunday School, while my sister, Lydia, assisted with translation.

Pastor Keith, Hannah, and Mirriam ministered at Our Daily Bread Church. Keith preached, while Mirriam and Hannah faithfully taught the children. After the service, we were also blessed to enjoy lunch at the bishop’s home. What a wonderful time of fellowship and encouragement!

There was something special about beginning our mission by worshipping with Zambian churches and ending it the very same way. It was a beautiful reminder that although we come from different countries, we serve the same Savior and belong to the same family of God.

On Monday, our team spent time in Lusaka visiting a small game park and enjoying some of Zambia’s beautiful wildlife. On Tuesday, we did a little shopping, shared one final lunch together, and then headed to the airport for our journey home.

As we reflect on everything God accomplished the leaders’ conference, church ministry, clothing distribution to different churches, the opening of the library, VBS, children’s ministry, visits with pastors, and countless meaningful conversations we are simply amazed by His goodness and faithfulness.

Thank you to everyone who prayed, gave, encouraged, and supported this mission. You were a part of every life that was touched.

Thank You, King Jesus!

31/07/2026

The work at the library continues to come together like a dream, and we are so grateful to see God’s hand in every step of the process. Today was another productive and encouraging day as our team continued preparing the library for the many people who will soon benefit from it.

Much of the day was spent moving bookshelves from the back storage room into the main library area. Once the shelves were in place, we carefully organized and stocked them with more books, making the library look more complete and inviting. We also rearranged the furniture throughout the building to create a welcoming, comfortable, and functional space where children, students, pastors, and community members will be able to read, study, and learn.

In addition to organizing the books, we sorted through all the toys we brought for the children’s area. We checked everything, organized the supplies, and made sure every detail was in place. It has been exciting to watch each section of the library come together little by little. What started as an empty building is steadily becoming a place that will serve the community for years to come.

One of the greatest blessings of the day happened while we were working. Two local pastors stopped by the library to spend some time with us. As they looked around, they took advantage of the growing collection of books by sitting down to read and take notes. Seeing pastors immediately using the resources before the library has even officially opened was incredibly encouraging. It reminded us why this ministry is so important. These books are not simply filling shelves—they are resources that will strengthen church leaders, equip believers, and help spread the truth of God’s Word throughout Zambia.

Every day we see more evidence that the Lord is building something special here. We are thankful for the opportunity to serve, for the faithful team working together, and for everyone who has prayed, given, and supported this ministry. Please continue to pray as we put the finishing touches on the library. Our desire is that this place will become a center for learning, discipleship, and encouragement, impacting countless lives for the glory of God for many years to come.

30/07/2026

Another incredible and successful day of ministry here in Solwezi, Zambia! God continues to amaze us with His faithfulness, and we are so grateful to witness His hand at work each day.

This morning we spent time serving at the library, continuing preparations for its official opening. Later, Pastor Keith, Pastor Jeff, and I had the privilege of visiting a pastor who was unable to attend our leadership conference because he has been in the hospital. It was such an encouraging visit. We spent time praying with him, listening to his testimony, and hearing about all that God is doing in his life. He also shared the exciting news that he will soon be pastoring a new church. Seeing his joy and unwavering faith, even in the midst of difficult circumstances, was a powerful reminder that God is always at work.

A few months ago, this pastor’s motorcycle was stolen, making it much more difficult for him to travel and minister. By God’s grace, we were able to bless him with a bicycle 🚲. It may seem like a simple gift, but it will make a tremendous difference as he continues sharing the Gospel and serving his community. What a privilege it is to come alongside faithful servants of Christ in practical ways.

Back at the library, preparations continued for one of the biggest days of our trip. We set up the volleyball net, organized outdoor activities, and even spent some time introducing and playing a little American football 🏈 as we prepare for Saturday’s Vacation Bible School. The excitement among the children and community has been contagious! Many have never seen American football before, and we can’t wait to use this fun activity as a bridge to build relationships and share the love of Jesus Christ.

While all of this was taking place, my mother spent the day sorting through clothing that will be distributed to churches throughout the area to bless children and families in need. It has been a joy to see every member of our team using their unique gifts to serve the people of Zambia.

As we reflect on another full day, our hearts are overwhelmed with gratitude. God has continually shown us His loving kindness, His protection, and His provision throughout this mission trip. Every conversation, every act of service, every smile, and every opportunity reminds us that He is worthy of all the glory.

We would love for you to pray with us as we approach one of the most exciting days of the trip this Saturday:

• Pray for the grand opening of the library, that it will become a place where people come not only to read and study but also to hear the Gospel, grow spiritually, and experience the love of Christ.
• Pray for our Vacation Bible School and all of the games and activities, that they would point children and families to Jesus.
• Pray that God would use sports—including American football, volleyball, and other activities—as tools to build relationships and open doors for ministry throughout Solwezi.
• Pray for continued good health, strength, and safety for our entire team as we finish this mission and prepare to travel back to the United States.
• Pray that the Lord will continue to bless every church, pastor, leader, and family we have had the privilege of serving during this trip.

Thank you to everyone who has prayed, encouraged us, and supported this ministry. Your partnership is making an eternal impact. We can’t wait to share what God does during Saturday’s celebration!

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20–21

29/07/2026

Amen!

29/07/2026

Wow! Praise God! What an incredible day it has been.

Today we concluded our Leaders Conference at the library, and we are overwhelmed with gratitude for all that God has done. It was a wonderful ending to three days of learning, fellowship, and encouragement. The faithfulness of the church leaders was inspiring, as many remained committed from the very beginning of the conference all the way to the end.

Throughout the day, we worshiped together, sang songs of praise, and listened to the teaching and testimonies from different speakers. Once again, the leaders came prepared with thoughtful and practical questions. It was a blessing to see their desire to grow in God’s Word and in their leadership. Jeff, Keith, and I had the opportunity to answer many of those questions, leading to meaningful discussions that we pray will strengthen churches throughout Zambia.

There were so many highlights from these past few days that it would be impossible to mention them all. We are also thankful for the wonderful meals that were prepared for us each day. The hospitality shown to our team has been a tremendous blessing, and we are deeply grateful.

One of the most memorable moments of the conference was the presentation of certificates. At the conclusion of the training, each leader received a Certificate of Attendance. Seeing the joy, excitement, and sense of accomplishment on their faces made all the hard work worthwhile. It was a special reminder that these leaders are committed to growing in their calling and serving their churches more effectively.

While the conference was taking place, another part of our team faithfully continued organizing and shelving books in the library. Their hard work has brought us one step closer to making this resource available to the community. In addition, we were able to distribute Bibles to several pastors who had traveled long distances to attend the conference. These pastors will take the Bibles back to their churches and place them into the hands of members who need God’s Word. What a privilege it is to be part of helping the Scriptures reach more people.

As we reflect on everything that has taken place, our hearts are filled with gratitude. From the teaching sessions and fellowship, to the library work, the distribution of Bibles, and the encouragement shared among believers, we have seen God’s hand at work in every detail.

We thank God for carrying us through this conference from beginning to end. To Him alone belongs all the glory, honor, and praise. We are excited to see how He will continue to use these leaders, these churches, and this new library ministry for His kingdom.

28/07/2026

Amen 🙏