Silembe Update

As we move closer to preparing for children to move into House of Faith Orphanage in Silembe, Zambia, we have begun construction on the second home of the project. This is the same home that is being funded and hopefully finished by Journey of Faith Zambia 2008 Mission Team that will travel to Zambia in February and March. This process has involved many of you as you have financially participated, and or have been praying for this project -thank you.

This is an update we received November 26, 2007, from Mike Jones, our Director of Africa Missions, who is located in Zambia (edited):

We arrived on site this morning after fixing a flat tire on the truck and picking up a replacement window glass for one broken during installation at the Orphanage.

We started taking apart the hand pump to install the seal, and my new vice that was holding the rod broke. I drove back to where I could call the borehole driller to see how deep the rod would go if dropped. He told me it could only go the length of the pump and recommended I go ahead, call him if anything went wrong and he would help us if need be. I got back and was able to hold the rod with two pipe wrenches, installed the seal plate, and put everything back together. IT WORKS GREAT! NO LEAKS! Golden, our builder, has been pumping water into the tank. The night watchman/worker will bury the pipe and place broken bricks around the tank, as well as build with broken bricks a place under the tap for drawing water.

I didn't get a picture of the solar panel on the roof, but it has been installed. The wire enters the house under the ridge cap. The battery is on the truss "cat walk", and I connected a light in the living area. All seems to be working well. I'll be testing and installing more lights, probably this week.

While in Lusaka doing some minor things on the lorry(truck), like fix the starter and window crank, we ended up having to stay two extra days to get the parts. The Internet service didn't work after the first day. On the way home the same mechanical problem with the lorry happened for the third time. Fortunately, we made it home and can still drive. Our mechanic in Lusaka is searching for answers and promised to have them tomorrow.

I plan to buy a few more things in Kalomo tomorrow, go to the site, and haul rocks for the rest of the day. I expect the plumbing for the first 2 sinks, 2 toilets, and 2 showers to be working this week.

I will be sending more pictures. -Mike Jones

----------------

Continue to pray for this project as we step out in Faith to provide for the necessary funding, and the needed personnel on the ground to provide care for these little ones. Thanks, Scott