Africa: New frontiers and fractures

Last month ITMI’s Timothy Keller completed his latest field trip through five countries opening up new areas to the north in Zambia and Malawi. His team-mate for this 5-week jolting journey was Johan Meintjes, an ex-South African Navy man and a newcomer to Frontline Fellowship.

Eugene Kalunga, Director of Excellent Christian, Academy, received them warmly when they arrived for ministry in Kabwe, Zambia. There was just one catch. The town was host to a couple of NGO meetings and consequently there was ‘no room in the inn.’

Johan remembered some missionary friends of his in town working with Pro-Christo. A quick visit resulted in a cordial welcome by Coen Scholez (whom Tim had met earlier at a conference in Kimberly). Small world.

But that’s not all God had in mind. Coen is deeply involved in a project on the northern border of Zambia on Lake Tanganyika – Africa’s deepest (4,700 ft.) and second largest lake. Formed by the Great Rift Valley, the lake is 420 miles from north to south and 30 to 45 miles wide.

There are over 1.5 million people living along the shores which border Tanzania and Congo as well as Zambia. The fishing villages spread out along the 3-country shoreline are mostly unevangelized. Coen shared his vision to reach these forgotten people and the concept matched Johan’s burden to use his naval skills for the Lord.

Our two men traveled all the way up north, an extra 1,400 miles to evaluate a large boat currently for sale. Will there eventually be a naval wing to ITMI? Stay tuned.

While in the north they met up with Grant and Lynne Schaefer who lead a vital ministry in rural areas of northern Zambia. ITMI sponsored Grant through 4 years of Bible College back in the early-90s. Small world indeed!

There were plenty of opportunities for ministry on this trip – so much so that Tim and Johan often had simultaneous meetings in separate locations. They held Biblical Worldview Seminars, preached in Colleges and public schools, [impossible in American schools these days!], shared Christ with several government officials and preached in various denominational Churches along the way.

There were the usual discomforts and dangers, par for the course in mission work. The weather was quite hot, hovering around 100 F, as the expected rains had not yet come. Tim was putting his shoes on one morning and found a snake under his bed. “I used a mat to chase it out of the room,” he said, “because I didn’t think it was poisonous.” The next day he woke up when a cockroach dropped from the ceiling and hit him on the head.

After a meeting one evening at the Lusaka Bible College they were driving home through the Soweto market. There were several attempts by thieves to open the windows or break in through the tailgate of the bakkie (their pickup truck) and loot it while they were stuck in traffic. By God’s grace, nothing was stolen.

Looking back over 2006, Tim led three field trips (autumn, winter and spring); preached the Gospel in numerous churches, schools and colleges; participated in two Biblical Worldview Summits; personally conducted 5 seminars and 3 evangelism workshops throughout Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania plus a lecture on missions at a Muslim Evangelism workshop in South Africa – and drove his 4-WD Toyota 22,375 miles over some of Africa’s most punishing roads. Tim’s wide variety of missionary experience has honed him into a valuable team member. His teachable nature and humble spirit make him a joy to work with.

Toward the end of the year, God rewarded him with engagement to a lovely young lady, Ashley Hilde. They are planning a spring wedding in Tucson, Arizona. Thought you’d like to know.