"Have you herd?"
I don't see them all that often. Even when I do, it's not for all that long of a time. But I know they are there. Every day they are there. When I do see them it's only for a minute or two as I drive by. Sometimes I spot them in the grass. Other times in trees. Along the road or in a marsh. Occasionally I even see them on the backs of what they are watching.
"Rain or shine!"Young boys of Zambia. A breed of their own kind. These lads are given a job to do: they watch cows. That's what they do. From early morning to late afternoon, they follow their walking hamburgers. With whip in hand and slingshot around their neck, they gently prod and occasionally smack their milking machines to "moo"ve on.
A boy watching a cow is like a guard watching a house. (except the house doesn't meander). It's not recreation, it's responsibility. These boys are accountable. And they do their job. It's a 12 hour-a-day job. Rain or shine, hungry, tired or sick, these lads do their work and they do it faithfully.
The other day I stopped along the road in a downpour. I wanted to get a picture of some boys and their bovines. In 30 seconds the window side of my body got soaked as I was trying to get the right shot. While I was grumbling under my breath about all the rain, it struck me that these boys weren't. If anyone had a reason to complain, it was them.
Round 'em up!
Hour after hour these guys are tailing tails. It was raining cats and cows but they didn't stop doing what they were asked to do. When I asked for their picture, they quickly stood in a row. When I wondered if they could maneuver a cow closer to my vehicle, they scrambled to the chase.
I admire their dedication and faithfulness. As well as their joy.
Dr. Don Whitlock, Pastor Dave Sterhagen, Pastor Kevin SchultzThere's another group of guys that I admire as well for those same qualities. These guys, too, are found in Zambia. Not often, but once in a while. Even when I do see them, it's for a relatively short time, even just a few days.
This year, those few days already came and went in January 2007. They appeared on the 16th and were gone by the 20th. Just who are these masked and mysterious men? Well, they aren't masked and if their identities are a mystery -- they shouldn't remain so.
Though they are collectively referred to as "the ACA," they do have names worth singling out and knowing: Pastor Kevin Schultz, Pastor Dave Sternhagen, Dr. Don Whitlock, Teacher Jeff Dorn and Mr. Don Niemann. Have you "herd" of them?
Together these men comprise the Adminstrative Committee for Africa. ACA for short. Like the boys who keep the herds together, these five men keep us, who are on the field, in their sights and in their prayers; though a monumental task, they try to keep up with what is going on in our mission fields in Africa. And by God's good grace, there is a lot going on! So much so, in fact, that the ACA doesn't have time for gazing at cows. They take time, however, for many other things: Call Meetings. Phone Conferences. "Fish Camps." Minutes. E-mails. Reports. Flights. Decisions. Even when I asked them for a picture, they quickly stood in a row!
The boys behind the bruins are not the only ones who put in 12 hour days.
The missionaries are answerable to this group of men. If a Call needs to be extended, the ACA is responsible. If a field visit is to be made, they are the ones who do the flying. If discussions are needed, they are the ones who attend the meetings. If decisions need to be made, these are the guys who make them.
A full time position? Sounds like it -- but you should realize that these men have their own full time jobs not to mention their own families! You don't have to go to the circus to see someone juggling! Their ACA responsibilities are additional. Extra work that involves extra time.
But they do it. They do it with dedication and faithfulness. As well as joy. And I thank God that they do it. Their work is important in the Kingdom of God.
Their trip to Zambia last month was a great testimony to it. My family and I made the trip into Lusaka in order to see three of the five who were scheduled for this Zambia trip (Pastors Schultz and Sternhagen and Dr. Whitlock). Their flights were long, the rains were falling and the meetings were many. If they grumbled, I didn't hear it. If they complained, I didn't sense it.
I think I know why.
Because when they came in January, they brought over more than care packages and treats from the USA. They arrived with a heart full of faith and love. They brought the good news of Jesus our Savior! Since they know what it's like to be forgiven their sins -- what a joy it is for them to meet with brothers and sisters who know - and need - the same. The meetings and discussions were seasoned with grace.
Dear Mission Partner, the reason I've mentioned these men is not so that we praise them, but that we might praise God. In his infinite wisdom He has given these men to do a job many cannot do. I humbly ask that you pray that God continue to use these men for His good purposes.
Now all I have to do is get a picture of them in yellow hats.
Your mission partner,
Missionary John Holtz,
Chipata, Zambia
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