Introducing......

I'd like to introduce you to a few of the boys that will be a part of my life in Zambia. I've only spent a week with them up 'til now so I"ll tell you what I know. Hopefully in the future I can tell you more about who they are and their life stories.

Meet Martin. He's a lot of fun, a little bit cocky and has a warm personality that shines through his twinkling eyes. Potential reverberates in his character and demeanor. Martin could do wonderful things. Martin is made in God's image and it's evident.

Martin's father died of AIDS. His mother is HIV positive. He lives with his mother and step-father in a Zambian slum. Martin's potential seems doomed in light of his situation. You can learn more about Martin's story by watching this video

This is Haggai. He is 15. Both of his parents have died leaving Haggai a double orphan. He has a quiet yet strong personality. He is the biggest boy at the Lifesong school and I think it goes to his head. I told him he needs someone bigger around to put him in his place. He smiled.

Haggai is good at math and art. I saw some of his handiwork and it exhibited natural talent. Isn't that incredible how someone from such a broken situation can create a beautiful piece of art? Haggai has talent and potential. I see it and wonder if he'll get to use the talents and live up to the potential.

Haggai's relationship with his guardians has not been the best. Actually abusive. You can learn more by watching this video

Meet Richard. Quiet, strong and illusive come to mind when I think of him. His mysterious persona makes me want to know him better. What does this boy know? What has he seen and heard? Who has shaped his life?

He likes to read, play soccer and go to church. He's a good student. Sounds normal enough but he comes from a broken situation. His school registration says that his father is dead and his mother works as a peasant farmer. Interesting because I thought peasant farmers went out with the 18th century. Apparently they still exist.

What hope exists for the child of a peasant woman? What future can there be for one fatherless boy? One boy who is almost a man.

I submit that the potential and talent that exist in Martin, Haggai and Richard will find power in Psalm 68:5. A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows is God in his holy habitation. Think of it, the God of all creation claims these three boys as his children.

By all human accounts, their fathers are dead. By all divine accounts, the father of Martin, Haggai and Richard is very much alive. Hallelujah.

Perhaps Martin, Haggai and Richard are three of the reasons I'm moving to Zambia. Perhaps God is sending a big brother to share life with some little brothers. Perhaps I'll get to tell these three a little bit more about our older brother. The one who died so that they could live. Perhaps God has introduced you to three boys so you can pray for them. Perhaps we've all been introduced to three young men who can teach us just a little more about their father.