To The Work
One of our Young Lions in Zambia, Maxwell, has just completed a little more than two years of Bible school training at Teen Mission International, right outside Ndola. While I was in Zambia this past February, I met with the leadership there and received permission for Max to complete his remaining nine months of internship with us at Orchard Ministries in Chifubu, Ndola. For us, and for Max, this is a dream unfolding.
Long before we ever started the Young Lions running team, and before Orchard was ever born, we met Max at Isubilo where we worked with children and youth as well. Since he was little, Max has talked about becoming a pastor one day. And as he grew, he declared that he would be Orchard’s first Zambian missionary! His heart has always been set on serving his community and building the church in Chifubu. And on reaching neighboring peoples and nations with the gospel message. His father, before he passed away, also pastored a church in Chifubu. Max is stepping into a legacy and writing a brand new chapter of his own.
While I was there, we took a photo of him holding a massive pipe wrench nearly five feet long. It was almost comical in size, but it also felt symbolic. Tools matter. And Max has been working so hard to hone his craft, learn all he can, and fill up his ministry toolkit! He has been deepening his understanding and strengthening his leadership capacity. And now the time has come to put those tools to work.
When I watch Max talk about what lies ahead, there is a visible excitement in him. An electricity. A sense that something inside him has been building for years and now is ready to be released. I know there is a roaring call inside Max’s heart!
As I looked back through old photos recently, I found another picture of Max from more than ten years ago. He’s standing with us at the running track at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. He’s barefoot, tiny, and is holding a massive chunk of bread for some reason! Today, that same little boy is preparing to run into his home community not just with bread in his hands, but with the message of the Bread of Life!
Jesus said: “I am the bread of life.
Whoever comes to me will never hunger.” — John 6:35
Sometimes God plants seeds long before we understand what they mean. And man is it fun to watch them come to fruition! A barefoot boy holding bread becoming a young lion leader carrying the message of Jesus to his community.
Back in 1884, the great evangelist D. L. Moody wrote a small book titled To the Work! To the Work! I think he repeated the phrase in his title because he had a burning passion to ignite other believers and get them in the game. But also because he felt the same electricity Max does for carrying the name of Jesus! Moody believed the gospel was never meant to stay inside church walls. He wrote:
“If the Gospel is ever to be carried into the lanes and alleys, up to the attics and down into the cellars, we must all of us be about it.”
That line makes me think of Max. He is ready to be about it!
Moody closed his book with a quote from Dr. Thomas Chalmers, words that feel like a fitting charge for Maxwell and Young Lions everywhere:
“Live for something. Do good and leave behind you a monument of virtue that the storm of time can never destroy. Write your name in kindness, love and mercy on the hearts of the thousands you come in contact with year by year… Good deeds will shine as the stars of heaven.”
We feel so excited to be playing a small part of releasing Max into his powerful calling! What an honor to hand him a chunk of bread or a 5-foot pipe wrench and watch what he and Jesus come up with!
Lions, let’s all gear up and get to the work!