September 20 - Hope on the Waters

Summary

Lake Bangweulu, Zambia, relies on perilous boat travel, with countless lives lost due to unsafe crossings. After a tragic accident claimed 14 lives, including a child, the community's grief has turned into a call for change. The Seventh-day Adventist Church is committed to providing a safe, reliable boat for up to 60 passengers, supporting church growth and outreach in unentered areas. With the help of the Thirteenth Sabbath offering, this mission can become a reality, saving lives, spreading hope, and transforming tragedy into a blessing for the people of Lake Bangweulu.

Takeaways

• 🌊 Lake Bangweulu is a vital lifeline for the surrounding communities, used for transportation to markets, hospitals, and towns.
• ⚠️ Traveling on the lake is risky, with accidents and tragedies being a recurring problem.
• 💔 A tragic boat accident claimed 14 lives, including a child, leaving families devastated.
• 😭 One man lost four children in the accident, highlighting the profound personal loss experienced by the community.
• 🙏 The community gathers to mourn and grieve, finding solace in faith and the hope of being reunited with loved ones in Jesus’ promise.
• 🚤 The Adventist Church is committed to providing a safer, more reliable boat that can carry up to 60 passengers.
• ⛪ The new boat will not only improve safety but also facilitate church growth by enabling leaders to reach remote islands and plant new churches.
• 🌍 The project relies on support from the global community through the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering.
• 💖 Contributions help save lives, spread hope, and transform tragedy into a blessing for the people of Lake Bangweulu.
• 🙏 The community expresses gratitude for the support received, emphasizing that the gift will aid both mission work and outreach to unentered areas.

Q & A

What is the main challenge faced by the people of Lake Bangweulu?

The people of Lake Bangweulu face significant risks when traveling across the lake, which is their primary means of transportation to markets, hospitals, and neighboring towns.

Why is a safe and reliable boat important for the community?

A safe and reliable boat is crucial because it can prevent accidents, save lives, provide consistent access to essential services, and support the growth of church missions on the islands.

What tragic event prompted the need for a mission boat?

A group of Seventh-day Adventists experienced a boating disaster when a sudden wave overturned their boat, resulting in the deaths of 14 people, including a child.

How did the accident affect the local community?

The accident devastated families and the community as a whole, leaving them mourning the loss of loved ones and highlighting the dangers of lake travel.

How many children did one man lose in the tragedy?

One man lost four children in the boating accident.

What role does faith play for the community during their mourning?

Faith provides hope and comfort, as the community clings to the promise of Jesus' return and the belief that they will be reunited with their loved ones.

What capacity will the proposed mission boat have?

The proposed mission boat will have the capacity to carry up to 60 passengers, providing a safer and more reliable mode of transport.

How will the mission boat support church growth?

The boat will allow church leaders and members to reach remote areas and plant new churches, facilitating evangelism and community outreach on the islands.

How can people contribute to making the mission boat a reality?

People can contribute through the Thirteenth Sabbath offering, which will provide the funds needed to build the mission boat and support its operation.

What broader impact does supporting the mission boat have?

Supporting the mission boat saves lives, spreads hope, enhances community safety, and enables the church to reach unentered areas, turning tragedy into a blessing.

How did the global community respond to the project?

The global community has contributed to the project, providing support that is helping the Adventist Church realize its vision of safer lake transportation and expanded mission work.