Jeremy Weaver jumped at the chance to be a student missionary in Zambia, Africa, after completing his second year at Southern Adventist University. Jeremy left in August 2008, not really knowing what was in store for him. One thing he did know was that attitude is everything. Keeping a positive, flexible attitude served Jeremy well during the ten months he labored for some of God's poorest and most needy "children" on this Earth.

The Riverside Farm Institute along the Kafue River was Jeremy's home. Working in partnership with the Zambian Union of Seventh-day Adventists, the Riverside team spreads the gospel to many quarters of Zambia, as well as regions beyond its borders. Jeremy's accommodations were luxurious by Zambian standards. Shower buddies consisted of local snakes and huge spiders. His daily breakfast consisted of porridge, bread and bananas. Every midday meal included a local delicacy called Shema, something like cornmeal rolled into chunks and served with relish (anything eaten with Shema). For his third meal, Jeremy ate bananas and bread. This diet contributed to his 30-pound weight loss.

Jeremy assisted the Riverside Farm Institute manager and other team members who roofed four or five churches in the area—three to four hours of hard labor in 120-degree heat. Jeremy could not stand in one place for more than five seconds or his shoes would stick to the tin roof. He also built septic systems. Jeremy's positive attitude was helpful when he had to repair active septic, sewage systems. He also shared God's message in numerous sermons. Jeremy used to be reticent to speak in front of a congregation; he is shy no more. And Jeremy found out that "special music" on Sabbath in Zambia is not one song but eight or nine or ten songs. Zambians love music.

Weekly, Jeremy participated in bush clinics. Because Africa has the highest death rate for children before the age of five, the clinic focused on well-baby care. This care consisted of providing supplements, vaccines and general first aid for children.

Serving in Zambia put helping others on the top of Jeremy's "good things" list. He loved helping those who could not help themselves or who could never repay him in any way. Following Jesus' example of serving the poorest of the poor, Jeremy was filled with love for God's helpless. Never asking for any, his friends and family sent him money to help some of these people. Jeremy says, "If your daily mission is to help someone, your life is much more worthwhile and meaningful, much more positive to know you have made a difference in someone's life."

Jeremy emphasizes that he did things while a missionary that he would have never done while at home. "There is always an excuse not to do something to further God's work, but go ahead and do it because it's a mission from God. God wants you to change someone's life, because He wants to change your life for His good." Jeremy knows of what he speaks, his life will never be the same.

Joy Hyde is the communication leader of the Metropolitan Church in Detroit, Michigan.