Watching 176 people make decisions for Jesus Christ and enter the water for baptism makes any discomfort, cost, time loss, or homesickness seem minor in the light of eternity. The amazing fact that God can use lay people in this type of ministry—public evangelism—is as enlightening as finding the truth that Jesus loves you for the first time.

When Adventist Zambian students arrived at the Wyoming (Michigan) Church in 2003, the seeds for a mission excursion were planted in our hearts. Perry Silozi, a pastor from the Copperbelt Mission, stirred our hearts with stories of his people's needs, and a group of Sabbath school members organized to meet the challenges of a mission trip to Zambia. Formulating concrete plans and fund-raising began as the Z Crew (Zambian mission team members) met bi-monthly to plan, pray, and seek God's directions for their 21-day mission series.

Arriving in Kitwe, Zambia, the evangelistic meetings were held in Freedom Park, within the heart of the metropolis of a million citizens. It took a variety of skills for the meetings to occur. Tom Donnelly, a physician, provided medical assistance. Lori Reed, a nurse, provided health talks. Serge Salleva took care of technical operations and answered Bible questions. Donald Helms and Tory Taggart provided special music. Paul Middleton cared for the camera and video. Rex Reed, an elementary school teacher, delivered the evangelistic sermons.

Night by night people came until the crowd swelled to over 2,000 at each service. Four nights into the meetings, 60 people came forward to accept Jesus as their Savior in response to the invitation by the evangelist. By the end of the meetings, over 200 people made their decision for Christ.

During the first invitation from the evangelist, a man stumbled forward, then collapsed on the ground. Our personnel rushed to his assistance and, after praying with him, he sat up with tears of joy and release. He was the first to be baptized the second Sabbath.

A lady who struggled with witchcraft for years brought her artifacts and burned them as a sign of victory. Through the teams' prayers, God delivered her and she was baptized at the conclusion of the meetings.

It was rewarding to witness 176 baptisms and know another 40 are continuing to study in preparation for their baptism. These new believers were provided with Bibles and study resources. They commented, "We've never heard the Word of God presented with such power!"

The Z Crew plans to supply funds for Bibles and Bible workers to the area and wishes to thank the members and churches who have already donated. There are plans for future mission trips, and the Z Crew prays others will move out of their comfort zone into an outreach zone as the time of Christ's appearing nears.

Rex Reed and Serge Salleva, Wyoming Church members, as shared with Bruce Babienco, Lake Union Herald volunteer correspondent