Despite a precarious lack of resources, timely divine intervention through LifeNets International in Southern California and LifeNets Australia allowed the Feast and Last Great Day to be celebrated in eastern Zambia. As a result, 50 adults from three areas of eastern Zambia were able to meet at Madzimawe UCG Community Center for eight days as one family in prayer and joy, foreshadowing the soon coming Kingdom of God. Our theme was “The Futility of Laboring for the Wind” (Ecclesiastes 5:16).

Each of the three churches, Kauzu, Chwoko and Ngilile, brought 150 kilograms of maize grain, the staple food in Zambia. In addition, each participant paid a prescribed amount of money as second tithe. As a result, the monetary assistance from LifeNets catered for supplementary food, transport and toiletries.

Each day started with morning devotion followed by bathing and breakfast. Services were from 9 a.m. to noon. All messages were based on the theme with emphasis on the futility of chasing after earthily things to the detriment of one’s salvation and attainment of citizenship in the Kingdom of God. Bible studies were held in the afternoons, highlighting the importance of God’s Holy Days, including the weekly Sabbath. The Bible studies were so captivating that they often ran long; they were a wonderful platform for information seekers. Only darkness and the clang of the bell proclaiming that dinner was running cold could effectively pull people away.

On the third day, participants undertook an exciting outing to Sunnyside Nature Resort where they could admire a few wild animals like ostriches, duikers, pelicans, ducks and peacocks. The resort also featured a large collection of wild plants and herbs which the caretaker explained had the proven ability to cure certain ailments. Sightseeing was followed by an open-air service on the banks of the dam. In addition, each group presented special music touching on the amazing creativity of our God. Later in the afternoon, brethren played basketball, relaxed and even explored the dam in small barges.

The Eighth Day was an excellent conclusion to the festivities. The sermon by the pastor hinged on Jesus’s open offer to mankind that if anyone among us is thirsty (for salvation), he or she should approach Him and his or her thirst would be quenched immediately (John 7:37). The sermon concluded with Jesus’s call to His people to “come out of” false religion lest we become participants to her sins and receive her plagues (Revelation 18:4).

Such a wonderful period of piety and togetherness could never have been possible without the love and kindness of brethren from afar. It was resolved that brethren should look ahead to the Feast of Tabernacles for 2023 and start preparing now.