Jul 26, 2023 To the Ends of the Earth

Imagine driving along a broken, dusty, pot-hole-riddled road—for over two hours. Roads like this are common in Solwezi, Zambia, a mining region far from tourist attractions. And this is where Randy, Quiet Hour Ministries president, and the mission team traveled to meet some of the gospel workers who have received motorcycles, thanks to generous QHM donors.

At an intersection where the paved road ends and the dirt road begins, gospel worker Emmanuel is waiting to lead them to a remote site, far from the outskirts of Solwezi.

They continue driving for another hour and a half along bumpy, dusty paths, through brush and trees. Finally, close to the border with Congo, they meet Felix, another gospel worker, at a small structure that’s just a roof, which is a remote Adventist chapel.

When asked how receiving a motorcycle changed their ministry, Emmanuel and Felix were excited to respond.

“The people in these remote villages rarely leave their area,” said Emmanuel. “It takes time and frequent visits to build relationships, so it was a big challenge before we had motorcycles. It’s about 10 to 30 miles between each small village, and coordinating transportation was difficult and costly. We could only visit each village a few times a year.”

“But praise God! Now that we have motorcycles,” interjected Felix, “we can visit each site more frequently. When we first visit a village, people are excited to meet us, so we want to keep their interest going with more regular meetings.” The gospel workers went on to share how with motorcycles they’re now able to travel to new areas and expand their ministries.

When Randy and the team had to head back to Solwezi, Felix rode away on his motorcycle, but Emmanuel stayed behind. Emmanuel said he would hitchhike a ride home, further into the rural area. The reality is that he may have to wait a day or two before finding a ride. “I was struck by his dedication as we left,” said Randy, “and by how vast and desolate rural Zambia is.”

The next day, the team drove the other direction out of Solwezi to meet more gospel workers. It was another long bumpy drive on dusty dirt trails to a small brick church where gospel workers Regent and Kipimpi were waiting on their motorcycles. They had driven all day from their remote territories to meet the mission team.

“My district is 77 miles from one edge to another, no paved roads,” said Regent. He explained that even a 4-by-4 can’t make it through; only a bicycle or motorcycle can travel the terrain and narrow trails. “Before I would walk long distances to study with four groups,” shared Regent, “But now that I have a motorcycle, by God’s grace, I’ve organized 10 churches.” Regent also added, “Please express my deep appreciation to QHM donors.”

With his motorcycle, gospel worker Regent is traveling farther and faster—he’s now baptized 173 people who wouldn’t have been reached otherwise! Praise God!

“Amen! We’re so grateful for all the donors,” exclaimed Kipimpi. “These motorcycles have been a great blessing and encouraged me personally.” Kipimpi’s area used to have only one small church and 10 companies. But now that Kipimpi can visit more frequently, five of them have become official churches! And the other five companies are on their way too.

Kipimpi’s motorcycle has enabled him to baptize 152 precious people. Motorcycle gospel workers are bringing the Word of God to remote, unreached places.

Praise the Lord! These visits with the motorcycle gospel workers left the QHM mission team inspired. And yet, there are so many more to reach in Zambia for Christ.

The conference president explained that the Northwest Zambia Conference has 51,000 church members, but only 25 pastors. There is a large gap between where most of the church members live in and around Solwezi, and the rest of the districts where there are no roads. So, gospel workers with motorcycles are extremely important in the efforts to reach people for Jesus.

Currently, 32 motorcycles are being used by gospel workers all over Zambia, and more all around the world, thanks to faithful donors. This has more than doubled the amount of people who are now studying the Bible and giving their lives to Christ. But, there are still so many more people that we need to find in areas that can only be reached with a motorcycle.

Will you pray for motorcycle gospel workers around the world?

Jesus said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8