First Baptist Church members spread love of Christ to Zambian natives

Six members of First Baptist Church of Cleveland recently embarked on a trip to Zambia, where they lived off-the-grid and visited an orphanage and held Bible readings with the country’s natives.

While all members of the church were invited, the group that took the journey included Youth Pastor Eric Trout, Joyce Adams, Ginger Gilmore, LaRue Wood, Keri Arrendell and her son, Lane.
“We were in the southern province of Zambia working with the New Day Orphanage,” said Trout.
The orphanage is run by two couples, one of which are former members of FBC. After being inspired to spread the word in other parts of the world, they served in several areas before settling down and beginning the New Day Orphanage in 2010.
“They have school for all of the kids that live there until 2 p.m.,” said Trout, who was amazed by his time in the country. “We all got to help take care of the kids and we had Bible study with them.”

The group also took part in the ministry that the orphanage hosts in neighboring villages.
“The whole experience was super important for us and it is also part of our mandate as a follower of Christ,” said Trout. “Before we left, I felt very strongly that that was where we needed to go. It is hard to go to a third-world country like that and not be effected by the experience.”
Trout and the group were staying in an area of the country known as “the bush” to locals. The area consists of manmade dirt roads that have been paved off by the natural landscape.
Contrary to popular belief, Trout said that it is apparent that the locals are content with their way of life.
“They are content with the life that they live and it really gives a different perspective,” said Trout. “It is very eye-opening. Some of the cities are very modernized.”

While there are no solid plans on the horizon for another trip, it is certain that members of First Baptist Church will continue to take their mission to various places throughout the world.
“Our intention was to go and serve Christ and share the gospel,” said Trout. “We saw some of the Zambian people really trust in Christ and we got to see that transformation because of it. Going and seeing that life change — that was a big victory for us.”