“When David Livingstone returned to his native Scotland after sixteen difficult years as a missionary and explorer in Africa, his body was emaciated by the ravages of some twenty-seven fevers that had coursed through his veins during the years of his service. His left arm hung useless at his side, the result of his being mangled by a lion.
Speaking to the students at Glasgow University, he said, ‘Shall I tell you what sustained me during the hardship and loneliness of my exile? It was Christ’s promise, ‘Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’”
A little over a year ago Sons of Thunder made known a number of challenges and needs that were necessary to fulfill the work of the ministry in Zambia. Specifically, we asked for financial help for the medical ministry in supplying the needs of our dedicated and “home-grown” medical personnel who play such a vital role in ministering to Zambians every day. Not only did we need to provide ample and better housing for them but we had a financial gap limiting our ability to compensate them fairly. Additionally, Sons of Thunder was in need for overland vehicles to replace other aging SUVs that had succumbed to the relentless wear and tear they are subjected in the African bush. Reliable transportation is absolutely critical in southern Africa for many different reasons.
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:” (2nd Corinthians 9:8)
Since purchasing the farm in 1996 near Livingstone (named after David Livingstone), Sons of Thunder has time and again experienced God raising up people to serve and minister in extraordinary ways, opening up new opportunities to proclaim the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, and His making provision for the various ministry needs that arise.
A little over a year ago monies came forth from a ministry source that enabled SOT to purchase a badly needed Toyota Hilux pickup truck to replace a Land Rover beyond repair. The utility of this vehicle has already proven itself in the last year.
Last spring, a Colorado family vacationing in southern Africa was introduced to Sons of Thunder in a chance conversation while on safari in Botswana. Compelled by the story, they visited the Sons of Thunder Farm the next day and enjoyed a complete tour by Alexander, our farm manager. Later, founder Jerry Beall shared the history of Sons of Thunder and answered questions about ministry needs.
Upon their return to the U.S. and at the Lord’s prompting, their donations funded the complete construction of a much-needed second medical housing unit that is now home for two highly trained and registered female nurses near the Sons of Thunder Medical Clinic. This was a tremendous blessing for the medical ministry.
And just a couple of months ago another friend to the Sons of Thunder ministry answered a call read in the SOT monthly newsletter for a new SUV and donated monies enabling the purchase of a Toyota 4WD truck that seats up to twelve with a heavy duty grill guard and roof rack with ladder that is perfectly suited for transporting medical supplies. The vehicle also enables the bedding of a patient in the back and is perfect for making medical calls in the bush.
We are most thankful to the Lord for how He meets us in these critical needs and how He moves on people like you to make all things possible. Through the working of the Holy Spirit, Sons of Thunder has made a dynamic impact on thousands of lives in southwestern Zambia and beyond. In this last year, it is your continued support that sustains the four churches, the medical ministry, the maternity ward, our state-certified school with 400 students, a small-business micro community, and the life-changing agricultural ministry led by Farming God’s Way, a patented non-till agricultural technique that is saving lives.
As the new year unfolds, Sons of Thunder has numerous opportunities identified accompanied with their own set of challenges. And we are still seeking to solve the revenue gap for our medical team’s compensation in line with Zambian salary expectations. Would you be willing to support us?
For more information about Sons of Thunder Ministries you can view the You Tube video found below and/or explore our website at: www.sotministry.org.
I would welcome any inquiries you may have about Sons of Thunder Ministries and can be contacted at info4acarpentersview@gmail.com.
Thank you again for your generous support. Together, we continue to exalt the Lord Jesus Christ and the Gospel of Salvation.
Ron
Excerpt: Billy Graham, Hope for Each Day