Trip to Angola

“I hope that my expression of these concerns doesn’t cool our collaboration in any way, but simply serves to encourage better communication between us.” I was writing to a partner ministry last July about confusion surrounding a book distribution they’d sponsored at our conference and the hardships it had brought on me. The director graciously apologized for the miscommunication, thanked me for compensating for their disorganization — and proceeded to invite me to their 2026 conference in Angola.

And so it was that I boarded a plane last Tuesday for South Africa, where I spent the night with friends before continuing to Angola the next day. In its capital, Luanda, the ministry generously provided my hotel accommodation and meals together with their staff and speakers from several countries. What rich fellowship we enjoyed during our five days together!

The focal point of the trip was a three-day conference on expository preaching, attended by 1,900 Angolans. I came prepared to serve in any way necessary, but found very little work to do, so I was privileged to sit in the audience and soak in all of the preaching. How it nourished my soul to hear Godly men expound Scripture day after day, and to worship the Lord in song together with so many brothers and sisters in Christ!  I’m very grateful to the Lord and our partner ministry for this refreshing break from my normal routine.