Fellowship in Zambia  (Lynne Schaefer)

Fellowship: Friendly association of people; companionship. A group of people sharing common interests.

Life in Zambia is all about relationships.  When you meet people on the street it's not just a "Hi" or "Goodbye!"  When you go into a shop to buy something, it is rude to not greet those in the store. Where-ever there are people there is fellowship. It is a way of life.

You know how the baby of the lady who you bought tomatoes from at the market is because you ask.  And she asks how those at your home are.  The people of Zambia are friendly. They care if you are sick or feeling great. The shop owner phones you when you get home from being in town because your car was giving problems outside his shop and he wants to see if you made it home safely.  You drive through town waving, and it is because you do actually know the people you are waving at.

When you go away for a few weeks and you come back, people ask where you have been because they have noticed you have not been around and have actually missed not seeing you.  And they tell you so. It's fellowship. Being friendly, sharing common interests.

But life is more than just having to take or make time to fellowship. It should be a way of life.

Like fellowshipping with God. One fellowships with Him throughout the day.  Speak to Him in a passing moment.  Thank him continuously for all he has done for you - throughout the day.

Take time to fellowship in tiny moments with those around you - the cashier at the till, the person behind you at the post office.  Share a smile, a greeting, an encouragement.

Make fellowship a lifestyle.