After many years away, our son Tom, pictured above with the youth of our church, returned home to Zambia. He wasn’t there to visit; he was on a mission. Read on.
Even When
“Fig trees may not grow figs, and there may be no grapes on the vines. There may be no olives growing and no food growing in the fields. There may be no sheep in the pens and no cattle in the barns. But I will still be glad in the Lord; I will rejoice in God my Savior.”
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NCV)
This passage in Habakkuk was written before Judah went into exile (around 600 BC). It was not a good time. The land was marked by poverty, famine, injustice, idolatry, and the looming threat of Babylonian invasion.
As you know, the people of Judah and Israel often defaulted to complaining. From the time God delivered them from Egypt until this moment, and even beyond, complaint was their “go-to” response. But here, something had shifted. Their circumstances had not changed; they were still poor, still hungry, still facing deep uncertainty. Yet their perspective turned toward God instead of away from Him.
There was a shift from complaining to trusting. From questioning God to trusting Him completely, even when there was no visible sign of His provision. The figs were not growing, the vines were barren, the animals were gone. And yet, these words marked the turning point: “I will still be glad in the Lord; I will rejoice in God my Savior.”
We are facing changing realities ourselves. The world shifts, economies rise and fall, and uncertainty presses in. But God does not change. He remains faithful. Even when things seem empty, even when provision is not visible, He is still present.
And this is often where the shift in us needs to happen again. Not when everything is restored, but right here, in the lack, in the waiting, in the “even when.” God will not leave us unattended, and if the season feels uncomfortable and dry, it may not be a signal to fear but an invitation to rejoice.
Launching microfinance overseas takes significant effort. Tom, Paul, and the local team worked hard to get this first group off the ground.
Bootstraps International in Zambia
In April, we had a proud parent moment when our oldest son, Tom, visited Zambia with a team to begin a microfinance outreach. What made this visit especially meaningful, both to him and to us, was that Tom spent his high school years in Zambia and played a significant role in planting the church there. When he left to further his education, it wasn’t only our hearts that felt the loss; the entire church felt his absence.
Fast-forward to April 2026, when Tom returned to Zambia alongside Paul Carlson, co-founder and board member of Bootstraps International, and Jeremy McIntyre, a worship pastor from Jacksonville. Together, they came to minister at the church and began establishing Bootstraps International’s outreach in partnership with our local church and Pastor.
What stands out to us is how naturally this has come together. Foundations laid years ago through relationship and ministry are now being strengthened through practical support and shared vision, creating something both familiar and forward-moving.
The first co-op of ten is nearly formed, and once the necessary paperwork and training are complete, the initial cycle of small loans will begin, helping participants move toward financial stability. This work will be done holistically, with the Gospel at the forefront. We saw the impact of microfinance firsthand in the early 2000s, when we launched it in Malawi, and it was a difficult loss when that outreach ended. For that reason, we are especially grateful to see this new endeavor take shape. Tom and Paul also carry a vision to expand into other parts of Africa as God provides the grace and resources. If you would like to partner with Tom and Bootstraps International, connect with them at: tommy@bootstrapsinternational.org
Even when figs and grapes are not in season, God is at work. The return of microfinance after all these years reminds us that He will come through. We are rejoicing in Him, trusting His faithfulness in this season where we feel the struggle. He is faithful.
Thank you for your prayers and for standing with us. We are truly grateful. Please rejoice with us in our Even When season. God is faithful.
Jamie, Lea, and Andreya
Connect with us:
Email: JLPeters@africa-and-beyond.com
Online: www.africa-and-beyond.com
Lea’s blog: www.aculturalshift.com
Pictures from the Hope Center and school in Gatumba, Burundi.
