THE MEN OF H I Z B)' Rr11uislw Stassin Harding students took their camaraderie across borders in fall 2016 during the overseas program at Harding University in Zambia (HIZ). According to students who studied there in fall 2016, one group stood out above the rest: the men of HlZ. The group consisted of juniors Timothy Ronca! and Taylor Brown and sophomore Ben l\Iyatt. They were knovm by fellow students to be a source of encouragement for the entire group throughout the duration of their experience overseas. The men met one another prior to attending HIZ, but immediately became closer throughout the trip. According to Brown, only a sma!J number of men attended the trip, which allowed Ronca!, l\Iyatt and himself to become close. ·'" 1e li\·e together, eat together [and] go to class togethe1~" Brown said. ·'[\Ve J do everything together. \ Ve natmally know if one of us is feeling down or if [something is] bothering us.'· The men helped to encourage each other and the other students at various devotionals and events wh re students worshipped God or discussed their struggles. They participated in leading songs of worship in the local language, Tonga, as well as preaching and speaking for communion. \Vhile the men participated with the entire group in these activities, they also took time to process their experiences among one another, according to Ronca!. "The most rewarding part of encouraging others is knowing that they're comfortable enough to share their hardships with you in the first place," Ronca! said. "Having that kind of relationship shows that someone trusts you enough to attempt to help them in some meaningful fashion." According to Myatt, the men spent time listening to each othe1; which allowed them to be honest while also pointing each other toward Goel. "The most re,rnrcling part of encouraging others is seeing them give glory to Goel through their struggles and despite their burdem," Myatt said. The men spent time participating in church outreach and ministry and also spent time vvith local children within the community. One of their fa\·orite activities was worshipping with the locals. Ronca] said he especially enjoyed listening Lo the Zambian students sing in Tonga. He compared the sound to a waterfall and described it not as water but ·'sweet gravy from Heaven." Myatt agreed and said the singing was one of his fayorite Zambian experiences. "One of my favorite memories was when we visited choir practice with some of the students at George Benson College here in Zambia," Myatt said. "I loved the way they praised God and invited us in with so much hospitality." Junior Timothy R onca/, sophomore Ben Myatt and junior Taylor Brown spend the afternoon at the Namwianga Mission in Kalama, Zambia, on Nov. I. The three grew closer in their personal relationships and relationship with Gad while studying abroad in fa ll 20 l 6 at HI:(,. I Photo courtesy of Rachel Wiseman
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