I have had several friends ask me to give them this video clip, so I am posting it online for easy access. It is the mildly known footage of me getting zapped by an electric fence (220V!) while near Lusaka, Zambia. This video became barely famous thanks to Matt Collier, who referenced it in one of his sermons this summer while preaching at the Wilds Christian Camp. Many have heard about it. Few have seen it.

Let me set the stage of this clip for you a bit.

I’m on a spiritual high. I just spent three weeks in the ministry trenches with some dear friends and co-laborers: Matt Collier, Willie Partin, and Nathan Washer. The first week we spent training Zambian nationals to run a week of Christian camp. The second week we had the week of camp. About 160 Zambian youths attended. About half spoke English. All spoke Bemba. The Gospel was proclaimed and the Spirit of God worked in many hearts. I believe several Zambian teens were saved. Praise God!

The third week was spent glorying in the wonders of God’s Creation, especially at and around Victoria Falls in Livingstone. Now it is our last night in Africa. We’re near Lusaka at a compound for missionaries. I remove myself from the company of my friends to spend a few moments thanking the Lord while video-taping the magnificent Zambian sunset. (As you watch the video, you will quickly understand this is a profound moment for me as I enjoy God and God’s Creation). There is a large, concrete wall around the complex. On the top of this wall are very live wires that I do not notice because I’m so caught up in the moment. I want to get closer to that sunset. I stand atop a huge anthill. I slowly move my camera over the wall. Pain ensues.

The camera is currently out-of-order. It continued to work for a few hours after the jolt, but now it’s dead. If you listen closely you can hear the “pop” of electricity when one of my fingers holding the camera makes contact with the hot wire. You’ll have no problem hearing my reaction. And yes, it is funny. I’m glad so many of my friends have found humor in my pain. May this also bring you a moment or two of laughter.

To download a higher res version of the video please click here: Bob Meets Electric Fence in Zambia - HIGH SPEED (3MB)