Work Happening Today in Zambia
Situated in one of the poorest countries in sub-Saharan Africa, this community of approximately 4,500 people faces a number of spiritual, economic, and humanitarian challenges. Chibolya is known for the open sale of drugs, as well as for alcoholism, robberies, extreme poverty, and gender-based violence. The village has a very high unemployment rate which adds to the previous issues. It is located approximately 35 kilometers from the capital, Lusaka. Chibolya sits in Chongwe Town, the district office for Chongwe district, in an area of mostly rural farmsteads. A large portion of Zambia is made up of subsistence farmers and agriculture is a major part of the Zambian economy, although not the largest part of its GDP.
Focus Areas
Agriculture
In a country where subsistence farming/gardening is common, training community members to properly use the small areas of land around them is key.
Teaching Gardens of Faithfulness, a part of Farming God’s Way, helps community members understand the way God intended humans to use the land He gave us and deal with the spiritual aspects of curses and witchcraft on land in Africa.
As a discipleship program, the gospel is center, and relationships are built throughout the program and beyond. Starting small, community members learn how to grow different crops that are disease resistant and can grow quickly for the families consumption. Further training allows them to expand and grow enough to sell. We desire to help people think differently and steward well what God has given them.
Empowerment
Business programs give a chance for deeper, long-term relationships to be built in this mentorship type training. The biblically based curriculum helps community members to understand purpose, gifts and talents, personality, and then basic business concepts rooted in the Bible.
In the past we have done small micro-loans as well. Helping community members think outside the box (you don’t have to sell tomatoes like everyone else) and to see themselves as someone God gave ideas and dreams too, we long to see people move themselves out of extreme poverty.
Education
We believe that education in and of itself is an important aspect of community transformation.
Not just because it could get someone a job, but because it is is about using what God has given us as humans to grow, learn, and have agency. Most importantly, we believe that literacy is key for people to be able to read the Bible themselves and understand what is going on in the world around them. Working with schools, providing scholarships, tutoring help, and ESL classes, help bridge the gap between what is and what could be.
Long-Term Impact
We want to see people as Jesus does — responding to their spiritual and physical needs in an integrated way. We focus on people in the context of their community—regarding everyone from recognized leaders to those on the margins who seem invisible.
Our ultimate focus is to see change that reflects Jesus. We begin by ensuring that no one is invisible and everyone has access to food, freedom, and forgiveness. Access to those holistic needs opens the door for deep transformation.
Connect with Our Team
We would love to talk more about work in Zambia or opportunities for you to get involved.