Zambia has been devastated by the HIV/AIDS epidemic; it is one of the hardest hit African countries. The average Zambian life expectancy is in the late 30’s and half of the population is 15 years old or younger. About 70 percent of Zambians live well below the national poverty line.
While the physical needs of Zambians are immense, there are also great spiritual needs. Our group partnered with Action International and Awana International in order to establish sound, Biblical teaching for the children of a rural church. With the majority of the nation being so young, this is a great need. We are sure many of you are familiar with Awana but for those who are not this is an amazing ministry for youth. Information about Awana is available on their website: www.awana.org or www.awanainternational.org
We stayed and worked in the rural area of Kasupe -about an hour outside the city of Lusaka. There are currently around 100 children in this area without Biblical teaching, Christ focused activities or encouragement to follow the Lord. We helped train leaders, taught at the national Awana conference, helped lead the first Awana program in Kasupe, prayed through the pediatric ward of a hospital, visited orphanages, met amazing people and much more.
This was a great opportunity to join in the work God is doing in Zambia and one that has been on our hearts for a long time. We are blessed to have been able to participate - and we want to thank those of you who supported us through prayer and finances.
Be sure to take the time to browse our blog - you will read many stories and see tons of photos from Zambia.
Here is a link with a short video that shows the Pastor and some of the kids that we worked with in Zambia.
