Zambia and African Vision of Hope

A few weeks ago, I decided to go on an impromptu trip to Zambia with a group of people from my hometown area. The organization of people coming was African Vision of Hope (AVOH), a non-profit humanitarian organization started by Judy Bertels of Maryville, IL. I knew some people from my home church that were involved with AVOH, and I thought it would be fun and rewarding to join the group as they came to encourage and serve. They graciously and warmly welcomed me into their team. AVOH has worked in conjunction with Pastor Andrew Phiri in Kabulanga, Zambia to set up and support seminary students, churches, and schools around the area. Child sponsorship for the primary and secondary students is an integral part of AVOH’s work, and this sponsorship money goes to pay things such as school and uniform fees. AVOH also works to provide school supplies, books, shoes, and food to the children in their schools.

There were several events and tasks planned for this trip. The first day, I helped Marti Heape and others set up the school library in Kabulonga. Hundreds of books had been collected and shipped from the U.S. before the team arrived. We organized the books onto the new shelves, set up educational tables, and were even able to decorate the walls. After that was accomplished, I assisted with grade 5 students in the VBS-type program being run for the children. As the younger kids participated in the songs, crafts, and bible lessons, the older students were involved in a True Love Waits sexual abstinence program. Some team members helped with painting the buildings, and others taught sewing to local groups of women. We were able to visit the two other schools that are being supported by AVOH, as well. These schools are newer, and are located further into the ‘bush’ (countryside). We enjoyed several performances by the children throughout the week, and fellowshipped and worshipped together as well.

In the evenings, we returned to the seminary campus (where we stayed) to a meal cooked by the seminary wives. They made traditional Zambian dishes for us, which included a type of maize meal called sheema, beans, cabbage, and a portion of meet. The last night we were there they actually made mice and caterpillars, as well. I made an attempt at eating both, although the hairy mouse was much harder to handle than the worm.

This is a mere glimpse into my experience with AVOH in Zambia, but all that I can write for now. I made a lot of great friends and loved being able to serve, love, encourage, and build relationships with my brothers and sisters in Zambia. It is an dreadful fact that eighty percent of Zambians live on less than one dollar a day, and this extreme, country-wide poverty is evident in every way – except in the attitude and kindness of Zambians, who are some of the warmest and friendliest people I have ever had the privilege to meet. I thought that the first time I went to Zambia, and that has only been confirmed through this return experience.