Zambia

Along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, new Jesus followers were not content to keep the good news to themselves. Instead, they started to share with neighbouring areas.
Four years ago, the Bullock family left the familiarity and security of life in the UK to serve God cross-culturally in Zambia. OM writer Ivy Chiu spoke to Dan and Ruth about why they took such a bold step, and what life is now like for their young family.
“In November 2019, I was deported from Zambia—my home for the past few years—because of visa issues,” shares Ivy. “I had to pack my bags in seven days and journey into the unknown. Then, the pandemic happened. I just had so many layers of unknown that the only thing I knew was that I didn’t know. Didn’t know when to go, when to return, where to stay, what to do, how to get visas…God sent me into exile.”
A government health care worker tests a student for HIV at The Good News II School at OM Lake Tanganyika.
“Some people will come to us and say: ‘You are the first person I have ever told that I am HIV+ or that my family member is,’” said Holly. “They have carried it with them for so many years because they are afraid of rejection..."
“We live in an exciting time,” shares Ivy. “We can still share God’s love during this time and people might be even more open than ever. No one has the excuse of no time. Finally, you can write that newsletter or set up those calls with supporters. This is a great opportunity to reconnect and to pray for them. Non-Christian family and friends might want to hear your testimony for the first time. Share all the stories of how God took you through difficult times in the past. The whole world is in a waiting game.”