Zambia

God is transforming Kapembwa Village, Zambia, through Gladys' faithful ministry there.

Anne follows God's leading to care for the vulnerable children in Zambia.

When countries begin closing their borders to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Larissa faced a tough decision: to stay or go. She stayed.

Peter once thought that he didn't deserve God's love. Now, he smiles when he sees how God has impacted others through him.

“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.”

As closures are announced in an effort to head off the coronavirus, children aren't just missing out on school.

“I find it interesting: the different (cultures) and how we can all work together,” Ivy said. “We can live together and show that God is real. [He’s] not just in one culture, nor does God do things [one particular] way.”

"Since my childhood, I have been anxious about missing out. I remember not wanting to sleep whenever I heard the adults chatting in the night. I wanted to be part of it all. Later on, in high school, I said “yes” to every event and outing, which ended up crashing so many times. I couldn’t choose. I wanted to be there to celebrate all the fun moments but also share all the tears in the low moments," says Ivy.

"However, this lifestyle of being afraid of missing out could not continue when I joined missions. I have had to learn how to let go when I miss out on opportunities to create precious memories with family and friends in my home country."

“Dong! Dong! Dong! That is the sound I imagine of how the boy jumping around during kid’s ministry in the photo grew into a big strong man,” says Ivy. “…You never know what is happening in the lives you are touching right now, but God finds people to carry on all parts of His work. No missionary can claim to have done all the work themselves and everyone should rejoice together with the great work of God at the end.”