It has been almost a year since I traveled to Zambia with Bright Hope. Even now, I still find myself reflecting on the incredible people I met. The sustainable hope that exists among the poor in Zambia thrives because of the individuals who support Bright Hope, including our allies and the church leaders who work on the front lines.
I want to share about my day in a community called Kalasa Mukosa, a remote village in Zambia. Truly, I felt overwhelmed by the transformative work God has done in this community! Our partnership with the local churches and the Christian Farmers Association (CFA) has introduced permanent change.
The journey to Kalasa Mukosa was arduous and bumpy. But as soon as we arrived, we received a warm welcome from the community. Right away I noticed the instrumental role the local churches had played in the village. They offered spiritual guidance and emotional support to help people navigate the challenges of daily life.
The Impact of Farming in Zambia
But what really stood out was the incredible progress that has been made through the CFA’s programs. Families have learned sustainable farming practices and how to raise chickens. In addition, they understand how to start and sustain a thriving business hatching and selling egg. Thanks to the CFA, many families now have ongoing income for the future. It was inspiring to see how proud they were of their accomplishments and how they had come together as a community to support one another.
During my visit, I had the privilege of meeting Zach, a father of 9 children. Zach participates in the CFA program for raising pigs. I felt humbled to see the impact the program has had on his family’s life. And I was touched by his gratitude, hard work and appreciation.
I also met a young man who received a CFA loan to raise a flock of chickens. His face lit up with pride as he shared with me his experience. The loan he received was a “pay back in kind” loan, where he received 10 chickens and committed to pay back 10 chickens in the future. It was heartening to see how the loan program was providing individuals with the resources they need to create a sustainable future for themselves and their families.
I also had the opportunity to see the impact of the grain mill and oil press that our Bright Hope allies provided to support sustainability in the community. The grain mill allows families to process their own maize into flour, saving them time and money. It was incredible to see the rows and rows of crops successfully growing for a local farmers due to the support of the CFA and church pastors. The oil press enables the farmers to process their own sunflower seeds into oil, providing a source of income and improving the community’s self-sufficiency.
Hope for the Future in Kalasa Mukosa
Truly, one of the most heartwarming things I saw was the girls’ dormitory at the local school. Because of the long, dangerous walk to school, many teenage girls can’t attend school. But with the support of our partnership, the church leaders in the community have provided a safe place for these girls to live and attend school. The joy on their faces was contagious. And their laughter as they played together warmed my heart. Knowing that these teenage girls can continue their education in a safe environment is truly inspiring.
In conclusion, the people of Kalasa Mukosa are resilient and resourceful! They continue to work hard to create a better future for themselves and their families. As a Bright Hope International team member, I can’t wait to see the impact we continue to have on this community. We are at a midway point in our partnership, and there is still much work to be done. But with the support of the local churches and the CFA, I know we will continue to see sustainable change and a brighter future for all.
Please consider joining us to spread sustainable hope in Zambia and around the world!
