Kalungula Orphanage and School

Kalungula Orphanage and School

Before we left for Zambia we did a fundraiser at Pizza Ranch in Ankeny for the Kalungula School and Orphanage.  I hadn’t been there before but had been referred by Don Ewing to this place as a viable orphanage in need of assistance.  Through the generosity of many, we were able to establish a feeding program there this weekend that will become a sustainable source of food and training for the children.

The Kalungula School and orphanage was founded in 2000 by Bishop Prince Musopelo.  He is a local preacher outside of the small town of Chinyunyu, some 100 km east of Lusaka.  He founded it on his own money and some small donations and runs it basically by the grace of God.  The situation out there was all too common for Africa.  All the teachers are voluntary, the food (when they have it) is donated, the curriculum is dated at best, no running water, no electricity, poor standards of hygiene, etc.  What they do have is a man that cares deeply about the villages that surround him and about caring for and training the next generation of Zambians. 

With a team of 15 Zambian volunteers, I met up with over 30 locals at the village and the Bishop at the school.  Last week we identified a key area of need for them as food security, as they often don’t have any to feed the 265 students during the day.  So we used the funds that we raise to purchase seed, hoes and fertilizer to plant a couple acres of corn. 

 

John 10:10b – I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (NIV)

2 Corinthians 3:17 – Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (NASB)

Galatians 5:13 – For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (NASB)

It was a terrific opportunity to partner with a local community to help develop their lives.  We used the time to not only plant food security, but to shepherd and encourage the younger generation that was volunteering with us.  Each planting station represented perfection, doing things to high standards, letting our work be a reflection of our faith in Christ and taking pride in what we do so we can develop our lives.  It was hard work but the combination of meeting the physical and spiritual needs of this next generation of Zambians was immensely rewarding.  

There will be more work to do.  But this is the kind of partnership that I am glad to enter into.  This community poured out hard work alongside us to see development happen. They have a hand pump for water near the road, which would be an excellent source of irrigation during the dry season.  My hope is to return in a few months with enough funds to fence and irrigate about an acre of ground to serve as their year round garden.  This could perhaps be a small source of revenue for school fees as well. I would also like to see them clear more ground so they can have legitimate food security.  I’m told that we need about 8 acres of crops to provide food security for that many children during the year.  The work can be slow, but the combination of discipleship, instructing and serving physically is really rewarding and beneficial in the long term.  Kids learn proper agricultural technology, proper mindset to combat poverty and that God really does provide all the resources they need for abundant life. 

 

What perhaps is most important out of this project is proof that everyone is capable of doing something to help.  I am so thankful for those who served and came to Pizza Ranch that night.  Through the kindness and generosity of those people, this school will now have a sustainable food source for most of the year.  I think it is immensely encouraging to those of you who are on the fence about doing some kind of service.  It only took a few hours out of one night to raise enough funds to plant this field, with some left over for the future.  Even if God hasn't called you to come to Africa and serve, it doesn't mean that your actions can't literally impact hundreds of people.  So step up and put yourself out there.  You will be surprised of what you are capable of.  For me, this was my first big project here so far and it was a huge success.  It was successful because of people who took time out of their day to care for others.  It was a great partnership between Americans and Zambians.  I am incredibly encouraged and thankful for everyone who sacrificed their time and energy to impact the lives of the poor here in Zambia.