Damon and Lisa are members of Old Paths Bible Baptist Church of Holly, NY. Their pastors are Rev. Joseph Cammilleri and Rev. Charles Barkowski. You can find their website at http://opbbc.info/.

The Bible is the Final Authority

We believe that all scripture is given by inspiration of God (2 Tim. 3:16) and that God has promised to preserve His pure words (Ps. 12:6-7). We believe that the Bible is the inspired and preserved words of God and is therefore the supreme, inerrant, infallible, and final authority in all matters of faith, creeds, and conduct. Hope Zambia exclusively uses the KJV when ministering in the English language.

Salvation Comes by Grace Through Faith

We believe that salvation is a free gift of God (Eph. 2:8,9) offered to men by His grace and attained by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It requires neither culture, character, religion, nor good works to receive it or secure it and is offered to allmankind. We believe every born again child of God is eternally secure in Christ with a forever sealed salvation (Eph. 1:13). Salvation will be evident through the fruit of repentance, faith, and newness of life (2 Cor. 5:17).

The Godhead

We believe that there is only one living and true God (1 Tim. 2:5). He is an infinite, intelligent Person, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of Heaven and Earth (Deut. 4:39). In the unity of the Godhead, there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, equal in every divine perfection and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption (1Jn. 5:7).

Jesus Christ

We believe that Jesus Christ is God (Jn. 1:1-3), He was born of a virgin (Is. 7:14), He was God manifest in the flesh (1Tim. 3:16), He lived a sinless life (Heb. 4:15), He laid down His life on the cross for our sins (Rom. 5:8), He arose bodily the third day (1Cor. 15:4), He ascended back to Heaven (Acts 1:9), He sits glorified at the right hand of the Father (Heb. 1:13), He is the Head of the Church (Col. 1:18), and He is coming again (Titus 2:13), and He is the only way to Heaven (Jn. 14:6).

The Local Church

We believe the local church to be a body of believers who come together in obedience to Christ to carry out the dictates of the New Testament (Mt. 28:19, 20). The local church should be self-governing and independent from any interference of hierarchy, individuals, and organizations. Believers should assemble together locally in order to be edified in the word of God and to serve the Lord (Acts 11:23-26). The proper order for the local church is laid out especially in the Pastoral Epistles (1Tim. 3:15).

The Body of Christ

We believe that every believer in the Church Age is baptized by the Holy Spirit into the spiritual body of Christ upon salvation (1Cor. 12:13). We believe that the body of Christ was a great mystery that was hid from past ages until it was first revealed by Christ through the apostle Paul (Eph. 3:1-12). There is only one body (Eph. 4:4) of which Christ is the Head (Eph. 1:22-23). The body of Christ (the church) is a spiritual organism made up of all born-again Christians.

Baptism

We believe in following the Biblical pattern of baptism. Water baptism is only for those who have first believed in Jesus (Acts 8:37). It is full immersion into water symbolizing and identifying with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (Mt. 3:16). Baptism will also identify you with the local church. It is obedience to the Lord’s command (Mt. 28:19). Water baptism can in no wise impute grace or forgiveness of sins (1Cor. 1:17 & Rom. 4:24).

The Lord's Supper

We believe the Lord’s Supper (“Communion”) to be a remembrance of what Christ did for us. The unleavened bread and fruit of the vine symbolize His body and blood. This special time of self-examination and appreciation allows us to not only look back, but also ahead to His coming (1Cor. 11:23-34). The elements in no way, shape, or form become supernatural, but are only symbolic.   

Missions

We believe that the command to give the gospel to the world is clear and unmistakable (Mt. 28:19,20). It is the church’s clear responsibility to carry out this commission by sending forth those whom God has called. The equipping and supply of these missionaries is the sole duty of the church.

Prophecy

We believe that Christ is coming secretly before the tribulation period for the members of His body. The dead in Christ will rise first and those that are alive will be “caught up” to meet Christ in the air (1Thes. 4:13-18). The blessed hope (Titus 2:13) of the body of Christ is distinct from the Second Coming of Christ back to the earth in judgment at the end of the tribulation period in order to set up His righteous kingdom (Rev. 19:11-16).

Hope Zambia operates through funding from individuals and organizations. We value our support team and ask that you consider joining our cause. You can do so ONLINE here. 

Damon's story in Zambia began on a missions trip in August, 1999. The result of those two, amazing weeks led his father to return with his family as full time missionaries one year later. He had just turned 18 years old and looked at this as an incredible opportunity, knowing years earlier that this carrier-field was where God was leading him in his own life. When he returned on his first furlough, he married Lisa and their adventure began! Together, they've traveled the USA, helped establish a ministry in the Copperbelt and then moved their base to Chipata, Eastern Zambia in mid 2011, all while raising their six, beautiful children.

Chipata is a strategic area for many reasons. Because it’s a border city that’s within a ten minute drive from Malawi and is equally as close to Mozambique, this city is an up and coming center of commerce. Chipata's name comes from the Chewa word "Chimpata" meaning "large space," in reference to the town's placement between several hills. Chipata is the 5th developed City in Zambia, behind Lusaka, Ndola, Kitwe and Livingstone. Its population is estimated around 450,000 and is the capital of the Eastern Province. This area is also known as the “Gateway of Islam” into Zambia and has a large population of Indian Muslims that control much of the city’s business and trade. The growth of this religion is easily seen with the many mosques and Islamic schools throughout the city.

Our work in the village is positioned in Chief M’nukwa’s kingdom and is located 35 miles north of Chipata. There’s literally hundreds of villages scattered around with a estimated population of 30,000 people in this one tribal area. Life in the bush is characterized by tradition and the old ways. The overwhelming presence of witchcraft that’s embedded in their culture has hindered the advancement of education, development and a general knowledge of God and His ways. There is a great need in this area for more missionaries as we expand in the outlying villages.

As we plant churches and make disciples throughout the village, we're also involved in small-scale projects to help with clean water, medical, and food security. Words cannot even describe the deep poverty and harsh conditions we see abroad. Starvation, malnourishment, and needless death are common issues across this country. The few projects that we do put us in good standing with the government and local chiefs, allowing us to freely move from village to village as we preach the Gospel and make disciples in the regions beyond.