About Us

Up to now, our primary focus has been centered on establishing one, strong church that can act as a central post for Christian learning in our region of the village. The name of this church is Chiyembekezo Mpingo wa Baptist (CMB). From this location, we’re able to invest in the lives of men and women that we see and interact with on a regular basis. Everything we’ve done throughout the last several years has been to build up this singular body of believers. We’ve been intentional to establish ourselves within our community and to use opportunities as platforms to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Since October 2017, we’ve built a 3,500 ft² church building, drilled 8 deep wells, installed 2 shallow wells, assisted over 350 women with our baby basket program, trained over 13 CMB men in our basic discipleship and are currently developing Chiyembekezo Farms to empower the people throughout times of hunger. All of this has been done in and around villages within a 2.5 mile radius of CMB. Like the old axiom says, “The light that shines the farthest, shines the brightest at home.”  As our disciples mature and the work grows, they will be the ones to venture outside our current area of influence to other villages in need of the Gospel. With this same mindset, we’ve just begun laying the groundwork for a similar model in the city of Chipata. 

Our story in Zambia began on a missions trip in August, 1999. The result of those two, amazing weeks led my father to return with our family as full time missionaries one year later. I 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 me in my own life. When I returned on our first furlough, Lisa and I were married and that’s where our adventure began! Together, we’ve traveled the USA, helped establish a ministry in the Copperbelt and then moved our base to Chipata, Eastern Zambia in mid 2011, all while raising our six, beautiful children. So while I’m responsible all things ministry at Hope Zambia, Lisa and her efforts are what have kept us on the field!

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. 

It's difficult to focus solely on the African's spiritual need when the same people are literally starving. Disease and sickness run rampant because of poor sanitation and unclean water. Those that make it to the clinic are often still left untreated because of the lack of medicine. Hope Zambia's desire is to help with some of these essentials while sharing the hope that is in Jesus Christ.

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.