(Above) Victoria Falls, on the Zambezi River in Zambia, is the largest waterfall in the world. A double rainbow reminds us of God’s promise to each of us.

To say that Zambia is a magnificent country with beautiful people is an understatement. From the moment you arrive at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in the capital city of Lusaka, you feel the warmth, welcome and acceptance of the people. “One Zambia, One Nation,” which promotes common beliefs, actions and values, is the motto of this landlocked country in south-central Africa.

As you travel across Zambia, you are exposed to a variation in topography: flat lands and hills, lakes, rivers and, of course, the breathtaking Victoria Falls, the world’s largest waterfall—once referred to as “the smoke that thunders.” As you feel the mist of the falls, hear the almost-deafening roar and see the beautiful rainbow, you can’t help but be in awe of God’s creation.

It is within this context that The Salvation Army operates in Zambia, bringing the love of Christ in practical application with “Heart to God and Hand to Man.” With a population of 15.9 million people, The Salvation Army is called to holistically serve individuals who find themselves on the margins for one reason or another, offering a kind word, a meal, housing, health or education—each practical response motivated by the love of Christ.

It has been said that “a picture is worth a thousand words,” so it is my hope that as you review this photo essay, you will be inspired and encouraged to support the Partners in Mission Self-Denial Campaign, and come away with a greater understanding of the broad scope of ministries in Zambia. The following photos capture some of the highlights from our visit in February 2020.

Lt-Colonel Brenda Murray is the director of international development.

Photos: Mark Yan
Corps officers raise their fists in excitement at the Matero Corps in Lusaka.


↑ Excitement is mounting at the Matero Corps in Lusaka. “We are overcomers,” says Major Elizabeth Kilai, corps officer, in an impassioned sermon based on 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. The corps is putting this “overcomer” faith in action as they raise funds locally to build a larger hall to accommodate new members and a greater vision for this community. With strong and dedicated leadership, corps life will continue to grow, and the gospel will be shared with many more people.

↓ “I know that Jesus is my Saviour from sin. I have asked him to forgive my sins, and I will trust him to keep me good. By his help, I will be his loving and obedient child, and will help others to follow him.”—Junior Soldier Promise
Two junior soldiers

This promise unites more than 411,287 junior soldiers around the world, including 8,647 that live in Zambia. Joshua (left) and Chipo are junior soldiers at the Livingstone Corps. When asked what their favourite part about being junior soldiers is, they both had the same answer: They love to learn how to read the Bible; they love learning how to pray; and they love learning about The Salvation Army. With bright and committed junior soldiers, the future of The Salvation Army in Zambia is bright. Children at the Chelstone Community School smile








↑ At the Chelstone Community School in Lusaka, the staff are dedicated to providing a quality education, and the students are just as committed. With heavy downpours during the rainy season, many of the students wear oversized rainboots up to their knees, as the water can sometimes reach over their ankles. Despite the rain, the students kept smiling. These children embody the spirit of Zambia.

↓ Kenneth Sinakaimbi cares deeply for his students and is one of 39 teachers at Chikankata Secondary School. When you speak with Kenneth, you quickly sense his enthusiasm, passion and love for God. As a mission school, the academics incorporate spiritual learning, which is shown by the practice of starting each morning with a devotion.
Kenneth Sinakaimbi, teacher, points to text on a chalk board

↓ When Christine, a senior and the vice-headgirl at The Salvation Army’s Chikankata Secondary School, was asked if she liked attending the school, she responded, “I don’t like it—I love it!” Her dream is to become a lawyer, and The Salvation Army is helping her achieve that dream by providing a quality education.
Christine, a senior and the vice-headgirl at The Salvation Army’s Chikankata Secondary School, smiles

The motto for the school is “Light and Progress,” which is evident in speaking with the students. They are motivated and determined, and there is no doubt that they will leave the care of The Salvation Army as shining lights to their communities.

↓ Nachoka Mangani is a third-year student at The Salvation Army’s Chikankata College of Biomedical Sciences, one of the leading scientific colleges in Zambia. She hopes to become a microbiologist and earn her master’s degree or a doctorate.
Nachoka Mangani, a third-year student at The Salvation Army’s Chikankata College of Biomedical Sciences, looks through a microscope

Zambia currently faces a shortage in health-care workers. With more than 250 students enrolled and a 100-percent graduation rate for the past three years, this school continues to produce successful biomedical technologists and scientists and plays a major role in alleviating this shortage.

↓ “The first essential component of social justice is adequate food for all mankind. Food is the moral right of all who are born into this world.”—Norman Borlaug, Nobel laureate
Norman Borlaug, Nobel laureate, holds a stalk of corn

Did you know that The Salvation Army runs a farm in the Copperbelt district of Zambia? Lieutenant Herbert Hakatombo is the business officer at The Salvation Army’s Ndola Farm, where he and his wife, Lieutenant Clara, live and serve. Rooted in Christian principles, the farm employs community members and trains them in farming techniques. The farmers themselves then practise their skills at home and, in doing so, can provide food for their families. The harvested produce and livestock from the farm support local families and generate income for the territory.
Children at Nega Nega school use a handwash station↑ Due to a project funded by the Switzerland Territory and supported by the Canada and Bermuda Territory, children and staff at the Nega Nega school now have a water tank and a functioning handwash station.

↓ “Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?” —Job 12:12
A resident at The Salvation Army Mitanda Home for the Aged The Army’s motto, “Heart to God and Hand to Man,” is lived out at The Salvation Army Mitanda Home for the Aged. Under the leadership of Lt-Colonel Frazer Chalwe, the home provides holistic care for seniors in Ndola, Zambia. Many of the residents have been abandoned by their families and have no one else to turn to. The Salvation Army provides care and support for many of these residents until their last breath, keeping attentive watch in their final days. These beautiful treasures become part of the Salvation Army family.

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