The Zambia Project

Paul and Marinette van Coller, founders of The Zambia Project, visited a church here in Blacksburg over the weekend. It was incredible to hear the way God is moving in western Zambia through the Gospel and also humanitarian efforts to: provide homes for orphans, feed the malnourished, heal the sick, support the poor, teach harvesting techniques, etc. Both Paul and Marinette shared stories of the salvation of hundreds of villagers at a time, men women and children who had never heard the name of Jesus before. It reminded me of our trip to Zambia in so many ways. I teared up constantly as they told us about what God is doing there, and how privileged they see themselves to be a part of it! What beautiful hearts for the Gospel to be known among the nations.

They also shared with us, very similar to at the CURE hospital, that mothers of the sick or malnourished babies spend their time making Hope Art, which the project then sells to bring in income for the mothers.

"People that care buy and sell this unique handcrafted jewelry and all net profits from 'Hope Art' are invested in the Village of Hope' that provides food, education and healthcare to kids in need. God has given us a huge burden for the growing number of orphans in Western Zambia. The lives of these women have changed dramatically through a sense of self-worth and purpose. Many orphans are now being care for and their extended families uplifted, thereby benefiting the community as a whole."

The needs in this area of the Zambezi flood plain in western Zambia are great. If you feel God calling you to join a ministry like Cure or The Zambia Project, don`t just keep living and neglecting his call. Get involved now through prayer, financial support, or even going. I promise God will radically deepen your faith and open your eyes to a world you didn`t even know existed. The needs are great...and that is why God calls us to be his empty vessels so the Holy Spirit can work through us to reach these people and provide t

hem with life abundantly through Jesus Christ.

zam.co.za

Pastor Remmy

I am so excited to go to Pennsylvania next weekend and visit my sister, her husband, and her three beautiful daughters. I am also excited that one of the Pastors from our trip to Zambia will be here, in Pennsylvania, at my sister’s church speaking! I am so excited to hear about his ministry in Zambia with Forgotten Voices, and just to see him! It is still every day I am reminded of Zambia in the craziest ways. I pray for those kids, the staff, the hospital, wishing I could see them again physically. I am blessed by the Lord to see Pastor Remmy and so see a taste of Zambia!!

What`s next?

I was incredibly blessed this weekend to spend time with JA and Aaron (the students from Marshall University who were on my trip) at Claytor Lake in Virginia, along with their church from West Virginia, Missio Dei. The Lord blessed our time not only with fun on the lake, retelling of great stories and experiences, but also with deep spiritual conversations and memorable reflection. I loved hearing about how the boys are doing back in the US and back at school, and especially what they are learning and dealing with in light of Zambia and all God revealed to us there. They both desire to serve the Lord more through short/long-term missions. Their hearts encourage my own so much to continue to serve the Lord and understand mission through His eyes. Through spending time with them again the question about further fundraising for Cure Zambia was brought up. Our team leader, Amy, along with Pastor Harold, have decided we are going to raise $1000 dollars to send mosquito nets to the hospital with next year`s Go Team. The Mosquito nets will be used in the hospital for each of the babies (and their mothers) in the ward as well as anyone staying in the guest house or needing long-term housing. I am so glad that this is a practical and vital need that we can supply the hospital. I will be doing some personal fundraising for the nets, but we as a team will raise the $1000 before next summer. If you are interested in donating or finding out more e-mail me at lrwilks@vt.edu. I pray through continued fundraising God will keep the lessons he taught me fresh on my heart and also use me to ignite others to serve with Cure.