The Call to Africa - Our History

The Call to Africa | A brief history

After 50 years of faithfully working to help bring girls across North America into a dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ, God began to write a new chapter in the history of GEMS Girls’ Clubs. In December 2005, He started calling GEMS to expand its vision and to adopt a global perspective. It was quickly evident that God wanted GEMS to cultivate a new focus on people who were in great need of not only help but also the hope that we have in Jesus Christ. This calling led GEMS to Zambia, Africa and the development of a new program in that country.

2006

In May, three individuals from GEMS traveled to Zambia and found a staggering need in the lives of woman and girls who are devalued and who constantly face an array of horrific abuses.
God connected GEMS with Every Orphan’s Hope, a ministry in Zambia working to build homes for orphans and bring the hope of the Gospel to children throughout the country.
In August, a GEMS team returned to Zambia with a new curriculum designed to meet the needs of girls in Africa.
Leadership Trainers from GEMS held a training seminar for 35 Zambian women interested in becoming Counselors, and four new clubs were started.
And, through the partnership with EOH, construction on The House that GEMS Built began through a combination of the GEMS team, a team of men from Preston Ridge Baptist Church in Texas, and by local Zambian workers

Since that time, girls and counselors from all across the US and Canada have responded to the Holy Spirit’s nudging to get involved. Funds have been raised in amazing ways. God has truly been at work helping girls and women become activists for Christ and placing their attention on a lost and hurting world.

2007

By the December, approximately 250 girls were meeting every week in Lusaka, Zambia with their counselors.
Sister clubs in the US and Canada were organized to partner with the Zambian clubs, helping them financially and encouraging them with letters. Counselors reported that the curriculum is transforming the lives of the girls in Zambia.
In May, eight trainers returned to Lusaka to provide additional training for the GEMS counselors, and to offer training to additional women interested in starting GEMS Clubs in their churches. In total, 74 new leaders were trained and ten new clubs were started.
The GEMS team also met Florence, the new momma at The house that GEMS Built, as well as seven of the eight children who range in age from five to fourteen.

2008

In April another training session was held in Lusaka and 75 additional women were trained. Altogether, 16 new clubs were started – bringing the total number of clubs to 28.
Two Leadership Trainers and two Area Coordinators were put in place and are working to encourage counselors and find ways to make each club self-sustaining.
Chief Bunda Bunda of Chongwe, Zambia donated land to house The Esther School for orphaned and under resourced children.
In August Get Connected! Camp was held to encourage and inspire the oldest Zambian GEMS.

2009

In April/May A two-day training was offered for returning counselors and 67 women attended.
A three-day training was held for new counselors and 144 women came, eager to learn more about what it means to serve girls in their clubs through the GEMS ministry
Many of the oldest GEMS who have been attending club for a few years returned to be trained as CITs (Counselors-in-Training). These girls are learning about leadership and embracing their new role with wonderful enthusiasm.
In total, twenty-six new clubs were started, bring the total number of clubs in Zambia to 48!
The necessary arrangements were made for Hand 'n Hand, and counselors responded with enthsuiasm to this new project!
In August, a Service Center was established in Lusaka.
Construction on The Ester School was started!