The Call to Africa | 2010

In April, seven women once again traveled to Zambia, Africa to train counselors and start additional GEMS Clubs. Check out the highlights from the trip, and don’t forget to see the latest pictures of The Esther School!

Construction of The Esther School continues to progress. The first teacher’s dormitory is complete and work on the preschool and kindergarten is now underway! Check out more pictures of the process. The women were able to pray over both of these areas as well the spot where the clinic and library will be built. How amazing to consider the lives that will be shaped for Christ on that very ground in the not-too distant future! God is making The Esther School become a reality through the generosity of His people – brick-by-brick. Over 100 seasoned counselors were trained and encouraged in their work with the girls in their churches. Women repeatedly reported that they were inspired and full of hope because of the way God was using them in the GEMS ministry. Over 200 new counselors were trained and 26 new clubs were started through three different two-day workshops in different regions. The initial plan was to start no more than 18-20 clubs, but, once again, God led the way with His plans and purpose! The women that came to training were desperate to be given the opportunity to start their club in their churches. One woman traveled 19 hours by train to attend one of the training workshops. She was not going to be dissuaded. She wanted to learn how to start a ministry in her church for her girls. The women were able to have a joyful reunion with the 8 children living in The House that GEMS Built. Held a birthday party for the eight children in The House that GEMS Built. In response to a request last year from the shyest little girl in the house, Maya, a birthday party was held for all the children. Twenty-four additional children from the surrounding orphan homes were also invited. All 32 kids were blessed with a special birthday celebration complete with games, cake, candles, and ice cream. What a difference love and care make. Looking into their faces you see the happiness and contentment. Pastors of churches that currently have GEMS Clubs in Lusaka were invited to have tea and talk about GEMS. All 21 pastors left with a greater understanding of the overall ministry and with endless praise and appreciation for what God has done through GEMS for the women and girls in their communities. They spoke about the changes they have seen in their girls – in their behavior, the increased respect they offer, and the difference in their dress. They acknowledged the difference in the women serving as counselors as well. They encouraged us to continue; to not grow weary in doing good. They even asked when we would be bringing a program for the boys – when we bringing BEMS – Boys Everywhere Meeting the Savior! The team was also inspired by GEMS’ two college-aged interns leading a Bible study for CITs. Each week 18-20 CITs gather at the Service Center to study God’s word together, learn how to apply His truths to their lives, and to encourage one another. There was also time to visit with the 32 children from four orphan homes in Chongwe (the village where The Esther School is located). They sang for us with their beautiful voices, and we distributed t-shirts to them made by a saintly, elderly woman in a retirement home in Wisconsin – made with love for the children in Zambia. These children have so little. They were so, so proud of their new shirts. They put them on right away. And they absolutely loved the new soccer balls we brought them. Balls are a very precious commodity there. Previous to this, the “balls” they played with were made from waded-up and tied plastic bags. You cannot imagine the look on their faces as they received real balls – priceless!