The Future is Now
Zambia is one of the youngest nations on earth, which means it is also one of the most unbelievably wild and fun nations on earth, too! More than half of Zambia's population, approximately 52%, is under the age of 18. That's an estimated 11 – 12 million children and teenagers who represent next generation leaders and lions!
Ever since we first arrived in Zambia, ministry to children and youth has been central to our calling. Our heart’s desire has always been to love and bless the kids and youth of Zambia and to show them they are deeply loved, valued, and seen by God. We have worked to empower and disciple young people; to help make church a place where they belonged, and a place that was fun; and to equip adults to speak the language of the next generation.
As I look back over the years, so many joyful memories come flooding back…
Piggyback rides and belly-laughs at Lubuto Clinic,
Close calls with eland, hippos, and black mambas (twice) out in wild reaches,
Hysterical water fights at Good Samaritan School in Kazembe,
The invention of Mango Bola in Kashikishi,
Amazing Race adventures through Chifubu Market,
Home visits and stools of honor,
Surprise gifts of cassava and lemons in Chitondo
Bush runs at Nsobe,
Birdwatching at Tusha Farms,
Power cuts and load-shedding,
Long, hot nights under stuffy mosquito nets,
Long miles on pothole-riddled roads,
Celebrating (cherishing) small victories,
Torrential rain on metal rooftops,
Flamboyant blooms in the dry season,
Bus rides, duffle bags, and rat platoons,
Going far afield in Zambia’s Great Lakes region,
Our stuffed-to-the-brim-and-beyond-with-Young-Lions Land Cruiser,
Dear friends who have since gone to be with Jesus,
Quiet prayers, many tears and much laughter,
Baptisms in pools, rivers, lakes, and ponds.
And so much singing and dancing!
In 2014, we held our very first baptism in Chifubu. We rented a pool from a Lusaka party planner who had recently moved in from the capital and imported several jumping castles from China. Then we had to fill this monster with water somehow – with no power to run our well pump – in the dry season! So, we hired the local fire brigade, and they brought truckload after to truckload of water to help make our baptisms happen. That day is a standout. Nearly 30 kids publicly declared, among hundreds of witnesses, that they wanted to follow Jesus. Jack was among them. And afterwards, a party of great magnitude ensued with all the kids of Isubilo, and many others who jumped the walls to get in on the fun!
Jack was a chintomfwa…a troublemaker in those early days. Maybe that’s what we connect so well with each other (Takes one to know one)? But even back then, Jack was a natural leader. He was energetic, mischievous, and almost always at the center of whatever was happening. He made us laugh (still does), and he laughed easily (still does). He and the other Isubilo kids taught us Bemba and showed us the ropes of haggling in the market. They held baby Noah, and we spent lots of time playing soccer, and just sharing life.
Over the years, Jack became a son to us. We have laughed together, cried together, prayed together, served together, and logged countless miles running side by side. We've watched him grow from a boy needing a little love and guidance, into a young man providing love and guidance to so many others.
Today, among other leadership roles, Jack serves as the coach of our Young Lions Running Team, mentoring younger runners and helping shape the next generation. The same leadership qualities we saw in the naughty kid at the back of the class, are now being used to encourage, challenge, and inspire others.
Next month we will release Jack Power: Young Lion Running, the second book in a series inspired by Jack's remarkable journey. Looking back to that baptism in 2014, I just simply marvel at what God has done. Stories like Jack's remind us why we invest in young people and why we followed God’s leading to uproot and move to Africa all those years ago, in the first place. God is writing beautiful stories in and through people’s lives and we have had courtside seats to some doozies!
Across Zambia — in overcrowded classrooms, on dusty football pitches, deep in the wild bush and distant villages, and throughout the colorful, noisy compounds of its towns and cities — little ones and young people are all around. They want to belong. They are searching for purpose and belief. They are deciding who they will become.
Our prayer is that they would meet Jesus and discover the hope, joy, acceptance, forgiveness, and true life that only He can bring.
The future is now.
And Zambia's young lions are just getting started!