Since the age of seven, Chitalu has been unable to walk or move around without the use of a wheelchair. Brought up by his mother after his father passed away, he managed to sponsor himself through school up to grade 9. Unfortunately, a combination of financial and mobility challenges prevented Chitalu from completing his education.
Chitalu lives in a rural area of Zambia with rugged terrain, which makes moving around on his old and broken tricycle a challenge. A supporter kindly gave him a wheelchair, but it is unsuitable and unsafe due to the rocky terrain. Chitalu often feels isolated from his community.
In 2014, Chitalu also lost his sight. When he met Kelvin, a disability ambassador in his local community who encouraged him through Scripture, Chitalu's spiritual eyes were opened and his faith was strengthened.
He still struggled, however, to see his worth and to realise his abilities. Without his mobility and without his sight, Chitalu felt he was good for nothing. How could he work or have a business or a means of earning an income when he was unable to walk or to see? He also believed that his disability rendered him useless to God. With the help and encouragement of both Kelvin and the disability team, who provided practical support and spiritual teaching from the Word of God, Chitalu now understands that God can use people of all abilities for His Kingdom work. He has also started his own small business selling items from his home.
Chitalu joined a regular weekly Disability Bible Study (DBS) group and received an audioBible which helped him grow spiritually. He has since been a great encouragement to Kelvin, and now sees that his labour and service for the Lord are not in vain; there is real fruit from his labours.
When he first went to church, Chitalu was very shy and lacked confidence, but over time, he found acceptance and he is now actively involved and doing the accounts for the church.
Now, Chitalu is seeking to inspire others; he travels long distances to remote communities to share his story with people with disabilities.
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Four years ago, the Bullock family left the familiarity and security of life in the UK to serve God cross-culturally in Zambia. OM writer Ivy Chiu spoke to Dan and Ruth about why they took such a bold step, and what life is now like for their young family.
Along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, new Jesus followers were not content to keep the good news to themselves. Instead, they started to share with neighbouring areas.
God prepared Stephanie to train teachers in Zambia through her family legacy and the skills her parents taught her.
“Missions is one way we serve Him,” Tewana said. “We can serve Him wherever He would choose to send us, to children, at home with your family…I would say seek His face so that you will know that you are doing what He wants."
A prayer meeting for children and teenagers in Zambia has had a far-reaching impact on their friends, families and the local community.
Lorrin recently took on the role of children's ministry coordinator for Africa Area. Her own childhood experiences inspired Lorrin to provide a safe space for young people where they can be fed spiritually and physically.
A request for a ball has led to transformation in the lives of girls on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
A few weeks of showing football matches in 2010 grew into a thriving church and a growing school community.
Generosity is life-changing — an experience Pastor Alan from Zambia has lived and is eager to share with his congregation and beyond.
When Dorothy lost her husband, her world fell apart. Alone and overwhelmed, she continued teaching but felt numb inside. A month later, an unexpected invitation to a teacher’s conference changed everything.
Through the support of her local disability group, Yvonne was empowered through business skills training, providing a more sustainable means for her to support her family.
The disability team bring the hope of a new wheelchair for Owen who has been isolated from his community for many years as a result of his disability.
