Zambia Ministry Update: Internships, Community Outreach, and Finding Hope in God

By Chipo Nambeye

The past few months have brought meaningful opportunities for ministry, new relationships, and moments of both celebration and reflection here in Zambia. From welcoming interns from the United States to spending time with women at Chainama East Correctional Facility and supporting children through community outreach, we’ve been encouraged by the ways God continues to work through our programs and partnerships.

Our third quarter ministry update highlights the people, relationships, and everyday moments that make this work so meaningful. It also serves as a reminder that, even amid life’s challenges, there is always room for hope, gratitude, and faith.

Welcoming Mental Health and Education Interns to Zambia

In July, we were delighted to welcome five interns from the United States to serve alongside our teams in Zambia. Three interns specialized in mental health, while two focused on education.

During their time here, the interns had opportunities to support several local ministries, including Nsansa, Chisomo, Kafwa Drop-In Centre, and the Youthlife Project. Each of these organizations works with children and young people, and the interns brought fresh perspectives, encouragement, and valuable support to their programs.

These internships offer more than an opportunity to gain practical experience. They also create opportunities for cultural exchange, relationship-building, and learning from the dedicated individuals already serving their communities.

Outside their regular ministry activities, the interns enjoyed a holiday in Livingstone with our Copperbelt staff. It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to get to know one another, strengthen relationships, and spend time together beyond their usual responsibilities.

We’re grateful for the interns who chose to spend part of their summer serving alongside our teams and for the local ministries that welcomed them.

Building Friendship and Encouraging Forgiveness at Chainama East Correctional Facility

Our ministry at Chainama East Correctional Facility continues to provide opportunities to spend time with the women, build relationships, and explore lessons that encourage personal and spiritual growth.

During one recent session, we focused on the importance of friendship. The women enjoyed making friendship bracelets for one another while learning about the meanings associated with different colors and reflecting on what it means to be a good friend.

The activity created an opportunity to talk about love, kindness, forgiveness, and supporting one another through life’s challenges.

Sometimes, a simple activity can open the door to meaningful conversations. As the women made bracelets, they were also reminded of the value of connection and the importance of showing care and compassion to the people around them.

Our mental health intern, Axe, also had the opportunity to lead a lesson on forgiveness. It was encouraging to see the interns draw on their knowledge and skills to engage with the women and contribute to the ministry.

These experiences demonstrate how practical activities, thoughtful discussions, and compassionate relationships can work together to encourage reflection and personal growth.

We’re thankful for the opportunity to continue this ministry and for the interns who brought their time, energy, and knowledge to support the women we serve.

Supporting Children Through Community Outreach at Happy Home Foundation

We also had the opportunity to visit Happy Home Foundation, where we spent time playing with the children and sharing the biblical story of David.

It was a joyful time of connection, learning, and fellowship. Through play and storytelling, we were able to spend meaningful time with the children while sharing a Bible story that encourages reflection on faith and trust in God.

Happy Home Foundation also operates a feeding program that provides food and support to children in need. However, the organization is currently experiencing challenges in meeting the children’s feeding needs.

Providing consistent meals is an essential part of supporting children’s well-being, and funding these programs can be a significant challenge for community organizations working with limited resources.

In response, the foundation has begun making bracelets to sell, with the proceeds going toward its feeding program. We have been encouraged by this creative initiative and the determination behind it.

Their efforts demonstrate a commitment to finding ways to continue supporting the children, even when resources are limited.

We’re grateful to organizations like Happy Home Foundation that continue working to meet the needs of children in their communities. Their dedication is a reminder that caring for children involves both meeting practical needs and creating opportunities for them to learn, play, and grow.

Finding Comfort in God Through Both Grief and Joy

Not every meaningful moment over the past few months has been easy. Some have brought sorrow, while others have reminded us of the joy that can still be found in the middle of difficult seasons.

Yesterday, I returned from the burial of a friend with a heavy heart. Later that evening, my babies from New Day called to share the wonderful news that they had graduated from secondary school.

In the space of just a few hours, I experienced both grief and joy. My heart was heavy with the loss of someone dear, yet it was also filled with happiness as I celebrated an important milestone in the lives of those I love.

The experience reminded me of something important: grief and joy can exist together.

We don’t have to ignore our sadness to celebrate someone else’s happiness. We can mourn the people we’ve lost while still giving thanks for the lives, accomplishments, and milestones of those who remain part of our story.

As I continue to remember loved ones who are no longer with us, I find comfort in God’s promise in Revelation 21:4:

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes.”

This promise reminds me that grief is not the end of the story. Although loss is painful, our faith points us toward a future in which sorrow and suffering will no longer have the final word.

There is something deeply comforting about knowing that God meets us in both our happiest moments and our hardest ones. He gives us space to grieve, reasons to celebrate, and hope to carry us through seasons when our hearts feel heavy.

I’m learning that we can hold sadness and gratitude in the same heart. We can remember those we’ve lost while celebrating the people we love. And through it all, we can trust that God remains our comfort and our hope.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Work in Zambia

As we reflect on July through September 2026, we’re thankful for the many ways we’ve been able to connect with children, young people, and adults through our ministry in Zambia.

Welcoming mental health and education interns, spending time with women at Chainama East Correctional Facility, and visiting the children at Happy Home Foundation have all provided opportunities to build relationships and encourage growth.

These experiences also remind us that meaningful ministry takes many forms. Sometimes it looks like supporting a local organization, sharing a Bible story, or leading an activity that encourages friendship and forgiveness. Other times, it means celebrating a major milestone or finding comfort in God’s promises during a season of grief.

Through each experience, we’re reminded of the importance of showing up, serving others, and continuing to place our hope in God.

Thank you to everyone who supports CoLaborers International and the work happening in Zambia. Your encouragement and generosity help sustain programs and partnerships that serve children, young people, and communities.

We’re grateful to be part of this work and look forward to seeing what the coming months bring.