Sustainability: noun
The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
This is the goal: Sustainability. Without it, the footprint we leave in each country will quickly be washed away as time passes, days roll by and our stay in each location becomes simply a fond memory.
My squad and I are allotted one month to come in, live with and like the locals and make an impact that will last a lifetime. This seems to be a lofty goal, right? Maybe… but to us this is more than possible.
One of the reasons why I love The World Race is because we partner with ministries and organizations, run by locals, that are already present in each country. We do not come in to tell anyone what or how to do anything. We come in to provide lift, serve with our gifts and support each organization in any and every way we can. This looks vastly different in each country but last month in Zambia, my mission included creating a marketing strategy, executing Facebook advertisement training and teaching young adults about how to create goals and achievable steps to accomplish their dreams.
My hosts last month, Sanderson and Lweendo, were nothing short of amazing. They have a progressive mindset that exceeds much of what I’ve seen in Africa. This beautiful couple has their hands in so many business, charities and ministries in Zambia that all have two aspect in common – to spread the love of Christ and equip Zambian locals to build a sustainable lifestyle for themselves. Sanderson and Lweendo are not looking for a handout, quite the opposite actually, they asked us not to give unannounced gifts to the locals during our time in Zambia. They do not want to perpetuate the idea of Americans coming into an African country, bringing temporary sustenance, and leaving. They want so much more than that – and more is exactly what my team and I came to Africa for.
During our month in Livingston, Zambia we were able to accomplished all of the following: facilitating bible studies in remote villages, executing weekend children’s camps, teaching bible stories and lessons at preliminary schools, performing skits and day camps with a local orphanage and a few team members even had the opportunity to work at a village clinic, helping with prenatal appointments and assisting in delivering a baby! Along with all of these tasks, my host Sanderson also utilized our personal giftings to help further his businesses that equip and sustain the local community. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to use my corporate background in marketing to help Sanderson further his dream. A few teammates and I put together a business recommendation for Sanderson’s up and coming tourism company and I was able to train him on a Facebook advertisement strategy to compliment this business. What I loved the most though was the Identity Conference we assembled for young adolescents in the community. One weekend, Sanderson orchestrated an event for over one-hundred twelve to eighteen-year old’s that included teachings on self sustainability and personal identity. The conference focused on lessons and sessions about knowing your worth, local business opportunities, how to create goals and a step by step process on how to achieve those goals. We helped to make a future dream tangible and attainable to these youths and encouraging them blessed me deeply as I saw many young Zambians come alive with newfound hopes for what their futures could hold.
The Lord is so sweet when He allows us to use our passions and giftings to further the Kingdom and encourage others to have the abundant life that is here on earth, as well as waiting for us in heaven.
My month in Zambia was full of unforgettable memories and moments with the local community here that is overflowing with hope and dreams. My hosts, Sanderson and Lweendo, are not just people I said goodbye to a few days ago – but they are now my Zambian family. I will keep a little piece of my heart in Zambia as I move on and into Malawi and feel so fortunate to have assisted in the sustainable lifestyle of the Zambians in beautiful Livingston.
And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft. Exodus 31:3-5
