I have been thinking about when and how I was going to announce this since October 30th, never did I think that I would be writing this while awaiting the final word on what the rest of the race will look like in the wake of COVID-19. With out further a due I have decided to return to Zambia full time after the race and become the first director of J-Zone Youth Camps!!
Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions:
When are you moving?
I don’t have a firm date but most likely early fall 2021, which is about a year after I get home for the race. Unsure if the race possibly ends early means me going to Zambia early
How much money will you have to raise?
Being the first “employee” hired by J-Zone means that I get to figure out everything on my own. After a little research and talking to other missionaries in Africa I am aiming to have about 1500 in monthly support. There will also be start up costs like, visas, flights, getting my belongings there, buying a car, and building a house. I have no idea how much that will cost just yet because I have been trying to be present with what time I had left on the race. I am also not set up to start receiving donations quite yet!
What is J-Zone?
J-Zone is a new organization in Livingstone Zambia that has a heart to train, equip and send the young people of Zambia to become the next generation of Godly leaders around the world. They have a hand in everything that community development entails including, well digging, church planting, clinic developing, bettering school systems, youth mentorship, and CAMP!
What is J-Zone Youth Camp?
Right now its just dirt and a promise. J-Zone had been given a large section of land on the out skirts of town a few months before I had met them, and the founders, Sanderson and Lweendo, had a vision of turning it into a camp. These our visions for this property and camp:
- for it to house a permanent fully built adventure camp
- “summer staff” from around the world
- week long programs for youth from all around Zambia/Africa to come and just be kids
- week long programs for MK’s (missionary kids) from all over to come and be poured into
- a facility for companies/organizations to come for leadership and team building
- a year long internship program for young missionaries
- host WR and other short term teams
- a house for me to live in on campus
- Empower youth all over the world that they aren’t too young and the great commission is for them too!!
How do you know that this is what you are called to do?
This is the perfect example that we serve a God that keeps His promises! My 3 passions are, camp ministry and all that involves, international missions, and empowering young people that they are loved, capable, and called to more. This camp combines all of those! God’s timing is perfect and I am so thankful that all the other “plans” I have tried to make have fallen through so that I was ready when God dropped what He made for me in my lap!
After reading through my journal from the time where all of this was happening to write this I was reminded that God’s plan is better, and His timing is perfect even in the middle of a global pandemic.
XOXO
Brooke Holt
Director of J-Zone Youth Camps
(PS: if you have any questions or advice I would love to chat with you so please reach out!)
