Building Hope Together: Our Journey with EduDeo in Zambia

Building Hope Together: Our Journey with EduDeo in Zambia

We set out on this journey as a group of individuals from across Alberta—from Granum CRC and Nobleford CRC to Cranbrook Alliance and University Drive Alliance—all united by a single purpose: to see where God is at work in the world and to offer our hands in service. As an EduDeo Co-Impact team, our mission was clear: to partner with local leaders and communities to advance Christ-centered education, knowing that a school is more than just a building but also a beacon of hope. 

The Road to Chijemu 

Our arrival in Zambia was a testament to God’s provision, from navigating a blizzard in Calgary, to praying visas would come through, and to safety on a 13-hour flight to Ethiopia. Once we reached the compound of EduDeo’s partner CCAP (Church of Central Africa Presbyterian), we hit the ground running. We spent our first days settling in, debriefing with Jeyson the Secretary of Education, and even taking a wild ride through Matula National Park, where our Toyota Land Cruisers occasionally had wheels off the ground due to the rugged trails. 

But the true heart of our trip began at Chijemu Combined School. The community there had already done incredible work, using oxen to level the land and digging the foundation for a new 1x2 classroom block. Our job was to work alongside them—pulling weeds, mixing cement, and parging walls. The sun was relentless, and the 2.6-kilometer humid walk to the site each day was a challenge, but it gave us the chance to interact with the community and see the beautiful area we were serving. 

Faith in Action 

Worship was a cornerstone of our experience. We shared a powerful Sunday service at the local CCAP church, where we did our best to sing with the congregation, including our renditions of "It Is Well" and "This Little Light of Mine". Later, we visited a church, Dunda, where we were moved by the many choirs and the Gospel preached in the native Tumbuka language. 

Beyond the construction site, we saw how education is transforming lives: 

• Proverbs School of Trade and Skills: We toured facilities offering training in sewing, bricklaying, and computers, providing students with vital life skills. (This school was made possible through the generosity of EduDeo donors and local partners).   

• Proverbs Keystone School: We traveled here via Zambian "matolas"— or pedal bike taxis with seats on the back—to learn about projects like Hope in Action, which plans to mill crops for local villages. 

• A Sweet Reunion: Our leader, Jerry, had the chance to visit Ikwele School, a site he hadn't returned to in 8 years. It was a joy to see the school thriving and enrolling more students than ever before. 

Lasting Connections 

Our time wasn't just about manual labor; it was about the relationships we built. Whether we were playing soccer with local children (and losing 3-1 to the talented Zambian team!) or sharing a traditional meal of cooked pumpkin, maize, and ground nuts, we felt the depth of Christian community. 

At our final supper, surrounded by 30 friends from the guesthouse staff and CCAP board, we were reminded that we are co-workers in His service. We left Zambia with gifts of personalized shirts, full hearts, and a deeper understanding of how taking the time to get involved in the work God is already doing can create a lasting impact across the globe.