1. WHAT IS CHISOMO DROP-IN CENTER? www.chisomocenters.com
Chisomo means “grace” and this ministry was founded and run by Aaron and Josephine Chilunjika. The facility is home for many kids between the ages of about 5 to 21who typic
ally have nowhere else to turn except to the streets. They have lived in the streets for sometimes many years already, many of the kids are HIV positive, have had TB, some of the girls have already had babies at 14 years old, many of them have been abused, and there are no other family members or willing guardians to care for them. Chisomo offers a refuge to them where they will receive 3 hot meals a day and learn of Christ’s love for them. It’s an honor to be with these kids to encourage them and offer hope through Jesus. For the most part, the kids are receptive and soak up the attention we give. Our presence will make a world of difference in their hearts.
ally have nowhere else to turn except to the streets. They have lived in the streets for sometimes many years already, many of the kids are HIV positive, have had TB, some of the girls have already had babies at 14 years old, many of them have been abused, and there are no other family members or willing guardians to care for them. Chisomo offers a refuge to them where they will receive 3 hot meals a day and learn of Christ’s love for them. It’s an honor to be with these kids to encourage them and offer hope through Jesus. For the most part, the kids are receptive and soak up the attention we give. Our presence will make a world of difference in their hearts. 2. IS
CHISOMO THE ONLY OUTREACH AVAILABLE TO US?No, there are many many opportunities for ministry and service through YWAM, Every Home for Christ and other organizations.
3. WHAT ELSE WILL WE DO?
Our days will be packed with activity – we can participate in local Bible studies, mentoring, playing sports, building projects, gardening, sewing, tutoring, and enjoying the Zambian culture including shopping and eating in town. We meet together every evening as a team. Also, if you need a day alone, that is always there for you too.4. IS ZAMBIA A SAFE COUNTRY?
The Zambian people are a peaceful people and want things to stay that way. Typically Lusaka is a safe place to be especially during the day. As with any place in the world, it’s always prudent to watch after your own possessions and use wisdom and caution when in public. For more information on the safety of Zambia, check out the U.S. Department of State at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1062.html
5. WILL THERE BE A LANGUAGE BARRIER?
English is the official language and most Zambians speak it fluently while also speaking their own dialect of their region. There are approximately 79 languages in Zambia. You will hear many languages but usually communication is successful with English.
6. WHAT FOOD WILL WE EAT?The food in Zambia is delicious! You will get to eat new foods but most of the food prepared is typically what you already eat, just prepared in a different way. There are lots of tomatoes and onions as a sauce base. You will get the wonderful experience of eating Nshima, a real Zambian food tradition.
7. WILL I GET MALARIA AND IF SO, WHAT IS THE TREATMENT?
Malaria occurs rarely in the big populated cities, which Lusaka is considered to be and especially in June. Malaria is still rare even though we are in Lusaka West and in the bush at the YWAM base. If you do get malaria, prompt treatment is the best treatment. Malaria is treated in Zambia similar to how we treat the flu here in the US. There is a three-day prescription treatment that is not expensive and is very effective. Getting the recommended immunizations for potential diseases for travel in Zambia is recommended.
8. ARE THERE DANGEROUS ANIMALS?
Contrary to popular beliefs, lions, tigers, giraffes, rhinos and elephants are not roaming around in the back yard. As with all the populated nations in Africa, wild animals are sectioned off into the national parks for visitors to go and take safaris. To answer the common question, yes, there are dangerous snakes, large spiders, and large and unusual looking bugs. Concerning the snakes, they are not typically in the populated areas, like YWAM in Lusaka West, though we have encountered them.
9. WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE?
Believe it or not, the weather is very similar to summer in Colorado although it's winter for Zambia! It’s warm to hot and fairly dry. Average highs in June are 72 degrees and average lows are 52.
10. WHAT WILL OUR ACCOMMODATIONS BE LIKE?
We will be lodging at the YWAM base in Lusaka. We will be there during their usual annual DTS (Discipleship Training School). We will live in the dorm with concrete floors. There are bunk beds and each has a mattress. The number of DTS attendees is not known yet, so we may overflow to tents, if necessary. Our YWAM accommodations include dinner together with our hosts and the DTS’ers. We can make our own breakfast and lunch. We will buy some of our own food. The dinner meal time with our YWAM “family” is a very special and meaningful time together! We will be preparing some meals too, which is always a treat for them as well to enjoy our American-style food.
http://www.ywamafrica.org/South_Central/Zambia/Lusaka/index.html
11. WHERE WILL I GET THE MONEY TO PAY FOR THIS TRIP?The trip cost is very inexpensive outside of the airfare. By all means, no matter what your financial situation, make every effort to raise money for your trip. Many people consider it an honor and a privilege to support others in their humanitarian outreach efforts to vulnerable people around the world. Be sure to give everyone you know the opportunity to help support your trip to serve. We have suggestions on how to raise support and fundraising ideas too if you are interested. Start early and trust the Lord to provide. Sometimes He provides at the last minute, so don’t despair.
12. DEADLINES?
A prompt decision is important because space is limited! All participants will be required to meet the deadlines set forth by New Life Church which will be provided soon.
13. WHAT ARE MY RESPONSIBILITIES AS A TEAM MEMBER?
Each team will have different responsibilities while living on the YWAM base including but not limited to cleaning, cooking, grocery shopping and chores. You should also be willing to participate in group meetings.
14. ARE TRAININGS REQUIRED?
New Life Church provides a valuable training to all mission trip participants. Two Saturday training sessions will be required. More details on this coming soon.
