Discipleship
In the heart of the Mboole community, right next to our Youth Centre, we have purchased and renovated a building that now hosts a range of discipleship programmes. These initiatives form an important part of our vision to equip and send believers into ministry.
Discipleship is the journey of moving from being hearers of the Word to becoming doers of the Word. Our desire is that everyone who comes through these programmes grows in that transformation and understands that, wherever they go, they are ambassadors of the Kingdom of God.
Intercession
“There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose me.”
(1 Cor. 16:9)
One of the most important yet often unseen aspects of our ministry is intercession. As this scripture reminds us, God opens doors for meaningful service—even in the face of opposition. In Zambia and the surrounding region, we see both opportunity and challenge working side by side. Because of this, we remain committed to prayer, and we invite you to stand with us.
In the spiritual battle described in Ephesians 6, believers are called to stand firm and to withstand. This is our prayer for all those connected with Zambia Missions and those who serve alongside us.
We continue to pray the words of Scripture over our work and our people:
“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord
and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
They are like trees planted along a riverbank,
with roots that reach deep into the water.
Such trees are not bothered by the heat
or worried by long months of drought.
Their leaves stay green,
and they never stop producing fruit.”
(Jeremiah 17:7-8)
Bible Study
Young Ladies
One of the women in our team felt a strong desire to start a Bible study specifically for teenage girls. Her heart is to guide them into a deeper relationship with God, helping them grow in confidence as they step into adulthood, with their identity firmly rooted in Him.
Today, Harrety leads this group with great care and integrity, providing a safe and supportive space for 15 girls to engage with the Bible and with one another.
To help ensure that the Word of God comes alive in each individual’s life, the group uses the Discovery Bible Study approach. Through a set of carefully selected questions, participants are encouraged to explore each passage deeply, reflecting on what it reveals about God, humanity, themselves, and their personal response to God’s invitation in Scripture.
Insert picture
Young Men
As the young women began meeting weekly, interest grew among the young men in the area, who expressed a desire to participate as well. To preserve the safe and focused environment created for the girls, a separate group was formed specifically for the young men.
Today, Nchimunya and Cosam facilitate a parallel Bible study group held outdoors under the trees, using the same Discovery Bible Study approach. This allows both groups to engage with Scripture in a consistent, participatory way, while maintaining spaces that are appropriate and supportive for each group.
Insert picture
Connect Groups
Community Women
Also born out of a desire to gather, encourage one another, and grow in faith, Tresha and Stella facilitate a Ladies Connection Group at our Discipleship Centre. Each week, around 20 women come together for worship, interactive Bible study, dedicated prayer, and occasional guest teaching upon request.
What makes this group especially unique is their shared heart to be a blessing beyond their own gathering and into the wider community. Once a month, the ladies go out in pairs to visit the elderly, assist in homes and fields where help is needed, and generously share what they have with those in need.
The group is anchored in the words of Titus 2:3–5:
"Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God."
Insert picture
Neighbouring Women
One afternoon each week, the women living around the base gather to read Scripture, discuss its meaning, and build relationships while learning a practical craft together. These sessions provide both spiritual encouragement and a space for creativity and fellowship.
So far, the women have enjoyed making doormats from repurposed maize mealie bags and small fabric scraps. More recently, they have also begun learning how to crochet.
Beyond the enjoyment of a shared creative afternoon, these gatherings are designed to equip the women with practical skills that can help them generate additional income for their families. Handmade items are often sold to visiting teams as well as in town, offering both encouragement and economic opportunity alongside spiritual growth.
Insert picture
Marriage Programmes
One of the recurring topics across our Bible College and various discipleship groups is marriage—particularly God’s design for the marital union, which often stands in contrast to cultural influences shaped by witchcraft and other beliefs. This has created a strong need for teaching and discipleship in this area.
Using the SBCI training manual on Godly Marriage and Family Life, our trusted local leaders bring biblical teaching on marriage and family life to 22 villages across our chiefdom. Notably, several headmen have expressed a desire to learn about God’s design for marriage alongside the families in their communities.
Looking ahead, we hope to expand this work by offering pre-marital counselling and ongoing interactive seminars for married couples. These gatherings will focus on strengthening communication, building healthy relationships, and cultivating a culture of honour within the home.
Moms & Tots or Kukomena
Out of a desire to see healthy, flourishing families, our Moms & Tots programme was established.
Local leaders are trained to be positive role models in the community, and each week mothers connected to Zambia Missions gather with their young children for a playgroup that goes far beyond simple recreation. This holistic programme supports growth in multiple areas—spiritual development, physical wellbeing, nourishment, and learning through play.
There are two groups: one for mothers with children aged 0–2 years, and another for children aged 2–4 years. Together, these sessions also help prepare children for school readiness and early learning.
The local teachers leading these groups have been trained by Masikhule, a South African social impact organisation that provides vital support to Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in marginalised communities. Their slogan, “We Are Growing,” has been translated into Tonga as “Kukomena.”
Sports
And the Men?
At present, connection with the men in the community largely happens through sport—particularly soccer and volleyball, which take place almost daily.
While this may not look like traditional ministry at first glance, it plays an important role in relationship-building. It allows our team to engage naturally in the rhythm of community life and meet people in their own environment. It also provides healthy activity and structure for young people in the area.
From the volleyball field, it is only a short walk—about 20 steps—to our Youth Centre, where players are regularly invited to join the Friday youth programme.
What may ultimately emerge from the soccer field remains a prayer point for us. For now, we continue to build relationships, trust, and presence—believing that God is at work even in these everyday spaces.