It is not uncommon to hear a Zambian child express a futuristic desire to pursue a study of medicine or law. Unfortunately, the widespread problem of poor literacy renders these ambitions impossible to realize unless something significant changes.

Studies show that approximately 1.5 million Zambians are illiterate, which is to say they cannot read, write, or understand a short simple statement on their everyday life. Basic literacy is a common feature in at least 91% percent of the population but advanced literacy that defines world-class academia is not nearly as high. Grammar, logic, and rhetoric are fragmented disciplines that are largely missing across child development curricula, while early reading programs are either frivolous or delayed.

It is on this backdrop that efforts to alleviate illiteracy must be celebrated and applauded. Koryssa Risteen is a Bible-school graduate who is currently spending her time and energy helping children improve their reading skills at the Tree of Life children’s village.

“I am here to help children at the Tree of Life improve their reading. I am working with the younger children by reading to them so they can hear me speak English clearly, while the older ones do the actual reading to practice saying words. The longer I’ve been here, the more children have joined in. They all want to read and do it more often.”

Literacy is the most fundamental key that unlocks a world of opportunity. Dr. Seuss famously iterated, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” The great social reformer, writer and orator, Frederick Douglas said it this way,” “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” The ability to comprehend and communicate knowledge effectively is the essence of what literacy aims to achieve.

“I think it is important because reading is needed to learn in school, for writing exams, and for other things throughout their lives. If they can grasp and understand it now, it will be useful for them as they study and work.”

Many adults fondly recall the books that aided the development of their reading skills. The children being taught to read at the Tree of Life will have similar memories.

“We have books that range from the first grade to more advanced books that all have pictures to help the children better comprehend what the words mean. We use Curious George, Amelia Bedelia, and various other children’s books. We are also labeling everything in children’s homes so they can frequently read what specific items are in English.”

Being able to give a gift that is not easily returned is certainly the greatest kind of gift. The opportunity to bless others with talent, time and knowledge is something Koryssa relishes.

“It’s been amazing. Being able to be here has blessed me possibly more than it has blessed the children. They are sweet and it’s great to be able to help and see them succeed at something many people take for granted. Some of the things that get me really excited are some of the older boys taking part in this initiative and some of the younger children being able to describe a picture in English.”

There is plenty of work to be done across Zambia but the work within the gates of the children’s village remains a colossal task that requires patience and much prayer.

“Pray that I will know which children to help and that they will be able to understand what I am teaching them. That’s all I can ask for.”

Historically, Christianity has been the world’s biggest contributor in developing literacy across the world. All image-bearers of God possess the capacity to attain, retain and explain knowledge in some form or fashion. An opportunity to truly make a lasting difference lies in teaching children the art of language, grammar, logic, and rhetoric, in hopes that their lives will become stories other children will one day read of.

The post Building Better Readers appeared first on Family Legacy Missions International.

Did you know that Family Legacy staffs over 900 Zambians that make our programs, schools, and experiences work successfully? Our amazing staff is passionate about their work and ensures that your sponsored student is cared for at all times.

Teachers: At the forefront of your sponsored students’ education, our teachers are trained frequently throughout the year on best teaching practices and learning strategies to best equip Family Legacy students. We believe we have some of the best teachers in Zambia, preparing your sponsored student for their greatest potential.

Social services: Child safety is one of our top priorities for the students in our program. The Social Services department ranges from child protection officers who go into the community to check on students and their families to community development officers who engage our students and families with different resources to meet needs.

Discipleship Staff: Helping our students embrace and live out the gospel is at the heart of our ministry. Through structured discipleship classes, Bible studies, and other group meetings, students learn the scriptures and how to apply them to their lives. The love of Christ is also personified through the care and nurturing of our staff who daily invest in their growth and development.

This is simply a glimpse of a few of the pivotal roles within our ministry. We are so thankful to serve alongside such passionate and committed staff members who serve the children in our program daily.

We have several students in our program who are in need of a sponsor to come alongside them. Will you join us and sponsor a child today?

https://give.familylegacy.com/sponsorachild/

The post We Couldn’t Do it Without Our Team appeared first on Family Legacy Missions International.

I tried blaming the breezy bus ride through the city for my tears, but truthfully, the faith-filled journey had gripped my emotions. I was not prepared to experience the unconditional love, joy, and enthusiasm for God’s commandments the way I did while attending camp. Seeing the faces of our children and getting to be a part of their lives is a blessing beyond measure. What an appropriate name: Camp Life…a camp so full of life… God’s light!

Thank you, Family Legacy, for your obedience to God’s word and for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this amazing experience. I look forward to returning for years to come.”

—Damon aka Google Guy!

The post God’s Gift in Disguise appeared first on Family Legacy Missions International.

Phan Huynh, previously an agnostic, had a life-altering experience at Camp Life 2018. Through his son, Ethan, God allowed Camp Life and the 10 young boys in his group to change His heart and love for God. This powerful story is one you won’t forget and one of the many reasons we continue to do what we do here at Family Legacy!

“I am a radiologist by trade, and I always felt that I’ve been guided by an unseen hand to my profession. Back in 1994, my residency program director gave me a phone number and told me, “I found a job for you.” A subsequent phone call led me to a position in Houston. At the time, my mother was going through stage four metastatic breast cancer. With her blessing, I accepted the job in February of 1995. My mother died a month later.

I moved to Houston in 1995 and four years later in 1999, I got another call offering me a new position at a neighboring hospital. The next year I was blessed with my firstborn, Ethan. During the pregnancy, I found out that Ethan’s mother had a large ovarian mass that basically threatened both mother and child. With countless prayers, she had surgery during the second trimester and fortunately, with God’s will, Ethan was born without any problems.

Moving forward to 2014, Ethan went to Camp Ozark in Arkansas which ended up being the place that he accepted Jesus as His Lord and Savior.

At that time, my radiology group entered an agreement with a national entity, requiring that I stayed in my current position for another 4 years. Therefore, I expected that 2018 would be a life-changing year for me.

Last year, around October, Ethan approached me about a mission trip to Africa and he wanted me to accompany him. I didn’t know anything about Zambia or Family Legacy. But with an open heart, I told Ethan that I would support him and that we could look for a window of time in my already busy schedule. Meanwhile, I was quite apprehensive about whether I was up to the task.

When we got to Zambia, I was introduced to my Zambian partners, including Uncle Teddy. A fellow participant remarked that I had won ‘the lottery’. Throughout the week, Uncle Teddy had gently prodded my longstanding yearning for God. As a radiologist, my eyes are perhaps my most important asset and it is fitting that the theme of Camp Life 2018 is ‘God sees me’. Amazingly, without any prior knowledge of the Tree of Life Children’s Village, I had a Timberland hat (with a tree symbol) as a small gift for Uncle Teddy! Everything lined up to prove to me that I was where I was supposed to be.

On Friday of Camp Life, as we formed the circle for prayers and as the children’s hands were laying on me, I felt such warmth and intensity that I could no longer resist the power of the Lord. I accepted Jesus at that moment. God had plans for me through Ethan, Uncle Teddy, the children, Family Legacy and I am so blessed!”

Phan Huynh – Week 3 Camp Life Participant

The post A Change of Heart appeared first on Family Legacy Missions International.

Early on Larry Craighead wondered – “what will it take to provide for these kids?” He may have thought that for his biological children, but this particular thought wasn’t for them. After an important, transformative experience at Camp Life 2016, he realized that the 12 children he wanted to help through sponsorship, were going to need security. He’s a details guy, so he put his excel spreadsheet skills to work to figure it out.

Ultimately, we realized that he and his wife have the means to fund their education, but the only way to ensure his Zambian kids were supported for the long haul was to start a separate bank account dedicated to them. This simple move to set aside funds for his Zambian children made it clear – he and his wife were partners in the potential for these kids. He shares four important outcomes to starting this account:

1. It is a tangible, visible way to let go of the money for an important purpose.
2. It was emotionally freeing to know that the financial future of their children’s education was secure.
3. Making a financial investment in God’s Kingdom is comforting in knowing that they could honor His word, specifically in caring for the “least of these” (Matthew 25:45).
4. Should anything happen to him or his wife, his kids know where the money in that account goes. Building a culture of philanthropy is an important component of parenting.

Since then, Craig and his wife, know they are hundreds of miles away from Zambia, but they are connected – simply a prayer or receiving a letter is a gift beyond measure. By setting this money aside, they have put their faith forward, knowing that the Lord blesses them and their 12 Zambian children.

Why did you decide to set up a separate bank account for your sponsored children?

That decision grew out of a basic stewardship principle that I learned from a Christian business partner (Raymond Harris). If God blesses you with material assets, be a faithful steward (Matthew 25). Biblical principles suggest that we should not take possession of what has been entrusted to us; God desires for us to invest in his Kingdom (to be “a good and faithful servant”). I participated in my first Camp Life in 2016 with my daughter. Upon our return, we had 12 children that needed sponsors. I’m a detail guy, so I prepared a spreadsheet to understand what would be required to provide for our kids through grade 12.

We recognized that we had the financial resources to invest in our 12 kids. I opened a separate account at the bank and moved the entirety of the funds needed. There were several benefits in doing this:

1) It is a tangible, visible way for us to let go of the money.

2) It is very “freeing” emotionally, meaning that no matter what ups and downs we have financially, the money for our kids is set aside — we don’t think about it, we don’t worry about it.

3) It’s a financial investment in God’s Kingdom. It’s an investment in “the least of these” (Matthew 25:45).

4) Should anything happen to me and/or our wife, our adult children understand that the money in our Zambia fund is not to be touched.

Also, I will add that my wife and I are always mindful that our children are watching. We want to show them what stewardship looks like in God’s economy.

What has Zambia and the children of Zambia meant to you?

It has been a blessing to watch our kids grow. We have seven girls and five boys (all ages), our son sponsors a child, my nephew sponsors two children, and we have friends that sponsor two children. In total, we have a connection with 17 children. We returned to Camp Life in 2017 and again in 2019. We’ve been able to witness the transformation in our kids physically, spiritually, in their education, and in their health.

Over the years, what have your sponsored children meant to you?

Even though we are hundreds of miles away, it’s a blessing to know that we have this connection to Zambia. The bond that is built with the kids is really special. To receive a letter and hear that they are praying for you is a blessing that can’t be described.

Have you developed a strong relationship with your sponsored kids individually? Tell us about it!

Yes, we do have a special bond. It takes a while for the kids to open up, but as you spend time with them and they begin to share their individual stories you connect with each child in a unique way. One of the children we met in 2016 was, Sarah. Sarah was a 17 year old at the Tree of Life and she did not have a sponsor. We’ve corresponded with Sarah regularly and spent special time with her when we’ve returned for Camp Life. It was exciting this year to know that she has graduated grade 12 and is transitioning into the internship program. But, as I said, each of our kids has a special story and a unique personality; it’s easy to let them into your heart.

Would you recommend others to set up separate accounts as well, if they are able? If yes, tell us why?

As I have shared, having a separate account has been a blessing. To have the peace that our kids will be supported takes away any anxiety relating to their education. Essentially, our decision was made in 2016, the money is set aside, and we now focus on new opportunities. Not to mention, there is a very practical side to the separate account as it makes it very easy to see the distributions for our Zambia kids in the monthly account bank statement.

The post Setting It All Aside appeared first on Family Legacy Missions International.

“I have been attending Camp Life for 10 years now. Though there are too many memories and miracles to name within those years, there are always a few experiences that are truly life-changing and unforgettable. I had one of these moments this year at Camp Life 2018. Through God’s grace, I got the chance to sit down with one of my former campers whom I hadn’t seen in a few years.

Memory was a completely different girl, but I somehow still immediately recognized her. As I began to talk with her, it quickly becomes evident the transformation that had taken place in her life. This little girl I had known, who couldn’t speak a lick of English, was now in grade 9 easily having a conversation with me. This little girl, who was so sad and scrawny looking, was a picture of health and happiness. This little girl, who had no light in her eyes, was beaming with confidence and purpose. This little girl, who had no hope of a future, was gushing about her dream of becoming a teacher and impacting those in her community just as Family Legacy had done for her.

This little girl, who was obviously not so little anymore, was standing before me reminding me why we do it all. I cannot describe to you the combination of emotions I had looking at her. I was overflowing with joy and just completely filled with peace knowing how much of a difference was truly being made. Right in front of my eyes was living proof of the impact being made here in Zambia.

These children are not just going to school when they are enrolled at a Legacy Academy. They are being completely cared for. The holistic approach that Family Legacy takes, at least to my knowledge, is unmatched in Zambia. These kids get an education from teachers who are passionate about what they do and truly care for them. They receive a hot, nutritious meal that is often their only of the day. They are constantly being discipled by the staff at their school and are poured into daily. For Memory, and I’m sure many others, this special care of each student is what has helped her blossom into a confident young lady of God. I was so blessed by this one conversation. It planted a passion inside me for these schools and what Family Legacy is doing. I cannot express how thankful I am to have been a part of something so special and life-changing.

God has an amazing way of revealing what he is doing and I pray others are as encouraged by Memory’s transformation as I am.”

—Claire Knight

The post True Transformation appeared first on Family Legacy Missions International.

“I’ve been back in the states now for almost two months, so I have had some time to reflect upon the sights, sounds, and people of Zambia. My heart has been forever changed by the lives I had the privilege of crossing paths with. Joseph was one of those lives.

Joseph lives a life transformed. I met Joseph the first morning in Zambia. We entered into an overflowing church service and one of the young girls who was ushering that day found me a seat next to Joseph. I asked him if I could join him today and he smiled from ear to ear, his eyes sparkled and he quickly answered yes. I introduced myself to him and he explained that his name was Joseph and then he quickly introduced me to his friends that were sitting nearby. He seemed so proud to call me his new friend.

There was a little time before church began and I learned more about Joseph. He was 12 years old, liked math and baseball, and wants to be an accountant when he grows up. I loved that…accountant, what 12-year old says that? When he spoke with me, he was excited to share with me. He asked me some questions about my family and if I had ever been to Zambia before. I introduced him to my son and husband, which seemed to make him feel very special. I explained to my son that Joseph also loves math and baseball just as he does and Joseph was quite excited that they had similar interests and talents.

I reflected on him a bit and was thankful for such a sweet time with this young man who made me feel so welcome in this land so far away from what was familiar to me. He lived at the Tree 0f Life Children’s Village and just a few years prior he lived in the slums of Lusaka, a very dark and dangerous place, without anyone to care for him. He did not speak of his hurts, his brokenness, or the sadness, which he had experienced. He instead spoke of God’s great love for him. He spoke of how thankful he was to live at the Tree of Life Children’s Village and attend school at Legacy Academy. I can only imagine the things that his eyes have seen, the places where his feet have walked, the fears which have gripped his mind, and the words that he has heard spoken over him. Yet that is not what I saw . . . instead, I saw a life transformed, transformed by the truth of God’s Word and the saving power of Christ’s love. Joseph has received the abundant love of God and he loves with that same love.

The last night we were in Zambia, the Tree of Life Children’s Village put on a special show for us with beautiful singing and dancing. It warmed our hearts, brought smiles to our faces, and caused many tears to flow as we were reminded of God’s great love through the lives of these students. These lives were once in very dark and hopeless places and now transformed by Christ.

We began to say our goodbyes and I heard someone say, “Hello Auntie Mary!” and to my great surprise, it was my very special friend Joseph. What a sweet blessing for me to be able to see him one more time before I had to leave for the airport. We chatted and I asked him about the performance and about his week. Before I knew it, it was time for them to go. As he was leaving he handed me a letter, which he had written to me.

As I prepared for Zambia, my prayer had been taken from Romans 15:13:” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” I was specifically asking that the Lord would overflow from me through His Holy Spirit to encourage those I met.

Joseph wrote, “It was such a tremendous joy the time we met on Sunday and spent time with you. Your smile lights up my day. You have filled my heart with so much joy. I thank God for giving me a friend like you.” That joy that he felt was God’s Spirit, which was poured out of me to encourage Joseph. God answered my prayer so specifically and abundantly. God knew I needed to hear the words so carefully written by Joseph. His letter entailed so much more . . . he also was so thankful that we came to Zambia, he wanted me to remember that I was loved by God and that he would always remember me. My heart was so incredibly touched by his words and ministered to me in such a deep way.

Joseph’s words brought a great feeling of humbleness to my spirit. Joseph shared how he was praying for me, reminding me to remember how much God loves me and for me to continue to rejoice in the Lord and share His goodness with others. This was written by a 12 year old orphaned boy in Zambia who has experienced so much brokenness in his life…this is true hope. This is truly what a transformed life looks like. A transformed life focuses on the loving God he serves rather than upon the circumstances, which he faces. A transformed life dwells not on where he has been or what he has experienced but on the hope that he has in Christ! He who has been given much loves much and I had the blessing of being loved very much by this little boy who has experienced so much pain and hurt that I will probably never experience in my lifetime. Joseph radiated the truth of God in a very simple yet powerful way.

I went to Zambia to pour out hope to these abandoned ones of Zambia.

But God showed me that He sent me to Zambia to be loved by the fatherless so that I can learn to love more deeply with our Heavenly Father’s love.”

There are countless other “Joseph’s” waiting to be given a chance to experience the love of God and in turn, love others in a big way.

If you would like to find out more about sponsoring children like Joseph through Family Legacy, visit familylegacy.com/sponsorachild

—Mary Fahnestock

The post Humbleness to my Spirit appeared first on Family Legacy Missions International.

“The first story I thought of was how God brought happiness into a moment of extreme sadness on the last day of Camp Life. My group and I were sitting at our daily picnic table when the call to start loading buses blasted on the speaker. My little Wise, the smallest boy in our group (I am now officially his sponsor!) started crying. Of course, I started crying as well. There we were holding each other bawling crying knowing that we were going to be leaving each other for a year in just a few minutes. What happened next was something that God had planned for my partner to say. She started laughing and said, “everyone else thinks y’all had a fight and that is why you’re crying”.

Even though this is such a simple statement it brought a big smile to my face. As I think more and more about this story I realize that’s what God did that week for all my kids as he did for me at that moment. He brought them happiness in a time of desperate need and sadness, and I’m forever grateful for my partner’s words along with God’s Word to bring smiles when his children need them most.

The second story is something that happened during and after my first blessing time. Peter, one of my older boys who have very good English, quickly volunteered to be the first child in my group to do a blessing time. Since it was my first year at Camp Life and my very first blessing time, I didn’t know what to expect. I quickly realized how broken and vulnerable these children are. Peter has experienced three deaths in his family and lives with his older brother. I was crying through his blessing time because it had hit me really hard that such a happy kid was having to experience such heartbreak.

When asked what he wants me to ask God when I pray for him, Peter said to pray he and his brother get food. Then it really hit me how kind these children are. Every single snack, no matter an orange or apple or an extra piece of bread, Peter would offer me half of whatever he had left. The little boy who is starving, asking God for food, was offering me half of his meals. If I learned anything from this trip it’s that God’s children are the kindest and strongest people in the world.”

—Ellie Dawson

The post A Moment of Bliss appeared first on Family Legacy Missions International.

“In Summer 2020, our family was to serve in Zambia for the first time as a party of five. Having to postpone our trip to 2021 has been very difficult although we know it’s the right decision. It has left a huge hole in our hearts that felt like it wouldn’t be filled for over a year. Then we heard about Students Feeding Students through Family Legacy and knew immediately God wanted us to participate. We had a family meeting to discuss the goal. The girls initially thought $600 was the most reasonable. We decided to signup for $1200 and our family would cover the difference if the goal wasn’t met.

The girls and I decided social media was the best way to advertise our fundraiser. In less than one week, we’ve raised more than $2400 which has doubled our goal and we’ve encountered so many awesome moments through the process. We’ve had a Houston Astro make a donation because he saw my post on Twitter. We’ve had two people donate a portion of their stimulus check because they found our cause touching. We’ve had conversations with friends, family and peers about why we’re doing the packing event and it has allowed us to share God’s love for His children in Zambia with so many. Our family feels so blessed to have this opportunity to serve the Lord by serving His kids in Zambia and is allowing us to be #aparttogether.”

—Kristi Zeller, Camp Life Alum

The post Exceeded Expectations appeared first on Family Legacy Missions International.

In 2009, Erin and Chris traveled to Zambia to experience Camp Life with 10 excited children from the communities around Lusaka, the capital city. Many children in Zambia live in serious and extreme cases of poverty, this being a leading cause for many not being able to afford or be able to attend school. Erin and Chris instantly found a connection to helping these children and returned home with a fire to continue to support and spread the word about the children they had met that summer.

Since then, their entire family has become involved with Family Legacy through Camp Life and Sponsorship. Through support from caretakers, Family Legacy staff, vigorous academics, and love and support from U.S. sponsors, the family was able to see their sponsored children blossom before their eyes. One family member, Tricia, decided to go a step beyond to continue spreading the work of Family Legacy. Her business, Morning Side Cavapoos dedicates all profits to the ministry to support and invest in the educations of the children in Zambia. Now anyone who adds an adorable Cavapoo to their family is also exposed to Family Legacy and the wonderful ministry and work done in Zambia!

The post Going Above and Beyond appeared first on Family Legacy Missions International.