Acirfa October Newsletter
Perseverance Through the Highs and Lows
Dear Supporter,
I write to you with mixed emotions through a flurry of busyness.
Currently, Zambikes is in a very unique stage. There are only 3 of the usual 7 managers working. Vaughn and Mwewa are in the States for the Acirfa Banquet, Chiteu is healing from the car accident and David has left us.
In the midst of the unexpected change, Wankunda, Viera, and I have been able to witness the “middle” managers of Zambikes step up to the plate. Divilance and Benjamin have been key assets for running bike assembly, pushing production, and getting things done on a day-to-day basis. Zambikes is blessed to have a team so dedicated to the work being done here.
This month 120 Zambulances have been built and distributed. Another 168 ambulance trailers will go out in the next 2 weeks. The team is keeping extremely busy.
David may not be here physically, but his spirit is living on through Zambikes. His drive and passion for the work of Zambikes keeps everyone pressing forward. When there is temptation to give up or complain, a team member is quick to remind everyone that “If David were here, he would get this done and have a smile on his face.”
I thank David for the spirit and attitude he left everyone with. We already miss him tremendously.
In addition to all of the excitement with production and deliveries, both Zambikes and Acirfa are setting up their respective 2010 budgets and casting the vision for upcoming years. For Acirfa, there is exciting news regarding 2 possible research trips coming up in November.
Vaughn, Daryl and I are planning to travel to Mozambique and Uganda to meet with possible partners and discuss opportunities for starting 2 new projects for Acirfa. We are still in conversation about the possibilities and will know more by the year end. But, the thought and idea of piloting 2 new projects in 2010 pumps me up!
The Lord continues to open new doors and put the mission of Acirfa on the hearts of different people worldwide. I am humbled and grateful to be a part of this vision.
Thank you for praying and supporting the team in Zambia and in the States. We rely on both during this tough, but fruitful time of year.
Persevering through the highs and lows with you,
Dustin McBride, Co-Founder
info@abikes.org
www.abikes.org
3rd ANNUAL ACIRFA BANQUET: A night of celebration, excitement and of course, dancing….
By: Adrienne Rouse
Where else will you find both Acirfa and Zambikes team members dancing in front of over 200 people? Well, possibly at a wedding in Zambia…..
Last Saturday, over 200 Acirfa supporters stepped out of San Diego and into Zambia for the evening. Banquet attendees were invited into the mission and vision of Acirfa through photos of Zambikes team members, powerful videos of lives changed and testimonies from Acirfa team members.
A preview of the nearly finished Community Center was provided by Dustin via video footage straight from Zambia. Vaughn followed, sharing with guests the vision of Acirfa for the upcoming year.
However, Mr. Mwewa Chikamba, Zambikes Director and Logistics Manager, stole the show. Traveling all the way from Zambia, Mwewa detailed the impact that Zambikes has had within Zambia. More importantly, he explained how vital it is for Zambikes to continue to train and empower Zambians through bicycles.
Excitement mounted at the close of the silent auction and escalated through the live auction – the pinnacle: a close tie between bamboo bikes and team members dancing.
Thank you to each of you who joined us for the evening and ultimately helped us to reach our financial goals for the event.
It is because of you that lives continue to be transformed throughout Africa. Your unfailing commitment, support and encouragement continue to sustain the Acirfa and Zambikes teams through the highs and lows.
ZAMBIKES SPOTLIGHT: Wankunda Mutala
By: Vaughn Spethmann
BEFORE ZAMBIKES:
Wankunda was born and raised alongside three brothers and a sister in Zambia. The family lived within country until his father moved them to the states in order to pursue a degree in Theology. After his father completed his degree, he moved his family back to Zambia.
Wankunda’s parents were so impressed with the education system within the states that they sacrificed nearly everything to ensure their children received their higher education at universities within its borders.
Azusa Pacific University was Wankunda’s destination for both his undergraduate and MBA graduate degrees. It was at Azusa Pacific University that Vaughn and Dustin first met Wankunda.Following graduation, Wankunda received work experience at Enterprise Rent a Car and Merrill Lynch.
Due to the economic hardships of 2007, Wankunda’s position at Merrill Lynch was eliminated and he returned to Zambia.During his search for employment within Zambia, Zambikes recognized their need for someone with his credentials.
WITH ZAMBIKES:
Wankunda is now heading the Finance Department within Zambikes and tracking the inventory of all Zambikes products. He has already been a huge help and blessing, especially with two of the Zambikes directors traveling to the states.
Wankunda is happy to be working at not only a job, but at a place that is “changing the African landscape in a meaningful way.”
REFLECTIONS OF A ZAMBIKES DIRECTOR:
Mwewa Chikamba shares his thoughts on joining the Acirfa Team in the States
My first trip to the United States has been more than enjoyable. I had such a lovely time meeting so many of you. Thank you for your kindness and hospitality.
I have always heard about your amazing infrastructure, but to see it first hand has blown my expectations. Other things I have taken note of, and will take home with me, are your time management and your commitment to whatever you are doing.
In Zambia there seems to be a lot of idle time. Here you get a lot done in your day – it is apparent that you have goals and visions for your future. I hope to bring that spirit home with me.
Again, thank you for having me. While speaking with Vaughn today I shared how I have had the privilege of seeing many large things on this trip. What that does is encourage me to dream bigger as well. With the network and support we have from the ACIRFA family, I feel the possibilities for growth and development in Zambia are endless.
Your Friend,
Mwewa
DAVID SACHER PASSES THROUGH SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
By: Jessica Congelliere
David Sacher embarked on his epic 15,000 mile ride from Alaska to Argentina in July. Since that time, followers of his blog and Twitter have been given a glimpse of the every day, challenging life of being a solo cyclist on the road.
He journeyed through bitter deserted landscapes in Alaska, the mountains of Canada, down the West coast, and landed (albeit one month ahead of schedule) in Southern California the first week of October.
With a little help from local newspapers, Twitter and social networks, 15 fellow cyclists were privileged enough to join him on the stretch of road between San Juan Capistrano to his home town in Encinitas.
Encinitas was not the last stop on his way. In fact, it was not even the halfway point. On that stretch of the ride, David was joined with his biggest fans. Afterwards, he shared some of his stories and adventures from the road.
David (@davidthebrave) is riding to raise awareness of the work being done by Acirfa in regions throughout Africa. It is a challenging ride and one that is not for the weak of heart or body.
When asked in his interview by NBC local news correspondent, Alicia Dean, what motivates his ride, David answered quite simply, “You know it’s not just for you.”
His ride is not over, and in fact, some of the most dangerous and trying parts are yet to come. So when you think about the challenges you face on a day to day basis, please keep David in your prayers – for his safety, ability to endure challenges and for the lives he is affecting through this amazing journey.
To follow David as he rides, check him out on Twitter at www.twitter.com/davidthebrave or read his blog at www.earningthehorizon.com. You can also check out his interview on NBC on http://www.nbcsandiego.com/around-town/events/Peddling-from-Alaska-to-Argentina-63568087.html.
UPCOMING EVENT TO BENEFIT ACIRFA:
Seeds of Hope
Cycle of Hope for Africa
Seeds of Hope International Partnership is holding its first annual fundraising event in San Luis Obispo, California on November 14, 2009.
The Cycle of Hope for Africa will include a “fun” bicycle ride and a more advanced ride to accommodate riders of different levels of experience. Each ride will begin at the Mission Plaza in San Luis. An “after party” including food, booths, live music, a raffle and more will follow the ride.
The Acirfa Team will be participating in the ride as well as hosting a booth at the event. Come join us!
For more information:
To register:
www.active.com/donate/cycleofhopeafrica
About Seeds of Hope (SHIP):
Seeds of Hope is a non-profit organization founded in Arroyo Grande, California that works in several communities within Zambia. Zambikes partners with Seeds of Hope within Zambia.
The purpose of Seeds of Hope is to train individuals in both spiritual and practical ways to go to the nations with tools that will bring hope and healing to those they care for. In Zambia, SHIP staff members drill wells, repair wells, produce bio-send filters and conduct hygiene and sanitation trainings.
The World Health Organization states that by providing clean water to an area the basic level of health in a community can be increased by 15-20%. By providing hygiene and sanitation training the level of health can increase 20-25%. But, when combining both clean water and hygiene and sanitation training, a community’s basic level of health can be increased up to 85%.
Seeds of Hope enters communities through a holistic approach by providing training in multiple areas. More than just providing clean water, they seek to introduce numerous tools that will help communities implement sustainable change. This is the heart and vision of SHIP – to change communities by bringing health, hope and a future back to the people.
If you would like to learn more about Seeds of Hope, please visit www.sohip.org.
Thank you for reading, and for your continued role in turning Africa around, one bike at a time.
Until next time,
Dustin, Vaughn, Daryl, Jessica and Adrienne
The Acirfa Team
