February Newsletter Update!
Read the articles below on the new bicycle trailers, Zambikes team member spotlight, the lives being changed through the partnership with Namwianga Missions.
PARTNERSHIP MULTIPLYING ZAMBIKES’ IMPACT
Namwianga Mission began its work in Zambia in the early 1900’s. Their operations stem from their land in the southern province of Zambia. Hospitals, orphanages, primary schools, a university, and sports facilities stretch across the property. Church planters and rural medical workers are sent out regularly from their home base on the land.
Zambikes recently partnered with Namwianga Mission and distributed bicycles to many of their projects. Distributing bicycles to their projects and training their workers in bike mechanics reminded Zambikes about their ultimate purpose. For, a medical worker or educator with a Zambike can ride farther and see more than 3 times as many people in neighboring communities as before. The new bikes enable the ministry of Namwianga Mission to be more effective.
For more information on the work of Namwianga Mission, please visit their website.
SPOTLIGHT:
Benjamin Banda
BORN: Mfuwe
BEFORE ZAMBIKES:
Benjamin was unemployed for 8 months. Without work, his family often went without eating. However, Benjamin’s faith was not deterred. He knew that God would come through for him.
He and his family lived in the Ngombe compound. There they shared a two room home. The rooms were each the size of a large bathroom in the states. In Ngombe, cholera and other sicknesses are rampant. Benjamin decided to search for work outside of the city due to the dangerous conditions.
NOW:
Benjamin works for Zambikes as the Caretaker of the Zambikes land. In addition, his acquired skills in construction, welding, and bike mechanics allow him to contribute to the current projects of the rest of the team.
GOALS:
Benjamin acknowledges that his lifestyle and perspective differ from many members of the team. He feels a responsibility to be a role model by demonstrating how to treat one’s wife, be a loving father and be a reputable man of God.
Benjamin also shares his desire to start night classes to finish 9th grade. He longs to support his wife in starting a business of her own and ensure that his children finish school. Ultimately, his number one goal is to help and encourage people.
DIRECTOR’S NOTE:
Benjamin’s role on the team continues to be a source of joy for everyone. He has proven to be a mentor not only to the team, but to the directors as well. He has an incredible mixture of humility, compassion and boldness. The security he provides on the land ensures that the team can remain focused on the projects at hand.
ZAMBULANCE TRAILER PRESENTING NEW OPPORTUNITIES
Under the direction of bike engineer Daryl Funk, the Zambikes team has successfully begun fabricating bicycle trailers.
His group includes previously unskilled laborers who are now able to manufacture the trailers with confidence. The new trailers will provide additional opportunities for individuals to impact their communities.
