From Heartbreak to Joy
Monday was an EPIC day of ministry for our Embrace Grace Africa team. We spent the entire day on the church campus, learning, serving, and connecting with some of the 300+ students who attend school there. I’m in awe of Pastor Mulenga Chella and his amazing team. Their hearts for the people of Lusaka, Zambia, and their bold vision for transformation left a deep impression on us.
The day began with a full tour of the church grounds—an inspiring work in progress since 2017. The campus sits in a unique location: nestled between Lusaka’s middle- and upper-class neighborhoods and the neighboring Chainda slum. This strategic position allows the church to reach people across a wide socioeconomic spectrum, meeting spiritual and practical needs in both communities.
We were especially moved by Pastor Mulenga’s heart for the children of Chainda. His team shared a compelling vision for holistic ministry—reaching not only the spiritually hungry but also those struggling in deep poverty.
One powerful expression of that vision is the school they’ve built on campus, which now serves over 350 students from kindergarten through high school. Many of these children would otherwise have limited access to education due to the overcrowded government school system. We were honored to teach several classes, sharing the message of Jeremiah 29:11 and the hope-filled plans God has for each of these precious lives.
In the afternoon, we boarded a bus and visited the slums of Chainda. It was a sobering and unforgettable experience. Every day, this ministry provides free education to over 805 children in this area—and feeds 750 of them a full meal, often the only one they’ll receive that day.
Seeing the harsh realities these children face was overwhelming. We met the team of women who cook every one of those meals and the dishwashing crew who faithfully clean 750 plates—daily. Their dedication is heroic.
But what broke our hearts most was learning that, due to budget limitations, they often have to turn away more than 50 children who come hungry for food and hope. That number shook us. It sparked a deep sense of urgency and a time of focused prayer—asking God to open new doors of provision so every child can be fed.
We closed the evening with an Embrace Grace think tank session—brainstorming fresh, impactful ways to raise the bar in our own ministry back home at 29:11. The inspiration we drew from the day’s experiences lit a fire in us, and we left with renewed vision and several exciting ideas to make our Embrace Grace outreach more genuine, love-centered, and life-changing.
Meet Our Embrace Grace Africa Team Member of the Day: Gwen Stoner-Kelly
Day 2: Worship, Joy, and Heartfelt Connection
Our second day in Zambia was filled with deep worship, joyful service, and beautiful moments of connection that we’ll carry with us forever.
We began the day with passionate worship and a powerful message from Pastor Mulenga. The atmosphere was alive with praise, and our spirits were stirred by the truth and encouragement he shared.
After attending the first service, some of us had the privilege of serving in Sunday school during the second. The day’s theme—"With God, I am strong"—came alive through a lively skit, balloon games, craft time, and, of course, lots of stickers! The children's energy and excitement were contagious, reminding us of the pure strength and joy that come from faith.
Following a delicious BBQ lunch, we spent time connecting personally with Pastor Mulenga. Hearing more about his heart for ministry and his long-term vision only deepened our admiration and resolve.
One of the most touching parts of the day came when we visited the girls’ home. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with singing, dancing, and open arms. The girls' joyful welcome created a sacred space that felt like pure celebration. They even taught us one of their dances, and we were honored to join in a moment of cultural exchange and shared joy.
Later, several girls bravely shared their testimonies—stories of pain, perseverance, healing, and hope. Each testimony was a sacred reminder of God's transformative power. In response, a few of our team members shared their own stories, creating a beautiful space of vulnerability, encouragement, and deep connection.
We ended the evening with dinner and ice cream (a much-needed sweet treat after such an emotional day), followed by a watch party of a 29:11 Worship service. The message and music felt like the perfect close to a day that had stretched and filled our hearts in so many ways.
We wrapped up the night with snacks and a few light-hearted rounds of Uno—grateful for the joy, community, and sense of purpose that infused every moment.
