From Lusaka to Livingstone: A Journey into God’s Beauty and Power
Today, we left Lusaka and journeyed south to one of Zambia’s most iconic destinations—Livingstone. This small but famous town is home to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World: Victoria Falls. It's a breathtaking sight from the air, but nothing compares to experiencing it up close.
Victoria Falls, located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, is where the mighty Zambezi River plunges into the Boiling Pot before continuing through a series of dramatic gorges. Among its marvels is the Devil’s Pool—a natural infinity pool perched at the edge of a sheer drop. Towering and thunderous, the falls hold the title of the largest waterfall in the world.
It's believed that Dr. David Livingstone, a Scottish missionary and explorer, was the first European to lay eyes on the falls in 1855. He later made Zambia his home, sharing the Gospel and a message of hope that continues to echo across this land today.
Standing before the cascading waters, we couldn’t help but reflect on God’s presence—not just in the roar of the falls, but in the experiences we’ve shared throughout our week in Lusaka, serving with Christ Life Church. In Scripture, waterfalls often symbolize God’s redemptive love and overwhelming grace pouring over us.
Psalm 42:7 captures this beautifully: “Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me.” This imagery speaks of being engulfed by God's power—of experiencing both His majesty and mercy. And that’s exactly how this week has felt. Even amid struggle and pain, God’s strength has been undeniable. His peace has washed over our chaos, and His grace has flooded our hearts with hope.
These are the stories we’ll carry with us—reminders not to lose heart, and to keep sharing the message of His love, hope, and future for everyone we encounter.
Watching the mist rise from the gorge where the water crashes below is awe-inspiring. Yet it pales in comparison to what God can do in a surrendered heart. Today, we’re reminded that the beauty of this land is just a glimpse of the greater work God is doing here. We were honored to be part of it.
God will continue to work through the amazing team at Christ Life Church and the dedicated leaders and volunteers serving in the Girls’ Home, the Education initiatives, and the Feeding Programs in the slum communities. We are believing that His flood of mercy will continue to flow—reaching the people we met and far beyond.
Team Member of the Day Spotlight:
Pastor Cheyenne Folz
A
Day I'll Never Forget:
God's Love in Every Moment
Wow—what an incredible week it has been! The children of Zambia have completely captured my heart. Throughout every moment, I’ve seen God’s hand at work in powerful and personal ways. Yesterday, we had the privilege of spending the day at the Christ Life Chianda Feeding Center, and it’s a day I’ll carry with me forever.
The morning began with a school assembly—led entirely by the children themselves. Watching kids lead their peers in worship and encouragement was nothing short of inspiring. These young leaders are rising up to impact the next generation, using their own stories to help others grow. From babies singing worship songs to students proudly identifying shapes and reading aloud, we got a glimpse of the transformation education is bringing. My favorite moment? Dancing and worshiping with the girls—it was pure joy!
But the day didn’t stop there. We were blessed to hear from the pastors at the Chianda Center, who shared their hearts and testimonies. Their deep love for the Lord and commitment to being a safe haven for these children deeply moved me. Their passion has forever changed how I see ministry and community.
Then came one of the most humbling parts of the day: helping serve lunch to 893 children. Nshima and sausage were on the menu, and watching the kids’ faces light up as they received their meal was unforgettable. Their gratitude for something so simple reminded me of the beauty in small acts of love.
To close the day, we visited homes in the nearby slum communities. One home in particular stood out—a mother of six welcomed us in. Her youngest son, recently diagnosed with malaria, was visibly unwell and crying for comfort. My heart broke in that moment. But we sat with the mother and her brother, who just so happened to be visiting that day. He shared how thankful he was that our visit aligned with his. We talked, listened, prayed, and saw firsthand the strength and love this mother poured out daily for her children. It was humbling and beautiful.
I’ve learned so much on this trip. I know without a doubt that God loves the people of Zambia—and I can see His love pouring through every story, every child, every act of kindness. But as I return home, I can’t help but ask: what more can we do to reach people in Tempe, AZ? The needs may look different, but hearts are the same—every person is longing for love, for hope, for Jesus.
