On the Trail of the Big “5”– A Safari to Remember
When someone in Zambia mentions “The Big 5,” they’re not talking about sports teams or box office hits. Here, it means something much more awe-inspiring: the lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo—the most iconic and majestic animals in all of Africa. These incredible creatures roam freely in Zambia’s national parks and reserves, including the one near Livingstone, where we spent the final days of our unforgettable week.
Early Saturday morning, we piled into a safari Jeep—something straight out of Disneyland’s Indiana Jones ride—and headed off on our African adventure. Our mission? To see as many of the Big 5 as possible in the wild. The excitement was real. The air was crisp, the sun was rising, and every bump in the dirt road felt like a countdown to wonder.
As we cruised through the park near Victoria Falls, the beauty of God’s creation unfolded around us. While this region doesn’t have lions or leopards, we were still blown away by what we did see: towering giraffes, majestic elephants, and the mighty rhinoceros. And then came the highlight—a baby white rhino, just days old! The park rangers told us we had a 50/50 chance of seeing her, so when she appeared, it felt like a miracle. With only 14 white rhinos left in all of Zambia, witnessing this precious new life was a sacred moment.
As we stood there, watching this tiny rhino stick close to its mother, we were reminded of the beauty, detail, and intentionality of God’s handiwork. Every animal, every tree, every sound in that park declared His glory.
Of course, we also learned about the darker side of this beautiful place. Poaching remains a heartbreaking threat. These animals—especially rhinos—are still hunted illegally, and the park has to assign armed rangers to protect them. Even the baby rhino had her own personal security. It was sobering to hear—and it made us think.
John 10:10 came to mind: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
Just like poachers target these animals, the enemy is targeting our hearts. He tries to rob people of joy, identity, and the love of God—both in Zambia and in our own neighborhoods back home. You could see it in the eyes of the hurting people we ministered to this week in Lusaka. And if you look closely, you can see it in the faces on the streets of Tempe, too.
This is why the Gospel matters so much.
We don’t just carry good news—we carry the only news that brings true life, true hope, and a future that can never be stolen. From Lusaka to Tempe, God has placed a mission in our hearts: to go out boldly and share His love with everyone.
Seeing the Big 5 was unforgettable—but being part of God’s Big Mission is what really changes everything.
Let’s go. Let’s love. Let’s share the hope of Jesus with a world that desperately needs Him.
Team Member of the Day Spotlight:
Meganne Muckenhim
Awestruck—that is the word I believe best describes how I feel about our time in Livingstone, Zambia. After a week of serving the beautiful people in Zambia, we had the opportunity to visit Victoria Falls (one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World) and see more of the stunning world He created.
There are some moments in life that stay with you forever—etched into your memory like the thunder of rushing water against rock. Visiting Victoria Falls was one of those moments for me. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “The Smoke That Thunders,” this breathtaking natural wonder left me speechless (and soaked)—not just because of its raw, powerful beauty, but because of how it reminded me of God’s creativity.
Standing on the edge of the gorge, mist rising high into the air like there was no gravity, I felt like I was witnessing a new side of God’s innovation on earth. The roar of the falls wasn’t just noise—it was worship. It was creation crying out with joy and power, reminding me of Psalm 19:1—"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." Being there wasn’t just sightseeing. It was rejuvenating. It was peaceful.
After soaking (and being soaked) in the majesty of the falls, we wandered into the nearby artist markets—an experience that was equally unforgettable. These shops were filled with handcrafted items made by local artists from nearby villages. Every item told a story: intricately carved wooden animals, beadwork in vibrant patterns, handwoven baskets, and paintings rich with color and cultural depth.
What struck me most wasn’t just the beauty of the items, but the heart and soul behind them. These weren’t mass-produced souvenirs—they were pieces of heritage, crafted with pride, skill, and the hope that each purchase would help support their families. Many of the artisans welcomed us warmly, sharing the meaning behind their work and the materials they used.
Buying a simple bracelet or carved hippo felt like more than just shopping—it felt like investing in people, in legacy, in community.
It’s not every day you get to rest in the grandeur of God’s untouched creation while also connecting with people who reflect His creativity in every stitch and carving.
Victoria Falls is more than a destination. It’s a reminder—a reminder that this world was wonderfully created by God with such intricate detail.
This trip has certainly changed my life. God has done so much during our time here, and seeing His creation so closely was just the cherry on top.
