Zambia

Lusaka

An Unexpected Call

When I returned from my Ghana trip in April 2024, people often asked, “Where will you go next?” I didn’t have an answer. Nigeria seemed like the natural choice, but God had other plans. Soon, I found myself preparing for a new mission—to Zambia. On Thursday, November 7, 2024, I began the long journey: a 7-hour flight to Doha, Qatar, followed by a 15-hour layover, and then a 14-hour flight to Lusaka, Zambia. I arrived on Saturday, November 9, greeted by something I hadn’t expected—a seamless experience at customs. For once, there were no long lines or crowded spaces, just an open, welcoming atmosphere.

As we drove to our Airbnb, Zambia revealed itself in ways I hadn’t anticipated. The streets were quiet, the traffic light, and the population density much lower than I had imagined. Once we arrived, we learned there were power outages due to load-shedding—a familiar challenge from my time in South Africa. Thankfully, the Airbnb had generators to provide partial electricity, but it meant relying on fans instead of air conditioning. It wasn’t ideal, but it wasn’t new to me either.

A Warm Welcome

That first evening, we connected with facilitators who had just wrapped up a week of teaching students in the Pastoral Ministry Program. This program, designed for men and women, focuses on equipping students to spread God’s word. It’s typically led by a married couple and an additional facilitator, either male or female. After sharing dinner together, we made a quick trip to the store to stock up on essentials, such as water, since most of our meals would be provided at the training facility.

On Sunday, we met briefly as a team to pray and discuss the week ahead. Later, we headed to the facility to set up the classroom. The center itself is a testimony to God’s provision, built by a European couple who had lived in Zambia and other parts of Africa for years. Their love for Zambia was evident in every detail. The local staff who cooked and maintained the grounds welcomed us with kindness that set the tone for the week. After arranging the classroom and taking a brief tour, we greeted the students as they arrived, many of whom had traveled for hours—or even days—to be there. Their dedication was humbling.

Dinner that night introduced me to nshima, a dish similar to fufu, alongside rice, pumpkin leaves, Chinese cabbage, and various meats and vegetables. These meals became a comforting routine throughout the week, connecting us to Zambian culture in an intimate way. After dinner, we returned to the Airbnb to rest and prepare for the seminar’s first day.

A Week of Worship and Teaching

Each morning began with worship led by the women of Zambia. Their voices carried a beauty and depth that felt like a glimpse of heaven. There’s something uniquely powerful about worship in Africa—it’s as though God adds an extra measure of gifting to certain cultures, and I’m grateful for it. Worship was followed by a devotional, led by either a facilitator or a student. On Tuesday, I shared my devotional titled “Gentle Restoration,” based on Christ’s restoration of Peter after his denial. The core message was that we are called to restore others with gentleness, grace, and an awareness of our own weaknesses. I shared a personal story about walking alongside a friend during a difficult season, which resonated deeply with the students.

One student reflected, “Ashlei’s devotional touched me. When people fail, are we quick to judge, or do we extend the same grace that Jesus extended to Peter?” These discussions reminded me of the power of God’s grace and the importance of restoring relationships rather than condemning others.

Facilitating Growth and Multiplication

The heart of the seminar was equipping students to launch second-generation leaders—disciples who would continue the mission of teaching, discipling, and multiplying servant leaders. Students facilitated lessons from our curriculum while receiving feedback from their peers and facilitators. Their hunger for growth was evident in their eagerness to refine their skills. Many incorporated creative activities, particularly skits, which became a class favorite.

I led sessions on Understanding and Overcoming Temptation and Helping Students Start New Groups. The lesson on temptation sparked heartfelt discussions, as students reflected on the role of personal desires and the enemy’s schemes. Many found strength in the reminder that through prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit, they could overcome challenges. The lesson also highlighted the importance of spiritual discernment, especially in ministry, where not everyone who appears godly may truly be walking with Christ.

The topic of starting new groups reminded me of the Gradual Release Model from education: model, practice together, observe, and then release. This approach resonated with the students as they realized they were already part of this process and would soon replicate it with others.

Conversations Beyond the Classroom

Some of the most meaningful moments of the trip unfolded during our informal conversations. Lunchtimes often became an extension of the classroom, where students brought up pressing concerns about false doctrines, deliverance services, and challenges within their communities. One particularly significant conversation centered on the global African diaspora and the historical impact of the transatlantic slave trade.

It began when a younger student, with wide-eyed curiosity, asked how I could be from America and still have African heritage. Her question opened the door to a much broader dialogue about history. I explained how millions of Africans were forcibly taken from their homelands during the transatlantic slave trade, scattering them across the Americas, Europe, and the Caribbean. This tragic chapter of history led to the spread of African people globally, creating vibrant yet often fragmented communities in what we now call the African diaspora.

The discussion shifted as students expressed amazement that, despite the pain and dislocation of slavery, God’s redemptive power was evident in how African-descended peoples carried their resilience, culture, and faith into new lands. We spoke about the commonalities that remain across the diaspora—skin tones, facial features, traditions, and, most importantly, a shared spiritual heritage that connects us as God’s creation.

I emphasized how this history highlights the urgent need for African Americans and Africans in the diaspora to engage in missions on the continent. For too long, the narrative of missions in Africa has been shaped predominantly by non-Africans. However, when African-descended people join hands with their brothers and sisters on the continent, they bring unique perspectives, shared heritage, and an understanding of redemption that can bridge divides and foster deeper connections.

Later, this same student confided about being teased for her lisp and drew strength from our discussion on embracing differences. These interactions reminded me of the profound impact of being present and listening.

A Lasting Impact

On the final day, a student excitedly shared that she had seen my book, The Ash Exchange, on Faith TV. Her joy was not about my recognition but a humbling reminder of how obedience in one season can inspire someone in another.

Before leaving, we visited a local market, where I purchased fabric and a painting from a local artist. Supporting local artisans felt like a small way to give back. Later, we enjoyed one last dinner together, reflecting on the week’s blessings before starting the long journey back home.

Reflections and Future Visions

Returning home always stirs a mix of emotions. While others look forward to the comforts of family and routine, I feel a weight—a desire to do more. Biblical education is vital, but I long to see holistic community development in areas like literacy, healthcare, and sustainability. These dreams feel larger than myself, but this trip affirmed that each step, no matter how small, is part of God’s greater plan.

This journey also deepened my passion for fostering diversity in missions. Colonialism’s legacy still shapes perceptions, and African Americans are often underrepresented in mission work. There is a need for intentional efforts to recruit, train, and equip missionaries who reflect the global body of Christ. Highlighting Africa’s rich Christian history and its theologians is equally important for challenging stereotypes and inspiring unity.

A Rekindled Hunger

Zambia rekindled my hunger for discipleship and my vision for a more inclusive mission field. It reminded me of the beauty of God’s creation in its diversity and the power of obedience in advancing His kingdom. As I look to the future, I am eager to partner with others to equip missionaries with the tools and knowledge to serve faithfully and effectively. This journey, like every mission trip before it, was a testament to God’s faithfulness and the incredible ways He uses us to reflect His glory.