My names are Maxwell Kalukangu, aged 30 years old and I live in Zambia. I would like to share my story. This story is meant to inspire those students/kids who are keen and ambitious to succeed yet they are faced with financial constraints, lack of reasonable opportunities, lack of mentorship, not adequate coaching etc. On the other hand, my story would also encourage and lift the spirits for those who take time to give and support the less privileged in our society.

In North America we live in a fast paced world and so we tend to exalt “BUSY.” We are fascinated by the ability of some who manage to juggle many balls in the air all at once—labelled tasks, expectations, responsibilities, obligations. We applaud the “busy bees” in our lives as they flit to and fro trying to check off an often impossible to-do list. Many of us get stuck on that “hamster wheel” where we miss so much quality time. We are proud to be “busy, busy, busy” (notice the need to say it 3 times in response to the question “how are you?”).

I introduced you to Samuel a few years ago, a young man, orphaned as an infant and raised by his grandmother. At that time he was looking after her as best he could in such a poverty stricken environment. He was, and is, an ambitious and hard working lad. When his grandmother died I asked Samuel his hopes for the future and he promptly replied that he would like to be a carpenter. I had often observed him working with his hands. For many years a Canadian woman has been sending support funds to this family and when she heard of his ambition, not only paid for carpentry training but also the tools he requested. But Samuel had one more surprise. A member of the team from Canada in May befriended him and added a few more tools to his collection. Newly married, Samuel now has a promising future.

Shortly after Easter (the rain was very heavy this Rainy Season and the mornings so cool it has been difficult to get people out to our meeting place, hence the delay) we had a party, the Mamies and Grandmamies. Some of the women walk for several hours every Tuesday to meet with me and each other for Bible Study and fellowship but today were gathering for something very special. The Moms Group at Caledonia Presbyterian Church had sent funds for an Easter celebration.As we arrived with all the goodies the women began to sing and dance in joyful anticipation of the service and luncheon party to come. They were praising God for this blessing and worshipping Him. We talked about the Last Supper and took Holy Communion.