Once you’ve become a friend of Africa, you’re a friend for life. Today’s post is written by Noah Schroeder, a college student who recently held a video game fundraiser for our mission in Zambia. His story reminds us of our Lord’s words, “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” (Mt. 10:42)
Noah’s Story
I attended Wisconsin Lutheran High School (Wisco) and was selected to go on a mission trip to Zambia after my junior year of high school. I went with 5 other students and Mrs. Karen Kilchemann as the chaperone in August of 2013 to do a Vacation Bible School at the church by the LCCA seminary in Lusaka, as well as teach lessons at other LCCA churches and schools and a couple of bush churches.
Chris Pluger, a former teacher at Wisco, and his son were our guides for the trip. At the time of my visit Chris was translating the Bible into the Nsenga language and living in the town of Petauke, in the Eastern Province of Zambia. We were in Zambia for a total of two weeks, and they are some of the most memorable and impactful days of my entire life. It was very busy, hectic, and stressful at times but this trip was one of the most incredible things I have ever done.
The Zambian people were incredible. Their joy and love was pure and truly amazing. It was special to see that I had brothers and sisters in Christ all the way across the world. However, the experience that touched me the most was participating in the week long Vacation Bible School held at the church located on the campus of the Lutheran Church of Central Africa (LCCA) Seminary. It was a lot of work, and we were constantly adjusting our lesson plans. We had close to hundred kids show up every single day, and getting to know them and teach them about God was the most rewarding week of my life.
It was a great week, but I wanted to do more. Many of the kids that we were teaching were very poor and did not have any shoes. As I was leaving Zambia I promised myself that I would not forget my experience and if I could, I would help in the future.
I am currently enrolled as a senior at Wisconsin Lutheran College (WLC) in Milwaukee, WI. This fall I’m taking the COM 333 Leadership and Communication course. Our big project this semester is to run an event that benefits a cause. Zambia made such an impression on me that I took advantage of the opportunity to give back.
On November 16, 2017 I hosted a video game tournament at our school. We had Chick-Fil-A sandwiches, lots of cookies and brownies, and two TVs set up for the FIFA18 tournament, but more important than scoring goals on the screen was our goal of helping the churches and schools of the LCCA in Lusaka, Zambia. We raised a total of $217 as a result of our efforts! Many thanks to WLC for their support.
My experience in Zambia was a great blessing to me and the happiness and kindness of the Zambian people is something I will never forget.
Please pray for those working in fields that are ripe for harvest. Share their story, engage with future news and receive updates. Go to this link to learn more about our mission fields in Africa and how the Holy Spirit is working faith in people’s hearts https://wels.net/serving-others/missions/africa
