Greetings!

I am a sophomore at North Park University and I was recently presented with the opportunity to travel to Africa for a few weeks in May and work with Hope Ministries. While there we will be distributing medical supplies to the people of Ndola, Zambia, playing with the children of the orphanage, educating about community health and doing some construction work. Through this trip I hope to not only learn from the people of Ndola and experience a new place and culture, but to bring that experience back home to those who might not otherwise be exposed to Zambia. In a country where at least one in every five is infected with HIV/AIDS and 80% live on less than a dollar each day, the Zambians live joyously. They do not fret over their plight, but rejoice for the lives they do have. I hope to see this lifestyle that seems so counter-intuitive to most Americans and bring back its virtues.

North Park has a long standing relationship with Hope Ministries in Ndola, Zambia. Started by Pastor Charles Mumba and his wife, Margaret, Hope established an orphanage for children who lost their parents because of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Currently it is a small house where about 20 children live, but they will soon be moving into a new facility which will house 60 children. These children receive food, clothing and education, along with support for their physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

Hope has also established a community school which currently serves 150 children between the ages of 4 and 18. Hope hires teachers, provides school supplies, and serves hot meals several times a week to the children. In addition, with the help of the North Park groups which visit each December and May, a small medical clinic is open to see children from the school.

My desire to travel, learn and help is nothing new. Growing up in Ecuador I was infused with a love for other cultures, languages and people. Everywhere from my commute to school to the Christmas party we threw for the people living at the Zambiza garbage dump I saw the injustice and sad circumstances of so many people. I hope this trip will be an opportunity to learn from a new culture, encourage those who live there and see what God is doing around the world.

I am in the process of building a base of support not only financially but also in prayer. If you are not able to give financially, that’s just fine. I would appreciate prayer above all. That being said, every little bit helps. If you can give a few dollars that would mean so much. You can follow the process of fund-raising and planning at my blog (http://imgoingtozambia.wordpress.com/). I’ll be posting weekly updates and musings on the process and trip. When we return, the blog will be chock full of pictures and stories. I would encourage you to check back weekly and see what is developing!

Thank you for your prayer and support!

Sam Auger