Nangoma: A Rural Community in Zambia Rising Up

Nangoma, like many rural communities in Zambia, faces its share of challenges. Poverty, illiteracy, limited employment, and minimal access to entrepreneurship training have long shaped daily life. But today, a story of renewal and revival is being written.

How It Began

Nangoma was selected in 2024 as a new focus community due to its proximity to Lusaka and its strategic need for holistic development. After sharing the vision with local leaders, nine pastors were recruited and trained in Possibilities Africa’s primary programs:

• Spiritual Discipleship
• Economic Productivity
• Mentoring the Next Generation

These pastors returned home after learning from seasoned facilitators and were equipped with practical skills, a holistic vision, and a desire to see real change. The pastors gathered together to plan, pray, and begin implementing what they learned. They started by forming Shalom groups throughout their churches. Soon, men, women, youth, and the pastors themselves were gathering regularly to pray, learn, and hold one another accountable.  Together, the pastors have formed 28 shalom groups with 331 members.

Spiritual Leadership and Discipleship: A Stronger, Growing Church

Pastor Andrew Bweupe trained three elders to lead Bible study, breaking the former structure of relying on one person. Now, even when he is away or ill, Scripture continues to be taught faithfully. He also launched Saturday evangelism with five elders, reaching up to 50 people weekly. Going door to door to have conversations with people in the streets has increased people’s knowledge and interest in the Bible. Now, if they miss a Saturday, community members eagerly ask where they were.

Pastor Lifuti Chikatu noticed that a nearby area called Chibwe had no church. After several evangelism visits, he and his elders decided to begin a mobile church. What began with 25 people has quickly grown to 55, and a church plant was established thanks to the leadership of his assistant pastor.

Economic Productivity: Women, Youth, and Pastors Building New Income Streams

Dorothy Muswema is leading three Shalom groups of men, women, and youth into new income-generating opportunities. Women and youth groups launched merry-go-round savings to help members open small shops and start micro-gardens. Eight of the youth are growing maize and vegetables.

Pastor Sandulu noticed the many struggles women were going through and encouraged them to form table banking groups. What began with two groups grew to five after members saw results:

• Families now grow tomatoes, maize, groundnuts, and sunflowers in their backyards. This initiative has been especially impactful in providing a balanced diet for children who were malnourished.
• Some women have gone on to produce sunflower cooking oil.
• Their increased income has not only given them freedom but has also built dignity and resilience.

The pastors’ Shalom group in Nangoma launched a beekeeping project (pictured below) after training with Possibilities Africa, which has proved to be an affordable, high-yield business. One pastor donated land to establish 15 hives. One hive can produce 40–60 liters of honey every three months. The potential impact is substantial. Their dream: to expand, buy their own land, and reinvest profits into future growth.

Mentoring the Next Generation: Workshops, School Visits, Evangelism, and Children’s Bibles

Pastor Andrew also led a leadership seminar on responsible leadership and conducted a youth workshop on career development to help young people choose meaningful futures. His goal with the 21 youths who participated was to equip them to choose good careers and encourage those who have dropped out of school to return.

Pastor Joseph Sandulu began visiting Nangoma Basic School twice each week to teach Christian values. Approximately 70 children participate, and many have asked for their own Bibles to read at home. Due to the overwhelming response, he hopes to expand the program to other schools.

Dorothy takes children from her church on Saturday evangelism trips with Sunday school teachers, building confidence and early ministry experience.

Pastor Costern Mweemba dreams of quality lessons for children. He monitors Sunday school lessons weekly and hopes to train more teachers, as well as acquire more children’s Bibles.

A Community Moving Forward With Hope

Like many farming communities, Nangoma suffered during last year’s drought. However, families were able to dig wells and continue watering their gardens, proving that the resilience and resourcefulness strengthened by PA’s trainings were effective.

The pastors are overwhelmed with gratitude and have thanked PA for the kindness of offering the training. As Pastor Sandulu said, “PA has not only given us knowledge—they have given us something priceless that we will use for a lifetime.”

Nangoma is a community with tremendous potential—spiritually, economically, and socially. The pastors are committed to preaching the Word, strengthening families, discipling children, and leading sustainable economic projects that will bless generations.

The story of Nangoma is just beginning, and it is all thanks to people like you who choose to love people through generosity.