Our Story
There are over 600,000 orphaned children in Zambia. Facing the daily threat of violence and disease, many do not make it to adulthood. Those who do are uneducated and ill-equipped for employment and day-to-day life—often continuing the cycle of poverty.
It's easy to be overwhelmed by the statistics and forget that each of these lives is precious to our Creator. Each life is a seed of potential—potential to grow, love and touch the world with unique gifts—if only given the chance to thrive. This is what drives our mission.
Forming roots.
Our story shares roots with our founder Victor Chimfwembe's story. The story of an orphaned street child who was not forgotten. Who was marked for a purpose beyond what statistics would destine. All because of those who reached out and helped cultivate his identity and his purpose.
After years on the impoverished streets of Ndola, Zambia fighting and stealing to survive, Victor accepted Christ at the age of 16 through the testimony of a friend at school. However, his reputation as an untrustworthy thief haunted him and made it difficult to gain influence in his community.
Through God's strength, Victor’s heart began to heal. He made the courageous choice to not be resentful and God began to well up in him a vision for hope and healing in his community. He began to take other vulnerable children under his wing, protecting and caring for them as best he could.
In 2010, Victor secured 65 acres of land in the bush outside of Ndola, and built a small house for the four orphans in his care and the vision for HHY was birthed.
In 2011, Victor attended Bible training at Teen Missions International Bible Missions and Work program. Through that experience the Lord began connecting him to many different people, giving him opportunities to share his heart and passion to serve God in his community. In addition to caring for the orphaned and vulnerable, Victor knew God was calling him to be a pastor—to carry the Gospel to an unreached population.
Beginning to grow.
In 2012, the needs of the bush community summoned Victor into service full-time. The land was paid off and developed, and the ministry began to grow.
Two houses were built, one each for boys and girls.
Volunteer adult staff were brought in.
The number of children served expanded from 4 to our highest number of 28.
The land was cultivated. Maize and soybeans were sown to be used as a future food source and to sell for operating income.
A chicken coop was built and filled with 500 laying hens; eggs were sold in the market to raise capital.
A hammermill was purchased for the purpose of grinding the maize from the prior year’s harvest into mealie meal, used to make the staple food nshima.
The first basic well was dug (though it does not provide sanitized water).
The first vehicle was purchased.
The children were enrolled in school.
All of this was possible through generous donations of good friends who share the vision for HHY.
Also in 2012, as Victor continued to witness to the community in the bush around the farm, neighbors began to ask if it was possible to have regular weekly meetings where they could listen to Scripture. Yahweh's Chapel was planted—first just meeting in an open area, and then meeting in a structure built on property kindly given by a member of the community for that purpose. Yahweh's Chapel was the first Scripture-focused church in the area, and people walk for several hours to attend services each Sunday. Over 100 people have come to know hope and freedom through Christ in the chapel's first few years of existence.
Maturing to bear more fruit.
On November 15, 2012, Hallelujah House of Yahweh was formally recognized as an Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) by the Zambian Office of Registrar. (For US 501c3 tax except information, click here). Quarterly reports are provided to the Zambian Social Welfare department, which oversees children’s services throughout the country. Annual reports are provided to the Office of Registrar as required to maintain NGO status.
In January 2013, Marlys Materson joined HHY as our Administrator. Marlys brings decades of administrative and project management experience, and has helped formalize the operations and fundraising efforts of HHY.
A second church, House of Restoration, was started in the bush. A leadership team was trained and consistory elected to assist in the oversight of the church programs. Both churches continue to see growth in membership and maturity.
Focus in 2014-15 shifted from growth to stability, renewing our goal of reaching self-sufficiency. This included the prioritization of infrastructure projects including building a new dormitory for the children, building a piggery, installing a solar panel and battery for a small amount of electricity (enough to power the cell phones, not enough to power a refrigerator), and 1 of 2 needed bore hole wells.
Other sustainability projects aimed at generating income through farming include sowing fields of maize and soybeans, planting an orchard (in progress), building a new paltry for the chickens, and a granary for storing maize.
In 2017, HHY purchased a large passenger van to be used for public transportation, with profits from the van applied to HHY’s operating expenses. In 2019, a second van was added and a contract secured with the company building the new Ndola airport for transporting workers. It is HHY’s goal to add a third van before the completion of the airport contract, as with three vans it is possible to secure ongoing contracts to transport mine workers and secure an ongoing income from the venture.
There is still much work to be done, but we are thankful for all of the ways in which the Lord is growing our ministry and transforming lives. Praise be to God!
Join us in cultivating a thriving community!
PRAY for the Gospel to bring hope and healing.
GIVE generously to alleviate poverty and suffering.
SERVE alongside us to transform and restore our community.