A Journey to See God’s Work Up Close

In February, Alyson Presley led a vision team of four women from Centreville Presbyterian Church to Zambia. The purpose of the trip was to witness how God is working through Every Orphan’s Hope to care for orphaned and vulnerable children.

One of the most impactful experiences took place during a visit to a remote and impoverished community in Lusaka. The team met the grandparents of two brothers in our care, Gift and Elijah, who lost their parents. The grandparents live in a small home made of mud bricks with a rusted metal roof. It has no furniture and shows the effects of many hard years. Yet they welcomed the team with joy and generosity. The team also met the boys’ aunt, who lives a 30-minute walk away and serves as the grandparents’ primary support. Together, they are doing what they can with what they have.

Sitting with this family, hearing their story, and singing hymns together brought to light the complex realities of orphan care. Love and financial help alone are not always enough. Family-style care through EOH fills the gap when extended family are unable to to provide what an orphaned child needs.

In May, during a vision trip led by Gary Schneider, a team of guests had the opportunity to experience the full scope of Every Orphan’s Hope. While they engaged with many areas of the ministry, one special focus of their visit was the Afterschool Academy.

Kelly Stuckey, who helped organize the trip, was joined by her daughter-in-law Kelley Stuckey and friends Ellen Vaughn and Heidi Loughran. Together, they toured the Academy, asked thoughtful questions, and encouraged students through their presence and interest. The children lit up with joy as they welcomed their guests.

The team saw how the Academy is helping children grow in confidence and skill through consistent support and creative learning. They also visited the soon-to-open science lab, which will provide even more opportunities for discovery and hands-on exploration.

We’re thankful for these women and their desire to come, learn, and celebrate what God is doing in the lives of the children we serve.