Paul & Anette in Zambia

How We Came to the Copperbelt Area — Ndola, Chifubu, Zambia

In September 2018, we traveled to Zambia to explore the possibilities of mission work. During that time, we experienced a deep sense of confirmation from God — especially in Ndola — that this was where He was calling us to serve.

Ndola is a city of approximately 450,000 people, home to tens of thousands who live in vulnerable and disadvantaged circumstances.  Anette shares: “Many children in the outskirts of Ndola have no safe home. They suffer from hunger, lack access to education, and often live on the streets. God’s Word must reach those who disappear into the anonymity of this large city.”  Paul adds: “Zambia has many places that are more beautiful and appealing than Ndola. But where God wants you to be — that’s where you must go.”

Why Share the Gospel in Zambia?

Although Christianity is Zambia’s official state religion, many people do not give real substance to their Christian identity. We recognize that this is not unique to Zambia, but it is one of the reasons we feel called to serve here. A phrase we often hear is: “I’m a Christian because Zambia is a Christian nation.” Yet the true reason why Jesus came to earth — to suffer, be crucified, die, rise from the dead, and ascend into heaven — all to save sinners, is often neither known nor personally experienced.

There are several reasons why faith in Christ does not take root in daily life. One is the deep influence of traditional beliefs and superstitions, which often outweigh Biblical values in Zambian society. Another is poverty: around 65% of Zambians live below the poverty line, pushed to the margins of society. In our area of work, unemployment exceeds 80%. These difficult circumstances make it even harder for people to encounter the Gospel. Education and training largely bypass the poor and vulnerable.

In addition, the growth of other religions is a growing concern. Even in Ndola, we see many M’s and other religious groups gaining ground.

The need to proclaim the Gospel in specific neighborhoods of Ndola is something we feel deeply. Not because we think we know better, but because God has given us a heart for the people here.

Our Work in Zambia

In addition to sharing the Gospel and providing practical help and care, we are also committed to developing small-scale business initiatives. These activities serve a dual purpose: they help generate income for those who run them, and they support our mission work in becoming financially self-sustaining — without relying on external (especially foreign) donations.

By empowering local entrepreneurship, we aim to build dignity, resilience, and long-term impact within the communities we serve.

The Home Support Team

OM Netherlands is our interdenominational sending organization, responsible for transferring our personal income from donations. Like many mission organizations, OM operates on the principle that missionaries live and work supported by a “sending base” — a network of people who provide the necessary financial backing (to be precise: our home Church and the Mission Zambia Foundation). Without this support, we simply couldn’t do the work we’re called to.

To help activate and coordinate this base, we work with a Home Support Team. Living from a support network isn’t always easy, but it is good and responsible when done in obedience to God’s calling and His Word. The Lord provides — and He continues to prove that in our daily work and life. We truly experience this mission as a shared journey with our faithful supporters. That is a special blessing.

Our Home Support Team consists of:

• Chairperson: Frans Stark

• Secretary: Rhodé van Hartingsveldt

• Prayer Coordinator: Jan Hofstede

• Action Coordinators (promotion & fundraising): Mirjam & Jan D.

• Finance: Marianne Stark

It is our prayer that the Lord will continue to bring people into our path who are willing to commit — either long-term or for specific activities — not for us personally, but for the work He has entrusted to us. His work.