Once a »darkroom«, now a »lighthouse«
Darkness reigned in the 1980s. Zambia was increasingly dragged under by the maelstrom of economic and social problems. Bloody riots broke out. The situation seemed hopeless.
During this time, many indigenous Christians prayed for their country and had the impression that God had given them a promise: Zambia would become a lighthouse for Africa. What seemed impossible at the time became a reality: Today Zambia is a respected nation. And its influence is growing.
Development with perseverance
AVC has been active in Zambia for many years. Helmut and Esther Reutter have been working there for almost three decades now. With the assistance of local helpers and the support of partner organizations, the work now done is substantial, covering a whole variety of activities. Its influence stretches from Lusaka, across the region of Livingstone by the Victoria Falls in the South to the “Copper Belt” on the border to the Congo.
Manifold branches of work
The projects minister to the needs of the population in almost every area of life.
Cultivating active Christian fellowships
In four of Zambia’s nine provinces, AVC has founded Christian fellowships as the basis for sustainable development work in the country. Around three million people are currently being reached by regular television and radio broadcasts with valuable input for everyday life.
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Medical aid
Many local workers are involved in prison and hospital work. Thanks to three mobile clinics, several hundred people are cared for each week. Around 10,000 HIV-infected people are currently being looked after in three specialized HIV clinics with an affiliated laboratory. Thanks to treatment with ARV drugs, their life expectancy increases by an average of 15 to 20 years.
Education
Schools in four different locations enable 850 children to get a solid basic education. In the vocational school that builds on this, 120 young people are currently gaining career prospects for the future.
Children’s homes
A centre for orphans, with 25 buildings including a school, is about to be opened.
Well-building projects
The building of a number of deep wells has provided many people in rural areas with a clean drinking water supply.
Disaster relief in cooperation with the Department for Foreign Affairs
Zambia repeatedly experiences extreme droughts or floods, which cause severe famines. With the support of the Department for Foreign Affairs, AVC has been able to provide life-saving aid in many situations.
The needs are very great; we receive many requests for new projects. AVC focuses on the existing fields of work in order to be able to continue providing reliable and sustainable help. Expansion is carried out within our possibilities.
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