Shupiwe’s Invitation to School | An Update from Zambia
God gets the glory when orphaned and vulnerable children can achieve their dreams. At Lifesong Zambia, we are on the lookout for ways we can support them in this journey. Education is important, but first and foremost, children must know they are seen, known, and loved before they can excel in other areas.
As always, don’t forget to check out the encouraging story and prayer requests below.
—Zambia Team
Shupiwe dreams of one day becoming a surgeon.
As a 15-year-old girl completing her secondary education in Zambia, she is taking the necessary steps to become one.
When Shupiwe’s mother was pregnant, her father left the family.
To raise Shupiwe and her three older brothers, Shupiwe’s mother worked tirelessly, completing various kinds of piecework and selling items at the market. No matter how hard she worked, there were still times when she couldn’t afford to send her children to school. Shupiwe shares—
“One day, I was called into the teacher’s office, and he told me the school couldn’t allow me to attend classes without paying my school fees.”
Shupiwe came home crying and told her mother what had happened. Equally heartbroken, Shupiwe’s mother went to the school the next day to talk with the administrators and plead her case.
Once again, they were told to leave if they couldn’t pay the school fees.
For about a year, Shupiwe was unable to attend school. She stayed home, working with her mother.
Then, a teacher from Lifesong Zambia School moved in next door. When she discovered Shupiwe didn’t go to school, she invited Shupiwe and her mother into her home to learn more about their story. As they talked, Shupiwe’s mother shared the challenges they faced.
The next day, the teacher came to Shupiwe’s house with an enrollment form.
Shupiwe and her mother filled it out, brought it to Lifesong Zambia School, and participated in a short screening interview. Starting in 2018, Shupiwe became a student at Lifesong Zambia School, resuming her path to becoming a surgeon.
At Lifesong, we stand by a 4-part pledge to the children we serve. The third part of the pledge affirms our commitment to providing quality education to orphaned and vulnerable children to provide a foundation for their future.
Be taught the Gospel and how to live as a follower of Jesus Christ
Not want for food, clothing, medical care, or shelter
Receive a quality education to provide a foundation for their future
Experience continued love and support while transitioning into adult living
But Shupiwe’s growth and development didn’t stop there.
In 2024, Shupiwe made the decision to surrender her life to Jesus and was baptized. She also receives nutritious food, clothing, and shelter.
Shupiwe also shares—
“Lifesong has also brought joy into my life by giving me a place to live where I feel loved and cared for and have access to things I’ve never had before, like electricity, so I can study any time and get good grades.”
Today, Shupiwe gives thanks to God for the way her life blossomed when she became seen, known, and loved by our team in Zambia. They cared enough to invest in her bright future and continue to support her along the way.
Pray for Zambia
- Praise God for working through a teacher to invite Shupiwe to Lifesong Zambia Schools.
- Praise God that 100% of our students passed the recent national exams.
- Praise God for unity among ministry leaders in Zambia.
- Pray for Shupiwe to continue excelling at school so she can achieve her dream of becoming a surgeon.
- Pray for our teachers in Zambia to reach more children with the Gospel.
Join our prayer team to receive monthly prayer requests & praises from across our ministry.
Will you help orphaned and vulnerable children in Zambia experience the hope of the Gospel?
When you give to Lifesong, you show orphaned and vulnerable children they are seen, known, and loved through Gospel-centered holistic care. Thanks to TMG Foundation, 100% of your gift goes directly to helping orphaned and vulnerable children.