The Dance of Joy and Sadness

A Letter from Melissa Johnson, serving in Zambia

Spring 2023

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Dear friends,

Life can be full of joy and sadness. These emotions can often happen at precisely the same time. This was true for me last fall while I was in Lundazi. I returned to Zambia in August 2022 on my own for a variety of reasons. Charles retired from mission service in September 2021, but we always believed that he would return with me to finish my term once the pandemic passed. We even discussed the possibility of Charles teaching short courses at Chasefu Theological College (CTC). Unfortunately, due to several issues, we decided it would be best for him to stay home in Atlanta.

When PC(USA) said that mission co-workers could return to their countries of service in July 2022, I was ecstatic and couldn’t wait to be back with my co-workers and friends in Lundazi. But opposing emotions were dancing together in my heart – joy in being back in Zambia and sadness at leaving Charles and my family behind in Atlanta. I faced so many challenges upon my return to Lundazi. Still, with the love and support of my friends and co-workers, I overcame the challenges and succeeded at settling back into my home in Lundazi and rejoining the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Health Department.

Because our house in Lundazi had been broken into twice during the pandemic, the last time it was ransacked and vandalized, Charles and I decided we would not leave the house empty again. So, Charles came to Zambia to help me close up the house and organize the donation of our furniture and belongings to CTC and the Health Department.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t travel to Chasefu, but we were able to meet with the CCAP Moderator, Rev. Chizason Chunda, in Lundazi. We saw the tractor and implement purchased with funds that numerous congregations donated to be used at the Chasefu Theological College Agricultural Income Generating Activity. Charles gave Rev. Chunda some lessons on how to maintain the tractor, and Rev. Chunda told us that the tractor will make a huge difference in the AIGA being able to create income for CTC and the church. The CTC has achieved a new level of certification from the government, hopefully allowing more students to enroll. The classroom block is completed and is beautiful! The principal’s house is also finished, and Rev. Muwowo and his family live there full-time. Another lecturer’s house has been constructed, and although it is not complete, construction is far enough along that lecturers can stay in the house while teaching. The college was also the beneficiary of a Presbyterian Women Thank Offering grant that has allowed the construction of a women’s hostel.

While in Lundazi, I was so pleased to visit Phalaza and see how far the project had advanced during my absence. The main clinic building is complete, and the construction of three staff houses has reached the halfway point. However, CCAP still needs more funds to complete this project. The houses must be completed before the Ministry of Health will assign medical staff to the facility and begin providing much-needed health care to the community. We pray that the funds can be sourced and that the project will be completed soon. 

Just after I left Zambia at the end of November, the CCAP DfG Enterprise received an order for 2,000 shields and liners from the Ministry of Education from a school in Chipata. There is also a possible partnership in the works that would provide 4,000 kits to girls in the CCAP Zambia schools and create a program where additional kits can be provided as new girls enter the schools. Please pray that this partnership will come to fruition. This program not only provides sustainability to the Health Department but also helps alleviate poverty and empowers women and girls across Zambia.

There are so many exciting developments in both Chasefu and Lundazi that it makes my heart swell with joy. At the same time, my heart is broken having to leave so soon after arriving, but I am proud of how PC(USA) congregations and members have continued to pray and support the CCAP and their ministry. Thank you! You are truly making a difference in the lives of the people of Zambia.

Now that I am back in Atlanta, I have a new joy – my son, Brien, took a new job and moved to Atlanta. This was the first Christmas in a long time that all of us were all together. The joy of family has helped me overcome the heartbreak of leaving Zambia. It has also helped Charles – he is doing much better than when I was gone. I have heard from so many of you in the last couple of months – your love and support are a blessing. Thank you! Please keep us in your prayers, as mental health is an ever-changing disease that impacts not only the person affected but everyone around them. Please also continue praying for the CCAP and their evangelism and development work in Chasefu, Lundazi, and all across Zambia.

Melissa