Good News May & June 2025
- Elizabeth's Library
- Jul 18
- 8 min read
ELI has strived to be a resource for learning and literacy. In this newsletter, you will see the many ways “the library” is making a difference for both youngsters and adults, near and far! Whether it’s children competing in chess tournaments or pastors learning new Bible study methods, the library provides a space for learning. ELI so appreciates your prayers and support; you’re making a difference in the world!
Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Psalm 25:4-5 NIV
EL Zambia
Our busy EL Zambia Director, Mr. Kenneth, is also a certified teacher. He is always thinking of ways to encourage children and their families to use all the educational resources and read the many beautiful books available in the library. He also knows that many of the children in the nearby community will never have the opportunity to attend pre-school or kindergarten classes, nor attend school until they are six, seven or even eight years old. Without knowing the basic skills taught in early education classes, these children have a very difficult start when they begin their formal schooling, even through their higher education.
The ELI Board of Directors agreed with Mr. Kenneth's vision to offer an early education program every Saturday in the Susu Library. This endeavor would be impossible for Mr. Kenneth to manage 50 learners alone, even with the help of the very capable Mr. Benson. So prayers for another teacher and funding began in earnest, and once again ELI experienced another miracle.
Earlier this year, Ms. Natasha C., a newly graduated teacher began volunteering at the Susu Library. Her skills were useful in many ways, but her heart was for all the young children coming to the library and trying to read or play with the building blocks and puzzles. The children found it hard to leave when Natasha or Mr. Kenneth had them engaged in the joy of learning.
Ms. Natasha, Mr. Benson and Mr. Kenneth planned the first Saturday Early Education program and spread the word in the community with the theme “your children are welcome”. Attendance the first Saturday was eight, then it grew to twenty, then thirty three and last Saturday there were 40 children! Mr. Kenneth said the children really enjoyed the process of drawing their own hand.
The children in the villages are always hungry and that affects their ability to learn, so the EL team decided to offer a bowl of porridge made from the maize that wasn't lost in last year's drought. It doesn't have much nutritional value, but does help fill hungry tummies. Their prayer is to one day provide each child a plate of enriched rice, chicken and some vegetables. Once the bananas from the Susu farm are ready, they will be included in the meal. An unimaginable blessing.
There was an opportunity to share this vision with a few ELI friends, and the cost for this improved Saturday feeding program has been funded for a year! Praise God! God sure loves the little children!
ELI is confident this initiative will grow, and a new pre-school will be built near the Susu library in the future. Until that day arrives, it is our desire to add a Wednesday class with a nutritious meal. To accomplish this goal, an additional $150 is needed for the monthly budget. Please prayerfully consider a designated monthly gift to reach this goal.
Natasha Chisanga is a vibrant young Zambian lady, passionate about education and community service. She completed her primary and secondary education at Kabwe Adventist School (KAS) where her love for learning and helping others began to blossom.
In pursuit of her academic dreams, Ms. Natasha enrolled at Chreso University in 2019. After five years of hard work and dedication, she graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. During her studies Ms. Natasha developed a special interest in literacy development and youth mentorship.
While conducting academic research for her degree, Ms. Natasha discovered Elizabeth's Library Zambia, a community based library promoting reading and educational growth. Inspired by its vision, she officially joined the ELI team in early 2024. Since then, she has been actively involved in the library's programs with a focus on nurturing young readers.
Ms. Natasha finds joy in reading books with little children, teaching them poetry, and helping to improve their reading and language skills. Her passion for empowering the next generation through education shines brightly in every session she leads.
Ms. Natasha is excited to continue growing within the ELI Zambia community, contributing her skills, creativity, and heart to make a lasting impact.
The Susu Community Library is proud to have Mr. Benson, a 75-year-old elder, that is spearheading the reading program in his remote village. His wisdom, experience, and deep-rooted connection to the community make him a vital figure in promoting literacy. Mr. Benson’s leadership inspires both young and old, bridging generational gaps and fostering a culture of reading. His presence not only adds credibility to the program but also encourages respect for education and lifelong learning among villagers.
Susu Farm
As reported in the last newsletter, the Susu Farm team worked so hard to grow and market all those beautiful tomatoes. Despite their very best efforts, they suffered a significant loss. It was so disappointing for them, but they prayed and went back to work. They have already harvested some vegetables, which were added to the children's Saturday meal. There was just enough profit to set aside funds for the needed maintenance on their truck. The farm workers have gathered a few bananas, but they are asking you to pray for a very successful harvest this year.
EL Malawi - Dima Village
Our team always begins library day in Dima Village where the inspiring Grandmother Alefa lives. Despite her age she is deeply committed to serving her community, especially the children. With unwavering dedication she has turned her home into a small but vibrant learning center.
At every meeting she registers an average of 20 children. The consistency of attendance is a testimony of how much children enjoy and value their time with Grandmother Alefa. It has become their favorite activity, not just because of the books and resources available but because of her warmth and love. Her impact is clear and her efforts demonstrate the power of community-driven learning, especially when supported by the right materials.
The children love the beautifully illustrated children's Bibles and especially enjoy Grandma Alefa's Bible story time. The children are naturally drawn to these stories which encourages more interest in reading and learning Biblically based values.
Matthew is one of our long term volunteers and a certified elementary school teacher, and he thought the children would enjoy hearing The Giant Jumperee. The book's playful language and colorful illustrations delighted the children and they asked, “please read again.”
Side note: Lana the ELI President laughed when she heard this story, because she reads this book frequently to children attending a nearby Christian school in the USA. It is one of their favorite books, and she remembers packing this book in one of the Boxes of Blessings.
There was a very special surprise waiting for the children of Dima Village. Included in the inventory of books received from ELI was a book titled Goal, which talks about the joys and importance of friendships and sports. The boys read the book holding their handmade plastic football, completely unaware of the surprise awaiting them, a real soccer ball! Mr. Jacob says, "We wish you could have heard the overwhelming cheers and laughter and could have seen the tears of joy. It was an unimaginable miracle for them. This gift not only uplifted their spirits, but reinforced the message that they are seen, valued and supported."
Ms. Grace continues to teach the game of chess and is focusing on several children, who have advanced quickly and have the potential to instruct other interested children. For many village children this has been the first time to see this game played. It's a wonderful game that not only entertains, but teaches critical thinking, patience and decision making skills. In the past chess was seen as a game for privileged children, but now it is available to children of these very rural communities.
Mphonde Village
Mphonde Village is very large and many children found it difficult to walk to the site of the Mobile Library activities, the home of Mr. Limiton, the book monitor. Mr. Limiton has such a big heart for the children that he would often walk and carry a big box of books long distances, so more children could have access to books. The purchase of a bicycle for Mr Limiton was a huge step forward in his aim to reach all the children of Mphonde. In collaboration with the village chief, two other individuals (Zione and Blessing) with big hearts for the children were identified and two more "centers" were strategically located.
Mr. Jacob reports that all three centers are busy and thriving. All the monitors hold basic skills classes, as well as story time. Chess games, puzzles and other activities are also available, and the monitors report that they usually have at least 25 children at every session and sometimes 50! "The village chief and parents are always expressing their thanks and appreciation for the work done by these village book monitors," reports Mr. Jacob.
The children of Mphonde were also surprised to receive a new soccer ball and watched in amazement as the new ball was inflated. A first for them to see! ELI received sufficient funds to purchase one soccer ball for each village and a pump. It was decided that since Mr. Limiton had a bicycle, he would keep the pump and travel to the other villages and inflate the new soccer balls as needed.
There are so many children in each village that we are praying for funds to buy at least one more soccer ball and a pump for each village.
The village girls do not usually play soccer, so they are feeling a bit left out! They would like to play "netball" which is similar to American volleyball. Please pray about supporting this specific need. Total cost for balls & nets for all three villages is $500.
For the children of Dima, Mphonde and Chimutu Village, access to books, games like chess, and athletic equipment is changing their lives. Thank you for blessing these children.
Chimutu Village
Thanks to your response to our Basic Needs program, a grandmother raising two children by herself was blessed by food supplies for a month, blankets and new water buckets. Several children also received warm jackets - so needed during this season of early morning and evening cold.
Mr. Jacob says that it is difficult to convey the overwhelming joy and gratefulness at this unexpected kindness. Many families continue to face very difficult circumstance and we pray that we continue to receive funding for our Basic Needs program.
Grandma Alefa's Chicken Project
Grandmother Alefa and Mr. Limiton are delighted with the progress of their carefully tended chicken projects. Their flocks have increased in number and both have hens incubating more eggs. Both are using some eggs for home consumption, which provide much needed protein in their diets. They also sell a few eggs in order to purchase other needed food commodities such as cooking oil.
Mr. Jacob writes, "Both chicken projects are showing very positive progress and will serve as models as how small investments can make meaningful change in rural households, and enhance food security for many households."
Mr. Jacob and the EL team have identified many households in need, especially those with a grandmother as the head of household and responsible for providing for many children. After much prayer and collaboration with the village leadership, the next recipient has been identified. Construction will begin shortly.
Many thanks to the ELI supporter funding this life changing project. We pray that in the months ahead, we can continue blessing more households.
Boxes of Blessings
The next Boxes of Blessings shipment is scheduled to leave in mid - August. The ELI team has been busy packing boxes with Bibles, great books, puzzles, school supplies, puzzles and games - just to list a few gifts. We are so grateful to all who have donated these beautiful items and funded shipping costs. Will you please consider funding one or more of the remaining 20 boxes? We pray to send another large shipment of blessings given with love and covered in prayers. Thank you.
We know you have rejoiced with us as you read what your prayers and financial gifts are accomplishing. This summer, ELI would truly appreciate a generous gift to help meet operational expenses and grow our programs. Any amount would be a blessing. A one time gift for a special need is also appreciated. Thank you from all of us at ELI.
Comments