From time to time we have an opportunity to share stories provided by parishioners that allow us to gain insight into the blessings shared and enjoyed when we engage in God's work in the world. I'd like to share a story I recently learned of from George McDaniel. Through listening to the Lord and choosing an unlikely path, George is finding purpose in a place he never dreamed of going and making an impact that empowers another person to reach dreams never thought possible. Those of you who know George are well acquainted with his passion for outreach and his long-term involvement with Family Legacy Missions International.
“At Family Legacy, we believe the winds of change are still blowing in Africa, evoked by the Holy Spirit and made possible through education for all. We believe that when you educate a child you change the world. Whether that education lasts for years or days, it stays. No one can take it away. Empowering these children is God's work; we are simply striving to be His hands and feet to encourage the wind to blow.” – FamilyLegacy.com
In talking about how he walks with the Lord, and thus becoming involved with Family Legacy, George often speaks of our Christian call to be a "prayer, a sender or a goer". What he doesn't say directly is that being a prayer, a sender and a goer is a summary of his personal progression in his involvement with mission work.
George first became acquainted with Family Legacy through the involvement of his oldest son and daughter-in-law in 2007. The young couple become so committed to the orphaned and vulnerable children in Zambia, that their wedding invitation requested, in lieu of gifts, a donation be made towards the construction of a house for orphaned and vulnerable children at Family Legacy’s Tree of Life Village. This unusual act of charity inspired George and his wife, Ann, to support the building of that Tree of Life house and to sponsor some of the children who would live there. Thanks to their efforts and championing of this cause, in 2011, The Redeemer House was dedicated and 12 children now live and thrive in a safe, comfortable home. Since that time, the Tree of Life has grown to 64 homes and more than 750 children.
George’s heart for the vulnerable children of Zambia continued to grow, and as he learned more about Family Legacy and its mission, his support continued to grow, as well.
The Tree of Life is an awesome, powerful example of God’s love and presence on earth, but it is actually only one program within Family Legacy’s mission. Family Legacy is committed to making a difference in the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children in Lusaka, Zambia through a Christian education, so it’s logical that they have built an impressive network of schools there, as well. Within its 23 school campuses, Family Legacy serves over 14,000 children. George has sponsored many of these children, but one in particular is a young man named Charles Sichilima, who George’s son met during his first visit to Zambia in 2007.
Life can be hard in Zambia, especially for women and children. Surviving and thriving is not assured and can require an advocate. Charles' life and the challenges he faced are an example. Please take a moment to read Charles' story in his own words. It is through the work of Family Legacy and their sponsors, like George, that young men and women have an opportunity to hear the Gospel and have a safe place to live, learn and grow into empowered adults prepared to enliven their families and communities for generational impact.
In 2017 George, reluctant at first, became a "goer.” He had sponsored Charles for years, growing in his affection for him, but they had never met. He described his experience with these words: "I was invited to attend Charles’s high school graduation in Zambia. I was initially uncomfortable with the idea of going, and in my mind, I had a lot of valid reasons not to attend… Something was pulling at me, and at the last minute I agreed to go." And as I learned through our discussions, he never regretted that decision, which is evident in the pictures of his visit. In fact, George has been back three times since.
Charles is attending college now. I am certain that George will be following this young man's progress as he moves through college and beyond. If you have an opportunity, please ask George about Charles and about the opportunity to sponsor a young man or woman yourself. You, too, can impact a child’s life for your legacy and theirs, by supporting Family Legacy.
Click here to read Charles Sichilima’s story. His journey is a powerful example of how Family Legacy’s sponsorship program can give a child a lift toward empowerment – for the child and their future generations. [Please note: as you read Charles’ story, keep in mind English is not his first language and this a raw un-edited piece. His story, and so many others like him, needs to be told – in his own beautiful, imperfect words.]