By Mukupa
The 2nd of July 2009 was a very important day not only for Northrise University but for the community of Mushili as well. Mushili is a compound located in the southern part of Ndola with a population of approximately 5000 families. It had been a rather windy day but this did not deter the community of Mushili and the invited guests from coming to witness the official opening of a children’s counseling center; ALM (Arising Life Ministries).
This ministry has been a life long vision of Mrs. Joyce Chimbila, a bachelor of Theology student at Northrise University. Northrise University is the primary sponsor of ALM. ALM’s mission is to support, educate and counsel children as well as their mothers, to help them find some footing in their live. Ivin Gregory, the M.M.M (Mobile Mission Maintenance – Australia) director was the guest of honor. He gave a confirmation speech on Mrs. Chimbila’s dream. Mrs. Chimbila was grateful for the realization of her dream, she specifically thanked Northrise University through Dr. and Mrs. Zimba as well as many other partners involved; parents, the board, the workers and friends, for making this dream come true. She also challenged and requested all involved to continue praying and supporting the ministry because there is hope for the children of Mushili and indeed Zambia through their support.
The ALM counseling center building has two major halls. The halls will be used for classes, meetings, and feeding programs. The halls will not be limited to these uses but will be extended to any other activities that need adequate space. This is because they are the major structures of the building. The building also has 3 rooms, which will be used as counseling offices. There is also one storeroom, a kitchen, two toilets and a shower. There is no electricity in the building and the roof is made of very old Iron roofing sheets. Water supply for the building is connected to the municipal council water supply line, however this area (Mushili) usually receives erratic water supply and one can immediately identify the need for a bole hole for the workers and all involved in the center for them to be able to enjoy a steady supply of clean water.
Attending the launch of the ALM counseling center was an amazing experience for me. I have seen how God has made this vision a reality. It is humbling to see how this initiative brightens the faces of the people around. We are all excited to see what is to come for ALM; but all I can say is that truly Northrise University is fulfilling its mission statement: “To sustain a Christ centered University that transforms and equips men and women to serve in ministry and business, working in unison for the spiritual and economic health of Zambians.”