Dedicating Ciyanjano

The Plaque

This past week ACTION Zambia dedicated its ministry center, Ciyanjano (meaning "fellowship"). Ciyanjano, initially called The Farm, was purchased by Glenn and Liese Ripley who envisioned it being used to further God's kingdom. Over the past six years, through the vision of our director, Tim Hilty, we have developed the property by adding an electric fence around its perimeter, a camp- ground with five chalets, toilet facilities, a playground, a well, a chigayo (hammer mill for processing corn), and other various improvements. 

These changes have been made possible because of donations from numerous individuals, sponsors, and churches. Short-term teams have visited to tear down termite-eaten buildings, dig latrines, construct camping chalets, pour cement, plant trees, and more. 

Valley View Baptist Choir

Ciyanjano is a place where the churches of Zambia may bring their congregations for retreats and conferences. Low income Zambians have little options for getting away from the hustle and bustle of Lusaka in order to refresh their souls. At the center's celebration one pastor's wife exclaimed, "Coming to Ciyanjano is like going to America! I can leave my troubles at home!" Many Zambians have never had a camping experience. It truly is a restful place, of which we want Zambians to make full use.

The weekend's festivities included ox-cart rides, a pig roast, and campfire on Friday. About fifty Zambians camped overnight, expressing joy over the facilities. One pastor remarked that when he camps with his church, they don't have bunk beds like Ciyanjano~only a bare floor. On Saturday, board members, ACTION Zambia staff and missionaries, and numerous special guests attended the dedication~Glenn Ripley, the founder of ACTION; Dave Breuninger, the director of Koinonia Campgrounds; and Bruce Gallaher, a pastor of Crossroads Church. 

Following the dedication service Tim Hilty presented to Glenn a plaque which named the area within the wall fence, The Ripley Center. Prior to laying the plaque, Glenn, Tracy, Frederick Bwalya, Joseph Mbange, Kelly Huckaby (Ciyanjano's Ministry Coordinator), and Tim laid their hands on the center's gates, praying for God's blessing. As we entered the gates to place the plaque, the Valley View Baptist Church choir accompanied us with joyful singing and dancing. Truly a special moment!

May our dreams be realized~may God be glorified, may the center be a place of respite, refreshment, and renewal for the people of God here in Zambia. Praise God for His guidance and provision of Ciyanjano. And all God's people said . . . .