This past April, I had the incredible opportunity to travel with Camp Sonshine International to Zambia for my third mission trip. Each time I go, I see more of God’s heart for the world—and this year, His love showed up in unforgettable ways.
We partnered with PLAEP to provide a week-long camp experience for 600 campers, 60 counselors, and 40 Assistant Counselors! We took a team of 10 from the U.S.A. to serve as trainers of their head counselor and counselor team. Before our week of camp, we did one day of training for our head counselors and one day of training for our counselors.
Meet Martha
This second trip I took to Zambia, I met Martha! She works at the Musonda School as a teacher. She was picked to serve at camp as the media staff! She was tasked with taking pictures and videos of camp happening and to put together our session highlight video. As the week began, I learned quickly that she didn’t have much experience. As I spent time training her on what a media person does, she’d share about her life serving at Musonda and her love for her students. She also shared that she and another teacher had taken on the mantle of starting a discipleship class for students who were interested in growing in their faith. She shared her excitement for how camp was creating excitement around God’s good news. After we left Zambia, she shared that almost 180 campers decided to start coming to discipleship class and 70 confessed receiving Christ!
Meet Martin
Martin was a camper in an adventure boy group – he’s around 10 years old. Some of the staff I talked to mentioned that boys this age are very likely to use school breaks to get into the wrong crowd or do things that are bad for them. Instead, he was at camp!
I was so surprised that Martin remembered me from my first year. Coming back, he remembered that I was learning words in his native language – Bemba. So, every time he saw me, he was happy to teach me a new word or phrase. He was so full of joy to be at camp being able to be having fun with his friends.
At the end of the week, we did a skit like the story of David and Goliath. The counselor started playing out the story where Goliath (our team member that sits at 6 ft tall) was going up against some enemies in tug of war. He beat 1 contestant. He beat the 2nd contestant. He beat the 3rd contestant. He beat all 3 contestants at once! Then little Martin took the stage and he proclaimed in his native language “Jesus Christ is on my side!” He beat Goliath in tug of war then wrapped the rope around him and took him to the ground! The crowd erupted in cheering “David! David! David!”
Martin was one of the campers that went to discipleship class at school and accepted Christ.
Reflections
This trip wouldn’t have been possible without the prayers and generosity of so many of you — thank you! If you’ve ever wondered whether a mission trip is worth it, I’m here to tell you: yes. God is changing lives, and you can be a part of it.
As I reflect on my time in Zambia, I am just struck with such gratitude that he would involve me in his work that he is doing in Kitwe. I’ve got so much joy from building relationships with their team, teaching and training the mission of camp, and getting to know the campers, counselors and support staff!
Consider A Generous Gift
As I prepare to return to Zambia for another year (April 2026!), I’m reminded that mission work isn’t a one-time event—it’s a continued calling. Just like Paul revisited the churches he helped plant, I feel called to go back and keep investing in the kids, staff, and communities God has placed on my heart. If you’ve supported me before, thank you for being part of the story. Would you prayerfully consider giving again this year? Your support doesn’t just send me—it helps change lives and builds God’s Kingdom in a lasting way.
Give now at CampSonshineMemories.org/Give.
Cliff Dwellers 
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