Zambia Trip Update

Hope for the Forgotten

Dear Friends of Brook of Hope Home,

Happy Family Day! While many of us are relaxing during this long weekend, things are continuing to be busy as ever for Brook of Hope Home (BHH) Zambia. We want to share this letter from Debra as a second update from the trip, and to celebrate the work that is being done connecting with the youth there.

Hope for the Forgotten: Reaching Street Youth with Love and Purpose

As I sit here in the early morning, listening to the rooster crow and birds sing, I look out over the vegetable garden and tall maize stalks, reflecting on a group of children often forgotten—the street youth.

They live on the streets for various reasons, facing daily struggles that many of us could never imagine. Hunger, rejection, and danger are part of their everyday reality. Too often, they are treated poorly, victimized, and looked down upon. They are not perfect. They are not always responsible, outstanding citizens. But they are children of God—and by His grace and mercy, they survive.

At Brook of Hope Home our vision has always been to minister to them in a way that makes them feel accepted, comfortable, and loved. Here, they are seen not as street kids but as precious souls, worthy of care, dignity, and a future.

A Safe Haven for Hope

Every Friday afternoon, these boys take a break from hustling on the streets to come to our home. Here, they experience what so many of us take for granted — love, a listening ear, a warm meal, a time of praise and worship, and the simple joys of a game or two. They are given a chance to wash their clothes, bathe, and rest in a safe environment.

Last week, we had the privilege of giving them a special treat—lunch in the park from Hungry Lion, one of the most popular fast-food places in Kabwe. More than just a meal, it was a moment of joy, a taste of childhood they rarely get to experience.

We rented a van-bus to transport 14 of our street youth so they could play football (soccer). They were excited for the opportunity, but they seemed super hyped to be all together riding the bus! Check out their sheer joy and energy in the video below.

We also invited two healthcare professionals to speak to them about cholera prevention, hygiene, and substance abuse—critical issues for their well-being. And then, we saw something beautiful—their true colors shining through.

A Moment of Pure Joy

After lunch, the boys ran around the park, laughing, playing, and simply being kids. It took me back to my own childhood—carefree days on swings and see-saws, without the weight of the world on my shoulders.

For a brief moment, their worries disappeared. They weren’t street youth—they were just boys, full of life and potential.

A Future Worth Fighting For

It is through your support and prayers, and by God’s grace and mercy, that we are able to transform lives. Little by little, these boys are learning commitment and responsibility. We are working with them to develop trust so that they can move towards better and more sustainable ways of earning a living—with the hope that they will one day run their own small businesses and leave the streets behind.

But they need more than just opportunities. They need prayer.

Many of them have come to us asking for prayer to break free from marijuana, alcohol, and substance abuse. The streets have been hard on them, but we believe that with God’s help, each one has the potential for a brighter future.

Will You Stand in the Gap for Them?

We ask you to keep these boys in your prayers. Pray for their healing, their transformation, and their hope for a new life. And if you feel led, consider supporting Brook of Hope Home in continuing this life-changing work.

Together, we can show these forgotten children that they are not alone—that they are seen, valued, and loved by God.

How to Donate

If you are interested in supporting the work that we you can donate in two ways:

E-Transfer: Send your gift to brookofhopehome@gmail.com

Online Donation: Visit our website at brookofhopehome.ca

Donations are securely processed through Canada Helps, where you can use your credit card and receive a tax receipt immediately.

Online Donations *click here*

With heartfelt gratitude,

Debra DiPaola

President of Brook of Hope Home, Canada