Serving Together: Partnerships, Provisions & Debra’s Upcoming Zambia Trip
Dear friends and supporters,
As I sit down to write to you this month, my heart is full of gratitude for you, for God’s provision, and for the beautiful partnerships He continues to bring blessings to Brook of Hope Home.
Teen Missions International
Over Christmas, Teen Missions International’s interns came to BHH ready to serve — and serve they did! From plastering our classroom walls, to leading a joyful puppet play outreach in the community, to spending meaningful time ministering to our students, their presence made a lasting impact.
What touched us most was that this was not a one-sided blessing. Our Brook of Hope children were encouraged and strengthened AND the Teen Missions youth were equally impacted. There is something powerful that happens when young people from different parts of the country serve shoulder to shoulder. We are delighted to share with you today a short video of the Teen Missions interns sharing what they learned during their time at BHH. I believe it will encourage you as much as it did us.
Teen Mission’s Video
Thank You for Your Continued Support
To each of you who faithfully give, thank you. Because of your generosity, over 60 vulnerable students are receiving education, tutoring, discipleship, and weekly meals. We are also offering mid-week lunches and tutoring before school (for the afternoon school goers) and after school (for the morning school goers). The local schools are so overcrowded that they split the school day into two sessions. Even with that modification to what we think is a typical school day here, the numbers in each classroom remain outrageously high. For example, it is common to see 120 grade 4 students, one teacher, and no books for learning. Your support quite literally opens classroom doors.
As we begin this new school season, several of our students are still in need of basic school supplies. A backpack costs $25, and a new pair of proper school shoes from BATA is $40. These may seem like simple items, but they make an enormous difference in dignity, confidence, and readiness to learn for these children. If you feel led to give an additional gift this month, it would go directly toward meeting these practical needs.As we begin this new school season, several of our students are still in need of basic school supplies. A backpack costs $25, and a new pair of proper school shoes from BATA is $40. These may seem like simple items, but they make an enormous difference in dignity, confidence, and readiness to learn for these children. If you feel led to give an additional gift this month, it would go directly toward meeting these practical needs.
We would also love to invite you to consider becoming a monthly partner. When supporters sign up to give consistently through our website using their credit card, it allows us to plan programs, staffing, and school support with greater confidence and stability. Even a modest monthly gift makes a significant impact when given faithfully over time. Your ongoing partnership helps us steward this ministry wisely and sustainably.
2026 Zambia Trip
In just one week, I will be traveling to Zambia for five weeks. I will be visiting families in their homes and checking in personally at each of the schools our students attend. I will also be teaching on Saturday mornings when all our children gather at the BHH Centre for tutoring, praise and worship, and a big shared meal. I cannot wait to sing and dance right alongside them again!
I will also be visiting two or three local churches in the slum communities where our children live. With a small team from BHH, we will lead half-day children’s Sunday School programs and encourage the adults. One of the Sundays I will be preaching as well, with BHH’s Peter Musentekwa faithfully translating for me (as my Bemba still consists mostly of “How are you?” and “Where is the washroom?” haha!)
Here I am this snowy afternoon, with the four suitcases full of supplies that I am bringing with me for this trip, feeling excited for this upcoming opportunity.
Since 2014, God has given me the privilege of traveling to Zambia each year. At times, the work stretches me far beyond my comfort zone. But as Scripture reminds us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13). We are called to be His hands and His feet in a world that so desperately needs His love (James 2:15–17). My prayers for greater wisdom and discernment are always needed.
Thank you for being part of this mission. You may not be boarding the plane, but you are absolutely walking with us. Together, we are showing these children that they are seen, valued, and deeply loved by God.
Please pray for safe travel, meaningful connections, and transformed lives in the weeks ahead.
P.S. If you would like to help provide a $25 backpack, a $40 pair of new BATA school shoes, or become a monthly partner, you can sign up easily through our website. Monthly giving helps us plan with confidence and care for every one of our 60+ students consistently throughout the year.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Debra DiPaola
President, Brook of Hope Home
On behalf of the BHH team
