Haven of Hope believes that the church is the hope of the world.  We believe the community will only be as healthy as the local churches.  It is the local church leaders who understand the needs in their community.   Therefore, it is our desire to listen to the local pastors to determine how we can be of assistance in strengthening the local church.  Our relationship with these local pastors has helped us better understand what resources and training are most needed in the local congregations.  Haven of Hope provides annual training events for the local pastors and church leaders.

      a.  What have we done to date?

• In 2007 our team had the opportunity to train 250 pastors in Ndola.  We used the book of Nehemiah and Andy Stanley’s book Visioneering to equip the pastors with tools to rebuild.  The pastors expressed a strong desire leading up to this training that it was time to rebuild their country.  Andy Stanley’s ministry generously donated 500 of his book for us to leave with the pastors following the training.
• In 2008 authors and speakers, Roger and Becky Tirabassi joined our team to provide marriage enrichment for the local church leaders as well as a one day prayer workshop.  Becky Tirabassi shared the message of God’s changing power and purity with large crowds on two separate evenings that led to hundreds of commitments for Christ. This was the beginning of Burning Heart Bible study meetings in the community.  The local pastors followed up on those who responded to the message.

      b.  what are we currently doing?

• In 2009 we spent time praying with the local pastors, visiting their churches, and listening to the needs of the local community.  These meetings give us insight for long term training strategies. 

c.  What are our next steps?

• In June of 2010 we will provide additional training opportunities for 30 local pastors.  We will be working in partnership with these pastors to serve those affected and infected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic.  We are in talks with pastors in the US who are considering joining us on this trip.  Our desire is to see pastors in the United States develop relationships with the pastors in Zambia to share prayers, ideas, and resources.