Photographing Missions in Africa: Zambia

Bishop John Mambo welcomes the ambassador from Mozambique to his home.

Upon arrival at Lusaka, the capital and major city of Zambia, I was met at the airport by Bishop John Mambo, the Church of God National Overseer. I stayed at his home for the week I was in Zambia.

Bishop Mambo was a charismatic leader and a busy man, meeting with members of the government, other church leaders, and even ambassadors from other countries. Yet, he made time to show me around extensively.

Formerly the British colony of Northern Rhodesia, Zambia obtained its independence from the British Empire in 1964. It was a one-party government until 1991, when a two-party system was established. Transitions of power in Zambia are usually peaceful.

"Tying the steel" on a new church construction project, Lusaka, Zambia.

I saw construction going on everywhere in Lusaka. People working hard under the hot sun, but apparently very happy to have jobs.

Farming with simple irrigation.

 One of the church's ministries Bishop Mambo showed me was a farm outside Lusaka where young men who had no jobs and no opportunities could live and work in agriculture. 

Each man had his own hut to live in. The huts were built above ground level because of snakes and other varmints. 

This young man is exceedingly proud of the beautiful ears  of corn he has grown. This, while only one of the many ministries carried out by the Church of God in Zambia, seemed to me to be very worthwhile and effective.

Game Wardens at the Luangua Valley Game Preserve, Zambia

 

One afternoon some of the Bishop's helpers took me out to the Luangua Valley Game Preserve. We drove around watching the animals until sunset, then stopped at the ranger station on our way out so they could check us for contraband. I asked the rangers if I could make a picture of them, but they said it wasn't allowed. 

"Okay,then," I said, "can I make a picture of that big water buffalo skull?" They decided that would be okay. But human nature being what it is, before I could zone in and focus my camera they were all in the picture. Which was fine with me. But then, the warden with the rifle fired it off and I nearly jumped out of my skin.

 

Musicians at the Cultural Village, Lusaka, Zambia.  

 On another day the Bishop took me to the zoo and the cultural village, where musicians, dancers, and artisans worked to preserve the old tribal customs. It was a busy and productive week for me, with only one hitch: the Bishop's shower put out only HOT (really HOT) water!

Photos: Olympus OM2n, 100-300mm f4 Tokina lens, various Olympus Zuiko lenses, and Fujichrome 100D film.

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Text and photographs copyright David B. Jenkins 2026.  

I post Monday, Wednesday, and Friday unless life gets in the way.

Soli Gloria Deo -- For the glory of God alone.

Tags:   photography   film photography    Olympus OM2n cameras    Fujichrome 100D film    Lusaka    Zambia    Africa     Church of God World Missions    Christianity in Zambia    Olympus Zuiko lenses    Tokina lenses    Luangua Valley Game Preserve