From a Seed to a Sanctuary
One Way Mission for Zambia | One Heart at a Time
“If we are rich and see others in need, yet we close our hearts against them, how can we claim that we love God?” — 1 John 3:17
Welcome to our very first newsletter! We are a nonprofit dedicated to meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of vulnerable children in Zambia—showing them God’s love, one heart at a time.
How the First Seed Was Planted
Our story began nearly 25 years ago in the hearts of Marshall and Judy Hodges, a couple from rural Virginia. After hearing about the plight of children in Africa during a revival, Marshall traveled to Zambia to see the reality for himself. He found children with no homes, many facing abuse on the streets.
He didn’t just observe; he acted. In 2002, using an inheritance and support from their small church, the Hodges renovated an old grocery store to create the One Way Mission Children’s Home.
A Story of Resilience
What started as a humble beginning has grown into a sanctuary for 43 children, ranging from newborns to young adults. Many have been rescued from trafficking, abandonment, or extreme abuse.
At the heart of our home is our Director, Loveness Sakala. Her commitment is legendary—when a 2016 windstorm blew the roof off the orphanage, she moved all 25 children into her own two-room home for an entire year until repairs were made. That is the spirit of One Way Mission.
Our Immediate Needs
As our family grows, our current facility is under immense strain. We are currently facing a $2,500 monthly budget shortfall due to rising costs, along with critical maintenance needs:
- Overcrowding: We have only one toilet for 23 boys and one for 20 girls.
- Essential Repairs: The roof leaks, windows are missing, and the plumbing is in desperate need of a complete overhaul.
- Daily Tools: We urgently need a refrigerator, dining tables, and a propane stove (since electricity is often cut during the day).
The Search for Water
One of our biggest hopes for our recent mission trip was to finally solve a challenge that has weighed on the orphanage for years: consistent access to clean water.
As many of you know, our current property is in dire need of a borehole (or a well). Currently, we have to pay to have water trucked into the facility and stored in outdoor containers. It is a massive, recurring expense that eats away at funds that could be used for the children’s food and education.
During our trip last month, we were all set up and ready to drill. However, despite our best efforts and prayers, we were unable to find water.
This was a difficult setback. Not having a well means the budget remains under heavy strain.
But we aren’t giving up. We believe God provides.
Will you join us in praying specifically for:
- Discernment for Loveness and the board as we try to figure out what is next.
- Provision to cover the continued costs of trucking water in the meantime.
The Vision: The Farm
While we repair our current home, we are looking toward a bold, self-sufficient future. We have obtained 600 acres of land, affectionately called “The Farm.”
Our goal is to move the orphanage here, where the children can learn life skills like raising livestock (oxen, goats, and pigs) and growing maize—a Zambian staple. This land will eventually house separate dorms, a school, a clinic, and a Christ-centered church to serve the local community.
Partner in this Work
We believe that caring for orphans is a primary responsibility of the Church (James 1:27). We are looking for partners to help us bridge the gap between our current struggles and this beautiful future.
How You Can Help Today:
- Give: We are seeking partners to help us reach a $20,000 monthly goal. This covers operations ($5k), immediate repairs ($5k), and savings for the Farm ($10k).
- Pray: For our director, Loveness, and for the children of the orphanage, that their physical and spiritual needs will continue to be met and their faith strengthened.
- Share: Forward this to your church or community groups. We would love to visit and share the mission with your church or small group!
Thank you for not closing your heart to these precious children. Together, we are building a sanctuary for them to call home.
One Way Mission for Zambia 270 Windsor Drive, Rocky Mount, VA 24151 (540) 420-9461 | kim.wagoner@onewaymission4zambia.com
