My Thoughts on Zambia
by Jon Axtell
After a long year in the States supporting Acirfa, I am finally in Zambia. Just the other night I sat by a small fire in the village of Kampampa.
There, I finally got to hear first-hand about the impact of this project. I listened quietly as my new friend, Simon, described his experience to me.
"After attending the Zambikes bike and entrepreneurial training school, I have taken on additional roles with Zambikes as a marketing representative. Before Zambikes I never had work. In Kampampa, there is little entertainment. Oftentimes we, men, just turn to drinking and women to meet our needs. AIDS is very prevalent in this area. You know, Zambikes gives us goals we never dreamed of before now."
Simon went on to describe his transformation into a marketing representative: "I still remember when I was asked to do marketing by the management team. I was surprised. I sat in bed staring at the ceiling thinking to myself, "Who am I to have this opportunity? Who am I to get to do marketing? Who am I that I would be choosen?"
This "Who am I?" question is the common denominator that unites our team. "Who am I?" was the question the Zambikes construction crew asked themselves when they completed the final bricks for the production facility. They repeated the question as the steel frame for the same facility was erected. This facility will be the country's premier training center for bike assembly and production.
"Who am I?" is the question that a Tanzanian man asked when describing his experience with his Zambike. And, finally, "Who am I" is the question our team asked when we had the opportunity to distribute 20 bikes to pastors in the Southern province. Simon's question makes the work we do for Acirfa continually rewarding to myself and to the rest of the team.
Individuals who have never had access to efficient transportation now have the dignity of owning a bike. Those who have never had jobs are receiving training and employment opportunities that were previously unimaginable. Finally, relationships are being formed that will forever change the future of a country.
Our hope is that as you continue to support Acirfa financially, and as you read this week's update, that you will be blessed by sharing in this revolution with us. I hope that you may even ask yourself, "Who am I, that I am able to play a part in this movement?"
Blessings,
Jon Axtell
US Executive Director
THE US TEAM HAS COME TO ZAMBIA!
By Vaughn Spethmann
The Zambikes team was joined by the US Acirfa team earlier this month.
The last two weeks have been characterized by increased understanding, bonding, and unity between the teams. We have gotten to share in their growth through their new experiences.
Many of the team members have worked for more than a year supporting us. Standing with them as they see the fruit of their labor firsthand is an unforgettable experience.
The Acirfa team includes:
Jon Axtell: US Executive Director
Daryl Funk: Providing thorough training at the bicycle schools. Daryl has also begun a pilot project that includes bicycle trailers, carriers and frame fabrication.
Naomi Arnold: Conducting field research on the adaptation of Zambikes to operating in the Zambian market to be used in accordance with a case study and Acirfa business plan.
Ryan Weilert: Shooting a documentary on ACIRFA and Zambikes.
Adrienne Rouse: US Executive Assistant
As Stuart Wann is holding down the fort in the US, please keep the entire team in your prayers. Specifically, that each of them would continue to be encouraged by what they are experiencing.
With those experiences, we pray they adopt a greater vision of how Acirfa can further support the work of Zambikes.
80 Years and Still Going Strong
By Dustin McBride
After living on this earth for more than 80 years, Kennedy decided it is still in his best interest to ride a bicycle to get around. He has the choice between his small motorcycle and his Zambike for transportation. He chooses his Zambike, without question, every time.
At times, he travels more than 100 Kilometers (63 Miles) on his bike. Because of his dedication to ministry, Kennedy has a huge need for efficient transportation. His story is one of passion, dedication and serious stamina.
Kennedy's service is apparent in a small town in Tanzania called Simbuwanga. He has started churches, taught at bible schools, and served his community for many years. Last year, Zambikes partnered with Grace Ministries. Through that partnership, we were able to provide Kennedy with a Zambike for his commute.
He requested the Zambike even though he owns a small motorcycle. When questioned why, he stated he "won't be able to stay fit if I'm always on a motorcycle." After receiving the bicycle in October 2007, he has ridden over 1,500 kilometers (932 miles) on the bike. That is no small feat.
The question everyone keeps asking is, "How do you manage to ride such long distances at your age?" He simply smiles and replies, "It's no problem. I just enjoy how this bike rides. I just keep riding and riding."
After meeting Kennedy in Tanzania last week, all I could do is smile and tell him thank you. Interviewing and visiting recipients like Kennedy remind all of us involved with Zambikes and Acirfa why we do what we do. With a Zambike, Kennedy is able to travel farther, maintain his health, and do his job more effectively.
Construction Update
Out at the Zambike farm, the work invested is beginning to take shape. Oftentimes in a building project it seems the digging will last forever.
So, we were elated to finally watch the steel structure and roofing go up on the Zambike production facility. The total size of the facility is 100 foot by 45 foot.
Over the next month we will be fulfilling further goals for the facility. We will finish the concrete slab and erect the walls with the hydroform bricks the crew made (there are 27,000 in all!). Soon we will even begin to assemble bikes.
The next shipment of bikes is expected within the next few weeks. So, the construction crew has felt pressure to complete the production facility. It has been incredible to see the crew rally together, working harder than ever to get the facilities up and functioning.
There have been many intangible rewards over the last month. Through the construction project, leaders continue to be developed. Their trade skills have been enhanced. Even more, there has been individual growth in our workers. Thank you for your support. We look forward to sending you more photos and video tours from the 25-acre Zambike farm
