Spotlight on Missions: Joshua & Meagan Phiri • Zambia

I’ve been reflecting a lot on a story I recently witnessed — one that has lingered with me, and I believe it will linger with you, too. It comes from a quiet village where life is simple, and love isn’t just something written on paper; it’s something carried in your heart. In this place, people don’t marry with fancy weddings or government documents. There are no rings, no vows etched in ink — just promises spoken softly, witnessed by family, friends and the open sky.

This is the story of a couple who made that kind of promise. When they began their life together, they had almost nothing — a small mud hut, one cooking pot, a sack of maize, a single pair of worn sandals and a chicken scratching in the dusty yard. But they had love — a love so real it filled the empty spaces and made even the simplest things feel sufficient.

They worked side by side in the fields, laughed under the stars and dreamed of what life could become. But as the years passed, the weight of survival pressed in — failed harvests and long, exhausting days. Little things, like forgotten chores and a poorly cooked meal, felt heavier than they should. Not because the love was gone, but because life had grown louder than their laughter.

One day, they realized they couldn’t go on together. In their village, separation is as simple as marriage. No courts. No lawyers. Just two hearts quietly agreeing that it’s time to take separate paths. So, they sat outside their small home, dividing what little they had — a sack of maize split in silence, a battered cooking pot for her, an old blanket for him, a pair of sandals — one for each, though neither could walk far with just one, and the chicken, their greatest treasure, shared as their last meal together.

That evening, an elder came and sat with them. He said little, only this: “You married with nothing but love in your hearts, and now you part with little more. What you’re losing isn’t these things — it’s the life you built together: the laughter, the dreams, the companionship.”

They spoke a little after that. They packed their divided belongings and, with heavy hearts, turned to walk in opposite directions — leaving behind more than just a home. They also left behind a story.

Why This Story Matters

I’ve held onto this story because it’s more than just about two people. It reflects life in the villages where we work — where love runs deep, but life is challenging. Poverty isn’t just the absence of things; it’s the quiet erosion of dreams.

But here’s the thing: it’s also a story of hope. Although we can’t go back and change their past, we can help shape someone else’s future. Through your support, we provide more than just resources. Clean water wells don’t merely quench thirst — they bring health, dignity and relief to families who bear the burden of survival. Leadership training isn’t only about skills — it’s about restoring purpose and confidence where hope has been worn thin. Discipleship isn’t just about teaching — it’s about healing hearts, mending brokenness and reminding people they are seen, known and loved.

How You Can Help

This is where you come in. I understand that stories like this can be heavy, but they don’t have to conclude in this manner. Your generosity has the power to change the next chapter. A contribution of $50 can aid in training a leader who will guide their community with wisdom and hope. A $100 donation can support clean water initiatives, refreshing both bodies and spirits. Regardless of what you feel led to give, whether large or small, your contribution resonates beyond today — it becomes part of a story that is still unfolding. Thank you for walking this journey with us. Your kindness doesn’t just fund projects — it touches hearts, changes lives and turns stories of loss into stories of restoration.

If you would like to give via check, please make them payable to “BMA Global — ChangeMaker,” write “For Joshua and Meagan Phiri” on the memo line and mail to P.O. Box 878, Conway, Ark. 72033. If you would like to give online, please go to tiny.cc/ZambiaPhiri. All gifts are tax-deductible.