Kakona Church Project

Adventist healthcare institutions continue to create communities of faith which serve as a conduit for proactive ministry. In keeping with the holistic approach to man, Yuka Adventist Hospital a rural health institution situated in the western province of Zambia, provides medical services to the indigenous Lozi population. Dr. Helard Mangold, the Hospital Administrator leads a multinational team of dedicated personnel not only in caring for the sick, but also sharing the good news of Christ return.

Sharing in the mission, the hospital staff continually seeks for opportunities of community outreach and development.
On one such occasion, Mr. Braulio Concepcion, a medical student who has dedicated 8 months from River Plate Adventist University in Argentina, was invited to perform a saxophone special at Kakona SDA church.

Accompanied by the Mangolds, there hearts were captured by the large concentration of children and the unwavering dedication of the church leaders to share their faith with the community. Kakona, consisting of about 60 members, is situated in the sandy district of Kalabo. The church structure consists primarily of bamboo, grass straw and wood branches.

Mr. Concepcion noted that, “when it rains, you need to use an umbrella in church.” Since their visitation, the church attendance has increased significantly. Simply through word of mouth, many villagers from the surrounding communities are coming to hear the good news shared through saxophone and the spoken word.

The Mangold’s, Braulio and the Kakona congregation have dedicated themselves to erecting a new church structure. Sunday’s have been designated as the day for community involvement in the construction. Their hope is to build a solid structure made of bricks with straw roofing. Mr. Mangold mentioned that it was important that the church body shared equally in the involvement of constructing the church.

Yuka hospital will be providing the oxen and cart, brick mold and voluntary manpower. However, the church will still need 90 bags of cement, gravel and support beams in order to complete the job. The church project is estimated to cost $4,000.00.

It is their hope that the church structure can be erected before August 2007.