The dedication and foresight of our early missionaries to Zambia continues to amaze those of us that work so closely with mission activities in that country. Today we are still reaping the harvest from the seeds planted fifty, sixty, and seventy years ago by these great men and women of God.

When these early missionaries, which included the Shewmakers, Browns, Scotts, Merritts, and Hobbys, had opportunity to purchase land around the Namwianga Mission, they did so. After World War 1, they acquired roughly 6,000 acres for about 60 cents per acre from the British. After serving in the mission field many years, these families began to return to the States at which time they each turned over their land to the mission. In the 80’s President Kenneth Kaunda grabbed all the land and converted all the titles into 99 year leases, which was basically a form of taxation. The land at Namwianga which had been donated, remained intact and continues to be today.

Brother J.C. Shewmaker was the first to have cattle and after Dr. George Benson became involved the herd was expanded. In Zambia a man’s worth is determined by the number of cattle he owns.

Drs. Richard and Angie Prather, veterinarians from Shattuck, Oklahoma have gone to Zambia to work with Fred Kalatambala, the farm/ranch manager, to evaluate the potential of the farming operation. By eliminating the non-productive cows, thus cutting down on feed cost, planting gardens near Steve Mann Lake where water is available, the farm is generating revenue and is supplying commodities for boarding.