Spreading God’s Love in Action: How Collence is Transforming Lives in Zambia

We reached out to Collence Chikuni, an African Christian College graduate from the class of 2003, and he shared a powerful story of love and how God has used him to transform lives in Zambia. Here is what he said:

Love is one of the greatest commands of God — simple in words yet profound in its calling. While many can recite, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” few fully embrace what it means to live it out daily. To love as God loves means stepping beyond prayer and kind words; it means meeting people where they are, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and helping the helpless.

For me, this commandment became not just a belief but a way of life.

When I left African Christian College in 2003, I carried with me more than a degree. I left with a divine conviction and a clear purpose, to touch people’s lives by showing them the love that God has for humanity.

However, when I returned home to Livingstone, Zambia, I was met with harsh realities. Poverty, hunger, and hopelessness were everywhere I looked. Children went to school barefoot and torn uniforms, widows struggled to feed their families, and the elderly were left without care.

These challenges broke my heart, but instead of discouraging me, they gave direction to my calling. It was then that the vision for The Hand of Love was born, a community organization dedicated to sharing God’s love in practical and tangible ways.

Today, through The Hand of Love, we reach some of the most vulnerable people in Livingstone: the elderly who have no one to care for them, widows burdened with family responsibilities, orphans, and schoolchildren who cannot afford basic needs. Right now, we are supporting 14 families and 45 school children from grades 1 to 12. Some of those we once helped are now working and supporting their own families. All glory belongs to God, for He is the source of everything we do.

Our guiding principle is simple: “We cannot help everyone, but we cannot fail to help someone.” Every act of compassion, no matter how small, makes a difference. What started as a small step of faith has grown into a living testimony of God’s grace. The Hand of Love has become a place of hope, where love is not just spoken but shown.

As believers, we are called to be stewards of God’s resources, and I have come to understand that true stewardship is seen in how we use what we have to bless others. Every drop of sweat that comes from our labor should remind us to bless someone, especially the elderly and poor families.

Through The Hand of Love, we not only meet physical needs but also open hearts to the gospel. Many have come to know Christ, churches have been planted, and young people have been empowered to lead in their communities. Some of the very children we once supported are now part of the organization, helping to spread the same love they once received.

As believers, we are called to be stewards of God’s resources, and I have come to understand that true stewardship is seen in how we use what we have to bless others.

Collence Chikuni, 2003 Graduate.

Looking back, I am deeply grateful for my time at African Christian College. It was there that I discovered my purpose as a Christian and learned what it truly means to be a transformational leader. The education I received did more than inform my mind—it shaped my heart. It equipped me for excellence and prepared me to fulfill the calling that God placed upon my life.

African Christian College is not just a place to study; it is a place where purpose is discovered, faith is deepened, and leaders are shaped for God’s mission. You can discover your purpose and rewrite your story, too.