THE TWAM STORY – A VISION FROM GOD.
Teachers with a Mission is making an impact on the Education sector in Zambia. Read on to learn the story of TWAM, and what teachers have to say.
A TESTIMONY BY NELSON MUSIPA
During my tenure as the Navigators Zambia National Director, I always strived to find avenues to advance the gospel. One of those ventures was a consultative meeting, on April 26, 2014 that I called for a involving Navigator Alumni who are teachers. The goal of the meeting was: How to advance the gospel as a teacher.
Seven of the invited teachers showed up. We had good interactions and resolved to be intentional in integrating life, work and spirituality. As we were praying at the close of the meeting, the Phrase “Teachers with a Mission” flashed through my mind. I jotted it down in my notebook.
From then on, I started to think about it. The more I thought and prayed about it, the more I became convinced that ministering to teachers was strategic to advancing the gospel and fostering transformation.
I began to sense God’s calling, to reach out and minister to teachers. With only a year left in my role as National Director, it felt like God was shaping my next assignment. Up till then I had thought my next assignment would involve serving in a Regional role with the Navigators. But it was clear that God was calling me to something else – to minister to teachers.
There was tension within me between what I had always believed my future role would be and what God was now laying on my heart. This vision was also contrary to the expectations of my Regional leaders who were investing in me to take on leadership at a higher level. When I spoke to my Regional Director about this tension, his initial response was that they had the final say on what I would end up doing. It was not for me to argue with my Regional Director – I left the matter up to God. I realized I could be wrong and that if God was truly calling me to minister to teachers then He had to convince my superiors as well.
Sure enough, a few months down the road the Africa Regional Director came back to me and said as a Regional Team they felt this ministry to teachers was strategic and that I had their full support to pursue it.
My role as National Director was extended by another three years and I was finally, on July 2, 2018 able to step down. After the overlap period with my successor and a six months sabbatical, I began the journey of getting TWAM off the ground. Things could not go as initially planned as 2020 was at the height of the pandemic.
As things eased off with COVID19, we geared up to hit the ground running in 2021. The key agenda was to officially launch TWAM and venture into the Schools – targeting two provinces per year.
Since its’ official launch on February 27th, 2021, TWAM has a made a mark in all ten provinces of Zambia. Glory be to God!
I would like to appreciate the organizers of this powerful workshop. I have attended many workshops as a teacher, but this one is unique in that it has addressed my heart, the driving seat of my life. – Headteacher, Eastern province
It was the best experience ever in my journey as a teacher. What I learnt impacted my life, mindset, teaching and family. I need to grow spiritually and emulate Christ. This will help me become effective as a teacher. -Gideon, Samfya
My perception, attitude and commitment towards work has changed for the better. – Royce Mbewe, Mongu
TWAM is now more like food for me, I need it for my survival. – Joe Mwiiyi
I received a Phone call from the Head Teacher to attend a workshop called TWAM. At the time I was still grieving the loss of my baby. I was angry against God and almost giving up on my faith. Why didn’t God answer my prayers to save my baby? The TWAM workshop was timely. God used TWAM to bring me out of hopelessness and despair. -Sheila Mvula, Chipata
I think I have fallen in Love with TWAM. There is a way it touched me. It’s unique, godly and very different from all the other workshops I have ever attended. I felt God’s presence and for me TWAM is a priority. – Jessy Syamasonta
“We now conduct family and school devotions everyday. – Mwangala Mufaya, Kaoma
I am one of those who came to the workshop with a negative attitude. I thought you guys wanted to use us to make money for yourselves. But the content of the workshop far outweighed any monetary benefit. Don’t be discouraged, TWAM is on the right track helping teachers to develop a Christian mindset. There are very few organizations that can come up with such a program to benefit the teaching community. – Chris Phiri, Katete
I now jog 8.5KM three times a week as a result of the TWAM workshop. I remember when you asked the question; ‘If you do not take care of your body where are you going to live.’ That really hit me hard. I had a pot belly but now it’s gone. – Russel Chewe, Chipata