Acirfa

A Tribute to Babu – A Life Lived Well

admin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:43:44 +0000

I felt compelled to share Babu’s story with you. It is an incredible story characterized by adventures, trials, and victories….by Dustin McBride

Babu. A life lived well.

On January 30^th in Lusaka, Zambia, Rev. Carl Moyer (popularly known as Babu), went to be with the Lord. After walking this earth for 75 years, and dedicating over 50 of those years to the mission field in Africa, Babu finally passed on from his old earthly body into a refreshing, new spiritual body.

Babu and the entire Moyer family were highly influential in our decision to originally travel to Zambia in 2007. Since then, Babu has been a continual encouragement to us by partnering with both Acirfa (a.ker.fa) and Zambikes. We miss him already.

During the memorial service in Kabwe, Zambia on February 3^rd, I felt compelled to share the story of his life with you. It is an incredible story characterized by adventures, trials, and victories. I may not be the most eloquent individual in my storytelling, but I will try to shed light and give you a glimpse into Babu’s extraordinary life…

Babu was born November 4, 1934 in Pennsylvania to his father, a butcher, his mother, a seamstress, and two brothers and one sister. He attended revival meetings with his parents from an early age to hear about God and the bible. It was during that time that Babu knew he would ultimately be called into the mission field – and that it would be a life long calling. Two of his other siblings also heeded the call into the mission field.

He recognized early on that missions would demand more than just an academic education. So, in high school he began taking welding, workshop, carpentry, and mechanics classes to acquire skills that would enable him to fix nearly anything with any available tools (those that knew him know he did exactly that!).

Learning to fly a plane was another skill he saw suitable for the mission field. When he was not in the air, he was off trapping, hunting or getting in to mischief.

At the age of 17, Babu traveled to Texas for seminary school. Outside of class he joined the cowboys in the area by learning to ride horses and herd cattle. Wherever he was, Babu would be found with his toolbox just in case he needed to fix something.

Babu was ready to move to Belgium after seminary in order to learn French for missions work in Congo (French Speaking African Country). He traveled the country by scooter, trying his best to learn the language. His love for guns and hunting compelled him to smuggle a gun into Belgium with him. However, he soon found out how much trouble he could get into with it, so he proceeded to piece it out and drop it by individual piece into rivers that he crossed!

Babu left for the Congo in 1957 after learning how to print the French language. His belief was that if he only shared the word of God verbally with the people of Congo, they would only hear a bit and then forget. But, if he could print God’s word in their own language, God would be able to continue to speak to their souls long after any of his sermons. Babu was 22 years old at the time. When he was asked how long he planned to be in Congo, he would say: “I’m not sure how long. I made a lifelong commitment to missions so I have no plans of returning permanently to the states.” In subsequent years there was so much conflict and trouble in Congo that Babu was forced to return to the States. Despite his location, his time was spent preparing for his return to the mission field.

Babu fulfilled 2 big accomplishments in preparing for his return: he learned linguistics at the Wycliff Linguistics School and found his lifelong partner and wife, Joanne (known as Bibi). Nice move for Babu! Bibi came from a missions based family and also knew her call was to the mission field. When she met Babu she was studying to be a nurse. Very early in their relationship they both knew that God had plans for them to serve together. Bibi’s family had lived in Tanzania (near Congo), so the two of them decided to marry, put their belongings on a ship and move to Tanzania with no expectation of returning anytime soon.

It was 1961 when Bibi and Babu sailed to Tanzania and landed in Tatanda (North east area of Tanzania completely undeveloped and deep in the bush at that time). They stayed in Tanzania from 1962 until 2002 – a total of 40 years. During that time, they lived in Tatanda and later moved to Mumba (where there was a Grace Bible College).

In Tatanda, they lived with the people in the village. They built up churches, a school, a hospital and even an airstrip. I had the privilege of traveling to these areas in Tanzania in 2008 and was able to witness the impact they continue to have on the communities there. Babu was widely known to jump on his street motorbike (all dirt roads of course) and ride to nearby villages to preach the good news of Jesus Christ to people who had never heard it before.

In order to reach the more untouched villages, Babu redesigned his bicycle to be able to bolt together so he could fit it into his small airplane. He would fold up the bike, pack it in the plane, fly to a remote area and then get on his bike to reach villages and share about Christ through the Word of God. Babu learned to pull teeth and perform eye surgery without any medical background. Villagers would come from near and far with toothaches and eye problems. Babu would treat them and give God all the glory.

In 1996, Bibi and Babu moved to Mumba (a few hours traveling on a dirt road from Tatanda). There, Babu taught under Steve Shirman, head teacher of the college. The ironic thing was that Steve went to college with Babu’s sons Dan and David and saw Babu more as a father figure. Babu supported the school and taught there up until 2002, training young Zambians and other Africans in planting churches and discipling God’s people. Babu’s humility and obedience to God’s call continued to shine through his works.

Finally, from 2002 until January of 2010, Babu spent his time next to his son Dan and his family working with Grace Church in Kabwe, Zambia. Babu preached and taught in the Bible school in Kabwe and helped plant a church there that now has over 150 members. Babu never retired.

Babu’s life left a legacy for those that knew him and for those that now hear his story. He shared his heart and love with anyone he was in contact with: the shop owners in Kabwe, the widows and orphans, the local Pastors, visiting foreigners (like me), Americans, African white farmers, and anyone else that crossed paths with him. He showed no favoritism and loved those around him with pure Godly love. He left a legacy of trust. He trusted his wife, his kids, and those he worked with. Showing that trust gave confidence and passion to those around him. He inspired others, usually over a cup of coffee. Anyone that knew Babu had a cup of coffee with him and shared a few stories of the exciting adventures that have gone on.

Babu would say there are 3 important things in following God: 1. Commitment 2. Commitment and 3. Commitment. He firmly believed that you must put God first, family second, and ministry third. Babu took time for people, for church and for family.

My challenge is this: What are you taking time for? Who are you putting first?

Let Babu’s legacy continue to challenge those of us that are still walking this earth. Let us, like Babu, live well and finish well.

Thank you Babu, Bibi and the entire Moyer family for who you are to me and for how you have changed my life.

Dustin McBride

President – A.ker.fa and Zambikes Company

Embracing Hope – a.ker.fa January 2010 Email Newsletter

admin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:32:07 +0000

Dear Supporter,

This was my first Christmas and New Year spent in Africa. The time off work was invaluable as I was able to relax and invest in the relationships I have developed over the last three years.

I visited Felistus, Vonnie and Precious, new born babies of three of the Zambikes team members. Elliot could not wait to introduce to me his new wife, whom he first met while at work at Zambikes.

I was able to visit the homes of Zambikes’ employees who had been able to upgrade their roofs to iron sheets instead of the grass roofs that leak regardless of the quality. Four other team members led me to their respective, newly purchased plots of land. I began attending the new church across the street that recently emerged out of the morning Bible studies at Zambikes.

Before Zambikes was founded in August of 2007, we recognized that communities in Zambia were restricted by limited choices and nearly non-existent opportunities for success.

What excites me most now is that Zambikes provides the opportunity for people to move forward. Success is possible if they strive to work hard, be punctual and do their jobs to the best of their abilities.

I often ask the crew how they managed to provide for themselves and their families before Zambikes. Their answer is always that “times were hard.” It is a miracle how these same team members have transitioned to bless people who are in the same places they have been.

The momentum of turning Africa around is not only happening in Kapampa, but in all corners of Zambia. The bicycle carts, Zambulances and Zambikes are changing lives daily in every area.

It is exciting knowing that new projects are being formulated in Uganda and other north-eastern African nations. The relationships that have developed within Africa and into Asia continually amaze me. It wows me knowing that David Sacher is still trekking down the coast of South America riding on our behalf.

For those of you who are able to join the ACIRFA (a.ker.fa) team for the Denver Banquet in February, I am excited for you to hear even more of our exciting plans for 2010. The fulfillment of our visions and dreams for Africa are becoming a reality because of your prayers and financial support.

ACIRFA is truly empowering the underprivileged through Zambikes, breathing hope into Zambia and throughout the world.

Thankful for changed lives, hope and opportunities,

Vaughn Spethmann

Co-Founder

info@abikes.org

Follow the links below for a closer look into the most recent news on ACIRFA (a.ker.fa) and Zambikes:

“AFRICA: ONE BIKE AT A TIME” – Acirfa Denver Event – February 27

ZAMBIKES LONG BIKE – Njovu

LOOKING FOR THE WONDERFUL – Inspired by David Sacher

LETTER FROM A ZAMBIKES PARTNER – Mr. Aubally Mwetela

Denver Benefit Event – AFRICA: ONE BIKE AT A TIME

admin — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:36:58 +0000

Join us for an evening of bamboo bicycles, African art, music and dance, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails to benefit ACIRFA (a.ker.fa).

AFRICA: ONE BIKE AT A TIME

Saturday, February 27, 2010
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Denver Museum of Nature and Science (North entrance)
Inside the Africa/Botswana exhibit
Tickets: $75.00
Children 13 and under: $25.00
Entertainment provided by Koffi Toudji and the Pan Africa Ensemble

WILL YOU JOIN US?

TO REGISTER, FOLLOW THE DONATION LINK BELOW:

Online Registration for the Denver Event tonight has closed. We will be accepting day of registrations at the door.

Click Below for More Information on the Event:

“An Evening to Experience Africa and Change Lives One Bike at a Time” Press Release

Sidebar Donation Button

admin — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 04:56:33 +0000

Click here to find out how. To donate to Acirfa or to buy a bike, click the link below.

Cycle of Hope for Africa – Nov. 14th!

admin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:10:42 +0000

Come join Seeds of Hope International and Acirfa in San Luis Obispo

Seeds of Hope International Partnership is holding its first annual fundraising event in San Luis Obispo, California on November 14, 2009.

The Cycle of Hope for Africa will include a “fun” bicycle ride and a more advanced ride to accommodate riders of different levels of experience. Each ride will begin at the Mission Plaza in San Luis. An “after party” including food, booths, live music, a raffle and more will follow the ride.

The Acirfa Team will be participating in the ride as well as hosting a booth at the event. Come join us!

For more information:

www.cycleofhopeafrica.org

To register:

www.active.com/donate/cycleofhopeafrica

About Seeds of Hope (SHIP):

Seeds of Hope is a non-profit organization founded in Arroyo Grande, California that works in several communities within Zambia. Zambikes partners with Seeds of Hope within Zambia.

The purpose of Seeds of Hope is to train individuals in both spiritual and practical ways to go to the nations with tools that will bring hope and healing to those they care for. In Zambia, SHIP staff members drill wells, repair wells, produce bio-send filters and conduct hygiene and sanitation trainings.

The World Health Organization states that by providing clean water to an area the basic level of health in a community can be increased by 15-20%. By providing hygiene and sanitation training the level of health can increase 20-25%. But, when combining both clean water and hygiene and sanitation training, a community’s basic level of health can be increased up to 85%.

Seeds of Hope enters communities through a holistic approach by providing training in multiple areas. More than just providing clean water, they seek to introduce numerous tools that will help communities implement sustainable change. This is the heart and vision of SHIP – to change communities by bringing health, hope and a future back to the people.

If you would like to learn more about Seeds of Hope, please visit www.sohip.org.

header image – Zambulance

admin — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:55:59 +0000

Acirfa October Newsletter

admin — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:00:05 +0000

Perseverance Through the Highs and Lows

Dear Supporter,

I write to you with mixed emotions through a flurry of busyness.

Currently, Zambikes is in a very unique stage. There are only 3 of the usual 7 managers working. Vaughn and Mwewa are in the States for the Acirfa Banquet, Chiteu is healing from the car accident and David has left us.

In the midst of the unexpected change, Wankunda, Viera, and I have been able to witness the “middle” managers of Zambikes step up to the plate. Divilance and Benjamin have been key assets for running bike assembly, pushing production, and getting things done on a day-to-day basis. Zambikes is blessed to have a team so dedicated to the work being done here.

This month 120 Zambulances have been built and distributed. Another 168 ambulance trailers will go out in the next 2 weeks. The team is keeping extremely busy.

David may not be here physically, but his spirit is living on through Zambikes. His drive and passion for the work of Zambikes keeps everyone pressing forward. When there is temptation to give up or complain, a team member is quick to remind everyone that “If David were here, he would get this done and have a smile on his face.”

I thank David for the spirit and attitude he left everyone with. We already miss him tremendously.

In addition to all of the excitement with production and deliveries, both Zambikes and Acirfa are setting up their respective 2010 budgets and casting the vision for upcoming years. For Acirfa, there is exciting news regarding 2 possible research trips coming up in November.

Vaughn, Daryl and I are planning to travel to Mozambique and Uganda to meet with possible partners and discuss opportunities for starting 2 new projects for Acirfa. We are still in conversation about the possibilities and will know more by the year end. But, the thought and idea of piloting 2 new projects in 2010 pumps me up!

The Lord continues to open new doors and put the mission of Acirfa on the hearts of different people worldwide. I am humbled and grateful to be a part of this vision.

Thank you for praying and supporting the team in Zambia and in the States. We rely on both during this tough, but fruitful time of year.

Persevering through the highs and lows with you,

Dustin McBride, Co-Founder

info@abikes.org

www.abikes.org

3rd ANNUAL ACIRFA BANQUET: A night of celebration, excitement and of course, dancing….

By: Adrienne Rouse

Where else will you find both Acirfa and Zambikes team members dancing in front of over 200 people? Well, possibly at a wedding in Zambia…..

Last Saturday, over 200 Acirfa supporters stepped out of San Diego and into Zambia for the evening. Banquet attendees were invited into the mission and vision of Acirfa through photos of Zambikes team members, powerful videos of lives changed and testimonies from Acirfa team members.

A preview of the nearly finished Community Center was provided by Dustin via video footage straight from Zambia. Vaughn followed, sharing with guests the vision of Acirfa for the upcoming year.

However, Mr. Mwewa Chikamba, Zambikes Director and Logistics Manager, stole the show. Traveling all the way from Zambia, Mwewa detailed the impact that Zambikes has had within Zambia. More importantly, he explained how vital it is for Zambikes to continue to train and empower Zambians through bicycles.

Excitement mounted at the close of the silent auction and escalated through the live auction – the pinnacle: a close tie between bamboo bikes and team members dancing.

Thank you to each of you who joined us for the evening and ultimately helped us to reach our financial goals for the event.

It is because of you that lives continue to be transformed throughout Africa. Your unfailing commitment, support and encouragement continue to sustain the Acirfa and Zambikes teams through the highs and lows.

ZAMBIKES SPOTLIGHT: Wankunda Mutala

By: Vaughn Spethmann

BEFORE ZAMBIKES:

Wankunda was born and raised alongside three brothers and a sister in Zambia. The family lived within country until his father moved them to the states in order to pursue a degree in Theology. After his father completed his degree, he moved his family back to Zambia.

Wankunda’s parents were so impressed with the education system within the states that they sacrificed nearly everything to ensure their children received their higher education at universities within its borders.

Azusa Pacific University was Wankunda’s destination for both his undergraduate and MBA graduate degrees. It was at Azusa Pacific University that Vaughn and Dustin first met Wankunda.Following graduation, Wankunda received work experience at Enterprise Rent a Car and Merrill Lynch.

Due to the economic hardships of 2007, Wankunda’s position at Merrill Lynch was eliminated and he returned to Zambia.During his search for employment within Zambia, Zambikes recognized their need for someone with his credentials.

WITH ZAMBIKES:

Wankunda is now heading the Finance Department within Zambikes and tracking the inventory of all Zambikes products. He has already been a huge help and blessing, especially with two of the Zambikes directors traveling to the states.

Wankunda is happy to be working at not only a job, but at a place that is “changing the African landscape in a meaningful way.”

REFLECTIONS OF A ZAMBIKES DIRECTOR:

Mwewa Chikamba shares his thoughts on joining the Acirfa Team in the States

My first trip to the United States has been more than enjoyable. I had such a lovely time meeting so many of you. Thank you for your kindness and hospitality.

I have always heard about your amazing infrastructure, but to see it first hand has blown my expectations. Other things I have taken note of, and will take home with me, are your time management and your commitment to whatever you are doing.

In Zambia there seems to be a lot of idle time. Here you get a lot done in your day – it is apparent that you have goals and visions for your future. I hope to bring that spirit home with me.

Again, thank you for having me. While speaking with Vaughn today I shared how I have had the privilege of seeing many large things on this trip. What that does is encourage me to dream bigger as well. With the network and support we have from the ACIRFA family, I feel the possibilities for growth and development in Zambia are endless.

Your Friend,

Mwewa

DAVID SACHER PASSES THROUGH SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

By: Jessica Congelliere

David Sacher embarked on his epic 15,000 mile ride from Alaska to Argentina in July. Since that time, followers of his blog and Twitter have been given a glimpse of the every day, challenging life of being a solo cyclist on the road.

He journeyed through bitter deserted landscapes in Alaska, the mountains of Canada, down the West coast, and landed (albeit one month ahead of schedule) in Southern California the first week of October.

With a little help from local newspapers, Twitter and social networks, 15 fellow cyclists were privileged enough to join him on the stretch of road between San Juan Capistrano to his home town in Encinitas.

Encinitas was not the last stop on his way. In fact, it was not even the halfway point. On that stretch of the ride, David was joined with his biggest fans. Afterwards, he shared some of his stories and adventures from the road.

David (@davidthebrave) is riding to raise awareness of the work being done by Acirfa in regions throughout Africa. It is a challenging ride and one that is not for the weak of heart or body.

When asked in his interview by NBC local news correspondent, Alicia Dean, what motivates his ride, David answered quite simply, “You know it’s not just for you.”

His ride is not over, and in fact, some of the most dangerous and trying parts are yet to come. So when you think about the challenges you face on a day to day basis, please keep David in your prayers – for his safety, ability to endure challenges and for the lives he is affecting through this amazing journey.

To follow David as he rides, check him out on Twitter at www.twitter.com/davidthebrave or read his blog at www.earningthehorizon.com. You can also check out his interview on NBC on http://www.nbcsandiego.com/around-town/events/Peddling-from-Alaska-to-Argentina-63568087.html.

UPCOMING EVENT TO BENEFIT ACIRFA:

Seeds of Hope

Cycle of Hope for Africa

Seeds of Hope International Partnership is holding its first annual fundraising event in San Luis Obispo, California on November 14, 2009.

The Acirfa Team will be participating in the ride as well as hosting a booth at the event. Come join us!

For more information:

www.cycleofhopeafrica.org

To register:

www.active.com/donate/cycleofhopeafrica

About Seeds of Hope (SHIP):

Seeds of Hope is a non-profit organization founded in Arroyo Grande, California that works in several communities within Zambia. Zambikes partners with Seeds of Hope within Zambia.

If you would like to learn more about Seeds of Hope, please visit www.sohip.org.

Thank you for reading, and for your continued role in turning Africa around, one bike at a time.

Until next time,

Dustin, Vaughn, Daryl, Jessica and Adrienne

The Acirfa Team

header image – Rapson on Bamboo Bike

admin — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 23:49:35 +0000

header image – Charcoal Jinga Man

admin — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 23:49:07 +0000

header image – Amaka Sana Bikes Stacked

admin — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 23:48:27 +0000