Ep. 76 | A New Era for Gospel Growth in Africa

Start with a village by the Zambezi and a teenager walking hours to school. Add a mission secondary school, two faithful mentors, and a hunger to learn that wouldn’t quit. Now watch that young man become Rev. Dr. Alfred Kalembo—a national church leader who preached to a grieving country at a president’s funeral and is now catalyzing a student-led movement across Zambia’s universities.We sit down with Alfred to trace the unlikely path from Gwembe Valley to Lusaka, from cultural Christianity to living discipleship, and from a local congregation in Chipata to leadership at the Council of Churches in Zambia. He opens up about growing up in a polygamous family, being the first in his lineage to finish seventh grade and pursue higher education, and the moment missionaries led and discipled him into a durable, life-giving faith. Along the way, we explore Zambia’s unique religious landscape as a constitutionally declared Christian nation—why public faith language doesn’t always translate into personal integrity, and how intentional formation can bridge the gap.The heart of our conversation centers on influence that serves. Alfred’s once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lift the name of Jesus at a state funeral, his conviction that leadership starts with discipleship, and his strategy for national impact through universities. You’ll hear how an initial training of 37 students has multiplied into 600+ across UNZA, Copperbelt University, and more—driven by young leaders hungry to share the gospel and live it out in medicine, law, business, and public service. From leadership development to church growth to the explosive growth of  Christianity throughout Africa, this episode will challenge and encourage you. Subscribe, share with a friend who mentors young leaders, and leave a review with your favorite takeaway—what part of Alfred’s journey stirred you the most?Support the showJoin a community of leaders who are ready to change history and make an impact in this world. When you take part in ILI training, you will discover how ILI's Eight Core Values will help you transform your leadership. Discover more at ILITeam.org/discover.