HopeFest Reaches Thousands in Zambia

A team of ten musicians and production staff joined with hundreds of national volunteers to produce HopeFest, a major HIV awareness and prevention event in Zambia. Through music, dance, drama, and seminars, about 10,000 teenagers were given an opportunity to educate themselves and take a stand against the disease.

This summer’s HopeFest events took place on June 21 and 22 in Choma, Zambia, and on June 28 and 29 in Kalomo, Zambia. Led by World Hope International’s Micah Kephart, Richman Syabbamba and Cyrus Mfula, thousands of teenagers came forward to receive prayer as they committed to “purity beyond abstinence” as a way of life. For many, this means ending destructive relationships where school fees and food are given in exchange for sex.

Participants were challenged to trust that God will provide for them and that purity and abstinence are the right choices no matter the circumstances. Many teenagers shared their struggles with a pastor, counselor, or a friend for the first time.

The challenge issued at HopeFest was clear. In order to secure an AIDS-free future for Africa, a generation will have to stand against a stigma, one that says those infected are outcasts, like modern-day lepers. The stigma allows AIDS to remain a silent killer, so it’s crucial for teenagers to unite and raise their voices.

One young girl said, “we were touched by the music and the Word of God, we never thought that this kind of event could ever happen at our school.” Another, who told her story for the first time, said, “at our school we were taught how to abstain and live a morally upright life before God. I felt like each speaker who went on stage was talking about me and that God wanted me to change.”

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