Zambia Library Project - Training A Generation of Leaders in Africa

Mark Dever and Philip Hunt invite you to participate in the Zambia Library Project at CABU and explain why this is a worthy cause!

Here is an informative article about the Zambia Library Project. Needed: 30,000 Books for Groundbreaking African Theological Library

Central Africa Baptist University (CABU), is on a mission to train the next generation of leaders who will be theologically equipped and practically prepared to spread the gospel across Africa. The vision is to see Christ made known through healthy, reproducing churches in every village, town and city in Africa.

Africa is experiencing a hunger for quality theological training. Unfortunately, much of the church in Africa is struggling with shallow theology and unhealthy church practices. The threat of Islam's expansion from the north and the rise of the prosperity gospel across denominational lines pose significant challenges to the spread of the true gospel.

The Paul Kasonga Theological Library

A vital piece of training leaders is to provide them with access to a robust theological library. The Paul Kasonga Theological Library is on the campus of Central Africa Baptist University in Kitwe, Zambia and is named in honor of the first ordained Baptist Pastor in Zambia, Paul Kasonga. With 9,200 square feet of floor space, our mission is to stock the shelves with solid theological and ministry resources.

Join Us in Building a Robust Theological Library

We are seeking your partnership to gather 30,000 books to ship to Zambia for the Kasongo Theological Library. Christianbook International Outreach, a non-profit ministry in Peabody, Massachusetts, has graciously agreed to handle the logistics, receive and pack donated books, and send 20-foot shipping containers directly to the CABU campus in Kitwe.  Two shipping containers with almost 38,000 books left the United States a few months ago. The first should arrive in Zambia sometime in January. The second should arrive a month later.

The third container is being packed with new books—titles requested by CABU faculty and paid for with your donations. Once that money is spent, there will still be space in the container. So, if you’re interested in joining the effort, now’s your chance. Until the end of January 2025, you can send your gently used, gospel-centered books as described below.

Your support can make a significant difference in filling this container and equipping the next generation of leaders in Africa.

How You Can Contribute

1. Donate Online: Visit our donation page to make a financial contribution. 100% of your donation will go towards purchasing books for the library, and all donations are tax-deductible.

Please make checks payable to CABC USA and mail to 10 Craftsman Ln, Amherst, NH 03031. Put the word “Library” on the memo line.

2. Donate Books: If you have gently used theological and ministry books that you would like to contribute, please follow the instructions below on how to send them to us. We will accept Biblical commentaries, Biographies, Banner of Truth, Systematic and biblical theology, Church history, Preaching, Pastoral care and counseling, Christian living, African authors, and Education

3. Organize a Book Drive: We encourage churches and communities to organize book drives to collect donations for the Kasonga Theological Library. Please follow the instructions below on how to send them to us.

In 2 Timothy 4:13, Paul instructed Timothy, "When you come... bring the... books." That's what we're doing, and we invite you to join us by donating to this project and equipping the next generation of leaders in Africa with the transforming power of God's Word. 

WHERE TO SEND BOOKS

Donations of books should be boxed and shipped to the address below. Each box must be clearly labeled, and addressed as below, with ALL the information showing on the shipping label: 

Shipments of 20 Boxes or Less:

Every box must be clearly labeled with ALL the information below showing up on the label.  Ship to:

Christianbook International Outreach

ATTN:  Craig Stoll for CABU Zambia

140 Summit Street

Peabody, MA 01960

Shipments of more than 20 Boxes or Local Deliveries:

If you have more than 20 boxes, or if you live within driving distance of the address above, please contact Craig Stoll at cstoll@christianbookoutreach.org for instructions.

What books to send:

Here are some key types of books and resources that would be beneficial - classic and contemporary.

  • Biblical commentaries

  • Biographies

  • Banner of Truth titles

  • Systematic and biblical theology

  • Church history

  • Preaching

  • Pastoral care and counseling

  • Christian living

  • African authors

  • Education

For more information, email Phil Hunt directly at phunt@cabuniversity.com or WhatsApp +260976153466.

FAQ’s:

  1. Do you prefer financial donations or physical books? There is a great advantage to financial donations to the Zambia Library Project. This allows us to purchase a long list of specific books that we have identified for the library. 100% of the funds donated will be spent on books shipped to Zambia. If you are in the USA, all donations are tax-deductible.

  2. What date will the shipment leave the Massachusetts warehouse? We thank God that the first container of 14,000 books shipped the end of August, a second container with another 15,000 books shipped in September, and we are now working to fill a third 20’ container! We will accept books until the container is full!

  3. What will you do if you receive multiple copies of a book? We will stock up to three copies on the library shelves, especially those books in higher demand. If additional copies are remaining, we will ensure these get into the personal libraries of pastors in Africa, who will value them and use them in their personal ministries.

  4. What happens if you receive more books than will fit into the 20’ shipping container? CIO has graciously committed to shipping a third container. All books that meet the criteria for the Zambia Library will get sent to Africa!