Caring Shepherds International

26/05/2026

26/05/2026

Hello there! It’s been a while since we posted, so get ready, it’s going to be a long read! A good read though because you’re going to see what God is doing in Zambia. It is always amazing to see that the friendships that have continued since our first trip to Zambia in 2022.

Now when I land in Zambia and jump on a bus to Solwezi, the first connections we made with churches, pastors, reverends, and different communities are still there. I cannot walk anywhere without bumping into someone who knows me, or they know the people I took the first time and ask about them or the ministry. It is always an encouraging experience, and we want to share what God is doing in so many lives and see those who have continued living a life of God.

Life in the world has been a little chaotic, so my travel plans were planned, and then adjusted, and planned again. And then on top of that, I left on a day of tornado warnings. Thankfully, we were able to get gate passes, so we hung out as a family in the airport early to avoid weather. But as we sat there and the weather got closer, I started to think my current flight was going to get delayed. And that would mean missing my connecting flight. Been there, done that, NOT an experience I wanted to repeat. We happened to notice the same flight leaving earlier than my planned flight, so we asked and Praise the Lord, I was able to get on that one! But, that also meant my bags would probably get delayed. Thanks to all the weather, we were delayed just a little bit and low and behold, my family watched them put my bags on the plane. I sat there praising God. The tornadoes were definitely not pleasant, but God was still working in the midst of everything.

After that, everything went according to plan. I left Atlanta, landed in South Africa, and got to Zambia safe and sound.

While in Zambia, I had the privilege to attend a conference on Friday and then preach at that same conference on Sunday. This was a delayed Easter conference due to heavy rain in Zambia. The worship was amazing, I was able to connect with people and just see God moving in people’s heart. At some point, I misplaced my laptop where all my sermons were, but God told me not to panic, instead to prepare again. I started preparing a sermon again and God gave me the words, He brought scriptures to me, He made me calm, and told me to listen to Him and to be obedient to whatever would come out of my mouth.

If you have been to Zambia, you know conference preaching is not 30 or 45 minutes. People will give you time and they want you to preach and then be given the opportunity to ask questions. I preached and I didn’t even know how much time went by. I don’t know where the words came from, but all I could see was that no one stood up, everyone sat and listened to God’s word.
After the sermon, I spent time talking to people. Three people received Jesus Christ, and a good number of them came for counseling and prayers. When people come forward seeking counseling, they are honestly asking for it. We spent time praying together, encouraging each other. It was wonderful.

While at the conference, close to 40 people registered their names, looking forward to coming and learning at the library. People of Zambia love education. If schools or resources were available, every Zambian would be in class, especially people in rural areas and villages who are disadvantaged. This just reinforces the goal of Caring Shepherds International; which is to meet people in all areas, extending the invitation to all. I can see what God is doing in Zambia. Every time I go back, I see people improving, growing spiritually, asking the right questions. That is what we want to see.

After the conference, I spent time at the library. Building in Zambia never ends. When I was at the library, I was happy to see people from the community on the property. My relatives left their own plans and came to the library to help with various tasks that needed to be completed. You are not going to believe that in three days we were able to put the ceiling board in the restroom, hallway, and kitchen. Some women also came to clean the windows and the inside and outside of the library.

While working at the library, I could look outside and see children and young teenagers using the empty area at the library as a soccer field. They also requested a volleyball net. If children can come play, read, learn the word of God, and stay away from other activities, then the goal of CSI is accomplished.

The trip was short, but what was fulfilled is more than enough, and I cannot wait to see what God has in store next. Thank you for your prayers and everything you do for CSI. Continue praying for the next trip, which is coming up soon. On this trip, more things are going to happen, and we are patiently looking forward to God for His will to be done in this next trip.

29/04/2026

We have a team heading to Zambia this summer. We're so pumped for them to visit and see the changes since the last visit! We're hosting a trivia night to help raise funds for their trip. Sign up and come challenge your brain!! https://m.signupgenius.com/ #!/showSignUp/4090D4FA4A72CA2FC1-63842940-2026?useFullSite=false

21/01/2026

Yesterday I was able to deliver eight boxes of books and Bibles that will be shipped to Zambia to help stock the library. Although this process may take some time, it is both affordable and safe. This is our third time using this company; the first two shipments have already arrived safely in Zambia, and this is the third one.

Thank you very much to everyone who supported us through prayers and financial assistance, helping to ensure that these books and other library materials reach Solwezi, Zambia. Thank you once again for your continued support.

15/01/2026

Oh yeah, we’ve started packing. The boxes are going to leave the house on 1/21/26. This girl is helping me pack. The goal is to pack three boxes tonight. There’s still time to send one. I have this girl with muscles to help pack! 💪😊

08/01/2026

One of the greatest lessons God has been teaching us at Caring Shepherds is patience, along with the flexibility to trust His timing. In a culture where we’re used to instant results, ministry often invites us to slow down, wait, and grow. While that can be challenging, it is also deeply meaningful—because God is always teaching us something in the process.

Around this time last year, we sent our first boxes of books and library materials to Zambia. We are grateful to say that although it took time, the boxes arrived safely and soundly. This past September, we shipped our second shipment, which is currently on its way. Our long-term vision remains steady: to continue sending books until the library is fully stocked.

Recently, my pastor and I were talking about when the next shipment might be. I jokingly said that I wasn’t sure, but that when shipping season comes, it often happens suddenly. Coincidentally, later that same night, I received an unexpected update from our shipping company. On January 21, 2026, they will be picking up items in the Kansas City area. We feel this is an opportunity God has placed before us once again—one that invites faith, trust, and partnership. We would love to send a few more boxes of books with this shipment. The materials and boxes are ready, and I will personally pack everything.

What we need now is support to help cover the shipping costs. If you feel led, would you prayerfully consider sponsoring the shipment of one or more boxex to Zambia by donating through the link below? The library building is large, and right now it echoes. One day soon, we believe it will be filled—not only with books, but with students, learning, and hope. Thank you for walking this journey with us, for your prayers, and for your continued partnership.

With Gratitude,
Andrew and Ashley Busakula

Small Box $60
Medium Box $115
Large Box $175
Extra Large Box $230

2026 Shipping Boxes - Caring Shepherds International - Cheddar Up. Collect online payments for events and fundraisers with Cheddar Up.

24/12/2025

Hello Family and Friends,

We just sent out our latest newsletter. Due to postage and printing costs, we are shifting to yearly updates, all by email. Please let us know if you did not receive it and want to! [email protected]

Thank you for your support!

14/12/2025

This past weekend marked a truly special and impactful moment at Caring Shepherds, as our library building once again demonstrated that it is far more than a place for books. It continues to serve as a hub of transformation, fellowship, and spiritual growth for the people of Solwezi.

The space was beautifully utilized to host a one-day conference led by Pastor Reagan Busakula and his lovely wife, Kafunya Busakula. The gathering brought together men and women from diverse backgrounds for a meaningful time of teaching, encouragement, and deep spiritual reflection.

Pastor Busakula focused on 1 Corinthians 7:1–40, clearly explaining the central message of the Apostle Paul. He taught that both marriage and singleness are gifts from God, meant to be lived with faithfulness and self-control. Marriage, he emphasized, is a holy relationship in which husbands and wives are called to love, respect, and remain committed to one another, while singleness allows believers to focus more fully on serving the Lord. Pastor Busakula encouraged everyone to remain faithful to God in whatever season they are called, making life decisions with wisdom, peace, and devotion to the Lord. He concluded by highlighting that the central message is to honor God, live a pure and faithful life, and seek to please Him in every season.

One of the most impactful moments of the conference was when participants broke into small groups, creating a safe and welcoming space to share personal experiences, challenges, and testimonies. These discussions strengthened relationships, promoted accountability, and inspired participants to pursue a Spirit-led and faithful Christian life.

The atmosphere throughout the day was filled with unity, prayer, and encouragement, as attendees uplifted one another and were reminded of God’s calling and grace. It was truly a powerful time of growth and renewal.

Please continue praying for the work at Caring Shepherds that the Word shared will take root, bear fruit, and continue to transform lives, families, and the wider Solwezi community. We thank you for your faithful partnership in this important journey. God bless you!

02/12/2025

📚This Giving Tuesday, Help Us Light Up Minds in Zambia! 📚
Today we have a beautiful opportunity to make a lasting impact. Our dream for the Christian Library in Solwezi is more than a building filled with books—it’s a place of hope, learning, and spiritual growth for children, students, and entire communities.
Every gift helps us:
➡️ Provide Bibles and Christian literature.
➡️ Equip young learners with educational resources.
➡️ Create a safe, uplifting space for study and fellowship.
➡️ Train local leaders and volunteers who pour love and knowledge into their communities.
Your generosity can open doors to brighter futures and deeper faith.
🙏 Will you consider giving today? Whether big or small, your gift helps us share knowledge, strengthen faith, and build a foundation for generations to come.

25/09/2025

We may not fully understand death, but we have a blessed assurance about where those in Christ go after they leave this world.
Some deaths hit us hard — they leave us breathless and questioning — but God, in His wisdom, knows why He calls some people home sooner than others.

Though I never had the chance to meet him in person, his teachings touched countless lives — including mine. He and his family served faithfully in Zambia for several years, and for that, we say: thank you. Thank you for your ministry, your heart, and your obedience to God’s call.

Rest in peace, servant of God.
You’re now in a far better place, in the presence of the King.