A letter from Father Sam Gilbertson

I was blessed to spend almost a week with Action for Children Zambia this April 2023 and to see firsthand all the incredible work that is accomplished through the love of “Mama” Carol and all those who are dedicated to her mission. Words cannot adequately capture my experience that week and will undoubtedly fall short. I experienced some of the struggles of those street children and also those who have been transformed by love. Overall, I would say that I experienced immense joy.

I saw joy in each and every one of those children, young men, and women. It was a palpable joy that only comes from love. Some of these children have been through a great deal of trauma and suffering. They have been abused, neglected, and discarded by society. Yet, I saw them thriving and living life with joy. This life that they now live where they can eat three meals day, attend school, graduate, attend university, and create a life of their own is only possible because of the vision, dedication, and love of Mama Carol. The atmosphere at Action for Children Zambia was unlike anything I had every experienced. It was a culture of love, acceptance, and challenge to grow.

When I was speaking with the older boys, now men, whom were some of the first that Mama Carol found and helped on the streets, they spoke with such love and dedication to all that Mama Carol had done for them. They voiced that they would not be where they are today if it wasn’t for her and her unconditional love. I wonder back on those early days some 20 years ago when Mama Carol was just Carol and was just getting her feet set on the ground in Zambia. What a challenging time it must have been! Now, her whole ministry has been transformed and amazing fruits are evident and continually being borne. She voiced to me that “if I do not break the poverty cycle for these kids that I am working with, then I have failed.” She has not failed. She has done exactly the opposite. She has broken the poverty cycle and has given her children a chance at a completely new life. Her family that she has created has opportunities and life which would not be accessible otherwise.

Her ministry serves the most vulnerable in society where there is no one else to help. One of the nights, we were able to do street ministry with Mama Carol and feed those currently on the streets without a place to call home. She was instantly recognized by the children and a large crowd gathered to see Mama Carol and hug her. To see her love in action was powerful. The children and young men and women lined up and asked for our prayers and Mama Carol fed them. I know that she would have taken them all in at once if she was able to. However, for that night, her smile, songs, joy, and love were enough for them.

I hope to return some day to be blessed once again by Action for Children Zambia. Until that time, I will support them with my prayers and resources and pray that all consider to do the same. Mama Carol’s work and all those dedicated to her mission at Action for Children Zambia are transforming and saving lives in the most concrete and tangible ways that I have every witnessed. This deserves support and encouragement from all who are able! May God bless them now and always!

Father Sam Gilbertson

Priest of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis