Since the age of seven, Chitalu has been unable to walk or move around without the use of a wheelchair. Brought up by his mother after his father passed away, he managed to sponsor himself through school up to grade 9. Unfortunately, a combination of financial and mobility challenges prevented Chitalu from completing his education.
Chitalu lives in a rural area of Zambia with rugged terrain, which makes moving around on his old and broken tricycle a challenge. A supporter kindly gave him a wheelchair, but it is unsuitable and unsafe due to the rocky terrain. Chitalu often feels isolated from his community.
In 2014, Chitalu also lost his sight. When he met Kelvin, a disability ambassador in his local community who encouraged him through Scripture, Chitalu’s spiritual eyes were opened and his faith was strengthened.
He still struggled, however, to see his worth and to realise his abilities. Without his mobility and without his sight, Chitalu felt he was good for nothing. How could he work or have a business or a means of earning an income when he was unable to walk or to see? He also believed that his disability rendered him useless to God. With the help and encouragement of both Kelvin and the disability team, who provided practical support and spiritual teaching from the Word of God, Chitalu now understands that God can use people of all abilities for His Kingdom work. He has also started his own small business selling items from his home.
Chitalu joined a regular weekly Disability Bible Study (DBS) group and received an audioBible which helped him grow spiritually. He has since been a great encouragement to Kelvin, and now sees that his labour and service for the Lord are not in vain; there is real fruit from his labours.
When he first went to church, Chitalu was very shy and lacked confidence, but over time, he found acceptance and he is now actively involved and doing the accounts for the church.
Now, Chitalu is seeking to inspire others; he travels long distances to remote communities to share his story with people with disabilities.
