Help Us Get to Zambia:Standing with Mother While Recovering

Since 2012, my husband Lukunka has been in the U.S., working hard and growing personally, professionally, and spiritually. He’s the youngest of eight siblings, but you’d never know it by the way he carries so much love and responsibility for his family back in Zambia especially for his mother, Lexina.

If you know Lukunka personally, you already know how hardworking, generous, and kind-hearted he is. He’s someone who gives freely, even when no one is looking. And now, we’re asking for your help as we try to get him back home during one of the hardest moments his family has faced.

Earlier this year, Mama Lexina was in a serious car accident that left one of her arms badly injured. The injury became infected, and she lost use of that hand. We were searching for the right place to get her surgery and support her recovery when something even more frightening happened: she suffered a stroke.

The stroke left her partially paralyzed. She now struggles to walk and eat on her own, and she’s experiencing memory loss and disorientation. After seeing multiple doctors and specialists, we learned that she had bleeding in her brain something that explained the frequent falls and confusion, but also something that made any decision about surgery extremely risky, especially at her age.

By God’s grace, the surgery was successful. But the journey is far from over. It’s been just a few days since the procedure, and Mama Lexina still hasn’t been able to speak. We are praying every day for her healing, for peace, and for full restoration.

We’re making urgent plans to travel to Zambia to be with her and support her recovery. But as many of you know, international travel especially on short notice is expensive. On top of airfare, there are ongoing medical costs and caregiving needs we’ll have to help cover when we arrive.

If you feel moved to give, we would be deeply grateful. Every little bit helps. And if you can’t give financially, we kindly ask for your prayers. We believe in the power of community, faith, and love during uncertain times.

In 2015, Lukunka lost his father while still in the U.S. without the chance to say goodbye. That heartbreak has never fully left him. Since moving here, he’s only been able to see his mother once in over a decade. She’s not just his mom she’s his anchor. Many joke that he’s her favorite (though she’d never say it out loud), and the truth is, their bond is unshakable.

Mama Lexina is one of those rare souls who makes the world feel warmer. She’s a woman of deep faith, endless compassion, and quiet strength. She has cared for children that weren’t her own, fed neighbors when her own cupboards were nearly empty, and shared smiles and prayers with everyone she meets. Even now, we’re reminded of her love through the lives she’s touched and the community rallying around her.

We’re standing on faith, and asking you to stand with us.

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

—Matthew 18:19–20

With love, hope, and deep gratitude,

Devonna, and Lukunka Mulenga