Hi friends!

We wanted to give you an update on what we at Chazak have been up to in the month of December. It’s been a busy time for us, and we’re excited to share what’s been happening both in training and on the field.‍

Chazak Academy Training: Class 4

Up until Christmas break, Class 4 has been in Training Segment 1.3 Alpha. In this segment, training takes place in a traditional college format that emphasizes soft skills and spiritual growth. The objective is to establish the "inner man" and lay a foundational framework through which Cadets will filter all of their future training and experiences. This segment serves as the keystone for teaching Cadets how to "Lead Yourself – Be worth following." 

Along with the spiritual and soft-skills training, the Cadets have been put through rigorous physical training from the Guardians. These combined efforts focus on developing each person holistically, preparing them for the demanding work ahead. Stay tuned for a video recap of this training segment!

‍Operation Sandman

Meanwhile, the Operations Team and the Guardians have continued building out their connections in East Africa. Though recent deployments were primarily about making connections, these trips have been monumental in determining the best way to gain access in closed areas and establishing new partnerships to reach some of the worst-affected regions.

At this point, the plan is for the next phase of Operation Sandman (in early spring) to be in South Sudan, setting up emergency medical aid and humanitarian aid distribution in places that have yet to see any assistance. We ask for your prayer as we work to Finish the Mission in that part of the globe. Stay tuned for more information on these upcoming deployments.

Operation Chido

More recently, we had the opportunity to send a small team to Mozambique in the wake of Cyclone Chido. This Category 4 storm damaged or destroyed over 35,000 homes, killed at least 117 people, and knocked out power, water, and phone services—leaving hundreds of thousands stranded. Unfortunately, just after our team arrived, deadly riots broke out due to rigged elections, complicating aid efforts and slowing down travel.

A few days ago, while the team was strategizing at the base, a gunshot victim was brought in. Our team was able to provide emergency medical aid and arrange safe travel to a hospital, where he was treated.

According to Landon, a Class 1 Guardian who responded in Operation Chido:

“Today was a day Chazak Guardians dream of. Not because we wish ill on others, but because we pray we're there when people need help. God has given us the skills and tools to respond to the worst, and it's only because of Him that we could help that man today. Praise God, because He put us right where we needed to be.”

The rest of the time, the team largely served performing security and logistical support for other organizations on the ground, since there has been few other international aid organizations there, and little intel for those coming in. Through this deployment, important connections have been made for Chazak, opening the door for future response, since similar disasters are very common in the region. 

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Looking Ahead

As always, we are extremely grateful for your support. As we look back on what has been accomplished this past year and look ahead to a new year, we are determined to keep Finishing the Mission wherever we are called.

Will you join us?

Thank you for standing with us in prayer, support, and shared vision. We’ll continue to keep you updated on our progress and the many ways you can partner with us in the work ahead.

Want to get a full picture of what has been happening in Chazak throughout the past year? See our full 2024 Field Report.

Click here to partner with us. 

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