The Kukhany'Okusha Zion Church (KZC) has been a partner church with Global Ministries since 1982. The Zionist Church in Southern Africa was founded in the late 1800's in Othaka, South Africa, by a Dutch Reformed missionary, Mr. LeRoux, and an indigenous leader, Reverend Daniel Nkonyane. In 1983 the Kukhany'Okusha branch of the Zionist Church of Swaziland was established under the leadership of Bishop A. M. Dlamini who led the church until 2010. In English, Kukhany'Okusha means "new light." They are actively involved in church building projects, preschool education, children’s programs, and extensive HIV/AIDS education programs within congregations. The Kukhany'Okusha Zion Church is a member of the Council of Churches of Swaziland (the only Zionist Church that holds membership), the All Africa Conference of Churches, and the Organization of African Indigenous Churches.

Swaziland is a monarchy and its traditional culture is very important. Currently the country is struggling to balance its respect for the monarchy with the development of democracy, especially through the existence of trade unions. Both the unemployment rate and the rate of HIV infection are high in Swaziland some estimates put both near 50 percent. These rates are reflected within the membership of the KZC. Though the church is constantly trying to develop ways in which to be more financially independent, it has had to rely heavily on partners in the United States for financial support.

Since its beginnings, the Kukhany'Okusha Zion Church has served the poor communities where it is located. Most of the congregations are in rural areas that are especially deprived. The KZC runs eight Neighborhood Care Point (NCP) centers. NCPs currently work with a total of about 500 children, the majority of whom are hungry. In late 2010, the KZC was able to begin a feeding program through the support of generous churches and individual donors who provided necessary start-up funds. The program is providing nutrition-filled foods for children at these NCPs and providing employment for a few individuals along the way. As the feeding program expands, so does the number of children being served by the NCPs.

The cost to feed a child for a month is $10. Gifts of any size are welcome for the support of the KZC Neighborhood Care Point food program.

To learn about the Indiana and Kentucky Disciples connection to this project, click here: http://globalministries.org/give/donor-stories/fcc-shelbyville.html