The Story of Children of Zion Village

Mt. Zion Church is in Bel Air, Maryland. Years ago congregational members expressed interest in adding air conditioning to the sanctuary. The pastor stated that he would support an air conditioning project only after the congregation built a church in Africa.

In the fall of 2001 several Mt Zion members began a prayer group to seek God’s guidance in responding to the AIDS pandemic in Africa.

In January 2002, four members of the church traveled to Namibia and spent several weeks meeting with government and tribal leaders. Permission was granted to build a children’s home and land was given on which to build.

One year later, in January 2003, Children of Zion Village in Katima Mulilo, Namibia was opened.  And Mt Zion Church now has air conditioning.

Since 2003, Children of Zion Village has continued to provide residential care for many orphaned and vulnerable children in Namibia. We have had the joy of watching them grow up, find jobs, and start families of their own. Without the love and hope that COZV provides, who knows what may have become of these beautiful children. We are so thankful to each of our donors who have made it possible to continue this important work.

We pray God will continue to bless the hands and feet of those who bless COZV!

Celebrating 20 years of God’s faithfulness

  • Giving Thanks

    We are so grateful for the generosity of our 200+ donors who support our mission.

  • Providing Jobs

    We employ 25 local Namibians to help support the local community in Katima Mulilo.

  • Creating Memories

    Our many volunteers provide needed supplies and fun learning experiences for our children.

  • Sharing Joy

    Our children found faith and hope in the love of Jesus and demonstrate their joy in the Lord everyday.

We need you to continue our work.

Will you join us? There are many ways to get involved.

Share our story. Sponsor a child. Volunteer your time.

Volunteer Testimonies

  • “Children of Zion Village is the purest form of joy I have ever experienced. It will change you!”

    Dodie, Board Member & Volunteer

  • “I love COZV because it shows God's love not only for the children but for me. And when you leave, you will never be the same!"

    Ronnie, Volunteer

  • “COZV is a special place full of amazing, precious children. God is truly present here."

    Lisa, Executive Director & Volunteer

  • “I stepped foot in COZV for the first time and was greeted with hugs from children who have never met me."

    Jeff, Volunteer

  • "It was a joy to see the children being loved, being fed and happy, flourishing, and loving Jesus."

    Melanie, Volunteer

  • "COZV was as if I was seeing God's glory up close. His provision for us through his love. So poor yet so rich!"

    Dorothy, Board Member Volunteer