About

In honor of Joan Cunningham, Karl’s beloved bride, Joni’s Purse was created (a 501c3) to support ministry in Zambia, Africa. The primary elements of this ministry include the Chikondi Church, the Chikondi Grace Christian Trust School and Joni’s Kitchen. 

Luke Buleya, the founding pastor, started Chikondi Church in the late 1990s in the town of Chongwe, Zambia. From its humble beginnings in a small mud brick small building, it has grown to a large church building with over 300 attendees.  There are multiple ministries out of the church including feeding programs, feminine needs, child care, outreach/evangelism into the remote parts of Zambia and surrounding countries. Additional work highlights include the building of churches, church repair and pastoral training.

 Chikondi Grace Christian Trust School was started over 15 years ago out of the original mud brick church building with approximately  30 preschool children and one teacher. It has grown to over four new buildings with 230 children from preschool through 7th grade. There is an administrative staff and 8 teachers. The school provides meals, education and significant bus transportation for the kids in remote bush locations. The school has recently been accredited by the Zambian Education department. 

Joni’s kitchen was dedicated years ago to meet the critical needs for at least one meal a day for these children. It also feeds some of the local widows.