Trip to Zambia July 2005
Twelve mainly young people from West Cross Church recently travelled to Zambia to work with orphanages/churches/charities in this needy country. Here is some of the story.

Background
JT has been travelling to Zambia since 1991 this would be his eight visit. He was instrumental in setting up the first ever West Cross/Mumbles link with Zambia and in particular Chingola. This time would see not only John but Matt and Carolyn Edge, Rachel Walsh, Angie Thompson, Jodie Perry, Jo Harris, Phil Whittington, Dan Jones, John Thomas, Zoe Tancock and Ben Williams travelling out to three locations in Zambia.

Purpose of the visit
To distribute £11,000 worth of books mainly Christian teaching material in Zambia. To identify and distribute large amounts of toys, shoes and baby clothes, to take part in a youth conference to pass on the benefit of our experience of working in a urban western environment on to Zambians whose culture is changing to be more like ours. To assist in churches, charities, and orphanages and an AIDS hospice. In addition we knew that the team itself would benefit from exposure to a developing world environment, which would help them enrich their experience so they can become mature adults. JT had some specific work to do doing seminars for church leaders and youth leaders on a wide range of subjects. These included teaching about apologetics and cults (who are a particular problem in Zambia) “building community across the generations”, spiritual warfare, practical applications of spiritual gifts and Tribal Principles (our youth work principles).

Locations
Our first location would be in Kabwe based at Kabwe Christian centre. Working with Coen and Suraya Scholtze. Five hundred youth and youth leaders attended a youth conference which we took at this location. In addition the team visited an AIDS hospice, and AIDS orphanage, as well as some local churches. The next location was Chingola where the team stayed at Mutende children’s village and played games and be-friended many of the children (many of whom are AIDS orphans). Much of the work in Chingola was based elsewhere and the team travelled into the bush and into townships and did events for hundreds of youngsters as well as the congregations of a number of churches. Some of the pictures on the website show these events. Final location was Livingston where we were working with Rainbow Africa Trust and were involved in visiting bush churches and once again be-friending hundreds of local youngsters. The last few days were more like a “holiday” and we took the opportunity to visit Victoria Falls and go on a short safari through one of the local wildlife parks. Yes, we did see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, baboons, assorted antelope and much more. Oh! Three of our number also bungee jumped of Victoria Falls bridge second highest drop in the world (nearly 400 feet!) so well done to Matt, Jon and Ben. Some quotes from people about the trip included “I have really been inspired by their faith to believe and to live difficult circumstances “it changed my life, I’ve got to go back’ ,‘it was just amazing!’.

Our contacts in Zambia
1. Fire baptized churches. (FBC) The fire Baptized Churches started in the late eighties. They have grown from 20 churches in 1991 when John first visited Zambia up to 71 now with a further half dozen in preparation. They are based in Nchanga which is in Chingola on the Copperbelt province of Zambia. West Cross community church has supported since we began as a church Steve and Maureen Mulenga. They have 3 children Grace, Mercy and Love. While there this time we had a number of requests for John to run a leader ship training school (known as the Apostolic school) next year and also to resource a city wide youth conference next year. All our toys/books/clothes/shoes/ children materials were given to FBC to be distributed amongst the needy in their congregations. Over half of all the books that we took out with us were distributed to the FBC.
2. Kabwe Christian centre/Pro Christo. They train Zambians and other Africans to become missionaries. They are playing a key role in holding back the tide of Islam and training and recruiting Zambian Nationals. The youth conference that we took part in was advertised on Zambian national television and on the radio and we have been asked to do something similar next year but over a longer period. In addition John has been requested to play a regular part in the training and teaching programe for Pro Christo workers and local Pastors. Approximately 40% of all the books we took out have been distributed through Pro Christo. We were able to give some financial gifts to individuals and churches. In addition KCC have strong links with the local AIDS hospice, orphanages and connections with substantial work providing 4000 street orphans with food and schooling. This year we were involved with the hospice and orphanage and next year we hope to get involved with the street orphans project as well.
3. Mutende children’s village. This is based in Chingola and is part of the work of the fire baptized churches. A number of churches in South Wales and the West of England already support Mutende so much of our assistance has been directed to the fire baptized churches. We were requested by Mutende though whether we would be willing to supply bibles to the staff and children. We have agreed and we will do this and we will be sending out a hundred bibles for current and future use as soon as we can.
4. Rainbow Africa Trust. This is based in Livingston in the southern part of the country. Rainbow Africa Trust provides the best school in Livingston, a high quality clinic, pre-schools both in the town and in the bush as well as a range of other significant work including a travelling clinic which is much needed in the area. It was a privilege to be involved in this work and its committed staff and much of its work is the product of a labour of love by Ewart Crowther, we hope to link up with him once again next year.