The Community Church, Honiton, has had links with Zambia for some time. As a church we have worked with other New Frontiers churches to support Christians in Southern Zambia, as they have worked out what church looks like in their setting. Tony and Val Harwood have had a business in the capital, Lusaka, for several years. You can see more details of their business here.

The church leaders made contact with Gary Welsh, who oversees the involvement of New Frontiers in Sub Saharan Africa, and in April 2008 Grant Van Schalkwyk was present at the launch of Jubilee Community Church, Livingstone, under the leadership of Chrispen Kazaka.

Grant led a team of ten to Livingstone in the summer of 2008 who were able to serve the church there by helping with evangelism and teaching in church, whilst also giving advice on some small business projects.

The team included members of ‘The Chuppets’ puppet team, which was an attraction for all ages, whilst Football Training proved very popular amongst the young lads of the city. Football kits and training equipment were presented to the church, and the team continues to prosper.

Whilst in Southern Zambia the team visited the village of Sikaunzwe, about 80km west of Livingstone. There they were able to give advice on farming projects, and basic training in Farming God’s Way. Click here for more information on FGW, which is now known as Foundations for Farming.
In March 2009 Norman Amey and Jeremy Gibson visited Livingstone for the first anniversary of Jubilee Church, Livingstone and the launch of Jubilee Community Church, Sikaunzwe, led by ‘David’ Lubasi Libakeni.

Jeremy provided training on HIV and Norman focussed on developments with Farming God’s Way. They were thrilled to see that since the team had visited in 2008 the church from South Africa had delivered chickens to the church, which were now doing well in their mud built henhouse!

Jeremy visited again in December 2009, when he was able to give medical advice and help with seed for the new season’s planting.

We are now planning with the churches in Zambia for a team led by Norman and Alison Amey to go out in July 2010. We are seeking to work with the local church leaders to identify the vision that local people have for their development, rather than imposing what we see as their needs and priorities. The team will include medical experts, a chicken farmer, a water engineer, children’s workers and business advisers.

If you would like to contribute towards the expenses of the team then you can do so by contacting the church, or e-mailing Norman & Alison here.