Hands at Work: St Albans Team Returns with Stories of Hope from Miswa

Members of our Congregation and St Luke’s Church have returned from a profoundly moving visit to Miswa,  Zambia supporting the charity: Hands at Work in Africa. The relationship between the churches and Miswa has been growing for several years, beginning notably with the 2021 church fête that raised funds for a vital community water pump.

During this recent trip, Juliet, Jo, Helen and Wendy were able to stand beside that very pump - a moment captured in a photograph that symbolises the ongoing impact of the generosity shown by so many in St Albans. Seeing the pump in person brought home how deeply the community continues to benefit from it, and how the partnership has matured far beyond that first project.

The team spent their days walking alongside the 26 local volunteer care workers who support around 150 vulnerable children, including some from child‑headed households. They joined in home visits, sitting with families, listening to their stories and offering support and prayer. They played with children who rarely have opportunities for carefree moments, and they helped served meals that, for many children, are the only food they receive in an entire day. These shared moments highlighted not only the immense challenges these families face, but also the life-changing hope brought by the daily faithfulness of the caregivers.

After returning home, both Jo and Juliet shared moving reflections during this week's Alban Devotion with Fr Jason Wratten, describing examples of the caregivers’ extraordinary work and the hope and purpose it brings into the lives of the children. Their stories painted a vivid picture of compassion in action - of communities being strengthened, of children rediscovering joy, and of caregivers finding renewed purpose in serving those around them. It was inspiring to hear how deeply the partnership has taken root and how clearly Alban's footsteps can now be seen in Africa.

Anyone wishing to hear more about their experience and the ongoing work in Miswa is warmly invited to an evening of Zambian food, dance and questions at St Luke’s on 20 March. It will be an opportunity to learn more, to celebrate the partnership, and to see how faith, generosity and community are making a lasting difference in Miswa.