The St Albans team reflects on their visit to Miswa, Zambia
Members of St Albans Cathedral and St Luke’s Church have returned from a profoundly moving visit to Miswa, Zambia. 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. 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 serve 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 Care Workers.
After returning home, the team has been reflecting on examples of the Care Workers’ extraordinary work and the hope and purpose it brings into the lives of the children. The water pump not only represents the meeting of physical needs but also serves as a reminder of Jesus as the living water, reflected in the Care Workers who faithfully serve as hands and feet of Christ within their communities, bringing that same life-giving hope. The reflections from the team paint a vivid picture of compassion in action – of communities being strengthened, of children rediscovering joy, and of Care Workers 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 be seen in Africa.
