This September, Stephen, Zoe and Phoebe Shears from The Forge Church in Suffolk will begin an exciting new chapter as they move to Africa to serve long term with Hands at Work in Africa.
After much prayer, preparation and discernment, the family will be joining Hands at Work, walking alongside local churches and Caregivers who are caring for orphaned and vulnerable children.
Long-term volunteers play a vital role in Hands at Work’s mission by serving alongside local African leaders and churches, strengthening and supporting the work that is already taking place. Rather than leading or replacing local people, they serve as ‘scaffolding’ – a temporary but essential support that helps build capacity, equips local teams, and leaves communities stronger than before. This might involve administration, project support, finance, mentoring, encouragement, or simply being present to pray and walk alongside others. The goal is always to empower local leaders so that sustainable, community-led care for the most vulnerable can continue to grow.
How can you support them?
As they prepare for the move, the Shears family are inviting people to pray for them regularly, keep in touch and encourage them, and support them financially. Monthly support will help cover living costs as they serve full time, while one-off gifts will help with relocation and settling into life in Africa.
Please pray:
as they organise all the practical details of moving to Zambia
for visa and work-permit applications to be successful and processed smoothly
for peace and strength as they say goodbye to family, friends and their life in the UK
for the relationships they will build through Hands at Work in Africa
for good health, safety and protection as they travel and settle into their new home
for God’s provision through a strong team of people who will pray, encourage and support them financially
that they would serve with humility, wisdom and love as they walk alongside local leaders and Caregivers.
If you would like to support the Shears family financially, you can give through the Hands at Work UK website. Please use the reference ‘Shears Support’ when making your donation so it is allocated correctly. If you are eligible, please also complete a Gift Aid declaration.
The family would love to keep you updated on their journey. If you’d like to receive their newsletter, you can email them to be added to their mailing list.
We hope you’ll join us in surrounding the Shears family with prayer and encouragement as they begin this new season of serving in Hands at Work in Africa.