Lesley and John Bentley share about their recent visit to communities in Zambia:
“We stayed at Kachele for the first week, where we visited the communities of Chilabula, Maposa, Mount Moriah and Amlew. In the second week we were based in Kabwe and went to Malakota A, B and C, where no team from a Partner has visited for three years. The joy was all the greater for us as visitors and for the Care Workers, Primary Caregivers and children. As with all who visit, we came back with a kaleidoscope of images, memories, sights and sounds, but there are three images we would like to share.
The first picture is two old fellas, separated by culture, hemisphere and experiences, but united in Christ and talking and praying with a single voice. Stephen has been involved with the Care Points at Malakota from the beginning, first in local work to feed orphans and vulnerable children and then in forming the partnership with Hands at Work.
The second image is the Sergio Leone classic spaghetti western. Blue sky, flat brown landscape, wind blowing the dust as we finally arrive at the distant Care Point. These Care Points are indeed a long way from the tar road; the country is in drought and crops are failing but the persistence and determination of the Care Workers shines out in the darkness. We were able to worship together, to sit in the Care Point under a tree and to share words of truth and encouragement.
The third image is that of graduation. Pertinent in view of Lesley’s PhD graduation in October, but also a healthy image of growth and maturity. Malakota A and B are expected to graduate in two years’ time and, like a child leaving home, the community will be able to stand alone, supported by links built up with local churches and communities. That is right and proper, and creates capacity to go further from the tar road and begin to work with other communities, bringing God’s love and hope wrapped up in the three essential services of food, education and health care.
We were fortunate to visit a small church near Malakota A and B, where links are being made to foster support. We will leave you with this image. Clint Eastwood riding out of town, old generator rattling away, big loud speakers, mixer amp with all the overdrive warning lights flashing, a young vocalist with the presence of a young Smokey Robinson. This was no tears of a clown but a powerful praising of a powerful God.”
John and Lesley also celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary whilst in Zambia – many congratulations to them!