Since 2020, we’ve been serving Rhema Faith Church (RFC) in Ndola, Zambia—building relationships, praying, and teaching via online sessions. In 2023, we visited in person for the first time. This year marked our third time on Zambian soil, and our friendships with RFC leaders and with other leaders have grown deeper with each visit. Our goal for this trip was to strengthen those relationships and continue to build foundations for the next season of church growth.

A Warm Welcome

Our journey to Ndola was smooth, and when we arrived we were warmly welcomed by the RFC team. The Protea Hotel served as our base for the week, where we were well cared for by the lovely hotel staff.

Into a Village – Wednesday

We headed out to a small village called Mandondo, which was about 45 minutes outside Ndola, and about 5k off of the main roads down some really inaccessible tracks. At the start of the journey there was a surprise for Anita and Michelle who screamed when the plastic bag behind them started to move—turns out, it held three live chickens for the village meal!

The welcome in Mandondo was cautious at first. Most of the villagers—mainly women and children—watched us with curiosity. But barriers quickly melted as we joined them in preparing food, collecting wood, and fetching water. We played with children and handed out hand-knitted hats from our “Knit and Natter” group.

Nick shared a clear gospel message, and one man, Ian, responded immediately, saying, “I am now a follower of Jesus!” He even attended the Saturday conference, ready to be baptised. It was later agreed that his baptism would take place in the village river—which will be an incredible witness to his community. We look forward to hearing about his baptism, and praying that a discipleship grows in the village, perhaps even a new village church!

On the way back, we visited a plot of land now owned by RFC in a growing community. They’re believing God to provide the resources to build a church there—please pray with us for provision and vision for this new development.

Deepening Leadership – Thursday

A friend of RFC graciously allowed us to use her lovely garden for a day with the leaders. It was a time of worship, prayer, and studying God’s Word together. We explored Acts 18–19, seeing how Paul made disciples who would go on to make more disciples. A key to healthy, multiplying churches.

In the afternoon, the men and women split into groups. The women studied biblical examples of strong female leaders and discussed their identity in Christ. The men focused on the next steps for leadership within RFC. The day was a beautiful example of intentional, relational ministry.

Leaders Conference – Friday

The first day of the conference was for church leaders, with 75 leaders from 23 churches. After a slow start, Nick shared a powerful word on servant-hearted, Spirit-filled leadership. We revisited some training from our online sessions, including Four Fields, then we did a Discovery Bible Study on Apostolic Foundations. Finally we explored leadership lessons from Nehemiah 2.

Hearing testimonies from last year’s attendees was incredibly encouraging. Many leaders had faithfully implemented the teachings and seen changes in their churches. We didn’t feel we’d seen the breakthrough we prayed for on this first day—but we kept believing for more.

A Spirit-Filled Gathering – Saturday

Day two of the conference welcomed everyone, not just leaders. After a joyful time of worship, Bob preached on “Foundations, Roots, and Rivers.” Sensing a shift from our planned message, we leaned into teaching about the Holy Spirit. Our session on “How Can I Be Filled with the Holy Spirit?” not only taught these theological and practical principles, but equipped leaders to teach and minister to others.

In the afternoon, we modelled how we should pray for people to be filled with the Holy Spirit, then released everyone to pray together. The room was filled with God’s presence—many were filled with Spirit, encouraged, and empowered. Gift, one of the RFC leaders, closed the day with a powerful commissioning word, reminding us that Jesus is the only way and urging us to go and make disciples.

The conference ended in celebration—with singing, dancing, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Church Visits – Sunday

Sunday was our time to visit local churches. Our team split up to serve at the RFC churches in Padmozi and Mushili. Meanwhile, I had the privilege of preaching at Oasis Church, led by Pastor Brighton, who had also attended the conference. With Gift translating, I spoke on the Gospel of Grace. It was a joy to share God’s Word with this lovely church.

That evening, we gathered with the RFC leaders one last time, sharing reflections and celebrating all that God had done.

A Joyful Farewell – Monday

We left Zambia with full hearts—grateful for God’s faithfulness, encouraged by the growth we’d seen, and hopeful for the future of RFC and the other churches that we connected with during the week. Saying goodbye was hard, but we trust that the seeds sown will bear fruit for years to come.

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Please pray with us for the ongoing work of Rhema Faith Church, in Ndola and across Zambia. We believe this is just the beginning of something significant in the nation, and we’re excited to see what God will do next.

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