Communities and Prayers

This will be our final pre-mission trip blog and our last update from the UK! As we complete the final stages of our preparations, we want to take a moment to say thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and generous donations. A special thank you goes to everyone who has supported our young people by donating or attending fundraising events, helping them raise the funds needed for this trip. It is amazing that we can offer young people the chance to live out their faith and deepen their relationship with God in this way. 

Please do join us on Saturday 1st August at 11am for coffee in the Chapter House to send us off on our way. Thanks. 

Communities

We thought it would be interesting to share with you the profiles of the communities we will be visiting over the next two weeks. Please click on the links below to have a read. At the bottom of each page there is a link to the Care Point profile and the latest care point report. 

Mafambisa -  https://www.handsatwork.org/southafrica/mafambisa

Welverdiend/Pfunani - https://www.handsatwork.org/southafrica/welverdiend

Seville B - https://www.handsatwork.org/southafrica/seville-b

Prayers 

As we embark on our travels tomorrow we ask that you join us in the prayer that we shared at our commissioning service on Sunday. 

Lord God, as we stand here today, we thank You for the privilege of travelling to South Africa to serve some of the most vulnerable communities. We thank You for every person in this team — and especially for the young people who are stepping out in courage, compassion, and faith.

We pray that You would go before us in every journey we take. Keep us safe as we travel, protect us in every place we visit, and steady our hearts when we feel unsure. Fill us with Your peace and Your presence.

Help us to work together with patience, joy, and unity. Teach us to listen well, to support one another, and to serve as one body with one purpose. May our teamwork reflect Your love.

Lord, use our singing, our dancing, our conversations, and our smiles to bring encouragement to those who need it most. Let every word we speak carry hope. Let every moment we share remind people that they are seen, valued, and deeply loved by You.

Bless the communities we will meet. May Your light shine through us, not for our glory, but for Yours. And bring us home safely, changed for the better, and grateful for all You have done.

We place this journey in Your hands.

Amen.

Our Team Africa 2026 Logo — What It Means to Us

This year, Freya, Ben and I designed the Team Africa 2026 logo, and it honestly feels amazing seeing something we created represent our whole team.

We chose every part of the logo for a reason. 

The outline of Africa shows where we’re going and the people we’re going to support. 

The figures around the edge represent the careworkers, the children, and us all connected as one community. 

The cross in the centre reminds us that Jesus is the focus of everything we do. 

The Scottish badge stands for St Andrew’s Church, the place that sends us out and supports us. 

And finally, we included the Bible quote Philippians 4:13  “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It’s part of the holiday club song Be Happy, which loads of us grew up singing. It’s one of those verses that sticks with you, especially when you’re nervous or excited about something big. It reminds us that even though we’re young, we’re not doing this alone.

By Jack 

Commissioning Service - Sunday 26th July

Commissioned for Mafambisa: A Moment I Won’t Forget 

On Sunday, something happened that felt bigger than just “getting ready for a trip.” At the end of the service, our team gathered at the front of church for our commissioning and even though I’ve been to South Africa once before, this moment hit differently.

We were asked to say our names out loud. Simple, but powerful. It was like saying, “I’m here. I’m part of this. I’m stepping into something God is calling me to.” Then we made our commitments, to be a whole team, stronger together than any of us are on our own; to be active and sensitive, not just doing tasks but noticing people; to deal with the unexpected (which, if you’ve been before, you know is basically guaranteed); and to go the extra mile with humility, leaving pride behind so we can be open to whatever God wants to show us.

The congregation promised to support us and pray for us. It meant a lot.

Then came the moment that will stay with me: we held out our hands to be anointed with oil. One by one, we said:

Hands to work. Hands to embrace. Hands to give. Hands to receive. Hands to create. Hands to bless.

It was simple, but honestly, it was powerful. Standing there with oil on my hands, I felt the weight of what we’re going to do not heavy, but real. These hands will carry bags, play games with kids, share food, hold someone’s arm when they need support, and maybe even wipe away a tear. They’ll give, but they’ll also receive. They’ll bless, but they’ll also be blessed.

Going back to Mafambisa feels like returning to family. To stand with the community we love, and to keep learning what it means to serve with open hands and an open heart.

This commissioning wasn’t just a moment in a service. It was a reminder of who we are, why we’re going, and the God who goes with us.

And now… we’re ready.

By Carolyn 

 

Meet the team - Alice!

​Hi, I’m Alice, and it is a privilege to be leading this year’s team to South Africa, and in particular to Mafambisa. Although I say "leading", that doesn't quite feel accurate when so many members of the team have played a vital role in getting to this point. Every member of the team plays a part, bringing their own unique gifts, skills, and experiences, and I am incredibly grateful to those who have stepped up to help make this year's trip possible.

This will be my ninth visit to Hands at Work, and in 2023 I also spent time volunteer teaching in a primary school near Durban. South Africa truly feels like a second home to me. I love my job as an Assistant Headteacher and SENCo in London and the privilege of walking alongside vulnerable children and their families. I feel the same sense of purpose and joy whenever I spend time in South Africa and at Mafambisa.

As our team embarks on what has become an annual journey to South Africa, Hands at Work, and Mafambisa over the past decade, I/We do so with mixed emotions.

The joy of the Care Workers and children is enough to fill anyone's cup to overflowing. Their smiles, laughter, and resilience bring happiness to everyone around them. Yet there will also be moments of reflection and sadness as we remember that Chris (Dad) will not be with us. Somehow, though, I know he will still make his presence felt when we least expect it, or perhaps exactly when we do. After all, who else is going to shout "Ramp!" from the bus as we drive to the Care Points, or manage to get nearly every Service Centre and Care Worker name wrong throughout the week?

Over the years, I have visited Mafambisa and Hands at Work with many different teams, and every trip has been unique and special. No two visits have ever been the same, and I believe this year will be no different. God has carefully brought together this year's team: young and not so young, those who have visited many times, those who have come once before, and those experiencing it all for the very first time. What I do know is that this team already feels like an extended family going to visit our extended family in South Africa.

I love to chop the vegetables, particularly the  beetroot! There is something about the way they prepare and cook the beetroot that tastes so good! I love being able to walk alongside the Care Workers, encouraging and supporting them, while also spending time playing, singing, and dancing with the children and seeing how much they have grown from year to year.

Every time I visit, I am blown away by the joy, hope, and love that shines through the Care Points, the Care Workers, the Service Centre staff, and ultimately the children themselves. Mafambisa, along with the other Care Points we have visited and will visit, serves as a beacon of light in communities facing significant challenges. Despite the hardships, the children remain at the heart of everything they do.

As we prepare for this year's trip, my prayers are:

• For safe travels to South Africa and throughout our time visiting the Care Points.
• For our team to encourage, support, and empower the Care Workers and Service Centre staff, and that we may be a blessing to them during the short time we have together.
• For those visiting for the first time to experience God's love, peace, and faithfulness as we journey together.
• For those returning that their faith will be reignited. 
• That every member of the team would hear God's voice, be led by His Spirit, and be transformed through all that we experience over the next two weeks.
• For plenty of fun, laughter, and joy in every part of our trip

Please keep reading our blog, comment if you are able and hold us in your prayers. We love to wake up in the morning and read your comments and encouragements. Thanks for partnering with us on this journey. 

Meet the team - Ben!

Hi, I am Ben and I’m looking forward and excited to go back to South Africa with the team this year. I have been lucky enough to go twice in the past and enjoyed every minute of both trips. 

My two trips to South Africa gave me a different look on Christianity and my faith. The way they pray, preach and come together to enjoy worship inspired me and allowed me to connect closer to God. Even in some of the cruelest times, these people are still able to believe and give their lives to the Lord and celebrate that each day with uplifting songs. 

The second year I went, to see the children and Care Workers in Mafambisa again was something special. As they run up to you shouting your name after 2 years is incredible. Seeing the Care Workers come out of their shells more post Covid taught us all how meaningful these visits are. 

Since I have last been, I have struggled to stay close to God in the business of life after Sixth Form. However, just before I go to University in September, I believe this is a great opportunity for me to go again and relight my relationship with Christ.

Meet the team - Carolyn!

 Returning to Africa: Why This Journey Matters to Me

This is my second trip to Africa, and going back feels just as meaningful as the first time. My first visit, four years ago, was genuinely life‑changing. It opened my eyes to a different pace of life, a different kind of joy, and a community whose strength and warmth stayed with me long after I returned home. Ever since then, I’ve wanted to go back, not just to see familiar faces, but to see how Mafambisa has grown and progressed.

I’m especially looking forward to spending time with the children again and supporting the care workers who give so much of themselves every single day. There’s something about being in Africa that reminds me how simple things can bring real happiness. A smile, a shared moment, a song, a hand held these small things carry so much meaning. Every time I’m there, I’m reminded that life doesn’t need to be complicated to be full.

This trip also feels important for my faith. I’m hoping it brings the same enrichment and fulfilment I experienced before maybe even more. It’s a chance to step away from the rush of everyday life and reconnect with what truly matters.

So as I head back to Africa, I’m carrying all of that with me  the memories, the gratitude, the lessons learned, and the hope for what this next chapter will bring. I’m excited to see how Mafambisa has changed, but I’m also ready for how it might change me again.

Meet the team - Lucy!

Hi, I’m Lucy, married to John, have 4 children who have all been to South Africa over the 10 years of our partnership; this is my 3rd trip to South Africa with Hands at Work and I am very much looking forward to it . Each visit is different and I feel this will be the case this year! I’m sure we will refer to Chris Parker, many , many times and I thank Chris personally for setting up this partnership and sure all who have visited feel privileged to have gone and spent time with those in South Africa, and found their faith deepened in doing so . This will be particularly poignant as we wash the care workers feet on fellowship (previously appreciation) day, on my last 2 trips I sat alongside Chris in completing this powerful and privileged task. 

I am interested in seeing the team at Mafambisa and how the Carepoint has developed since my last trip. I made a personal connection with Kitsewe on my first trip and delighted that she is now the lead amongst the Careworkers at Mafambisa; her situation resonates with me, we share a connection with both having had 4 children and having the gift of hospitality. I am excited to see the children at the care point, I’m sure many familiar faces, it will be good to see how they are developing and see how the Holy spirit is working within that setting and the surrounding community. I look forward to hearing and seeing updates from previous Holy home visits. I’m excited to visit the communities of Pfunani and Seville B this will be my first visit to them, each community have their own characteristics and it will be great to see how these operate. 

I look forward to our team bonding, seeing each person on this journey and excited to see how the Holy Spirit works within each of us whilst in South Africa but also on our return to England. 

Each trip I have taken I have swept leaves at the Mafambisa Care Point, a small therapeutic act which is something the care workers then don’t need to do … I hope they still have a rake ! 

I would be wrong if I didn’t say I am slightly anxious but place the trip in the hands of the Lord who will be with me and us all of the way; please pray for us, read the blog and comment it’s such a support to read them.

Meet the team - Rachel!

Hello, I am Rachel and this will be my second time going to South Africa. I had the opportunity to go last year and I decided to go again as I want to continue building relationships I started making last year and now I have more knowledge of how things are there I think I will be able to get stuck in more. 

I am looking forward to going to two new care points for me Seville B and Pfunani. I have matured so much in the past year and i feel when I was there last year it brought me so much joy and peace and I can’t wait to be able to share my stories of going to South Africa when I come home.

Meet the team - Freya!

Hi, my name is Freya, I am 15 years old and about to go into my GCSE year at school. I enjoy lots of sports, in particular netball and golf.

This is my first time going to Mafambisa and I am very excited to be able to experience everything God has in store for me. I have grown up watching all the other Africa teams travel to Mafambisa and hear about all their adventures with the children and care workers which has made me want to experience it myself. I am very excited to be part of this years team. Please pray for the team as we travel out to Africa together, may we be safe as we ask for Gods guidance when needed and the strength to share his love.

Meet the team - Lesley!

 

Hi my name is Lesley. This will be my 3rd short mission to SA

And second with 

'Hands at Work.. .

Last there in summer of 2017.

I love all those smiling faces of children and the care workers. Feeding , playing, caring, sharing faith and visits to homes. 

The joy is infectious for those who have so little. You just can't help falling in love!

At 75+ I'm the eldest in the team of 10 but eager to give my best in serving these wonderful people.

Meet the team - Sally!

Hello – I am Sally and am I excited to be part of the 2026 team from St Andrews. I first went to South Africa as part of the team in 2024. We went as a family - my husband Christopher, our children Adam and Pippa and myself. It was a life changing trip for all of us and I was so proud when both the children chose to return again last year. Adam could only get one week off work - but still went anyway for the time he could - and Pippa was brave enough to go without her parents (with Alice volunteering to becoming her legal guardian for a fortnight!).

I would have loved to have gone last year as well, but at the time I needed to commit I was still in the middle of my main breast cancer treatment. And of course I was not the only person to be frustrated at not being able to travel last year. I visited Chris Parker at Lister Hospital a number of times during the time the team were away including on the way back from dropping the team at Heathrow and on the middle weekend while Adam was flying back on his own from Skukuza to Johannesburg and then onto Heathrow. We enjoyed reading and commenting on the blog together over a cup of tea and monitoring the team’s progress thanks to the fact I could track both my children’s phones. We both were determined that we would do our best to make the trip this year whatever condition we were in! Sadly in Chris’s case this was not to be and he will be very much on all our minds while we are away.

I am looking forward to returning to the communities in Mafambisa, Seville B and Pfunani which we visited back in 2024 – meeting the care workers and the children again and seeing how things have changed and developed. You may recall from my intro blog in 2024 one of the things I was concerned about was whether our two-week visit really could make a difference to these vulnerable communities. I can confirm that I saw first-hand that simply by going and supporting local care workers, listening to caregivers and sharing God’s love with the children, we can provide encouragement and hope in extremely challenging circumstances. It is a real privilege to be going again and having the opportunity to do this. Whilst I am still coming to terms with the ongoing impact of my treatment and worrying how I will manage the trip with my fatigue and aches and pains, I am acutely aware that I have been blessed with access to excellent healthcare and support over the last two year and in the big scheme of things and compared with the challenges these communities are facing I have much to be grateful for. 

 

Meet the team - Jack!

Hi I’m Jack and the reason I have chosen to go back to South Africa this year is because I believe that the last time I went I didn’t quite fulfil the true meaning of what it was like as I was quite young. So this time I feel there is more to learn and achieve while I’m there as I have matured since last time and I would love to make the same connections with the same people and make more connections with others. I also feel that God is pushing me towards South Africa again because he also knows that there are gaps that I need to fill since 2022 and I know that there are gaps so this time I want to make another massive difference when we are there by helping at every possible opportunity that comes towards me. I am excited to travel to Africa with our team this year and I hope that everyone will hold all of us in their prayers as we go and stay there for 2 weeks to help with Gods work as he looks down upon us keeping us safe.

Meet the team - John!

Hi, I’m John, I’m married to Lucy, we have four adult children and two young grandsons. I have worshiped at St Andrew’s church for many years and have been involved in various aspects of church life, but few things have given me greater pleasure, and belief in God at work in the world, than our partnership with Hands at Work.

I witnessed firsthand the effect going to visit and share in the work of Hands in Africa had on my daughter, Jessica, and my eldest son, Oliver, about a decade ago; and have had the privilege of being part of two previous teams in 2022 and 2024. I have been thrilled by the way our relationship with Hands, and our partner community of Mafambisa, have developed and grown over the last number of years.

The visits were humbling, inspiring and uplifting; to see the work of the Hands team, the kindness and dedication of the Care Workers, and the pure unbridled enthusiasm of the children was a real joy. Along with that was the strengthening of the faith we share, seeing God’s love for his people in action and feeling God’s presence amid challenging situations. We prayed, we ate, we played, we laughed, and we shared in moments of difficulty and anxiety, but it certainly made me think again about the priorities of life and what I consider to be important. One of the things that made a great impact on me were the Holy Home Visits; being invited into the homes of people in communities, listening to their stories, however challenging, was very special and something that has stayed with me. Since my return, amidst all the busyness and strains we experience in everyday life, it has made me appreciate things more and be thankful that I am truly blessed.

I’m eager to see what our visit this year may bring; I’m excited about going back, seeing how things have progressed, meeting old friends and new, and traveling with this year’s Team. I’m looking forward to join again with the fantastic work of Hands, and walk alongside the care workers as they cook, visit homes and care for the children of their communities.

Team 2026

It is that time of year again when we start to introduce our 2026 Team that are heading out to our partner community of Mafambisa, South Africa. Each trip and team has been different over our 10 year partnership and we are excited for what God is going to do within our team, in ourselves and in our time with Hands at Work and in the communities we visited. We believe that God has called and curated this years team for a particular reason so please follow on as we introduce this years team and as we prepare for out trip this August.