May 2026 - Arriving to Kachele Farm Zambia
Our second and third days on our mission trip to Zambia consisted of travelling from Johannesburg into Zambia, settling into life at Kachele Farm, and preparing our hearts for our first visits into the communities.
We woke early in Johannesburg for our 10:15am flight into Zambia. After getting ready, we headed to the airport with enough time to check in, grab a coffee, and sit together before boarding. It was actually a really lovely way to begin the day before entering the next stage of the trip.
Once we landed in Zambia, clearing customs was relatively straightforward for most of the team, except for Ses. His drone was flagged and held back at customs, which was ironic given he couldn’t even find it the day before.
But in God's providence, thankfully, if there was anyone equipped to navigate the situation calmly, it was probably Ses and Andrew, who both understand the culture and context well.
After arriving, we were warmly welcomed by the Hands at Work team, who picked us up from the airport. We first stopped into town to buy lunch and a few necessities before making our way to the farm stay in Kachele.
The farm stay has been incredibly peaceful and comfortable. I (Sneha) love hearing the roosters crowning in the morning. There are several missionaries staying here, including a Canadian family with six children who have completely warmed to our team. The kids have taken us on tours, played games with us, and joined us for dinner.
It has also been beautiful hearing more about how God has used this family within Hands at Work. Through conversations with Andrew and Jeff, we have learnt about different initiatives helping create sustainability within the ministry while also mentoring and employing young people from local communities.
We also met Peter, a missionary from Germany, whose team had just departed the day we arrived. In addition, we met Mel and her daughter Becca from Sydney, who are serving with Hands at Work and staying here during the gathering. Jackie, another long-term worker with Hands at Work, welcomed us warmly and even invited us into her home during our first afternoon where we were able to try a local delicacy.
Our first evening was fairly quiet. After settling in, the team cooked us dinner, and with jet lag catching up to many of us, several people were asleep by 8:30pm.
The following morning, a few of us, went for an early run. It was beautiful to watch the sunrise over Zambia after the long journey here. The temperature was perfect: cool enough to run comfortably but beginning to warm with the morning light. It felt good to move our legs again after so much travel.
God is good.
After breakfast we prepared for church, which began at 8:30am. The service was run by an American missionary serving locally and was held on the grounds of a missional school. The school and church have clearly been shaped by generations of faithful missionary work.
Being Pentecost Sunday, the sermon reflected on the journey from Babel to Pentecost. We were reminded that at Babel humanity sought greatness apart from God, resulting in confusion, division, and pride. Yet at Pentecost, although many languages remained, the Holy Spirit became the unifying language among God’s people.
It was such a timely reminder that regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, or ability, those who carry the Holy Spirit are united as one people belonging to God.
After church, we returned to the farmhouse for a slower afternoon. Some of the team went out to buy supplies for lunch before we all ate together. Later, Jeff took us around the farm where we met some of the animals, joined by three of Jeff's kids, Beau, Barney, and Benji.
Our time arriving at Kachele Farm was full, with certain team members stating that as they arrived to Kachele the felt an unburdening and lightness being amongst the Hands Community here.
As we gather at Kachele Farm where Jesus is worshipped and His Kingdom work is done, we are reminded of His promise. That anyone who arrives exhausted by the struggles, burdens and expectations of life is welcome here. In Him there is deep spiritual and mental rest for all who come carrying heavy loads. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest - Matthew 11:28 Many are tired, excited and nervous for what our time in community would look like ahead tomorrow and we ask that you pray for strength, strong physical health and courage as the team enters community.
The contents of this media represent the sole views and opinions of the author, not of Hands at Work or any other groups or persons.
Comments