St Andrew’s Church Bedford Partners with Hands at Work: A Glimpse into Mutaba B, Zambia

St Andrew’s Church Bedford has recently entered into an exciting new partnership with Hands at Work in Africa, a Christian organisation committed to serving some of the most vulnerable children across the continent. This partnership marks the beginning of a long-term relationship rooted in prayer, presence, and shared mission.

Hands at Work focuses on communities where children face significant challenges—poverty, food insecurity, family breakdown, and limited access to education and healthcare. In these settings, local volunteer Care Workers provide consistent, compassionate support. They visit children in their homes, build relationships with families, and ensure that each child receives the care they need to grow physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Location of Mutaba community within Zambia, South Africa

One of the communities St Andrew’s will be walking alongside is Mutaba B in Zambia, where

a team of dedicated Care Workers supports a group of vulnerable children with remarkable commitment. Their work is grounded in the belief that every child is known and valued by God, and that the local church is called to be a place of refuge and hope.

This partnership is not simply about financial support—it is about connection. It is about learning from our brothers and sisters in Africa, praying for them regularly, and standing alongside them as they serve children who might otherwise be overlooked. It is about recognising that the Body of Christ is global, and that when one part suffers, we are all called to respond with compassion.

Over the coming months, St Andrew’s will share stories, prayer needs, and opportunities to get involved. As we begin this journey, we do so with gratitude for the faithful work already taking place on the ground, and with anticipation for what God will do through this new relationship. You can find more information about the work currently being carried out in Mutaba here.

Together, we hope to play a small part in bringing dignity, restoration, and hope to children and families who need it most.

Prayer Points for Mutaba B, Zambia

1. Give thanks for the Care Workers

Pray with gratitude for the 15 volunteer Care Workers who ensure that each child is physically, emotionally, and spiritually cared for. Ask God to strengthen and sustain them as they serve in challenging circumstances.

2. Pray for children like Isaiah and the 50 children in Mutaba B

Lift up Isaiah and the other children who now find joy and safety at the Care Point. The update shares that their health has improved and they are full of joy. Pray for continued healing, stability, and hope in their homes.

3. Pray for primary caregivers like Mavis

Ask God to sustain caregivers who face poverty, illness, and the weight of responsibility. Pray that the support from the Care Point continues to ease their burdens.

4. Pray for the newly formed Mutaba A and Mutaba B CBOs

As the community has been divided into two CBOs, pray for unity, wisdom, and strong leadership. Ask God to bless the partnership with the local churches and the Hands at Work team in Chisamba.

5. Pray for ongoing projects

Pray for the new building under construction, that it will become a place of safety, learning, and discipleship. Give thanks for the blankets distributed to children in need.

6. Pray for spiritual growth

Give thanks that many Care Workers have accepted Christ and dedicated themselves to serving the children. Pray for their discipleship, boldness, and joy as they live out their faith.

7. Pray for resilience in the face of hardship

Mutaba B faces drought, harmful traditional practices, alcohol abuse, and limited government services. Pray for God’s protection, provision, and transformation in the community.