Zambian visitors enjoy new experiences

When a group of eight young Zambian Christians and adult leaders visited Westminster Abbey they were surprised to stumble upon the burial place of the missionary who first brought Christianity to their country in the 1800s: David Livingstone.

The encounter was part of a two-week cultural exchange during July and August which saw the group visit landmarks across London and surrounding counties.

The trip was part a long-running exchange programme between The United Reformed Church Wessex Synod and the Lusaka Presbytery of The United Church of Zambia (UCZ).

In the first week the visitors experienced trips to Salisbury Cathedral, Guildford, Kingston, the city of London, Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea FC, as well as new experiences such as ice skating and a day at the beach, accompanied by young people from Woking United Reformed Church.

The second half of the trip saw the group join Woking URC’s Summer Camp in Oxford where, alongside 50 other young people, children and leaders, they joined in outdoor activities, day trips and worship services.

Members of Woking United Reformed Church hosted the young people and their leaders in their houses for much of the exchange, including a barbecue attended by Will Forster MP.

The church celebrated the conclusion of the visit with a service, during which each visitor was asked to reflect on a highlight from the trip.

Some chose the visit to Chelsea’s ground, others spoke of how much they had enjoyed the summer camp. Dr Gabriel Walubita, one of the leaders of the trip, said encountering the memorial to Livingstone had been his highlight.

Phil Ray, Children’s and Youth Development Officer for the URC Wessex Synod, organised the exchange programme.

He said: "This was a joyful encounter between Zambian and British young people. New experiences enjoyed, laughter shared and friendships forged that will be treasured for years to come.”