Tim’s AQ News, April 2006

So it’s Easter break at last and all the AQ team has chance to relax for two whole weeks! Life on AQ is full of fun, we enjoy what we do but it is so good to take a rest.

The last 6 weeks, having returned from all our travelling, has been a really good time to reflect on what we have achieved so far as well as giving us chance to begin a few new ministries around Kaniki.

The Kaniki Cup

This was an excellent 5 week tournament which this year saw 10 teams participate. The whole thing had a massive emphasis on Christian fellowship, with prayer before every game, bible verses on the corner flags as well as those used by the linesmen, and an evangelistic talk following the final. Around 400-500 people came to watch the final as well as seeing African Quest lose in the 3^rd place play-off match. As well as the cup; football boots, balls, t-shirts and cash prizes (as well as an autographed Liverpool flag) were awarded to teams and players. The success of the tournament also of course lay in the fact that many people became Christians as a result.

Chipolukusu

After last year’s visit to the township of Chipolukusu where the vast majority of residents seem to have HIV/AIDS, I was keen to ensure that this year’s team also be involved in ministry there. Since returning from South Africa the team have been visiting every Monday morning, speaking and praying with many people in both homes and orphanages. Today, even though AQ is off programme, many of us still went there to help out. It seems the situation for many of the people is worsening as more and more parents die leaving their children to survive on their own. Often if there is a relative around to look after these orphans, their care may only last until any money they have inherited is gone or they themselves become ill. I spoke and prayed with tens of children today in this sort of situation, one of whom had lost his mother only yesterday. When I see children that look like tiny babies at two years old because they have poor diets and their muscles aren’t strong enough for them to walk, I can’t help but think of my nephew and niece who are so blessed back home.

The work at Chipolukusu will continue now on both Monday and Friday mornings (half the AQ team at a time) so that the rest of the team can continue building the KBC student accommodation. The rafters for the roof were put up last week and it’s looking good.

Eagle’s Wings

Another new ministry that AQ is now involved with is a project called Eagle’s Wings. This is a school / day centre / orphanage for street kids that tries to educate and rehabilitate both children and their families. Two of our AQ girls, Anika and Corinne are helping teach in the school there on Wednesday mornings. Mum helped out there while she was visiting Zambia this time and I hope to work more with this project as well.

Ndola Street Kids

Every Wednesday night for the last month or so we have been working with those that live on the streets in Ndola town centre. Having learned quite a few Bemba songs, we lead worship, give talks and hand out bread and juice each week to around 15 street

kids as well anyone else who passes by. We now have ex-prostitutes, drug and alcohol abusers joining us pretty regularly! It’s all good, we just pray that they will continue to stay away from these destructive ways of life. We have made links with Bethel church in order to ensure the work with street kids continues while AQ is on expeditions etc.

Other Activities

As well as the above, during the last few weeks I have also given a few lectures on books of the Bible like Ezekiel and Daniel and even got to fulfil a childhood dream of being in the army!

Well, not quite, I just decided to pay a visit to one of the road-blocks where we do another weekly ministry.

The other cool thing that Norman and myself have been doing with the students is a discipleship course studying Jesus’ life. Sounds pretty standard I guess but it has been so awesome to take such a deep look into His life – 5 hours of study and we hadn’t even got to His baptism. As a result of this and AQ life in general we are all learning to trust in God more than ever and experiencing constantly how He has all things in His control.

One more year

Not that it will surprise too many people but I have agreed to lead AQ again next year. There is still a good deal of time before then but already we have a reasonable group of applicants. So far we have at least 2 Canadians, 2 Americans, and 2 UK applicants, plus in leadership an American couple who will lead alongside Norman and me. The decision to live in Africa for another year is no easy choice. I do miss my family and can’t wait to see my new niece – Maisey Mills - ‘Yes I am sllim’ if you read her name backwards! ;) I have also missed life at St. B’s but have to say that the people there are a great encouragement to me. Apart from letters, prayer and phone calls, I have managed to listen to dozens of services on cassette while out here and have found on several occasions that they have challenged and advised me in matters so relevant it has been incredible. So if you’re at St. B’s on a Sunday remember that, whatever part you play, your contribution goes a long way – even as far as Africa. I hope you all feel as blessed by the services as I do.

Support

Thanks for all your prayers. Please continue to pray for the team’s health, ministries and for next year’s team as well. I’d also ask you to consider whether you are able to support me financially next year. I need to raise money for flying back out to Zambia next September plus enough to cover day-to-day expenses which although relatively small are still much needed. Please consider whether you are able to help me by giving on a monthly basis. But a big thanks to those who have supported me so far!

We are going on our final expedition, preaching and building, in and around Zambia on the 1^st May. I’ll let you know how it goes! Happy Easter and God Bless. Love, Tim Mills.