November 2024

Copperbelt Zambians invariably tell you that the rains will start on 24 October, which is Independence Day. But I can remember only one occasion over the past 15 years when there was rain on Independence Day. But this week, only a few days later, but we have now had heavy rain, and the transformation has been very welcome — lower temperatures, less dust and dry vegetation starting to turn green. Last season’s drought has made folks a little nervous. So they have bought their maize seed and are now hovering over their prepared fields, waiting for the “real” rain, which may not set in for a couple of weeks or more. “Only God knows”, as they say here!

Although our Independence celebrations went ahead in 33 degree heat, enthusiasm and vigour were not diminished, perhaps especially because this year is the 60th year since the British flag came down and the Zambian flag went up with a tremendous roar all over the country. For today’s young people, 1964 is ancient history, but last week our pupils presented their songs, dances and poems with both pride and joy. Zambia is a developing nation, and we all know there is very much more to be done. But I think we can all look back and affirm that much has already been done in 60 years to establish peace, development and security in the country, and to improve the lives of ordinary people. I believe that the key to this is in wise leadership and in the education of our young people.

The Limapela Foundation started work at Cedric’s School 15 years ago last month. Our aim — to advance humanitarian aid, specifically for the benefit of education in poorer communities in Zambia according to Christian values — has not changed throughout these years, and our prayer is that we will continue to be more and more effective in achieving this aim in the coming years. Two schools, committed teachers, more than 800 enrolled pupils and several satellite ministries among the vulnerable must remain firmly established as beacons through which God’s love and compassion can impact an increasing number of young people in the future.

Our thanks to you all once again for your interest, prayers and support. We greatly appreciate it.

— Matthew and Alison Raymond