Back in the early days of Flying Mission Zambia, we told you about the donation of a diesel-powered hydraulic block-making machine which uses local soil and only small amounts of cement to make very strong, smart and relatively cheap building blocks.

Here at Makeni Konga, 15kms from central Lusaka, most families are living in simple, rented mudbrick housing. Men are mostly unemployed or only finding casual work; if they're lucky, women might work for a few mornings as a house help at a farm or for a person who has a job in town. There is usually little money coming into the home. The major strategy for survival for adults is to consume the local home-brew, which can be a fearsome liquid made from any spirit one might lay hands on. One nickname for it is 'red-eye', since those who drink it take on that appearance.

Oshkosh is a town in Wisconsin, near Lake Michigan. Every year, the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) organises the Air Venture show, which is generally known by the name of the town. For many years I have read reports and watched footage of the show on tv back in UK, so when I was invited to attend on behalf of Flying Mission Zambia, I said yes! It was an experience not to be missed.

This was my first time in America. What a big place! Big everything! Big Air Show! 20,000 or more aeroplanes flew in! There was almost every aircraft and aviation-related manufacturer there to display their products.

Flying displays took place every day at 3pm: top aerobatic teams and solo performances of all kinds. One week long, there were thousands of visitors each day. Many were themselves pilots, looking for new innovations.

It’s dry season in the Northwest Province of Zambia, and with it come different flying conditions…and sometimes, different landing conditions. So say Phil and Vella Smith, Flying Mission Zambia personnel.

“Mike 5-4, we are overhead Chavuma for landing, but having to circle because the airstrip is on fire!”

Early this week the 'MICS Marching Band', along with all the workers of the UBUNTU campus' met at ABFA, the "All Blessings From Above" airstrip in Macha. They were welcoming home the van Stam family, back from a 2 month leave in their homeland, Holland.

The family arrived safely with Flying Mission Zambia (FMZ) Pilots, Dave and Guillermo, who brought them in for a safe and smooth landing.

The band greeted the family with music, cheers. streamers, and dancing.

Our Macha partners have shared this story with us:

Macha was blessed just recently by a team of 10 wonderful people from the State of Virginia, USA. They spent their time visiting government schools and showing love to the children. They also did evening outreaches where they showed the Jesus film and many people were changed by it.

At the same time, the visitors were learning about the Tonga culture through interaction with the local people and a 'village live-in'.

They painted the Assembly of God church in a beautiful Zambian blue inside. They had a young people's day at church for the teens and the unmarried 20-30's. They visited the hospital and saw the new hospital playroom for children.

Chilongolo, base for Flying Mission operations in Zambia, is growing in all directions. This new hangar, funded jointly by Beit Trust and a supporting church in USA, is the latest development. It will provide much-needed wind protection and hard standing for our aeroplanes. Indeed it may even enable us to apply for status as a maintenance base in the future.

I just have to tell this story. It is definitely different! A bit frightening too, at first. I won't mention any names or places because of how it might impact the family involved.

Open for business! Connections Guest House is finally ready to welcome you!

After several years of effort by many helpers from around the world, the main house at Chilongolo (Flying Misson Zambia's base outside of Lusaka) is ready to receive guests.