Questions About Teams

Why should I go on a team?

We believe that taking a team out to Africa is a great benefit to both:

It affects you

Living here in the U.K. / Ireland, most of us are very sheltered to a world that is crying out for help. Just travelling to Africa by itself is a great opportunity. Witnessing the need and having an opportunity to respond to it is an amazing experience. Going to Africa in the context of a team and in service will potentially change you for the rest of your life. Our goals are to not only open each team member's eyes to mission, but to help equip them to serve anywhere.

It affects the Africans

As a charity we send money to children who are in need. We sponsor over 1000 children, but what is the use if they only receive money and never hear about why people from here actually care. Going to Africa shows the Africans that we care enough to come from the comforts of our home to serve them, and tell them about Jesus.
Abaana needs you!

What will the teams be doing?

The program for each team has not been finalised yet and will be catered to the team's skills. The program will be varied, and will aim to stretch each member of the team, no matter what your experience. Here are some of the areas which we are looking at:

The Youth Teams will be taking part in practical work (e.g. building or painting), children's work at various schools and homes, which will include running a program of songs, games and Bible stories. They will also be working alongside local churches and leading church services. On the final week we have a barbecue (paid for by the team) in a local slum or with some children at risk.

The Ladies Team will be taking part in practical work (e.g. painting or general work). The program will be based around the skills of the ladies on the team, and much of the work will be carried out one to one, with children, babies or ladies in poorer areas of the African community. There will also be opportunities to visit some of the Abaana projects and children supported.

Men's Building team: We have several projects which we are looking to send out groups of 10-15 people to take part in the building project. This team will be primarily focused on the construction of one or several buildings working alongside the African trades men (e.g. teacher housing). They will also raise the funds to cover the cost of the building.

Previous Uganda Team: Katanga Slum Barbecue

On the last Sunday, we went into Katanga slum for a barbecue (of sorts). The team allocated £200 towards buying two cows. This paid not only for the cows, but also for the cutting up of the meat. Then with the help of the church, the meat was barbecued on sticks in the centre of the slum. Children came around to see why the white people had come and where the smell was coming from. The church set up a sound system and we had an open air, in which both the church and team members took part, giving testimonies and sharing about our faith. Once the meat was cooked, we distributed it amongst the people who had gathered. As I stood and watched the crowds gather and saw the children sitting beside the open sewers, I couldn’t help but think that if Jesus was here today this is where he would be. Not just for an afternoon, but this is where his heart would be. With the oppressed, with the destitute, with the prostitutes and those with no hope. And then I had to ask the question. Why does the church not do this daily? In the west we have never had as many material possessions in our history. Young people today have no shortage of toys and computers and spare cash. Most families have several cars. But why do the homeless and the single parents not flock to the church for help? Maybe because we wouldn’t help! Would you?

How much does it cost?

We always keep the cost of each team to a minimum, but every year the team raises more funds than needed. This money goes towards our projects in Africa. We expect each team member to take responsibility for their own funds. To find out what each team cost click on the team information.