These Ashes Are an Invitation to Dream
by Andy Robinson
The Church with its glorious thatched roof
I still remember the first time I visited that church in Kitwe.
The moment I stepped into the room, I could feel it — the presence of God. I’ve preached there. I’ve worshipped shoulder to shoulder with a passionate and faith-filled people. I’ve seen tears fall on the floor, not from pain but from the power of the Holy Spirit moving in people’s lives. I’ve seen healing, restoration, and lives forever changed in that very space.
So when I saw the news that the building had gone up in flames, I felt it like a punch to the gut.
This isn’t my home church. But it is a church I love. Deeply. I’ve visited many times. I’ve built friendships there. I’ve witnessed the faith, sacrifice, and perseverance of the people. And now, that building — the one that’s been a lighthouse in the city — is a pile of ash and rubble.
But I’m not writing to dwell on the loss. I’m writing because I believe this is a moment to rise.
Isaiah 61:3 that has been echoing in my heart ever since:
“To those who mourn in Zion, He will give a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”
This is not just a comforting verse. It’s a declaration of defiance. A holy promise. A rallying cry. Where there are ashes, God brings beauty. Where there is mourning, He pours joy. And where there is despair, praise will rise again.
We’re not just talking about rebuilding what was. We are standing in faith to build back better.
You see, even before the fire, the church building in Kitwe was struggling with space. There was no proper Sunday environment for children. Joseph was working out of a converted shipping container because there was no office space available. Lilly was based in what should have been a storage room, tucked away in a different building altogether. The campus pastor didn’t even have an office to prepare, pray, or meet with people. There was no dedicated storage, no overflow space, and very little room to grow. It was far from ideal. And yet, they pressed on. They made it work. And God moved powerfully.
But now, in the ashes, is an invitation to dream. To build a space that reflects the excellence we’ve already seen in the school on the same grounds, a school that has become a beacon of hope and quality education in the community.
What if this new church building could become the same? What if it could be more than a meeting place? What if it became a centre for worship, discipleship, social action, community care, and city transformation? What if this is the moment we step into something even greater?
Here’s the reality though. It won’t happen on its own.
There is no insurance money to call on and the local church cannot carry the burden alone. This is a moment for the wider Church, for us, for you and me, to say, “We’re with you.”
Not just with words, but with generosity.
I’m not asking someone else. I’m asking you. Will you give? Will you sow into something that I believe will become a story of resurrection and revival?
Your gift will help turn ash into beauty.
It will raise the walls of a church that lifts the name of Jesus.
It will be part of the miracle.
Let’s not sit back and hope someone else does it. Let’s step up and say, “I will.”
And help us rebuild something beautiful in Kitwe.
Help Rebuild in Kitwe
Your gift today will help restore what was lost and bring hope to a church family rising from the ashes.
