Lay Canon Mama Rhoda Lusaka was one of a team of four visitors from the Bungoma Diocese in western Kenya – which is linked to the Diocese of Peterborough – visiting the local area last month.

Following a reception at Peterborough Cathedral, Mama Rhoda stayed in Crick for a week visiting churches, schools, a farm and care groups in the Daventry area. She was also the guest of honour at the Yelvertoft fete and preached at the Crick United Benefice holy communion service at Yelvertoft church.

Mama Rhoda is a former headteacher of her local school in Mapela and is a Lay Canon at the parish church.

Her host was Geoff Brown of Ashby Drive, Crick who stayed on Mama Rhoda’s farm in Africa last year, as part of a two-week mission to the region. He said: “I became aware of the lack of water in the dry season and since my return I have been working with a UK charity on water projects.

“Recently I have been awarded grants of £1,500 to sink a well in the grounds of Mama Rhoda’s church and another one for £4,500 for an underground water storage scheme in the grounds of the school in Chebukutumi, which is linked to Crick.

“I hope that I will eventually be able to make a return trip to see the implementation of these grants.

“Mama Rhoda returned with some generous donations from Crick which will allow her to continue her Mercy Ministry caring for the 50 orphans in her parish.”