On 17th October, six All-Stars set off  from Tonypandy Community College to Tanzania, East Africa! Four girls - Abi, Chelsea, Tamsin and Kate - and two guys, Couchy and Smithy: every one a gem and every one an All-Star for more than five years!

Led by Pastors John & Debbie of the Gatehouse Church, the team included Marvels Becky and Chris.

After a couple of days to acclimatize in Zanzibar, the group headed to Tanga, where they were hosted by national prayer co-ordinator Raphael Mhando and East African Marvel, Catherine Chowa.

At Catherine’s schools they put their All Star training to the test, taking sessions and delivering lessons. Then it was on to Arusha, where they visited orphanages, took food to a refugee camp and did more coaching in the schools close to our Arusha base.

“The All Stars were awesome”, Becky told us. “They rose to every challenge and performed every task with great distinction and exactly the right heart. I was really proud of them and so pleased that for each, the trip was a life-changer”.

And life-changing it most certainly was!

Tamsin told us, “Visiting Africa changed me on the inside. The people were so happy and friendly. They get on and enjoy their lives, even though they don't have much. It has without a doubt been the best experience of my life so far!”

Couchy agreed. “The trip opened my eyes to what Africa’s really like. It was great to have so much time to chat long into the night with Becky and Chris about everything, including their faith.  It  found the whole experience has been life-exprience has been life changing and I can’t wait to go again!”

But the effects go further than just the six. Since returning, the All Stars have taken school assemblies at Tonypandy and helped ensure that Africa and Christianity are the hot topics for discussion, particularly in the Sixth Form.

All six All Stars have also attended church, with one even committing their heart to the Lord! Hallelujah!!

The trip has also created a platform for Becky to start a ‘Christianity Explored’ group, which sees sixteen or seventeen youngsters, most of whom had nothing to do with the trip, attend and discuss basic issues of faith and the Bible.

“The All Star programme has long been the jewel in the Sporting Marvels crown”, Phil said, “And seeing the way the six enjoyed such a life-changing experience has spurred us on to believe that others can follow the path they’ve pioneered. Don’t be surprised to see at least a couple of these original six become Marvels some time soon. For me, that’ll be my life-changer; dream-come-true time!”

changing and I can’t wait to go again” But the effects go further than just the six. Since returning, the All Stars have taken school assemblies at Tonypandy and helped ensure that Africa and Christianity are the hot topics for discussion, particularly in the Sixth Form.

“The All Star programme has long been the jewel in the Sporting Marvels crown”, Phil told us, “And seeing the way this particular group of six enjoyed such a life-changing experience has spurred us on to believe that others can follow the path they’ve pioneered. Don’t be surprised to see at least a couple of these original six become Marvels some time soon. For me, that’ll be my life-changer; dream-come-true time!”

Partners will be familiar with the name “Chelsea Martin.” Picture HERE

Having been an outstanding All-Star for nearly six years, she’s featured in several of our newsletters over the years.

Chelsea was one of the six to recently visit Tanzania.

Asked the question, tell us about your trip, this is what she had to say.

“I will never forget Africa, October 2009. It changed my life! I now see things from a very different perspective. Before I went to Africa I used to compare my life to the celebs who live in LA living in the fast lane. I used to think what if I had this? or I wish I had that....!!! I now look at myself and think how selfish I must have been. In Africa I was confronted by extremes! I saw the excitement on the children’s faces when given a balloon; children at home don’t seem to get excited when you give them a Nintendo!”
Africa has taught me to take nothing for granted. I am constantly reminded of what I have in comparison to 18 year old girls in Africa. It has helped make me much more caring, thoughtful and appreciative. Since coming home, I’ve noticed that big changes are happening in my life and all are for the best!”