The Potter's Wheel is a charitable project, run by Chris Blackburn, that comes under the Links umbrella as one of our Act4You accounts.
The purpose of The Potter’s Wheel is to support the work of African pastors who serve in poor rural communities, chiefly in Kenya and Uganda, but also in Zambia and Malawi. As in all societies throughout the world, addictions are common, chiefly to alcohol but also to drugs - increasingly heroin - and to gambling.  

Pastor speaking to a small group of men drinking highly potent ‘beer’ from a shared jar by means of lengths of tubing; the brew is still bubbling; the kettle is used for top-ups. 

179 Recoverers and spouses receiving teaching in one community; nine groups were formed.

There is often individual and community denial of the illness through shame, as is the case everywhere. However, in these rural settings, recovery programs do not exist and the outcome of the disease is suffering, poverty and ultimately death. 

The project started as part of the Links’ Healthcare teaching in 2012. It consists of the 12-Step Program linked to Scripture and undergirded with concepts of the body, mind and spirit. The training manual and stories of recovery can be found on www.thepotterswheel.org.uk. 

Following the initial ‘Links-style’ teaching, Recovery Groups are established both for the ‘sufferers’ and for their families. To encourage a shared vision, they are taught how to start projects such as bee-keeping, agriculture and tailoring, to generate income both for themselves and for their communities.  

 
As a result of their ‘spiritual awakening’ (Step 11) such groups often evolve into churches. 

On the left is Pastor Z - recovered following teaching in 2015. Three years later he founded this church in Wendago, near Jinja, Uganda. Beside him is Pastor Stephen, a tireless shepherd, who is supported by our project. Recoverers here have recently started breeding rabbits, which provides more income than alcohol. 





Pastor Johnstone distributing food and masks to Recovery Groups in Kenya during Covid-19 lockdown.

 
Funding is required to support the pastors for: 

• Travelling costs – the groups they support may lie within a radius of 100 miles 
• Start-up costs for projects – e.g. wire netting for poultry 
• Celebrations – e.g. baptisms, an annual Sports Day to bring groups and families together 
• Occasional special needs – e.g. masks and food during COVID for Recovery Groups 
• Bibles in the local language 

 

Click the Donate Button to support this amazing Act4You project and please quote ‘The Potter’s Wheel 3093’. Giving regularly to their work would allow them to continue doing all they do and allow the pastors to plan ahead. Thank you!