Home of Hope - February 2016 Update
Harare, Zimbabwe
Dear friends,
When we look at the world around us and see earthquakes, floods, fires, tornadoes, and wars which cause families to lose their homes and loved ones, our hearts are filled with gratitude that although we have a seriously collapsed economy and a drought, we have families, friends and food. We see God’s hand of provision in so many areas of need through compassionate groups of his people including you, supporters of Home of Hope. Because of this, the Home has once again been able to bless many truly needy and desperate people, old and young, babies and single mothers, at this special time of giving in our Christian calendar. Praise and thanks be to our mighty God who knows and sees our every need.
We wish to extend our humble thanks to all of our donor partners for being such faithful and solid supporters of Home of Hope’s ministry. We offer special thanks for Bill and Nancy Warlick and The Outreach Foundation for their ever tender hearts towards Home of Hope.
The Christmas season was a very busy but joyous time here starting on December 16th with a Christmas celebration for our ladies’ sewing groups. There are 32 ladies (plus their children) in the three groups that meet on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays to take sewing lessons. Our dream is for these ladies to be fully trained in pattern design and dressmaking so that they may support themselves and their children. The celebration began in the morning with prayers and praise songs followed by breakfast with tea, bread and jam. Then each child received some sweets and a gift (soccer ball, toy car or doll). The ladies could choose an item of clothing from items donated throughout the year. In addition they each received a packet of biscuits. Following this they enjoyed a movie “Everyone’s Child.” Then prayer and praise songs and Christmas parcels were shared with people living on the streets.
Over 300 people were served on that day – praise be to God! Nobody was turned away. The parcels we distributed consisted of a loaf of bread, t-shirt, soap, packet of biscuits, boiled egg, packet of maputi (corn snack), and a chicken sandwich.
It is always a delight and amazing to see how well the children we provide for perform their schoolwork despite their harsh and difficult circumstances. What a privilege it is to be able to help them and hopefully make a difference in their lives. Here are the year-end school results and reports for some of the boys: Kuda, Nyasha and Panashe are in high school. Kuda and Nyasha started in a new school about mid-term as they were being harassed in their previous school because of having been on the streets. The rest of the children, Mike, Talent, Tanya, are still in primary school.
Kuda was first in his class out of 45 students. Nyasha was second out of 52 in his class. Both Kuda and Nyasha are very talented in athletics and compete on national levels in long distance running. Tanya, Talent and Mike also did well in their studies, finishing near the top in their classes. Panashe was first in his class of 45 pupils as well as first among all freshmen in his high school.
Dear friends, how blessed these children are to have been given such a wonderful opportunity by faithful people like you. They are not wasting this chance given to them. Times are hard around the world, but the Lord gives hope to those who have faith in him.
God bless you, and thank you all for making a difference in many lives in Harare.
Joan, Craig, Ria and Dave
Amount needed in 2016
The Outreach Foundation seeks to raise at least $5,000 per month for Home of Hope. To make a donation, click the Donate Now link in the sidebar.
The Outreach Foundation now offers the option of receiving missionary/project updates, newsletters, and receipts by e-mail. If you would like to sign up to start receiving these communications electronically, please send your name and e-mail address, along with that request, to info@theoutreachfoundation.org or call us at (615) 778-8881.