Harare, Zimbabwe

The Outreach Foundation is sponsoring a trip to Southern Africa to see how God is at work through partners in Zimbabwe and Zambia. The trip will be led by Frank Dimmock, Africa Specialist, and Ebralie Mwizerwa, Projects Coordinator for The Outreach Foundation. Also traveling with us will be Rev. Ted and Sue Wright, former missionaries in Southern Africa. The trip dates are August 28-September 10, 2018. Click HERE for more information or to sign up for the trip, please contact Lisa Dill at lisa@theoutreachfoundation.org.

Dear friends in Christ,

We are excited about what has happened in our country and the possibilities of what can happen to bring the much hoped for and prayed for change for the better in the lives of Zimbabweans. Some of the important promises made at the change of government are slow in being fulfilled. However, we know that our God who has started a good work will bring it to completion.

With the elections speeding closer, we have peace and confidence that our God who sits on the throne is the One who puts leaders into place or removes them according to his plans and purposes. It is wonderful to hear how our current president acknowledges our one and only Creator God in speeches when he addresses groups of people. Our prayers are that God will keep him faithful and rooted in him.

In the meantime, we are enjoying the immediate effects of some newly resurfaced roads which are a delight to drive on after our terribly bumpy, potholed roads – so hard on vehicles. The road infrastructure had badly crumbled and needed urgent attention so it is great that the city/government has started tackling this problem. Munangagwa has only completed his first 100 days as president but already a variety of heavy duty roadwork equipment is visible for action in various places – to the delight of our grandsons whom we often collect from school and home.

Then there is the cash problem which is still a major headache as we live in a country and society in need of cash because of the way the majority of the people operate. We believe that as we remain faithful to continuously give thanks to God for the many small improvements, he will give us the grace to be able to give thanks for bigger things. We serve an awesome and mighty God.

The Home of Hope ministry continues its important work, especially with regards to the boys, their education and the challenges they face. One of them, Fidel, passed his O-levels (high school) exams with good results, except for English. We already have a sponsor to help him rewrite his English and enable him to continue with A-levels (advanced). The same sponsor is also helping two younger siblings of Fidel with school fees for the year, school uniforms and stationery. All the boys need and receive food assistance monthly. We are so grateful for all those who come alongside to support our effort!

About ten ladies from last year are still coming regularly to receive training in sewing. Their instructor, Lucy, is teaching them how to make shorts, shirts and dresses so they can sew school uniforms for their children. Hopefully, we will be able to give each of them a start-up package when they complete their training.

We continue to provide food for between 100 and 160 folks every Monday. Destitute mothers and their children come in the morning, while men and boys come in the afternoon. Every other Monday, they receive a loaf of bread and soap in addition to their regular food parcels. We have also been able to share bananas and mangos grown at the Home with them. The avocado tree will also be producing soon. Isn’t it wonderful! The Lord certainly has his hand on these fruit-bearing trees!

The over-the-counter medicines continue to be a great source of help to many, but because of the cash problems Home of Hope isn’t able to help with many clinic visits. We are grateful to the kind folks who provided clothing for all ages and toys for the little ones. What an answer to prayer!

Craig and Joan love to read about famous preachers and how they were converted. John Wesley (1800s) is a great inspiration. During his ministry John Wesley rode over 250,000 miles on horseback, preached over 40,000 sermons, and wrote over 6,500 hymns – many still sung today! But it wasn’t his religious activity, missionary service, pastoral position, service for God or Oxford scholarship that gave him assurance. It was faith in Christ alone. When reading Wesley’s story, it shows that no matter what God calls you to do, whatever his will for you, whether it’s big or small in man’s eyes, it doesn’t matter. As long as we have a real relationship with Christ our Savior and are doing his will, wherever we are, we will be happy and live in peace with our Creator! So with the ministry of Home of Hope, God’s grace continues to make a difference in the lives of many through the instruments he has on this earth – his people, his hands, feet, voice, love, compassion, joy, and so many other ways in which you, our partners, play such a major part. God bless you all for your kindness toward our ministry, for your thoughts, prayers, gifts and love for the less fortunate.

Much love,
Joan, Craig, Lucy, Ongai, Ria and Dave

Home of Hope - March 2018 Update

Harare, Zimbabwe