2016 Wrap-up and 2017 Outlook

In this past week, we have received the most rain out of any week during this rainy season. What a blessing! Thank you God. At some times, as much as 24 straight hours of rain, non-stop. This includes the majority of the country, not just Chinhoyi. So much rain has also brought cooler temperatures, which have been consistently in the 70's during the day and 60's at night. Some days, we don't even turn on a fan :-)

As the mail service gets extremely backed up in Zimbabwe in December/January, we just received several Christmas cards from some of you yesterday, even though they were sent awhile ago. Thank you to those of you who sent us cards and Christmas greetings. We appreciate hearing from you and reading your updates!

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Wrapping-up 2016

Just before Christmas, we gifted Rugare and David each with backpacks, a few school supplies (pens and pencils; we had recently given them back to school packs), some toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and a washcloth), and some vegetables and a little meat for their family. They were very excited and grateful for these gifts. These weren't "fun" gifts, but practical and necessary ones. After that was done, we gave them one final gift to share, a soccer ball. We wish we had gotten their reactions on video, because you would have thought we gave them $1 million. To say they were overjoyed would be an understatement. Kids are still kids, no matter where they are. Although they were genuinely thankful for everything they received, the soccer ball was definitely their favorite! Jacob was not with them and they told us that we had gone to live with his mother in kumusha (a rural home). We couldn't understand from them if that was only for during the school holidays or if this was a permanent move. We have the same gifts set aside for him as for the other boys if he comes back.

Also at Christmastime, we dropped off many of the teddy bears the ladies had made at a local church where one of the ladies attends. The children were so excited to receive these gifts and the ladies were glad that they were able to put smiles on the children's faces. The man in the picture, helping to hand out the bears, is the "contractor" who has done most of the work on our house/ministry base the last few years. He is an elder in this church. With all the rain we've had, we noticed another roof leak. He came over yesterday to repair it and a couple other minor things, and he told us that this was the first work he has had this year (3 weeks in). We feel it is a blessing to be able to provide work when we can, especially to somebody we know to be honest, hardworking, and trying to provide for his family. We plan to hire him to do all the building for the chicken project. His wife is also a part of the new women's group. We pray for more jobs and work opportunities for all in Zimbabwe, where unemployment is now above 90%-95%.

New Year

The ladies were glad to resume meeting at the beginning of the year. This week was the week when each lady brought a friend to the group. Of course they chatted for awhile, just introducing themselves and getting to know one another. Then, Yolanda started at the basics of hand sewing, just as she did a year ago with the ladies. The ladies helped their friends as they went along. Pictures from this gathering can be seen at the bottom.

This was the basis of a new group forming. Starting next week, Yolanda will meet with the new ladies on Tuesdays, starting at square one with each skill, going along just as she did with the first group. The established group will continue to meet with Yolanda on Wednesdays and carry on as they have been.

2017 Goals

• Start a new women's group (they had their initial meeting last week and we hope to see them all again tomorrow)
• Begin the chicken program (this is fully funded and should start up in the next couple weeks)
• Start spiritual gatherings once a month (a more in-depth Bible study)
• Have 3 vacation Bible schools (April [host our first mission team], August, and December)
• Purchase Shona Bibles (this is fully funded and we are just waiting on the publisher)
• Purchase 3-4 sewing machines, along with folding tables and chairs

​We are looking forward to an exciting year in the life of JM2Z and are looking forward to serving these women and children.