Thanksgiving Gathering
We have left Zimbabwe and are presently on vacation (blog was written before we left Zimbabwe). All that we had hoped would get done on the new ministry building before our departure happened, and for that, we are grateful. Mai Innocent and Western are very happy with their new bathroom and Mai Innocent has moved back into her room, after staying with her son and family for over six weeks during the construction phase.
 |  The new domestic quarters' bathroom |  |
Before we left, we had a thanksgiving gathering, not to be confused with the American Thanksgiving holiday, but rather a time to come together to reflect on the past year and share about God’s goodness, God’s blessings, God’s provision, and God’s healing. The Tuesday and Wednesday ladies met in their respective groups and each lady shared what they had learned in the group, what God had or is teaching them, and one testimony of praise and thanksgiving in their life. It was a wonderful time of sharing and blessing each other with stories of inspiration and encouragement! There were also lots of tears of gratitude and feeling all the hard things of the past year. Ladies also spontaneously broke out in worship, praising Him, thanking Him, blessing His name, and giving Him all honor and glory. We closed the time reading several Scripture verses, dealing with the topic of thankfulness and gratitude to the Almighty.
We are excited to share some of these stories in person next year when we return stateside. However, we’d like to share at least one of those stories now. Many of you will remember Gladys, whose husband was diagnosed with cancer earlier in the year, then was very sick for a time, and then passed away. Gladys went on to share and explain very powerfully, the importance of the group. First, she took the time to thank each of the ladies individually. She shared about how each of the ladies in both the Wednesday and Tuesday groups had come to visit her husband while he was sick. She said there wasn’t a week that went by when someone didn’t stop by to pray for him and to encourage her. She also explained how all of the women had walked to join her in person after the passing of her husband. Everyone had spent almost 3 days in mourning with her, comforting her, and praying over her during her time of great loss and grief.
She then went on to further explain the financial support we (JM2Z) had given her - everything from Dr’s visits, scans and pain medications, as well as food supplies and transport during the actual funeral time. She spoke of their great need and how God had provided for her so generously during that time, so that she lacked nothing.
We are excited to share some of these stories in person next year when we return stateside. However, we’d like to share at least one of those stories now. Many of you will remember Gladys, whose husband was diagnosed with cancer earlier in the year, then was very sick for a time, and then passed away. Gladys went on to share and explain very powerfully, the importance of the group. First, she took the time to thank each of the ladies individually. She shared about how each of the ladies in both the Wednesday and Tuesday groups had come to visit her husband while he was sick. She said there wasn’t a week that went by when someone didn’t stop by to pray for him and to encourage her. She also explained how all of the women had walked to join her in person after the passing of her husband. Everyone had spent almost 3 days in mourning with her, comforting her, and praying over her during her time of great loss and grief.
She then went on to further explain the financial support we (JM2Z) had given her - everything from Dr’s visits, scans and pain medications, as well as food supplies and transport during the actual funeral time. She spoke of their great need and how God had provided for her so generously during that time, so that she lacked nothing.
 Gladys |  Some of the medication |
Once she had shared about the emotional and physical support she had received, she went on to discuss the spiritual element. She shared how several family members and friends encouraged her to pay tribute to her dead husband’s spirit, i.e. make a sacrifice to the ancestors in order to appease him/them so that nothing will go wrong. Several people had also asked if she had seen his ghost, because he died in the house and she had done nothing to appease his spirit after death. She was able to explain to these people that she feared nothing. She explained that no spirit is to be feared, even that of her dead husband because the Holy Spirit lives within her and He is greater than any spirit that may roam the earth. She also explained that her husband is no longer here, including his spirit, and that she has complete confidence in his location now - with Jesus. She continued, by saying that she is a Christian and a follower of Jesus and that she does not believe in appeasing the ancestors. She made it clear that her allegiance is to Yahweh God and no other. She spoke with such confidence and assurance as she shared this information with the group.
She then went on to explain what a huge impact the group had had on her. At this point she looked at me (Yolanda), expressing in great detail how due to the knowledge she had gained in the weekly Bible study groups over the past 7 years, she had been able to face her husband’s death with much grace and confidence. She was able to retrieve Scriptures from memory that comforted her in her time of emotional pain and even doubts and fears. She explained how she had been a Christian most of her life and had attended church faithfully, but she did not have the personal relationship with Jesus that she has now. She also explained that her Bible was a book she carried to church and that was about it, but now she knows how to read it, what a source of comfort it is, and how to understand the words between the pages. She spoke about the peace she felt even though she had cried out to God for healing for her husband. She spoke about the comfort she has felt the entire time in her home, and I explained how one of the Holy Spirit’s names is Comforter. She spoke about her spiritual growth that was garnered through the years of attending our group gatherings each week. She spoke with so much clarity and spiritual maturity that it brought tears to my (Yolanda) eyes - all praise and honor to God for the transformation in her life in such a very apparent way. She said that God was preparing her through this group for all that she would endure this past year - then she lifted her hands in the air and praised Him.
She then went on to explain what a huge impact the group had had on her. At this point she looked at me (Yolanda), expressing in great detail how due to the knowledge she had gained in the weekly Bible study groups over the past 7 years, she had been able to face her husband’s death with much grace and confidence. She was able to retrieve Scriptures from memory that comforted her in her time of emotional pain and even doubts and fears. She explained how she had been a Christian most of her life and had attended church faithfully, but she did not have the personal relationship with Jesus that she has now. She also explained that her Bible was a book she carried to church and that was about it, but now she knows how to read it, what a source of comfort it is, and how to understand the words between the pages. She spoke about the peace she felt even though she had cried out to God for healing for her husband. She spoke about the comfort she has felt the entire time in her home, and I explained how one of the Holy Spirit’s names is Comforter. She spoke about her spiritual growth that was garnered through the years of attending our group gatherings each week. She spoke with so much clarity and spiritual maturity that it brought tears to my (Yolanda) eyes - all praise and honor to God for the transformation in her life in such a very apparent way. She said that God was preparing her through this group for all that she would endure this past year - then she lifted her hands in the air and praised Him.
Ladies' Christmas Gathering
Before we left Zimbabwe, we had a Christmas gathering with both groups together. We had already handed out early Christmas gifts back in July, during wintertime - everyone had received a hot water bottle and a rechargeable LED light (which they usually charge during group each week). We emptied out some of our donation drawers, which meant that every single lady received a pair of underwear in her size - we had exactly enough for everyone - a total God thing. In addition, we had Western pick over our entire garden, even if some things still needed a little ripening. Therefore, every woman received a bag full of veggies - a bunch of tomatoes, some green onions, an eggplant, a piece of cauliflower or broccolini, and a couple packets of seasoning (from our pantry).
We also enjoyed a potluck style meal, although we provided everything. We needed to clean out our freezers before leaving, so we had lots of different types of meals - lasagna, chicken pot pie, chicken noodle soup, sweet potato and peanut butter stew, mixed beef and beans, butternut squash, chicken stew, eggplant “meat” balls, rice, noodles, buttered bread, and zaalouk (eggplant based dip). Instead of dishing up for everyone we set everything out on the table and let them help themselves. We also had a bunch of workers here working on construction, so I ended up cooking and reheating food for over 30 people. Needless to say, the ladies were so excited to try, “white food” as they called it. They had lots of questions about each item and oohed and aahed over it all. Everyone whose phone could take pictures was snapping photos of the table with food and people dishing up and their plates piled high. Our attempt at clearing out the freezer turned into something real fancy for them and made them feel special.
We also enjoyed a potluck style meal, although we provided everything. We needed to clean out our freezers before leaving, so we had lots of different types of meals - lasagna, chicken pot pie, chicken noodle soup, sweet potato and peanut butter stew, mixed beef and beans, butternut squash, chicken stew, eggplant “meat” balls, rice, noodles, buttered bread, and zaalouk (eggplant based dip). Instead of dishing up for everyone we set everything out on the table and let them help themselves. We also had a bunch of workers here working on construction, so I ended up cooking and reheating food for over 30 people. Needless to say, the ladies were so excited to try, “white food” as they called it. They had lots of questions about each item and oohed and aahed over it all. Everyone whose phone could take pictures was snapping photos of the table with food and people dishing up and their plates piled high. Our attempt at clearing out the freezer turned into something real fancy for them and made them feel special.
 All the tomatoes from the garden |  Cooking all the food |
 The potluck lunch |  Both groups together |
After lunch, the ladies all pulled out their last craft items. Both groups shared their patterns with each other, insisting they were going to meet while we were gone so they can learn each others’ crochet patterns. The Tuesday ladies have made the small safari animals and the Wednesday ladies have made the larger safari animals. They worked on finishing any final projects and assisted those with any items they needed to finish up. We counted the final number of each animal and I started taking photos of each kind.
 Crocheting a zebra  Knitting a blanket |  Sewing buttons  Coloring bookmarks |
We had hired a kombi to transport all the women (both groups) to our home. So as we waited for the kombi driver to arrive, we took some group photos and individual photos. The last time we were stateside, I printed off all the photos I had on my phone of the ladies. Then when we first met again in person, we handed out all the photos - it was such a highlight! So no doubt, I’ll have to print some more photos for them. The ladies also insisted on a photo with Andrew and me, so a selfie was in order.
A group shot of everyone!
After photos outside, we returned indoors to have a time of prayer. Then the ladies spontaneously broke out in worship with gratitude for the group, each other, the gifts, and lunch. Watch their pure joy as they sing and dance in the below video.
U.S. Itinerary
Here is a tentative itinerary while stateside:
January
1/15 - Barrington Community Church (Penn Yan, NY)
1/22 - Albion Evangelical Free Church (Cokato, MN)
February
2/5 - Santa Clara Church (Eugene, OR)
2/12 - Myrtle Point First Christian Church (Myrtle Point, OR)
2/19 - Warrenton/Knappa Christian Church (Warrenton, OR)
TBD - Pine Valley, CA
March
3/5 - Willows Christian Church (Willows, CA)
TBD - Lander Free Church (Lander, WY)
TBD - Denver, CO
TBD - Cincinnati, OH
April
Easter - Wheaton IL
TBD - Michigan
TBD - Carolinas
Visiting individuals multiple locations (possibly midwest and the south) - please let us
know if you’d like a visit from us
May
5/7 - Weiser Christian Church (Weiser, ID)
5/8-11 - Boise Bible College
Wheaton IL - Mother’s Day
Visiting Individuals
June
Likely return to Zimbabwe (TBD)
We hope that we get to see YOU! If you’re near any churches listed, please do come. If you’re in the same area, reach out so we can do coffee or a meal. We would love to see as many of you as possible.
See you soon!
January
1/15 - Barrington Community Church (Penn Yan, NY)
1/22 - Albion Evangelical Free Church (Cokato, MN)
February
2/5 - Santa Clara Church (Eugene, OR)
2/12 - Myrtle Point First Christian Church (Myrtle Point, OR)
2/19 - Warrenton/Knappa Christian Church (Warrenton, OR)
TBD - Pine Valley, CA
March
3/5 - Willows Christian Church (Willows, CA)
TBD - Lander Free Church (Lander, WY)
TBD - Denver, CO
TBD - Cincinnati, OH
April
Easter - Wheaton IL
TBD - Michigan
TBD - Carolinas
Visiting individuals multiple locations (possibly midwest and the south) - please let us
know if you’d like a visit from us
May
5/7 - Weiser Christian Church (Weiser, ID)
5/8-11 - Boise Bible College
Wheaton IL - Mother’s Day
Visiting Individuals
June
Likely return to Zimbabwe (TBD)
We hope that we get to see YOU! If you’re near any churches listed, please do come. If you’re in the same area, reach out so we can do coffee or a meal. We would love to see as many of you as possible.
See you soon!
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