Dear Friends,
It is my joy to write this letter to you today! I am so excited to tell you that the door of opportunity has opened for me to return to Zimbabwe on a visit. The tentative dates for my trip are December 18, 2010-January 7, 2011.
For those of you who followed my last Zimbabwe journey, you may remember that in 2007 the government of Zimbabwe asked me to leave several months prior to my scheduled departing date. Following that time the country struggled through crooked elections, world record setting inflation rates (89,700,000,000,000,000,000,000% annual inflation rate as of November 2008- that’s 89.7 sextillion percent) as well as unemployment rates (95%), devastating drought, and cholera outbreaks.
I am happy to say that recently Zimbabwe’s situation is making slow but steady steps towards improvement as a result of a power-sharing deal made between ZANU-PF, and MDC, the two opposing political parties. Although the situation is far less than ideal, and there are still many obstacles to overcome, there is a glimmer of hope for a country that has been beat down and kicked in nearly every way imaginable.
Throughout the ups and downs, Tecla, the same local woman I partnered with in 2006-2007, has remained faithful to her ministry with the orphans and widows. Although this faithfulness has meant much sacrifice for her, she continues to care for the people God places in her path with much love and generosity.
The purpose of my trip will be to replenish Tecla’s supplies which she is unable to obtain herself, to bring clothing and gifts for the children in her program so we may bless them with a special and memorable Christmas, to deliver basic supplies that the local women’s clinic so desperately needs to function, and to create a plan as to how we can more consistently and effectively support Tecla and her ongoing ministry.
I ask that as I prepare for my journey you would consider partnering with me through prayer, and any other way God would place on your heart. In order for this dream to become a reality, I will need to be covered both spiritually and financially.
I will once again be partnering with Mama Makeka House of Hope to carry encouragement and support to Zimbabwe. Tax deductible donations may be made payable to “Mama Makeka House of Hope” and mailed to 4921 E. Townsend Ave. Fresno, CA 93727. Please specify “Zimbabwe Project” in the memo portion of your check.
I thank you for joining me in this ministry, and will carry you with me on my journey.
God Bless,
Rebecca
In addition: I would like to say a special “Thank you” to both Thrivent and Medical Ministries International (MMI). Thrivent has offered a generous grant, in which they will be matching each contribution made by 50%. MMI will be supplying the much needed medical supplies that will be donated to the women’s clinic.
2 comments:
So proud of you for following Him to the other side of the world... I'm so eager to see what He'll do through your experience, and to follow the journey as it unfolds. Africa.... it's a prayer of mine, girl!
I would love to do what I can to support your trip, in prayer and financially, little by little in the weeks and months leading to your trip. Canadian cheques would probably be inconvenient and perhaps even expensive -- do you have Paypal? Will you be setting up a Chip-In button on your blog?
Continue to keep us posted!!
JD- Thank you so much for your excitement and support!
I will look into setting up a paypal account, but Pakisa, the ED of MMHHOPE, is currently in Congo, so I will have to wait til he gets back to set it up through the NGO. Great idea though!
We also have a partner NGO in Canada that we do transactions with, since MMHHOPE does has several supporters there, so that would be the other option. I will let you know what the man in charge says ;)
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