January 2021

“To grant to those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit—that they may be called oaks of righteousness the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified” Isaiah 61:3

Leona T. Yusufu

Let me introduce you to a beautiful young woman who our Lord lifted out of the ashes! Leona, lost both her parents and was staying with her mother's elder sister until her aunt lost her job as a domestic worker in 2007 and could no longer look after her. Pastor Peter and Tsitsi Kanetsa took her into their home and she became one of the first children to stay at Runyararo when it opened in 2008.

Pastor Peter wrote to us the followiong, “Today we celebrate her success of graduating
with a Bachelor of Accounting Science Honors degree at Women’s University in Africa.
Children in our residential homes can make it in life. Leona is a living testimony of the
great work that the Lord is doing in the lives of children coming from hard places through the partnership of Hands of Hope. Leona is now aspiring to do a masters degree. We wish her all the best.”

We are humbled but honored to be in partnership with pastor Peter’s church. Peter lost both his parents and a pastor from Harare took him into his home when he was young. His life was transformed and the Lord put a passion in his heart to love children like he was loved. After Peter and Tsitsi were married they started taking children into their home long before we opened up an HOH home with them. They now give oversight to 3 homes but still have orphans in their own home.

We all are aware that 2020 was a year that none of us anticipated, however in the midst of this worldwide pandemic our Lord has been so faithful in providing for our precious children. We look forward to 2021 and believe it will prove to be a breakthrough year in loving more children at risk at deeper levels. We will be sharing with you in 2021 what we are trusting our Lord for. Our thanks to each of you for your faithful generosity. Let me say that your sacrifice is not in vain!

Because of Jesus,
Glen and Patty