July 2022

The Poor

“And turning His gaze toward His disciples, He began to say, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Luke 6:20

Most of us do not know what it like to be poor and to go to bed hungry at night. Globally, about 151 million under the age of 5 are estimated to be stunted due to lack of proper nutrition. Each day over 800 million people go to bed hungry at night and Zimbabwe is no exception. Poverty is the biggest cause.

On the 21st of June our Hands of Hope ministry team visited a poor rural community in Chegutu about 65 miles from Harare where we have a project called Donhodzo, which HOH has supported for several years.

They were welcomed by pastor John and met some of the Christ for Salvation Church members as well as several foster parents who love children that live in this impoverished community. On their own initiative the church is running a “Bridging School” for the children around Chegutu who dropped out of school. They provide a nutritional meal each day after classes. Our team was greeted by the 80 children and their teachers that you see pictured.

Joseph Mugwakwa

I want to introduce you to Joseph who is 11 and he lost 4 years of learning after dropping out of formal school because his parents are poor and were unable to pay for a uniform and school fees. He joined the Green Valley “Bridging School” in 2021. He was unable to write his name when he first arrived but now is able to read and write words in both Shona and English. His favorite memory verse is 2 Timothy 3:16 which says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”  He wants to be a teacher after finishing his studies and desires to buy his parents a car.

The Bible says that you will always have the poor with you.  Jesus said He came to preach the gospel to the poor. Thanks friends for not neglecting the poor in Zimbabwe. We are humbled by your generosity.

Reaching out in Jesus’ name,
Glen and Patty