July 2024

(By Nate Leon, HOH Board Member)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NAS)

I remembered this verse after traveling to Zimbabwe for 3 weeks in May as an HOH/USA Board Member. I traveled with Garikai our Zimbabwe National Director and 2 other HOH staff members to 9 HOH Transformation centers in rural bush communities. We traveled more than 2,000 kilometers and I was able to see many examples of how God has been working in the lives of young women like Nyarai.

Nyarai graduated from the Simira Sewing Skills training in 2023. She took what she learned back to her rural village in Manjolo and started a “Tailoring Shop” in the local business center. She had a passion for sewing but was hindered by financial challenges and lack of opportunity. After the training, she began by altering clothes for family and friends, and her talent and creativity attracted a loyal customer base. Her business has grown significantly since then, with schools, churches, and the community bringing her business. She has become financially independent, supporting herself and her family.

Pastor Simulungwe from her local village told us how he sees a changed mindset in the young ladies coming out of the sewing skills training, because now they have something in hand that can sustain them. He also told us what an encouragement that she has been to other girls in the village. He knows it is a “God-thing” and they don’t take it for granted. Nyarai is using her shop to share Jesus with others.

Chengetai lives nearby in Siyachilaba, another rural village. She also graduated from the Sewing Skills class and is in the process of setting up a new shop in her area.

These young ladies are a beautiful example of how the Lord Jesus is working in the lives of these young women both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Life transformation is taking place because of your sacrificial giving. I witnessed as a Hands of Hope board member what the Lord is doing in the lives of these precious young women.

Because He first loved us,
Glen and Patty