October 2023

“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor . . . A cord of three strands is not easily broken.” Ecc. 4:12

Teamwork

Rescuing children from the kingdom of darkness is a collaborative effort and that is why we partner with local Zimbabwe churches. We have also cooperated with other children at risk organizations over the years. Global Encounters run by Elizabeth Fox has been partnering with HOH for several years. Her passionate Christ followers minister all over the world to children and one of her teams just completed 4 weeks of camps for our HOH children at Habitation of Hope. I asked Liz if I could share a story, she wrote on one of our HOH children.

Kudzai

“Kudzai was just three years old when her mom decided she was finished with being a mother. She did not want the responsibility of raising two little girls in poverty-stricken Zimbabwe. Her solution? She fed Kudzai and her twin sister poison, then left them to die.

Thankfully, a neighbor found the girls, rushed them to medical help, and saved their lives. Kudzai’s grandma, even though she is incredibly poor, was willing to take the girls in. They live in a village where there is an HOH church feeding center. Eating one hot meal a day kept her alive while also giving her a connection to the church and to Christians who loved and discipled her. In 2017, Kudzai attended a summer camp sponsored by Hands of Hope and Global Encounters. That is where I met her. Kudzai is a teenager now, at the age when kids often make a lifetime decision whether they will follow God or go their own way.

Fast forward to our camp the next year. After flying for what seemed like forever, and then driving over bumpy dirt roads to get to the church, I half stumbled out of the van to be greeted by a rush of teenage girls yelling, “Auntie Liz! Welcome! We are translators this year!” It was Kudzai and her friends. What a way to start the time in Zimbabwe!

Kudzai did an amazing job translating. She was a junior translator this year but hoping to train and become a regular camp leader in the future. She was recommended by her pastor and the Hands of Hope staff because they see in Kudzai a love for God and a willingness to serve and learn. I could not agree more!”

You are a vital part of our HOH team giving sacrificially to achieve a common objective – loving children in Jesus’ name. When we started HOH over 22 years ago, I knew everyone personally who gave to HOH. I wish I knew each of you personally but that is not the case. However, I want you to know that my heart is joyful because of your generosity.

Because He first loved us,
Glen and Patty