Report from BHW Zimbabwe Partnership Facilitator

Recent Events

Activities

This is the first report from the partnership. It began mid-2021 and because of Covid we have delayed the initial reporting until we could get a clearer picture of what happened. There have been several major events since mid-2021 which have resulted in the partnership commencing and they are in the process of establishing a firm base. The major events include:

1) In April 2021, five people attended the Foundations for Farming training in Harare, Zimbabwe. Some of the leaders and the first contacts in the community attended and are now working out how to proceed with this for themselves and for the wider community. 

2) In June 2021 a borehole was completed to provide water to the community. 

3) In August 2021 a 6-metre water tank stand and the tank were installed successfully. 

4) After the installation they commenced spiritual activities in the community with prayer walks, discussions to identify people of peace in the community that could be approached, and invitations for people to attend a Bible study. This was successful and now at least 15 people a week are attending the study.  

5) At the commencement of the rains they planted, using the methods they had learned. Some are attempting to raise chickens already. 

6) An initial local leadership team of five couples has been identified and now meet together regularly. 

New Profiles

The men of the five local couples are Thembinkosi Mpofu, Smart Mandeya, Christopher Kanguma, Davis Kanegoni and the leader, Robson Dzingirai. They call this team "The Big Five!" (photo shows four of the five)

Partnership's Influence within the Community 

This partnership is just beginning, and the influence is still hard to measure although already several people's lives are being transformed. It will be exciting to see the community transformation in a year or two. 

Ideas for the Future 

The goal is to empower and establish a team of five families in 2022 and then double the number of teams each year.

They need Shona Bibles and farming inputs for the coming 2022/23 season. 

The "Big Five" will begin training other members of the community as the next growing season comes around. They will also work together in each other's gardens. 

Into 2023 the plan is to begin small scale animal farming with chickens and horticulture. This will also require fencing and security. 

They hope to purchase several solar powered lights which will greatly enhance their ability to operate after dark with Bible studies and training programmes. 

Current Issues and Challenges 

There is no electricity in the area, so it is a challenge to run Bible studies or have any activities after dark.  

The ongoing impact of Covid and restrictions on movement continues to destabilise the community and interrupt their plans and activities. 

The lack of Bibles in Shona and other Christian literature makes it difficult to conduct Christian activities. 

There are many local traditions that have to be dealt with and sometimes confronted. 

There are elections coming up and political interference is more common during these times. 

Prayer and Praise Points

1) For safety from Covid and from political cadres who are very dangerous and volatile.
2) That the people in the community will continue to respond positively to the team activities and the Good News.
3) They are very thankful for the initial response from people and formation of the first team.  

Comments

This is just beginning and a good start has been made. We need to stay engaged here for the long terms as Rodwell is a man of influence. We need to walk with them through the first years as they get established and the local people catch on to the new ways of farming and the Good News. 

A new budget is being worked on and will be added here once it has been finalised.