Good evening from Zimbabwe!  This morning we woke up and had a lovely pancake breakfast with bacon.  Then we went to Harare Theological College to meet up with Pastor Henry and his team to educate them on the Happy Readers program.  Mary shared all the instructions with the team and were able to give them examples of some of the games that the teachers could play with the students to help them learn the ABC's and how to create sentence structure.  Then Pastor Henry's team expressed their thoughts and concerns for the future of the school.  The headmaster's attitude was very positive and was excited for the program to launch and while sitting in the class I could tell that this program was only the beginning of the educational partnership that South Ridge would have with the Bridging School.

Before dinner the team was able to visit Pastor Peter who lives across the street from Bud.  Pastor Peter and his wife run an amazing ministry of opening up their home to children who deal with abuse and are struggling with HIV/AIDS.  Pastor Peter's childhood was very hard, however he lives a true testimony by allowing the Lord to work in his life and giving yourself fully to the work of the Lord.  They also have a partnership with Covenant, a church in Pennsylvania that was able to bless the couple with two laptops to help them further their ministry.  We were able to deliver these gifts to the couple as well as distribute dolls to the children that lived there.

Tomorrow we are going back to the Bridging School to see the students in action, and visit the boys and girls home.  Personally, I am continually blessed by the joy the children have despite all of their individual situations.  This afternoon I read Psalm 8.  Verse 2 says this, "From the lips of the children and infants you have ordained praise."  What a blessing!

Thank you for your continued prayers and support!
Love,
Devyn

Today, our team ventured out to the ACOP Bridging School in Rugare to assess each student's English reading level.  What a wonderful reunion with our church partner family!  Each child was tested to provide a baseline for future assessment. 

Mary also taught the children a new song..."Peanut Butter and Jelly"!  What a great time the kids had....they'll be driving Eliza crazy with it for months :-)

After a full morning out at Pastor Henry's, we returned to the ANESU base for lunch and a meeting with Nyasha, founder of Bridging the Gap (www.bridgingthegap.org.zw).  Nyasha's story is incredibly inspirational and her passion for the Lord and her love for the people of Zimbabwe overflow with abundance.  One of Nyasha's ministries involves personally counseling over 60 victims and offenders of violent acts.  Her comprehensive process includes reconciliation with God, with self and then with others, often including both victim and offender.  Nyasha herself has worked through this process and courageously continues to visit her offender.  Truly an extraordinary woman with an extraordinary calling!

Zim2012 Team on top of Domboshava

Sunset from Domboshava

Almost lost Steve at Domboshava.....

And Walter!

Our team awoke to a beautiful morning, with everyone having experienced a restful sleep.

We were briefed by Conor O'Beirne of Happy Readers. Aside from giving us the background of the literacy program that he and his wife, Emma founded, we discussed best practices implementation at the Rugare bridging school, which will begin tomorrow. Everyone is excited to meet the kids and to see God's hand at work.

Conor O'Beirn

This afternoon, we traveled to Domboshava, a granite mountain that was full of majestic scenery. Others saw wildlife and Bud was quick to point out a nocturnal bird called a nightjar. We also saw ancient bushmen cave paintings that were thousands of years old. The hike culminated with a breathtaking sunset.

Mangwanani!  (Good morning)  This morning when I awoke in the chilly, but fresh Zimbabwean winter air, I couldn't wait to step outside and breathe that first full breath of sunrise over the ANESU base.  The first few steps were groggy, but as I made my way through the gate to the garden, I began to weep as I reflected on how privileged I am to be back in this beautiful land.  Standing beside what is now a lush vegetable garden, overflowing with sweet peas, beetroot, lettuce, carrots, and more, God's holy presence overwhelms me as He shines His face upon this team and the warmth of the morning sun on my face brings new joy and gratitude. 

Yesterday, the team was met with warm embrace by Bud Jackson, as well as, our church partners from Hope Valley Assembly in Rugare (Pastor Henry and Maridzo Zihove, Pastor Oscar, Leonard, Eliza and beautiful new baby in tow).  Also joining them was Amanda Burleson (she and her husband Ryan and their two beautiful girls are the newest team members of ANESU).

Our day ended in celebration with an incredible, traditional shona feast (sadza, beef and greens - no utensils needed) with an amazing group of friends, new and old.  We were joined by Bud and Mandy Jackson, Doug and Nancy Everswick, Ryan and Amanda Burleson (along with their two precious little girls, an infant and toddler), and Julie VanZevern (ANESU team member). 

Time for breakfast (left over sadza, called 'bata' for breakfast), then time to get briefed by Conor and Emma from Happy Readers.

What a day we have in store....the team is looking 'bright eyed and bushy tailed'....lol!

Steve

Team has arrived

After nearly 18 hours of flying time, we have finally arrived at our destination in Harare, Zimbabwe. Praise to God for allowing things to go smoothly. Aside from the standard waits in security lines, the team didn't experience any hiccups. We came out unscathed and with all of our luggage. We are all tired, but everyone is excited to be here.

Before going any further, I need to mention that Steve Sargent was given a 7-10 day window to recover from his flu-like virus, but God's '2nd opinion' is what really mattered, as Steve made a dramatic turnaround and was able to fly without issues.

Rob Chifokoyu and his wife of 3 weeks, Lisa, visited the base in the afternoon and the SRCC team presented them with much needed equipment: a camera, Go-Pro mobile camera, and microphone equipment, which will be used primarily for a media company, serving the Dare to Serve ministry that he has founded.

(Left to Right:  Rob Chifokoyo and his new bride, Lisa; Steve Sargent)

 The weather in Zim today is very similar to our Garden State this time of year...seasonable temperatures during the day with chilly evenings.

All of you should know that because of the tremendous giving by ANESU Alliance Churches, including SRCC, the Harare base was able to address the following:

 - replaced the borehole pump (well)
 - improved the security with electric fencing around the outside wall
 - repaired and repainted all of the existing building's exterior
 - purchased new carpeting for veranda area
 - purchased new refrigerator and washing machine
 - addressed power issues with solar power (now no electricity downtime!)
 - installed 2 full bathrooms

Bud & Mandy Jackson, along with the rest of the ANESU team, can't thank everyone enough for the outpouring of funds towards the ministry.

Tomorrow, the team will be meeting with Conner and Emma O'Bern, founders of the Happy Readers literacy program, followed by an excursion to Domboshava (scenic granite mountain).

Thank you all for your continued support and prayers. We are excited that we are finally here and ready to dive into whatever God has in store for us.

In His Service,
Terry

Prayer Need

Hey, everyone. Welcome to blog post to at the Zim2012 site. As I type this, there is roughly 48 hours to go before we take-off from JFK on our way to what I'm sure will prove to be an exciting, challenging, fulfilling and God honoring missions trip to Zimbabwe in the continent of Africa. I'm sure my other 7 team members are rushing around to complete those last minute errands.

However, it is team member #1 who needs our prayer. Our fearless leader, Steve Sargent, woke up this morning with a fever and all the other flu-like symptoms. Last I spoke with him, he seemed in good spirits, but was headed to the doctor. Pray that God will be the ultimate physician and that his strength returns ten fold before we fly out. Steve has orchestrated this whole trip along with other 'minor' duties, like his job and his primary role as husband and father. Pray also that he not be discouraged while he's recovering.

That's all for now. I will update as often as possible before we shove off.

In the meantime, keep us in prayer and we look forward to updating our progress during our incredible journey to minister to God's people in Zim.

In His Service,
Terry

The Countdown Begins...

Well, just a little more than a week before the next South Ridge team departs to Zimbabwe.  With the looks of our itinerary, I can't promise much more than the occasional post, at best.  However, I'll do my best to capture and share as many highlights as possible.  Blessings, Steve