A Journey of Faith and Service: Our Go Trip to Zimbabwe
In the name of Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit, our team took off on a transformative mission trip to the Mushayamunda Village in Zimbabwe, Africa. Our team included Greg Bondurant, Chris Buehler, Abby Coey, Kelli Dilver, Christy Gendt, Michelle Grimm, Tim Grimm, Trish Malloy, Dereck Mushayamunda, Yvonne Mushayamunda, Jim Russ, Robert Straveler, and Sandy Wood. Equipped by God's calling, we were able to accomplish incredible acts of service and spread the message of Jesus through hope and love.
Bringing Joy and Essential Supplies
One of the highlights of our trip was distributing 1,000 dresses to 1,000 little girls, bringing smiles and joy to each of them. We also provided hundreds of over-the-counter medications for a team of doctors to distribute in mid-July, ensuring that essential healthcare reached those in need.
Clean Water for Communities
In our efforts to improve living conditions, the children at Westerville Christian purchased 130 Filters of Hope to be distributed to schools and churches. Each 5-gallon bucket filter can purify five gallons of water per hour, offering children and adults clean water for 10 years whenever they come to school or worship. By providing these filters, we not only addressed a critical need for clean water but also shared the message of living water found in Jesus our living hope.
Impacting Education and Community
Our team taught at six different schools, distributing candy to children, students, and adults alike. At one school, we gave out baseball caps to 140 teenage boys and staff members. Additionally, some students received funding to cover their school fees, which provides them with a school uniform becoming part of the Zim Kids family.
Every school we visited received soccer balls, jump ropes, beach balls, and balloons, while some were also given pens and pencils. These supplies not only enhanced the students' educational experience but also provided them with opportunities for play and physical activity.
Empowering Women to Share the Gospel
A significant part of our mission was leading a widow’s conference attended by 250 women. Each woman heard the Gospel message of forgiveness and hope and was encouraged to be a leader within her family and community. To support their daily needs, we provided each woman with a massive bar of soap to wash clothes and care for their families.
Building Friendships and Spreading Hope
Throughout our journey, we taught students about the importance of friendship and how to become friends of Jesus. Traveling 10,000 miles one way, we were blessed to reconnect with old friends and meet new people, forming lasting bonds and sharing God's love.
A Call to Serve with Generous Hearts
This Go Trip reaffirmed that we should never underestimate what God can do with people who serve with generous hearts. We encourage you to consider what God could do through you as you serve Him. Pray for the Mushayamunda Village to persevere despite their suffering and for the American church to focus less on image and more on being completely dependent on God.
May our experiences inspire you to serve others with love, compassion, and generosity. Together, through Jesus Christ, we can make a difference in the lives of those in need, one act of kindness at a time.
If you are interested in knowing more about the Mushayamunda Village email Dereck at ymushayamunda@gmail.com
If you would like to financially support a child in Zimbabwe through Zim Kids ($330 per year) contact Leslie Bodkin at zimkids@wcchurch.life
