While programs that help and serve are important, the foundation must be laid in relationships – first to Him and then to others.  The brokenness that comes from spiritual poverty cannot be fixed with just material goods – whether we are rich or poor.  It can only be healed when our relationship with our Father is certain and then our love for others bubbles over.

Tom Karsten has done an amazing job bringing clarity and vision to our program, as well as refining our accounting system.

Craig Crockett is developing a database that will enable us to better keep our friends updated on the incredible work God is doing in Zimbabwe through the Savings and Credit Association program and the Social Concerns program.

Tom and Craig are a blessing to our Board and we are so very grateful for their hard work on behalf of the people of Zimbabwe!

Following the training, she joined a group that was formed by other young ladies in her neighborhood. Since they started saving together, she she has been able to access material for her business more easily.  The loans paid out allow her to buy material to sew and supply all the orders she receives.  Previously, she did not always have money to buy the materials she needed to complete her orders.

In the photo, Chipo shows the cushions that she recently made for one of her clients.  Please join us in praying for Chipo!

For more information on the Rafiki Program for girls, go here.

“The Lord said, I have indeed seen the misery of my people …I have heard them crying out …and I am concerned about their suffering.  So I have come down to rescue them…”

As we look at the work that continues to fall into place in Zimbabwe there really is no other option than to give all credit and glory to God. Most recently we have learned of an organization in New Zealand that desires to participate in the work of ANVZ. So God has joined people in three continents to respond to the cry of His people in need. Will you join us in asking God to continue to nudge the hearts of those he chooses to bless with participation in this work of deliverance?  And, will you be encouraged to know that God still hears and responds to your persistent prayers no different than he did over 3,000 years ago for the Israelites?  He stands ready to rescue! In the meantime, remember Hudson Taylor’s words:

“It doesn’t matter how great the pressure is; what really matters is where the pressure lies. Whether it comes between you and God — or presses you nearer His heart.” posted by Betty Kilpatrick

We are privileged to be a part of what He has started and invite you to join ANVZ this year.  We look forward with great anticipation to see what He will do in 2012 – we hope you will be a part of it!

“Let us not with words or tongue but WITH ACTIONS AND IN TRUTH!” 1 John 3:18

“This group has helped me to become a better person, the word of God has really changed me through the love and teaching I have been able to get from the group.  I remember a time when I could not even relate to my sister–in law and we cooked separately and did not share meals at all even though we stayed in the same house. After learning about the 4 key relationships at creation and after the fall and how Christ came to restore the lost relationships, I evaluated my life and my relationships with others and knew I needed God to change me.  He did.  Today we share everything with my sister –in-law and we have forgiven each other.  My neighbors who never spoke to me kindly have also noticed the transformation in my life and have been amazed by what God has done in my life.  I even took one of our neighbors who was critically ill to the hospital when no one else bothered about her and met some of the bills. That woman has become like a sister to me and has also given her life to Christ.  I could not recount all these things and others if it was not for this group and the things I have learned.  I also would like to thank the group for helping me in my time of sickness, may God bless all of you!”- Tendai Z., Tasunungurwa Group member.

To God be the Glory!

This was intended as mission statement of sorts – that ANVZ would put into action what Jesus calls us to do, what we feel called to do in Zimbabwe.  But, isn’t this what we are called to in our lives everyday?  Here?  With our families?  With strangers?  With friends?  With those in need near — and far away?

I thank God for this fresh reminder – for His fresh Spirit that lives in action and in truth today and always!

At the age of 13, Cynthia is the head of her household, looking after two babies and a blind grandmother after being orphaned earlier this year.  Still her desire was to attend school and receive an education.  She is now part of the ANVZ sponsored School Fee Program, which provides school fees for children who otherwise could not afford them.

Despite the responsibilities she must shoulder, she has done exceptionally well and is considered one of the top performers in her grade.  The school head recently wrote a letter commending her as one of the best students in “Form One” at his school.

We thank God, who cares for Cynthia and is giving her a new road to follow – one that leads to a bright and hopeful future!

Will you pray for Cynthia and other children like her who desperately want to learn and secure a better future for themselves, and their families?

Every time I think of what I have, I think of what they don’t have. During a recent visit these tiny people who had barely, if any, of these things to be thankful for, made a deep impression on me.  What I call “basic” they would consider great wealth.  I find myself comparing my “basic” blessings to their day-to-day situation and it takes the breath out of me.

The “basics” for a child in Zimbabwe looks like this…

FAMILY is diminished from illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, or children left on their own because parents can’t provide.

HEALTH for many is riddled with preventable childhood disease (often caused by lack of clean water) while many others are fighting Cancer.

FOOD is scarce and it’s considered a blessing to encounter one meal a day.  Most of the meals they do eat are prepared using unsafe methods, contaminating the very air they breathe.

SHELTER consists of lean-tos, grass structures and various levels of public housing, none of which have a kitchen, bathroom, heat, air or water, but rather dirt covered floors they call a “bed”.

EDUCATION is rare as public school is not free.

What surprises me most about the stark comparison of my life and theirs? Despite their situation…they wear a smile.

Would I be smiling if I were in their shoes?  Probably, not.  See, I have taken God’s provisions for granted, expecting them or rarely even thinking about them. But these children have taught me that family, health, friends, food, shelter and education, do not come freely to all, only the extremely privileged.

As only God can do, He fills their hearts with things that bring them smiling joy…breath, hope, surviving another day and His presence.  Would this be enough to make me smile? I hope so.

So this Thanksgiving I am especially thankful for the innocence of a child that keeps them smiling despite their unbearable circumstances.  That the hope God promises is alive and well in their precious faces.

Please pray for the children in Zimbabwe this Thanksgiving.  Pray that their child-like joy remains until their way of life changes…something ANVZ is passionate about and committed to.

Join us in being used by God to change lives in Zimbabwe, it is possible…in our lifetime.

Blessings for healthy, happy, family filled Thanksgiving to you and yours from ANVZ.

Posted by Christina Phillips

volunteers preparing sadza and beans in Mabvuku

Often times when we use the term “feeding programs”, our image becomes sterile and we lose sight of the fact that there are real people who use and need these programs.

One such person is an 11-year old school girl named Nicole.  Nicole lost her mother to AIDS soon after she was born.  Her unemployed father remarried, but her step-mother doesn’t care for Nicole and often neglects her.

Nicole is HIV positive and on antiviral medication which often makes her feel hungry.  The Mabvuku feeding program is a place where Nicole can get food that she needs to survive.  It is also a sanctuary where she is safe, can share her fears with church volunteers, and be loved.

Would you remember Nicole this Thanksgiving holiday as you gather together with your family, and will you pray for her?

“But in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”  Philippians 4:6