Rubatsiro — “Helping Hands”
ANVZ is pleased to introduce Rubatsiro Ministries (which means “helping hands” in Shona, one of the native languages of Zimbabwe). Rubatsiro has joined ANVZ in support of the Savings and Credit Association Program in Zimbabwe. The following is a summary on who they are and how they came to be — in their own words. We thank God for the individuals who make up the Rubatsiro Ministry and ask that you continue to pray alongside us for physical, spiritual and financial freedom for the people of Zimbabwe!
Rubatsiro Ministries
Rubatsiro Ministries was started in 2007 as a Christian charitable trust in New Zealand by Nick Burtenshaw and Adrian Maarschalk, Zimbabweans who had moved to NZ. Over the past four years the names and faces of those involved in the Trust have changed but all involved have been motivated by a desire to help the people of Zimbabwe. We are challenged by the call in Isaiah 58 to care for the poor as an acceptable act of worship to God. Those currently involved are Nick Burtenshaw, Doug Maarschalk, Kristian and Grace Jensen and Joy Davidson, all ex-Zimbabweans now living in NZ who care deeply about Jesus and the plight of Zimbabweans.
Rubatsiro has been fundraising in NZ and Australia to primarily support the work of Central Baptist Church in Harare and Fathers Love Ministry in Bulawayo in providing food, medical assistance and school fees to the needy people that these ministries reach out to. We are often humbled to see how God uses the funds donated to make a significant impact. Our philosophy to helping the poor has been to not be overwhelmed by the great need around the world but to give what we have to the need our partners in Zimbabwe present to us, trusting, like the little boy in the story of Jesus feeding of the five thousand, that God will multiply what we give for His purposes.
We have a heart to not only to provide for the immediate needs of the poor in Zimbabwe but also to resource programs that enable the poor to lift themselves out of poverty through financial and spiritual training. This is why we were most excited at the opportunity to partner with the Savings and Credit Association Program started by Acta Non Verba Zimbabwe in partnership with HOPE International. This program has been implemented in Zimbabwe through churches, primarily through our mutual partner, Central Baptist Church Harare. We love the fact that through the program, not only are people benefiting from group savings but, they are also having their spiritual hunger addressed through Bible teaching in a holistic approach to poverty alleviation. What a wonderful opportunity to be part of and we trust that God will bless this work greatly.
Doug Maarschalk
