Home of Hope
Dear Friends of Home of Hope,
It is a beautiful, wonderful time of the year in Zimbabwe. It is not as hot, and there is often a lovely breeze and a blaze of color surrounding us. Our God is truly God of his creation, and his beauty and perfection surround us daily. What a joy to be part of sharing some of his amazing goodness with the children, mothers, and everyone else that comes into contact with and are helped by the Home of Hope.
Life here is running rather smoothly because there are goods on hand in the shops, fuel is available, there is peace in the cities, and Highlands Presbyterian Church has a thriving membership. There are four well-attended services on Sundays, and other activities are offered almost every day of the week. While the suburbs have daily power cuts and most have very limited drinkable water supplies the Home, due to its central city proximity, has these services pretty consistently. That in itself is a real blessing.
Zimbabwe remains essentially agricultural, with much of its industry associated with the land. Our more open trading policy has resulted in an increased number of imports. Goods and food items manufactured in Zimbabwe are a rare sight, as pricing and quality have forced them out of the shops. This has added to the massive unemployment and poverty levels.
A new group of 31 ladies started their training in sewing this month, joining 13 already enrolled. They are all unemployed, have HIV/AIDS, or are single mothers. The 44 ladies are divided into three groups, which makes the classes more manageable. Three new children (ages 10-14) have joined the group attending City Presbyterian Club School.
The final school term of 2012 began in early September. Home of Hope helped about 24 parents with school fees for their children. Some mothers were able to join the training group for dressmaking due to this help with money for school fees.
Panasha, one of Home of Hope’s regulars, became sick with mouth sores and eye problems. Joan and Craig took him to the clinic and he received medicine, but his condition did not improve. The new director of City Presbyterian Club has taken him off the streets and put him into a home for orphans. Panasha’s health has improved, and he is much happier.
During the last two months, there has been an increase in people needing medical help. Many have come in with diarrhea, coughing, stab wounds, and bad burns as well as victims of hit and run car accidents and beatings. Friends, Psalm 23 is as relevant today as ever before:
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Our friends in the U.S.A. are in our thoughts and prayers as the east coast suffers greatly from their severe storms. May God bless you and keep you in his loving care.
With our love and God’s blessings from everyone at Home of Hope in Zimbabwe,
Joan Trevelyan, Craig Trevelyan, Dave and Ria Rock