Hello, Friends!
I am so excited to be part of a ministry to orphans this summer! Please read this page for a little more info on the team I am traveling with, why I am going, and how you can pray for me. Thank you!
Where am I going?
I am going to Zimbabwe with Global Encounters! Zimbabwe is one of the most economically depressed countries in the world and AIDS has ravaged the adult population, leaving many orphans without training, parenting, or provision. My team is flying to Africa this summer to love the kids of Zimbabwe and show them Jesus through camp-style ministry. Our trip will run July 31 – August 15!
Why does Zimbabwe need missions?
Zimbabwe was once the “breadbasket of Africa,” the most prosperous sub-saharan African country. Now it is deeply mired in poverty, since their economic collapse in 2007. Hyperinflation and corruption cripple the economy. In addition, Zimbabwe has one of the highest AIDS infection rates in the world and very little medical care, which has resulted in millions of orphans and tens of thousands of child-led households. These children desperately need practical help to meet their basic needs and people who will love them and show them the love of their Heavenly Father.
Global Encounters partners with Hands of Hope, a ministry that has established feeding stations for orphans all over Zimbabwe. These feeding stations keep the kids alive physically, but also provide community, mentoring, and discipleship. Each feeding station is run in connection with a local church that helps take on the responsibility for caring for the orphaned kids.
Hands of Hope also owns a camp facility. Global Encounters teams have been going each year to run summer camps for the kids at the feeding station. We bring them to camp in groups of fifty at a time to be loved, trained, and fed (physically and spiritually). Because the kids at each camp come from the same feeding station and village, we get to see the real life relationships. We help the older ones learn to be protectors rather than bullies and teach all the kids to work together rather than fighting.
Now that I’m going back for my second trip, I will get to see some of the same kids that I worked with last Christmas. I’m excited to build deeper relationships with them. Global Encounters teams have been working in Zimbabwe now for five years and every year we are able to have a deeper impact in the lives of the kids as they trust us more.
Why am I going?
I am passionate about sharing the gospel in a way that works alongside and encourages the family of God already present throughout the world. This neighborhood of the world has been on my heart since I was a teen. Not only do I look forward to connecting, encouraging and learning from the ministry in Zimbabwe, but also hope to explore the possibility of serving there more in the future. I currently have an open door to go!
Please pray for our time there, that the orphans we work with would be reminded and encouraged that they are valued and loved by God. Throughout the next few weeks, I desperately need and desire your prayers! I plan to organize a prayer team so if you want to pray specifically for the trip during our time, message me your email (send to mailto:[email protected]) and I’ll keep you updated!
My expenses are about $4000 including flights. You are welcome to share in this opportunity in large or small ways. No pressure to give financially, but only as God directs your heart to partner with me.
Love, Alysha
