Ebenezer versus Family Impact Cats

Spectators at the soccer match.

Netball – No! Volleyball – No! More like soccer. The Ebenezer team had their very first soccer match this year against the Family Impact Cats from Bulawayo. We played the match at Nduna Primary School – one of the local schools in the community.
The match started off rather slow with each team “sizing” the others skills and fitness levels. The Family Impact Cats(FIC) supporters broke out in song and dance which was rather entertaining. Ebenezer scored the first goal but alas, we were off side and the goal disallowed. Hot on that goal came one from FIC. The supporters were ecstatic. Ebenezer managed to equalize in the first half of the match.

Ebenezer (green & white) versus Family Impact Cats (red bibs)

The second half was interesting. The more mature and older FIC were exhausted whilst the energetic Ebenezer team ran with more gusto. They scored again and Ebenezer were in the lead 2 – 1. The Ebenezer supporters ran onto the field to show just how supportive they were of the team. Ebenezer missed more goals but the end result was Ebenezer 2 and FIC 1. GREAT start to the year!

It’s a goal! Ebenezer supporters run onto the field


By Molly Manhanga

Outing with the Graduates...

Mtshalele dam - totally beautiful!

We had discipleship with a difference.......It was wonderful taking time out on Saturday and going to relax at Mtshalele Dam – approximately 20km from Ebenezer – with the graduates. The 8 graduates are also emerging leaders at Crossroads Community Church.

We left early morning, shared breakfast together before the guys got on with their fishing. The ladies chatted, went for a walk, sang and just relaxed. It was great.

Stephen Manhanga getting ready to catch those fish!

After lunch, we spent some time discussing issues affecting the graduates and how to help them. The openness was excellent and at the end of it all, the burdens seemed lighter.

It was a joy taking Xolani and Portia Ndlovu along with us. They fellowship at New Creation Church led by Mbonisi and Tashinga Malaba.

Discussion time - “on the rocks!”

By Molly Manhanga

"Full House" at Ebenezer

Fun moment with the volunteers: (Left to right) James Allen, Flora Knapp, Jen te Velde and Reimer te Velde

Jen te Velde & Flora Knapp at an apprentice field

It's GREAT having volunteers who have to heart to serve, get to know the local people and have fun. We have 4 at the moment and it's awsome. James Allen is from Beulah Family Church in South London, Reimer and Jen te Velde are from New Community Church, SE London and Flora Knapp attends an anglican Church - a plant from Holy Trinity Brompton

Reimer te Velde carrying pipes for our new water system

By Molly Manhanga

One on one with Daniel Philip Blank

Daniel Philip Blank

Daniel and Lance Edwards, Operations Director of Ebenezer Training Centre, have been friends for the last 12 years. They met at ECHO, In Florida, USA. Daniel was the Farm Manager and Lance arrived as an agricultural intern. The purpose of his trip to Zimbabwe was to be with the Edwards family and participating in their daily life. The Edwards family are really loved at ECHO and many people support them. Lance and Elizabeth had been gone for so long that Daniel decided to take time out and be with them, learning about the work here so that he can share it with folk back in the States. It was GREAT meeting Danny and catching up with him……..

M.M: Tell me briefly about your background.
D.B: I was born near San Francisco, California. I did my schooling in new York and at University I studied Biology. I became interested in agriculture while I was at university. I then took an internship at ECHO in 1994 and remained on staff accumulating more responsibilities until I became Farm manager in 1997. I remained in that position.

M.M: What do you feel is your calling right now?
D.B: Honestly, I’ve made many plans that haven’t come through. I’m taking comfort in living everyday for Him and not being so engaged in a plan. It’s the first time in a long time that I don’t have a plan but I know God is with me. I’m being obedient to Him and want to be a blessing to others. Things will become clearer.

M.M: What are your impressions of Zimbabwe?
D.B: I was expecting worse in terms of the level of desperation and daily living. I was here in 2005 but things have somewhat stabilized now. I’m impressed by the quality of people, the purity of their intention and the earnestness in carrying out the vision. I sat with Brian Oldreive and that was powerful. Coming to Bulawayo and listening to the staff at Ebenezer is impressive. As Christians, you have clarity in your lives. The Vision Casting Day for you all is not a show – it’s for REAL and I appreciate witnessing it a lot. It’s been a great privilege.

M.M: How best would you describe your family?
D.B: My blood family is far and I see them once a year. I am close with my brothers and my parents. I speak to them often on the phone and via email. On a day to day basis, my family is linked to other believers. I have very good friendships with folk my own age that have come through ECHO. They are very rich relationships.

M.M: What are your thoughts on Ebenezer?
D.B: Ebenezer – WOW! It’s an impressive model. As an agriculturalist, I feel the burden of the agricultural products. I’m close to Lance and have a level of concern in that you have to make ends meet. How the rubber meets the road is daunting especially when I see that irrigation has a problem. You need technical support. I LOVE the investment into young people’s lives and see that they have a level of dignity – seeing themselves as precious before God.

M.M: Thank you so much Danny for your honesty and openness. I really hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in Zimbabwe.

Interviewed by Molly Manhanga

A few minutes with Brendon Earl

Brendon Earl

Brendon is from Pennsylvania, USA and he has been in Zimbabwe since December 29th. He flies out this Saturday, 16th January. He has been to Zimbabwe three times and he is linked to Lance and Elizabeth through connections i.e. they’ve been to the same college. Brendon attends Brethren in Christ Church in Pennsylvania and helps out with the Youth Group. He popped in at the Ebenezer office and I managed to catch up with him for a few minutes. This is what he said:

What do you do to relax?
Drink coffee and water sport

What is your favourite quote?
“A good guess is almost certain to be right”

What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
Mupani worm

What are you most passionate about?
Other people passions so that I can get involved

When will you be back in Zimbabwe?
Probably this time next year

Who is your favourite Bible character?
Samuel

Getting to Know Prosper Moyo - 1st Year Appy

Prosper Moyo

M.M: Tell me about your background?
P.M: I live in Mapisa which is a 12 hour walk from Ebenezer. I live with my grandparents. My mother is in Kezi and my father died in 2001. I have a younger sister and brother. I am 18 years old.

M.M: What do you do to relax?
P.M: I play volleyball.

M.M: What has been your greatest joy at Ebenezer?
P.M: Playing volleyballl and the lessons. I enjoy Spiritual and Business.

M.M: In 5 years time what do you see yourself doing?
P.M: I want to drive and continue agriculture in my community.

M.M: I really hope you do well at Ebenezer and be blessed as continue to impact your community.

By Molly Manhanga

Getting to Know Ernest Mhlamba - 1st Year Appy

Getting to know Ernest Mhlamba

M.M: Tell me about your background?
E.M: I live in Mapisa which is a 12 hour walk from Ebenezer. I live with my grandmother and uncle. My mother is in Bulawayo and I don’t know where my father is. I have an older sister. I am 21 years old.

M.M: What do you do to relax?
E.M: I play football.

M.M: What has been your greatest joy at Ebenezer?
E.M: Playing football and the lessons. I enjoy Spiritual, Business, Agriculture and English lessons.

M.M: In 5 years time what do you see yourself doing?
E.M: I want to be a successful businessman in my community.

M.M: I really hope you do well at Ebenezer and be blessed as continue to impact your community.

By Molly Manhanga

One on One with Alert Ndlovu- 1st year appy

Getting to know Alert Ndlovu

M.M: Tell me about your background?
A.N: I live in Gqalaza which is a 5 hour walk from Ebenezer. I live with my father, grandmother, younger sister and brother. We are 8 children. 7 have since left home. I am 17 years old.

M.M: What do you do to relax?
A.N: I play chess and draft.

M.M: What has been your greatest joy at Ebenezer?
A.N: Making new friends and the lessons, especially spiritual and business.

M.M: In 5 years time what do you see yourself doing?
A.N: I want to be planting tomatoes and cabbages and doing what I’ve learnt at Ebenezer. I may go back to my community depending on the soil and water.

M.M: I really hope you do well at Ebenezer and be blessed as continue to impact your community.

By Molly Manhanga

One on One with Lovemore Mhurugwe- 1st year appy

Getting to know Lovemore Mhurugwe

M.M: Tell me about your background?
L.M: I live in Bulawayo with Pastor Ndongwe. I am 17 years old. We are a family of 6 and I am the 5th.

M.M: What has been your greatest challenge since coming to Ebenezer?
L.M: I haven’t found anything difficult as yet since coming to Ebenezer.

M.M: What has been your greatest joy at Ebenezer?
L.M: Playing football and art

M.M: How did you hear about Ebenezer?
L.M: I heard about Ebenezer from the Bryons – Norman and Suzanne, who were visiting Zimbabwe at the time.

M.M: In 5 years time what do you see yourself doing?
L.M: I would like to be a successful farmer.

M.M: I really hope you do well at Ebenezer and be blessed as continue to impact your community.

By Molly Manhanga

Progress on our New Irrigation System pt 1

Irrigation pipes at Ebenezer

Trenches for the irrigation pipes

We are very busy putting in our new irrigation system at Ebenezer. Excitement is brewing as we look at the prospects of having a better water supply for our crops.

Pipes being laid

By Molly Manhanga

One on One with Joseph Longwe- 1st year appy

Getting to know Joseph Longwe

M.M: Tell me about your background?
J.L: I live in Lushumbe which is about a 4 hour walk from Ebenezer. I live with my parents. I have 2 sisters and 2 brothers and I am second born. I attended Silozwe secondary school and finished form 2. I am 19 years old now.

M.M: What has been your greatest challenge since coming to Ebenezer?
J.L: I haven’t found anything difficult as yet since coming to Ebenezer.

M.M: What has been your greatest joy at Ebenezer?
J.L: Working in the fields

M.M: How did you hear about Ebenezer?
J.L: I heard about Ebenezer from Nyosie who works at Masiye Camp Site

M.M: In 5 years time what do you see yourself doing?
J.L: I would like to be a driver and a successful farmer back in my community.

M.M: I really hope you do well at Ebenezer and be blessed as continue to impact your community.

By Molly Manhanga

Nagoya, Japan, calling in at Kezi, Zimbabwe

With Hlulani Chauke

Hlulani Chauke originally comes from Masvingo, Zimbabwe. She served at Ebenezer Training Centre for 6 months last year before moving to Nagoya, Japan. It was excellent seeing Hlulani again and learning about the Japanese culture/society as well as Gracecity Church that is led by Tom and Julie Eaton. This is what she said:

M.M: In a nutshell, how would you describe Gracecity Church in Nagoya?
H.C: Gracecity is a church that has moved from laying foundations to growth. The attendance is better, we are seeing salvations and it feels more like church and we are more like a team. God has upped our level.

M.M: What are your first thoughts on returning to visit Ebenezer?
H.C: I am amazed at what is happening at Ebenezer – the buildings, the new irrigation system, the graduates have really grown and matured. I’m amazed at the perseverance that people have. Keep going. It builds character.

M.M: What is your favourite quote?
H.C: If you don’t live life on the edge, you taking too much space.

M.M: What are you passionate about?
H.C: God

M.M: What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
H.C: Raw horse in Japan

M.M: Who has influenced you the most recently?
H.C: Not so much who but what…. I’ve read two books that have influenced me recently: “Church History in Layman’s Language” and “25 Surprising Marriages”

M.M: Who has shaped your life?
H.C: My mother

M.M: What do you do to relax?
H.C: Read, cycle and play anything.

By Molly Manhanga

One on One with Ntandoyenkosi Moyo- 1st year appy

Getting to know Ntandoyenkosi Moyo

M.M: Tell me about your background?
N.M: I live in Lingwe which is about a 4 – 5 hour drive by car from Ebenezer. I live with my mother and grandmother. I don’t know my dad. I was born on the 7th November 1991. I am 18 years old. I have two older sisters.

M.M: What has been your greatest challenge since coming to Ebenezer?
N.M: I haven’t found anything difficult as yet since coming to Ebenezer.

M.M: What has been your greatest joy at Ebenezer?
N.M: Dancing and social time

M.M: How did you hear about Ebenezer?
N.M: I heard about Ebenezer from the staff at Sikhethimpilo Training Centre. I was there for 3 years

M.M: In 5 years time what do you see yourself doing?
N.N: I would like to be a successful farmer back in my community.

M.M: I really hope you do well at Ebenezer and be blessed as continue to impact your community.

By Molly Manhanga