Getting to know Maurice Redmill

Maurice and Catherine Redmill

It was GREAT getting to know Maurice Redmill and his wife Catherine this past weekend. Maurice is one of the elders at Kings Community Church in Southampton.

M.M: Tell me briefly about your background?
M.R: I was born in Portsmouth and did my education there. I went to a Teacher Training College where I met Catherine. It was LOVE at first sight! I married Catherine 4½ years later. During my last year of College, I felt God calling me to full time ministry so I taught for a year before doing a degree in Theology in Bristol. It was a great time of God’s provision as all my fees and accommodation needs were met. Catherine and I have 2 children: Nicola who is 40 years old and Simon who is 36.

M.M: What ministries are you involved with at Kings Community Church?
M.R: I’m the Principal of the International Training Centre, a Trustee of KCC and I’m a Trustee of CRY.

M.M: What has been a highlight of your ministry?
M.R: Seeing young me develop and go into full time work.

M.M: What do you do to relax?
M.R: Read, read and read! And walk….

M.M: What is your favourite quote?
M.R: “The heart of the matter is the matter of the heart.”

M.M: Who has influenced you recently?
M.R: Wayne Grudem’s “Systematic Theology” on DVD

M.M: Who is your favourite Bible character?
M.R: Joseph. Joseph is about prophetic leadership for the nations.

M.M: Any words of encouragement?
M.R: God is GREAT and has great plans for his church locally, nationally and internationally.

M.M: Thanks so much Maurice.

By Molly Manhanga

Keeping warm during the cold winter mornings in Kezi

Apprentices huddled around a fire

It’s very common these days seeing the apprentices huddled around a fire trying to keep warm during meal times or if the sun is shining, they are “dotted” around the sunny spots. It’s not only the apprentices though, the staff also huddle near the dover/wooden stoves in a bid to keep warm. It’s turning out to be pretty cold in Kezi.

Staff enjoying the warmth of the fire in the kitchen

By Molly Manhanga

Catching up with Sam Poe

Sam and Marlene Poe

The last interview done with Sam Poe was when he first arrived in Zimbabwe in March 2010 for the Prophetic Summit and Easter Camp. As Sam and Marlene have been in Zimbabwe for just over 3 months now and are preparing for the Annual Brighton Conference in the U.K, it was great to chat to them about their time in Zimbabwe. This is what Sam says:

M.M: Generally, how has your stay in Zimbabwe been so far?
S.P: I’m very positive about our stay. We’ve made real heart links with people – with Steve and Molly, Crossroads Community Church and the apprentices at Ebenezer. I’ve really enjoyed the times with the Chronological Bible Storying team and editing the manual.

M.M: What has been the most memorable occasion so far?
S.P: We were at a Chronological Bible Storying meeting at Pumula (Farm house in Kezi, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Pumula means Rest.) and there was a huge thunderstorm. Something was exploding. It was crazy but what an amazing storm!

M.M: I remember that all too well! How best would you describe your experience at Crossroads?
S.P: I have a genuine feeling of being accepted by the people at Crossroads and there is such graciousness towards us. They have won our hearts and there is sincerity with the people here.

M.M: Has God spoken to you personally about your time here that you feel confident enough to share with us?
S.P: Yes. We feel challenged that it’s God’s plan for us to come back to Zimbabwe for another period of time. We’re both pretty confident that it’s God. A fresh nugget from the spirit: Haggai 2:4 “Do the work, for I am with you..” That struck me. The Lords blessing and favour is on us in doing this new task. There is a real sense of God’s favour, help and pleasure on it and it gives us the confidence to go on.

M.M: Amazing! We are truly honoured and blessed! Have you made as much progress on Chronological Bible Storying as you hoped?
S.P: It’s a difficult question to answer. I am in good heart and encouraged with the progress we’ve made and yet zealous to continue making more progress. We are on target pretty much but there is certainly much more to do on the pilot work that we are doing.

M.M: Thanks so much Sam. We’ve really LOVED having you at Crossroads and look forward to the next season together.

By Molly Manhanga

Affirming Molly Manhanga

Molly Manhanga

Molly is a natural administrator with skills and she is organized. She pays attention to detail and is efficient. She gets things done and is resourceful. She has a love for children and is nurturing. There is a togetherness and team work with Stephen – her husband, which is so evident. She is always joyful and exercises self-control. She has a temperate nature and is fun to be around. Molly has lots of energy, is enthusiastic and zealous for the things of God. She is a lady-like lady who takes care of herself. She has beauty and does things beautifully. Molly is a great hostess, a great linker and excellent communicator who is able to relate to all sorts of people. Molly is lovely.

It’s amazing all the positive things that the team has to say about one another! We missed 6 staff members; Lance Edwards, Stephen Manhanga, Augustine and Gertrude Nyamayaro, Anna Bryon and Siphiliswe Mlilo but mentioned how precious they were to the team.

What an excellent time we had!

By Molly Manhanga

Affirming Sikanyiso Matshalaga

Sikanyiso Matshalaga better known as Skha

Skha is responsible for “Agriculture” at Ebenezer. She is enthusiastic and has a positive attitude. Her name is a “buzz word” with the apprentices as she has a genuine connection with them. Skha loves the Lord and loves being a part of what He is doing. She gives sacrificially and she is an encourager and a motivator. The day begin with excellence for her as she desires excellence. She is also competitive and committed.

By Molly Manhanga

Affirming Gerald Mangena

Gerald Mangena

Gerald is responsible for "Maintenance" at Ebenezer. He is amazing in service. He is extreme and hard core, energetic and an action man. Gerry wants to finish what he starts, has a synergy with people, a sense of humour, is hospitable and has a softness about him. Gerry is an encourager and brings people out. He pays attention to detail, is a great teacher and has endurance.

By Molly Manhanga

Affirming Hannah Terry

Hannah Terry

Hannah is from Birmingham, U.K and she is lending a "helping hand" at Ebenezer. Hannah is efficient, a good observer, a big-hearted person which God will continue to grow while she is in Zimbabwe. She has a willingness to learn, is an adventurer with a servant heart. Hannah is committed to growing God’s kingdom, compassionate and is open.

By Molly Manhanga

Affirming George Mlilo

George Mlilo

George is responsible for "Agriculture" at Ebenezer. He is a “gentle giant” who is teachable and a leader by example. He has a mentoring heart, an evangelist heart, is a good communicator with natural authority. He has charisma and a genuine concern for others. George is like a father, brother, pastor and friend all rolled in one, he is tenacious and has a love for people and his family.

By Molly Manhanga

Affirming Renee Cunningham

Renee Cunningham

Renee is responsible for "Administration" at Ebenezer. She has a love for life and people. She loves to have fun, is talkative and has inexhaustible energy. She is optimistic and a joyful communicator. She loves God, God’s things and God’s work, she is inclusive of people and is observant. Renee has depth and wisdom, sharpness of mind – high I.Q. She is dependable, efficient, loving and beautiful.

By Molly Manhanga

Affirming H Ross Dudley

H Ross Dudley

H Ross is kindly lending a "helping hand" at Ebenezer. He is from Vancouver, Canada. H Ross smiles naturally, is a macho-gentleman – strong but gentle, he has an amazing voice and enjoys making melody, he also makes great lemonade. He is open, talks to anyone – a wide range of people, he is approachable, gets “stuck in” and has no fear. Kingdom centeredness is what he is about. His identity is in being part of the body and he is Christ centered.

By Molly Manhanga

Affirming Laura Mangena

Laura Mangena

Laura is responsible for "Stores" at Ebenezer. She is hospitable, has a servant heart, full of energy, excellence, goes the extra mile, good at baking. She pays attention to detail, is generous and has genuine concern for others. She is selfless, perseveres, is an encourager, is sincere and has a childlikeness about her.

NICE!

By Molly Manhanga

"Affirmation" with Mbonisi Malaba

Mbonisi Malaba

It was great having "Bones" come out to Ebenezer and encourage the staff and apprentices. The time spent with the staff was not only motivational but he encouraged the team to openly affirm one another. He spoke about Zimbabwe being in a “turn around” situation but despite that there are many challenges. Paul wrote Philippians when he was in prison and it’s a letter of joy. The Churches in Philippi gave Paul a gift and this letter is one of gratitude. Mbonisi shared from Philippians 4: 4 – 8 “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again – rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus”. V8 “And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honourable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” The emphasis was on verse 8, on the things we think about. It’s a verse that “rocks”. We see earlier that Paul and Silas were in prison and they were singing praises to God. Here again Paul is in prison and he says: “Rejoice in the Lord always and I say again rejoice.” It’s really something. Anxiety and following God shouldn’t go together. As our circumstances change, let’s focus on God and on what He is doing. Let’s be thankful despite the cold and the frost that has affected our crop. Let’s be thankful and take value in the people around us as they help us get through difficulties.

1 Peter 2:17 “Show respect for everyone. Love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God. Show respect for the King.” In our relationships, we need to show respect for one another. Look at what is Godly, noble, true in each other. None of us can survive a relationship if we are viewed through our worst moments. The antidote when we are in prison, conflict etc is to think on these things and have proper value and proper honour of one another. Your value comes from Jesus. We all have dignity and honour through Him and we need to put “feet” on this, put value on one another.

We then spent some time putting “value” and affirming one another - Speaking about the things that are admirable and praiseworthy in one another.

Want to know more about those qualities of the Ebenezer Staff?…….. Read on…..

By Molly Manhanga

One on one with Hannah Terry

Hannah Terry

Hannah Terry comes from Birmingham, U.K. She attends The Crown Church led by Martin White. Hannah will be serving at Crossroads and Ebenezer for the next 8 weeks. Hannah flew into Zimbabwe on Tuesday after spending 6 weeks serving in Uganda. This is what she said….

M.M: Tell me briefly about your background?
H.T: Hannah grew up on the outskirts of East London where she did all her schooling until the age of 18. She then went to Uganda on a gap year for 6 months. Her experience was difficult but amazing especially as she looks back on it now and realizes that she was pretty young that time.

M.M: Is this your first time in Zimbabwe?
H.T: Yes it is!

M.M: Early days yet but what do you think of Zimbabwe so far?
H.T: It’s very different to what I expected. It’s really cold here but there is electricity, running water, internet etc. I assumed it would be like in Uganda – I was in the slums of Uganda where there is nothing.

M.M: What do you enjoy doing?
H.T: Anything creative and arty. I studied textile design.

M.M: Do you feel that textile design will be useful out here in Kezi?
H.T: In Uganda, lots of people jumped in on it and were very excited. I’m not sure about out here though.

M.M: I’m sure the apprentices will love your creativity. What do you think of Ebenezer so far?
H.T: The plots are so neat and there are so many. The fields just go on and on…..

M.M: What do you do to relax?
H.T: reading, sewing and drawing.

M.M: Who has influenced you recently?
H.T: People in my work place back home. We’ve been through a merger recently and they have been a real support.

M.M: Well, I hope these next 8 weeks will be memorable for you and I look forward to getting to know you more.

By Molly Manhanga

The frost is here.......

Winter is in full swing now with our temperatures dropping at around 4:00pm in the afternoon. Early mornings are really cold. The apprentices have been doing extremely well in preventing their crops from being affected by frost however, during early hours today, the frost hit most of the fields and it has affected the Irish potatoes. Encouraging the apprentices was the order of the day and making sure contingence plans are in place.

How about the other crops? Approximately 40,000 cabbages were planted and we are harvesting about 3 tonnes of cabbages a week. From a 0.8 hectare field of sugar beans, we are bringing in 800kg and we are also starting to harvest the green onions. We have got 3 hectares of winter wheat in the ground at the moment which is doing really well.

We hope the apprentices keep their spirits up as we still have quite a way to go before winter is finally over!

By Molly Manhanga

Meet Rob Whiting

Rob Whiting

Rob is from Florida, USA and he is visiting Zimbabwe for 3 weeks. Rob passed through Ebenezer Training Centre and I was able to chat to him for a bit…….

M.M: Tell me briefly about your background.
R.W: I was born in Minnesota and lived my whole life in Amelia Island. I did my schooling up to College there before going to Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. After graduation in May 2009, I received the Michael B Keegan Fellowship to study Sustainable Development and Poverty.

M.M: Is that what you doing right now?
R.W: Yes. I started travelling in July 2009 to Bangladesh then around Asia and now I’ve found myself in Africa.

M.M: Which parts of Africa have you been to?
R.W: I’ve spent most of my time in Mozambique – in Maputo and Nampula where I was working with 2 Non Governmental Organisations doing Poultry Impact Study. This is my first time to Zimbabwe.

M.M: Thoughts or impressions on Zimbabwe and Ebenezer?
R.W: Great so far for the most part. Everyone I met is very friendly. People are willing to take me in and show me around and I’m loving speaking English. In Mozambique I tried speaking Portuguese but wasn’t good. It’s amazing what’s happening at Ebenezer. I’m impressed with the holistic living and activities.

M.M: Do you think you’d like to come back to Zimbabwe?
R.W: Yes. I’d like to do “touristy” things like walk with the lions at Victoria Falls and there are vast opportunities in this country.

M.M: Thanks Rob. Enjoy the rest of your visit to Zimbabwe.

By Molly Manhanga

The Poes "hang loose" at Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls

From Chronological Bible Storying, to Discipleship, to weekly meetings at Ebenezer, Crossroads Community Church and New Creation Church; “hanging loose” at Victoria Falls was fabulous for the Poes. In Sam’s words ….. “Vic Falls is one of a kind place in the world full of majesty and power”. Marlene says “AMAZING – hard to know what words to use to describe it”. You can’t go wrong with the beauty and nature of the Falls. This time of the year - June - Victoria Falls is just stunning, picturesque and breathtaking. The Poe’s experienced that last week.

From moments of pleasure and relaxation, it’s now back to the “grind” and to the countdown to the Annual Brighton Leaders Conference in the U.K.

Sam and Marlene at Lokuthula Lodge at Victoria Falls

By Molly Manhanga

"Life after Ebenezer" with Lorencia Mabhena

With Graduation being 5 months away for the second year apprentices, they are starting to think ahead to “life after Ebenezer”.

Lorencia Mabhena

Lorencia Mabhena says: “After graduation I will continue farming if I receive a piece of land. I’m hoping to go back to Mapane. I’m looking forward to graduation because I want to finish what I started.”

Men at work at Ebenezer.........

Ebenezer is really looking neat at the moment….the winter wheat is great, the grounds have been tidied up, the vegetation is green because of the late rains and there is just a buzz around as everyone is getting on with what they are supposed to be doing.

The men making bricks are hard at work. Their target is 1000 bricks a day with the hope of pushing it up to 1,500 bricks a day. The team is doing so well. The bricks are for staff accommodation.

More bricks…..men at work

From moulding bricks (physical application) to more serious planning (mental application)…….. Stephen Manhanga and Alan Norton have a planning meeting on the way forward for the Faithful Stewards Programme in Kezi and Umguza and looking ahead at the Faithful Stewards Programme conference which begins on Monday next week in Harare. They are all geared and ready to get going!

Stephen Manhanga and Alan Norton discussing Faithful Stewards Programme issues

by Molly Manhanga

"Life after Ebenezer" with Constance Ncube

With Graduation being 5 months away for the second year apprentices, they are starting to think ahead to “life after Ebenezer”.

Constance Ncube

Constance Ncube says: “After I graduate, I want to do farming because I want to see if what I learnt these last 2 years will work in my community. I’m looking forward to graduating with the hope that I’ll learn even more.”

Chatting to H Ross Dudley...

Hubert Ross Dudley

Hubert Ross, better known as H Ross is serving at Ebenezer for a bit. He comes from British Columbia, Canada. I had an excellent time getting to know him and chatting over different issues:

M.M: Tell me about your background?
H.D: I was born in Mississippi and grew up in Jackson, Madison County USA. I played basketball, American football, baseball and tennis and I really enjoyed it. Currently I work as a Pastor at an Anglican church in Vancouver, Canada. I studied for 3 years before working for the church.

M.M: Is this your first time to Africa or to Zimbabwe?
H.D: No, I’ve visited Africa and Zimbabwe before but this is my first time to Bulawayo and to Ebenezer?

M.M: What are your first impressions of Ebenezer?
H.D: It’s really beautiful with the fields and crops. The training Centre seems well-built and nice. I’m impressed with how the farming works. It’s real organized.

M.M: how long are you here for?
H.D: I don’t know! I’d like to be here on an extended time.

M.M: That’s great! What do you do to relax?
H.D: I relax when I’m at prayer services at church. I really like them. I write music but it’s more of a process.

M.M: What is the weirdest food you’ve eaten?
H.D: Beetle salsa. It’s beaten up insects and green stuff. It doesn’t taste great.

M.M: I bet! While in Zimbabwe, what traditional food would you like to taste?
H.D: Mopani worms in peanut butter.

M.M: That can definitely be arranged! Any words of encouragement?
H.D: May the peace of Christ go with you wherever He may send you.

M.M: Thank you so much. Enjoy your time at Ebenezer and in Zimbabwe.

By Molly Manhanga

Baking a "hit" at Ebenezer.......

Marlene Poe in action…..

From working hard in the fields, to learning real hard in class, the apprentices really enjoyed the Peanut Butter cookies made yesterday during the girls discipleship session. The girls made Ginger Snaps today and were joined in by the Ebenezer chef’s: Mr Ndlovu and Mr Mabhena – much to the delight of the girls who felt that the apprentices would be treated to a variety of biscuits in the future…….

Needless to say, the Ginger Snaps were really good and the girls were so proud of themselves. Next up are “Snickerdoodles” (Biscuits)….an interesting name when used in rural Kezi.

What enjoyable Discipleship sessions with Marlene! We all look forward to more fun-filled action next week……Spiritual and practical input is such an excellent deal!

by molly manhanga

Discipleship with a Difference....

Cooking and baking is really interesting, especially when trying out new recipes. The girls’ discipleship at Ebenezer was spent learning how to make Peanut Cookies with Marlene Poe. We could probably call this “Baking God’s Way” – Baking on time, to a very HIGH standard, with no wastage and with definite joy! What fun!!

Marlene Poe all ready to bake

Peanut Butter Cookies:
½ cup baking margarine
½ cup peanut butter

½ cup brown sugar
½ cup white sugar
1 egg
½ teaspoon vanilla
Method: Cream the margarine and peanut butter together. Add the sugars to the mixture and mix well before adding the egg and vanilla. Beat until fluffy.

Baking in progress

Mix together in a separate bowl
1½ cup plain flour
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture

Shape dough into balls (1”) and place them on a greased baking sheet 2 – 3” apart. Press flat with a fork.

Bake for 12 – 15 minutes at 180 degrees centigrade.

The biscuits were baked in a dover stove or wooden oven at Ebenezer and came out close to PERFECT. Well done to the girls.

Finished product! Biscuits galore!

Give it a try. It's a winner.

By Molly Manhanga

One on One with Lorator Nyathi- 1st year appy

Lorator Nyathi

M.M: tell me about your background?
L.N: I was born on 5 July 1992. I live in Mablauwuni Village which is about a 45 minute walk from Ebenezer Training Centre. I live with my mother. I have 3 brothers and 2 sisters. They all live in South Africa.

M.M: How did you get to hear about Ebenezer?
L.N: I heard about Ebenezer from two friends of mine that are in the graduate programme at Ebenezer: Brilliant Khoza and Mxwayisi Dube.

M.M: How has your stay been so far?
L.N: It’s been good. I haven’t faced any challenges yet and I’ve made lots of new friends.

M.M: What crops have you grown since you became an apprentice at Ebenezer?
L.N: I’ve grown tomatoes, cabbages and wheat.

M.M: How have your crops done?
L.N: My tomatoes were good. I’m still harvesting my cabbages and I’ve got problems with aphids. My winter wheat is looking good at the moment.

M.M: I really hope you do well at Ebenezer.

By Molly Manhanga

A fortnight ago......

Potatoes doing really well at Ebenezer

What has been happening at Ebenezer over the last 2 weeks? It’s been pretty busy! The apprentices were planting cabbages, finding braces for their tomatoes, planting onions, bending their potatoes and spraying them, attending graduate meetings, Cell meetings, Maths, Spiritual and Agriculture classes. There has also been the weekly Ebenezer News and it’s interesting because the apprentices and graduates get to see who has doing well that week and some win prizes.

Girls Discipleship with Marlene Poe has continued and at the last session the ladies shared about how they received Christ into their lives. Truly inspiring and God is so incredible!

Africa Day was a day with a difference at Ebenezer. The Life Change Team from America spent time with the apprentices and friends of ours, Rodney and Daphne Saunders, arrived at Ebenezer to spend some time with Stephen Manhanga. Andy Thorn from the U.K, come out and spent some time at Ebenezer. Andy is serving at City Pentecostal Assemblies church in Bulawayo and he is involved with the Nehemiah Project which helps orphans and vulnerable children and those infected with HIV and AIDS.

The apprentices and graduates sang songs, did dramas, and ate GOOD food organized by Marlene Poe! What a treat! The day’s holiday was enjoyed by all but now; it’s back to hard work.

Winter Wheat at Ebenezer

By Molly Manhanga