Catching up with Bob Kuest

Bob Kuest

It was really great seeing Bob again at Ebenezer this morning and catching up with him. Bob and his wife Peggy spent some time at Ebenezer last year and did a series with the staff on Relationships. It was fantastic. Bob is remembered most for encouraging us with “Imago Dei” – seeing people made in the image of God.

M.M: How long will you and your wife Peggy be in Zimbabwe for this time round?
B.K: We are here until October 18 but have a week in Mozambique.

M.M: You’ll be doing a session with the graduates. What will your focus be this time round?
B.K: Relationships. I’ll be looking at Biblical principles on relationships and healing relationships.

M.M: Peggy is not with us at Ebenezer this time round. Where is she and what is she up to?
B.K: Yes, Peggy is in Harare teaching at a Women’s Conference on Christian Maturity.

M.M: Wonderful. What do you do to relax?
B.K: I enjoy working around the house – yard work and building.

M.M: What is the weirdest food you’ve eaten?
B.K: Baby bees. When fried, they taste like nuts.

M.M: Interesting. What is your favourite quote?
B.K: Isaiah 12:3 “With Joy, draw from the well of salvation

M.M: Who is your favourite Bible character and why?
B.K: I have many but I’ll go for Nehemiah. He is a fine example of what Biblical leadership is all about.

M.M: Great. Thanks so much Bob. Enjoy your stay in Zimbabwe.

By Molly Manhanga

Ebenezer at the Community Gala Showcase..pt 2

Gala Event at White Water School

It was really interesting being at a Community Gala event that was held at White Water Secondary school. The gala event was to discuss gender related issues and HIV. It was organised by Christian Aids Taskforce (CAT) and Southern Africa HIV and AIDS Information Dissemination Service (SAfAIDS) About 700 people attended the event and the guest of honour was the District Administrator – Mrs Molife. (Nice lady)

Ebenezer crops being admired

The Marketing Team representing Ebenezer were Gerald and Laura Mangena and Molly Manhanga. Our Ebenezer stand received lots of interest as older folk asked if they could become an apprentice, where Ebenezer was and what we do. The produce we showcased was amazing and many people commented on how excellent the onions, cabbages, wheat, potatoes and carrots were.

The event was really well-organised with speeches, songs, skits, traditional song & dance and so on. It was an excellent place to showcase Ebenezer and advertise for our upcoming Selection Camp where we are hoping to select 75 new apprentices.

Excellent produce from Honest Matavire (2nd year apprentice) and Mqondisi Moyo (Graduate)

A day well spent!

By Molly Manhanga

Touching base with Ntando Moyo - 1st year appy

Ntando in his maize field

Walking through the Ebenezer fields is really encouraging. It’s great to see how hard the apprentices are applying themselves to their work. I stopped for a brief chat with Ntando Moyo, a first year apprentice. He has worked so well and his plot of maize and tomatoes are mulched and looking really great. He said he has 100% maize germination and he is expecting a good harvest. He has already tied his tomatoes and just seems to be a step ahead of his classmates. Well done Ntando!

Maize plot that has been beautifully mulched

By Molly Manhanga

Ebenezer at the Community Gala Showcase..

Ebenezer Displays

Ebenezer will take part in the Community Gala being held at White Water School in Kezi today. The Gala organised by Christian Aids Taskforce (CAT) with the support from Southern Africa HIV and AIDS Information Dissemination Service (SAfAIDS) will have different organisations showcasing their experiences, lessons learnt, good practices and research around culture, Gender and HIV issues. The theme of the gala is "Challenging gender dynamics in a cultural context to address HIV."

Watch this space for more details.....

By Molly Manhanga

Meet Laura Hastings

Laura Hastings

It was great meeting Laura Hastings at Ebenezer this morning. Laura comes from South East London and she attends Beacon Church led by Owen Hylton. Beacon Church is part of Newfrontiers and has been planted out from Kings Church.

M.M: Tell me about your background?
L.H: I was born into a Christian family and grew up in London until I was 11 years. I did my secondary school in a small village. I have 2 younger siblings. I went to the University of York and did my undergraduate course and the College of Law for my post graduate studies.

M.M: When did you move to London?
L.H: I moved to South East London last year.

M.M: How is the church plant going?
L.H: It’s going well but hard work for our pastor! There is not much money but it’s exciting. We are learning how to build family within such a diverse church and how to reach out to those around us with the gifts we have.

M.M: How would you describe your time in Zimbabwe?
L.H: I’d describe it as a time to slow down and listen to God’s agenda instead of having Him listen to mine. It has been a real privilege.

M.M: Thanks so much Laura. I hope you enjoy the rest of your time in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

By Molly Manhanga

Harvesting in progress...

Last week about 2,400 cabbages were harvested and taken to the market. Some were sold in the community. Wheat is also being harvested at the moment. Take a look at the wheat...

Belt of golden brown wheat

Beautiful wheat

Wheat being harvested by a second year apprentice

Some of the apprentices are hoping to plant tomato seedlings this week. The crops are looking pretty great at the moment.

By Molly Manhanga

Stephen Dewing from Perth, Australia

Stephen Dewing

Stephen Dewing is part of Cosmos HealthCare Inc. medical team that comes from Perth, Australia. He attends South Perth Church of Christ in Western Australia. The team have been in Zimbabwe since 2 September and have done various clinics in and around Bulawayo. It was great having them at Ebenezer as well as doing the outreach at Crossroads Community Church.

M.M: Tell me briefly about your background?
S.D: I was born into a Christian missionary family so I had missions on my heart. At the age of 5 we moved to Perth. I made a commitment to Christ aged 9. I always wanted to do missions work but I didn’t know what. After school the Lord started showing me what to do and I got into missionary aviation. I went to WEC International. After my training I joined Aerial Missions in Western Australia.

M.M: When did you meet your wife?
S.D: I met my wife Lynette when I was 25 years old. We married a year later and we have 3 children: Talitha who is 21, Heidi who is 19 and Jonathan who is 16 years.

M.M: How best would you describe your family life?
S.D: Very busy! Both my wife and I are ‘workaholics’ and are busy with many things. God has blessed us as a family and we’ve lived by faith for 20 years.

M.M: You lead the team Cosmos HealthCare Inc. How many countries do you minister in?
S.D: We have been to India and we go there annually and this is our 2nd trip to Zimbabwe. In October this year, we will be going back to India.

M.M: What are the highlights of medical ministry?
S.D: In India, we’ve seen many people come to know the Lord. We work with the Pastor of the church and this ministry breaks down barriers. There has been Church growth. We see the results of the previous year and testimonies are always exciting.

M.M: Wonderful. Any challenges you’d like to share?
S.D: Turning people away at the end of the day breaks your heart. The heat is a challenge and working in harsh environments with practically no facilities is hard. Seeing medical conditions here that we don’t see in Australia, no water and electricity and seeing people with AIDS, who you know are going to die and there is nothing you can do about it, hurts. It breaks your heart.

M.M: That is really difficult. What is the weirdest food you’ve eaten?
S.D: Warthog. It smelt and tasted warthog.

M.M: What is your favourite quote?
S.D: C.T Studd “If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.”

M.M: Any words of encouragement you’d like to share?
S.D: God is not looking for our ability as much as our availability.

M.M: Thanks so much Stephen. I hope you and your team are blessed as you continue serving in Zimbabwe.

By Molly Manhanga

The Aussie's touch down in Kezi

Medical team eating lunch at Ebenezer

It’s wonderful having a medical team from Perth, Australia come out and serve in Kezi. They were busy with the apprentices today and had a session on how to protect your back and having good posture.

Girls only discussion time

This afternoon the ladies were with the ladies, answering all sorts of questions pertaining to women while the men were with the male apprentices answering question that concern men. Interesting!

Guys only discussion time

Tomorrow the team will be at Crossroads Community Church having a community medical outreach. We all look forward to that and hope the community will be blessed by the teams amazing acts of service.

By Molly Manhanga

One on one with Lester Brandt

Jake Brandt


Lester, better known as Jake, comes from Pennsylvania. Jake fellowships at Manor Church. This is what he said:

M.M: Tell me about your background?
J.B: I was born on a farm in Pennsylvania and farmed there until I was 25 years. I went into the construction business building commercially. I went on my own 20 years ago. Business is good. I enjoy remodeling farm houses. I met my wife Sallie when I was 35 years old and married her 3½ years later. We have a son called Joshua who is turning 10.

M.M: Tell me about your family life?
J.B: We have ups and downs. The longer it gets, the better it gets. It’s good!

M.M: Is this your first time to Africa and Zimbabwe?
J.B: Yes. I think Zimbabwe is great. I’m blessed for sure.

M.M: What do you think about Ebenezer?
J.B: When I look at the surrounding landscape, it’s so dry and barren and yet the apprentices work so hard. I’m impressed. The irrigation is good and necessary. You all work so hard to make it happen. It’s hard to explain. The apprentices do the best with what they got. They are lean and fun.

M.M: For sure! Who is your favourite Bible character?
J.B: David and Joseph. I’m impressed with them. They walked with God and talked with God.

M.M: What are you hoping to do in 5 years time?
J.B: Probably the same thing I’m doing now. I can see myself coming back here with my wife and child.

M.M: Thanks Jake and for all the work you’ve done. Be blessed!

By Molly Manhanga

One on one with Robert Sheetz

Bob Sheetz

I really enjoyed chatting to Robert Sheetz at Ebenezer. He is one of the Pastors at Manor Church and he is better known as Bob. I enjoyed listening to his story. He had so much great stuff to share on marriage and life, it was wonderful.

M.M: Tell me briefly about yourself?
R.S: I’m married to Donna and we have 4 children. We adopted 3 Korean children and we have 1 “home-made” child. We have 8 grandchildren. Donna and I grew up together and we’ve been married for 45 years.

M.M: How would yo describe your family life?
R.S: Our children are all grown up now. Donna and I are doing well.

M.M: Being married for 45 years is truly a blessing. What in your opinion makes a good marriage?
R.S: Die to self, give and take and oneness, otherwise you’ll flow in different directions. Commitment, passion, intimacy, being vulnerable with each other and trusting each other.

M.M: Yes! Yes! Yes! Have you been to Africa before and to Zimbabwe?
R.S: I’ve been to Kenya 3 years ago but this is my first time to Zimbabwe. It’s a desperate situation but there is hope for a better Zimbabwe. It’s beautiful here and has so much to offer the world. I see people who have been beaten down but haven’t lost hope.

M.M: We sure haven’t! Your thoughts on Ebenezer?
R.S: I’m thrilled with Ebenezer. The vision is spectacular especially having people take care of themselves.

M.M: What’s your favourite quote?
R.S: “Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.” John F Kennedy

M.M: Who is your favourite Bible character?
R.S: David. He was a hunter, shepherd; his was brave and a great man. He was real and he knew his strengths and weaknesses.

M.M: What do you hope to be doing in 5 years time?
R.S: I’ll probably be free from my post/position but I’m not sure where I’ll get plugged in. My favourite hobby is competitive archery where I meet people that are not Christians and I’ve made many contacts. I’ll get out there, be hospitable and build relationships. With love, I’ll bring people into the kingdom. I know that I won’t sit in a rocking chair on my front porch and be bored.

M.M: Way to go Bob! When it comes to what really matters in life – relationships and the things of God, one is never too old.

By Molly Manhanga

Meet Allison Kleckner

Allie Kleckner

Allison, better known a Allie comes from Pennsylvania, USA and she attends The Manor Church led by John Pletcher. I caught up with Allie at Ebenezer…..

M.M: Tell me about your background?
A.K: I was born in Pennsylvania, did my schooling there and basically grew up there. I went to university in Pennsylvania and studied Dental Assisting.

M.M: Tell me about your family.
A.K: I have my parents and a sister called Brianne who is 18 years old. My dad is an outside salesman and my mum is an accountant. My sister is still in high school and she’d like to be a nurse.

M.M: How long have you been working?
A.K: I’ve been working for a year and I’m enjoying it.

M.M: Is this your first time to Africa and to Zimbabwe?
A.K: Yes. I like it a lot. The people are very friendly and welcoming.

M.M: What do you do to relax?
A.K: play soccer, go shopping and hang out with friends.

M.M: Who is your favourite Bible character?
A.K: Paul

M.M: What would you tell your friends about your travels abroad?
A.K: If you ever get a chance to do it, then do it!

M.M: Thanks so much Allie. Hope you have an excellent time in Zimbabwe.

By Molly Manhanga

One on one with Jonathan Hartman

Jon Hartman


Jon fellowships at Manor Church in Pennsylvania. It was great catching up with him at Ebenezer…..

M.M: Tell me about your back ground?
J.H: I was born in Montana. I did my high school in Pennsylvania then I went to Elim Bible Institute and graduated from there. I got into the construction business and have been doing that for 6 years. I met my wife Tandy when I was 16 and we married 6 years later. We have 2 children; David who is 6 years old and Linley who is 3½ years.

M.M: How would you describe your family life?
J.H: The priorities get done like spending time with my wife and kids.

M.M: I heard that recently…. about priorities…..Is this your first time to Africa and Zimbabwe?
J.H: It’s far more than I expected. There is colour, it’s vibrant, greener, the vision is bigger and the leadership is better than I thought.

M.M: What do you think of Ebenezer?
J.H: Comfortable as I enjoy this lifestyle. I like getting my hands dirty and I like the cold. I’d like to come back in winter. I’m excited for the apprentices that they are taking this opportunity for transformation and not playing the victim card. They are young, they respond and are obedient.

M.M: I’ve finally met someone who likes the cold! What’s your favourite quote?
J.H: “Make all you can. Save all you can. Give all you can” or “Happiness is a combination of good health and a bad memory.”

M.M: Nice! Who is your favourite Bible character?
J.H: Caleb. He was tenacious. He was really old but still took the land. It’s a ‘cool’ quality – ‘forever young’.

M.M: What do you hope to be doing in 5 years time?
J.H: Happily married and well travelled with my family. I hope to bring my family out here in 3 – 5 years time.

M.M: Excellent! Thanks so much for your time and enjoy your stay in Zimbabwe.

By Molly Manhanga

Progress on the ground pt 2

Staff housing is coming along really nicely. One almost complete and the other at foundation level. Have a look…….

Nice!

Staff house from a different angle

Foundations going in. Men working real HARD!

By Molly Manhanga