Some achievements on the Ebenezer Timeline....

It was excellent reflecting on where we started and where we are now ......

Some achievements
2006
• First Selection Camp
• Isaiah 35
• Dam started

2007
• Intake of 16 apprentices
• Staff arrive at Ebenezer: Steve & Molly Manhanga, Augustine & Gertrude Nyamayaro, Xolani Ndlovu, Gerald Mangena, Renee Cunningham
• First crop of tomatoes was planted

2008
• Dam spilt on 6 January 2008
• Edwards began at Ebenezer
• Ebenezer kitchen complete
• Plants eaten by animals
• Eye clinic held at Ebenezer – great for exposure
• Inferno at Ebenezer

2009
• First graduation at Ebenezer
• 2 Ebenezer staff got married
• Funding coming into Ebenezer

2010
• Irrigation complete and in full swing
• Surprise funding
• Sprinklers work for the first time
• Variety of crops grown other than tomatoes and cabbages
• Major Tom
• Chickens arrive

Compiled by Molly Manhanga

Ebenezer staff get-together

We had an excellent time together as a team on Friday morning. We spent some time in prayer, having fun, looking back, looking ahead and having loads to eat. A Friday morning with a difference…….

The prayer session was a great strengthening and connecting time with lots of heart-felt prayer and the team brought the following scriptures:

George Mlilo: Philippians 2:5 - 11 “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Gerald Mangena: James 1:2 – 4, 12 & 19 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything……. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him…….My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."

Molly Manhanga: Isaiah 41:10 “ So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Sikhanyiso Matshalaga: Isaiah 61:1 – 2a “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour."

Renee Cunningham: Philippians 4:4 – 7 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Gertrude Nyamayaro: Isaiah 40:30 – 31 “ Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Stephen Manhanga encouraged and spurred the team on. He said God has called us and set us apart. We are vessels to be used. God uses people who have weaknesses, shortcomings, faults and so on 2 Corinthians 4:7 “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”

It’s all about God and what He is doing through each and every one of us.

Read more on some of the achievements made on the Ebenezer Timeline to date…..

By Molly Manhanga

Getting to know Sara Hendershot

Sara Hendershot

Sara comes from Pennsylvania, USA and she grew up on a dairy farm. Currently she is based in California attending Fuller Seminary. Sara is 29 years old. She is serving at Ebenezer for 2 months.

M.M: Tell me about your family?
S.H: I have one brother. My dad is a life-long farmer and my mum retired from teaching 2 years ago. My brother is a 5th generation farmer. He always knew he wanted to be a farmer.

M.M: I understand you are studying at the moment. What are you studying?
S.H: A Masters in cross-cultural studies, focusing on international development.

M.M: Sounds interesting! What do you intend doing after you complete your studies?
S.H: It’s hard to say. I would love to be involved in agriculture, subsistence farming and sustainable livelihoods but I’m not too sure how.

M.M: Is this your first time to Zimbabwe?
S.H: Yes and it’s a lot more developed than I anticipated. It’s the Africa that I saw in the movies. It’s beautiful.

M.M: What do you think of Ebenezer?
S.H: It’s incredible to see all that God is doing through this place. I didn’t know what to expect when I came but there is a lot more than I anticipated. The 3 components – agriculture, spiritual and business are important.

M.M: Who has influenced you the most recently?
S.H: My boyfriend Matt Hillegass (Matt is serving at Ebenezer for close to 3 weeks before he heads back to the States)

M.M: Any words of encouragement?
S.H: Come and see for yourself. It’s hard to communicate the experiences like this in words. Go out of your comfort zone!

M.M: Thanks Sara. Great having you at Ebenezer and I really hope you enjoy your stay with us.

By Molly Manhanga