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

Meet Matt Hillegass

Matt Hillegass

Matt is serving at Ebenezer for close on 3 weeks. He comes from the United States of America. Matt grew up in Maryland and lived there for the first 25 years of his life. He has been living in California for the last 5 years. He is 28 years old and will be turning 29 in August.

M.M: Tell me about your family?
M.H: I have a brother and sister. My sister is married and she has 2 children whom I adore. My brother is 6 years younger than me. My mum died of cancer when I was 13 and my dad remarried. My family doesn’t venture far out of the world. They are happy where they are. I am the restless one. I love my family and we are very close.

M.M: What job are you currently doing?
M.H: I am a high school teacher and I teach biology to 17 – 18 year olds. It’s a lot of fun and there are lots of opportunities. I love the topic as well. I’ve also studied Theology and love to help students see the real presence of God – the real, tangible, beauty of God.

M.M: Is this your first time to Africa and Zimbabwe?
M.H: Yes and I’m glad that my first time to Africa is to Zimbabwe. I was caught off guard as to how “western” it seems. It was a surprise to me. The urban and rural life is very different. I love how genuine people are. There is an authenticity and I’m being blessed. There is also much potential for adventure.

M.M: What are your thoughts on Ebenezer?
M.H: It’s a fun atmosphere. The people I’ve interacted with are ambitious and hopeful. There is an excitement about expansion but there are necessary challenges that will be faced.

M.M: Who has influenced you the most recently?
M.H: A book I’ve studied called “Christian Ethicist” by Hauerwas. He thinks differently and helps me to reflect on things.

M.M: Who is your favourite Bible character?
M.H: Isaiah. This is a guy who disturbs people’s paradigms.

M.M: Any words of encouragement?
M.H: I say the students need to leave their comfort zones and go somewhere else. They need to be uncomfortable and experience things that are different. If they leave, they will come back changed/better people.

M.M: Thanks Matt. I hope you enjoy your time at Ebenezer.

By Molly Manhanga

Meeting Jackie Bell

Jackie Bell

It was excellent meeting Jackie Bell from Surrey, U.K while she was visiting Ebenezer. Jackie attends Reigate and Redhill Community Church which is part of Newfrontiers. The church is led by Alisdair Semple.

M.M: Tell me about your background?
J.B: I was born in Brighton and it was pretty much my mum and me. I am close to my grandmother. I don’t have any siblings. I did my college in Brighton and studied Psychology at the University of Sussex. I moved to Redhill and became a Youth worker at the church. I then became a Youth Evangelist for 2 years. I loved it. During that time God called me to Africa where I attended Jubilee and I was involved with Kids Club. I realised then that I needed a skill so I went back to England and qualified as a teacher with the view of coming back to Africa. Like Paul, I’ll use my tent-making skill to serve God.

M.M: What do you feel passionate about?
J.B: God has given me a heart to set up a work for under-privileged children and street children. When I go to Mozambique, I will be learning more about underprivileged children.

M.M: How long are you in Zimbabwe for?
J.B: I’m in Zimbabwe for a week and I’m staying with Mbonisi and Tashinga Malaba. I then head off to Mozambique for two and a half weeks.

M.M: What are your thoughts on Ebenezer?
J.B: I love the way the apprentices are using Foundations for Farming and that they have their own plots. I think it’s a good idea that Ebenezer is not too luxurious and it’s great to bring God into the community. The idea of being self-sufficient is necessary.

M.M: What is your favourite quote?
J.B: “If the son has set you free, you are free indeed.”

M.M: Any words of encouragement?
J.B: Trust in the Lord with all your heart. He is the God of the impossible.

M.M: So true. I hope God speaks to you clearly as you stay in Zimbabwe and on your adventures in Mozambique. Be blessed.

By Molly Manhanga