Nine Days in Zimbabwe

I have been helping behind the scenes with Forgotten Voices International for several years now. Over five years ago, my friends began describing how God was moving through the dreams of young adults and Zimbabwean pastors. I wanted to be a part of God's movement, so I started volunteering. As the ministry grew, I agreed to take over donation processing and write thank you notes to our amazing supporters. After a few years, my service became more routine. This fall I was given an opportunity to see how my contributions help change lives through the work of Forgotten Voices.

This November, I spent nine days in Zimbabwe. Those nine days will forever change the way I view the work of Forgotten Voices. I met many families that are living in difficult situations: little to no food to eat, no seed to plant and suffering from the effects of HIV/AIDS. This redefined my understanding of difficult.

Since returning, I have been unable to stop thinking about and praying for the Moyo family. Luwazi, his wife and 6 month old twins, Emmanuel and Ethel. They live with five other people in Waybai Village about 8 km from Mtshabezi Mission station. Luwazi is suffering from AIDS related illnesses. His wife and Ethel are HIV+, and thankfully Emmanuel is not. The day we met them, they did not have any food to eat and no seed to plant. We talked to them, listened to their story, took pictures and prayed for them. Then we walked away. It was very hard walking away knowing that all we could do was pray for them, but prayer is a powerful thing.

Their story does not end there. The following morning, we met with Pierre, our partner with Foundation for Farming. Forgotten Voices partners with them to provide seed, fertilizer and zero-till farming training to families in southern Africa. We shared with him the stories of Luwazi and the other families that we met the previous day. Before we parted ways, we had a plan for him to provide seed, fertilizer and training for thirty families the following week. So as we were celebrating Thanksgiving, they were preparing their food supply for the rest of the year.

There may be times I may be tempted to slip back into mechanical routines or struggle with screaming kids, but those nine days bring life into perspective. There's real suffering and difficulties in the world, and there is a loving God already preparing a provision for those in need. Last month, God used Pierre, next month it may be you.

Julie Bunch - Volunteer Director of Administration

Why Local?

What is so great about working through the local church? Why local partners? Why local projects?

These are some of the questions I’ve been asked about the mission of Forgotten Voices International. The answer that I try best to give is that change, change which is self-sustaining and the community that is called to bring about that change is the global Christian Church. We, the global Christian church are a community called together to embody, exemplify, represent, personify, characterize, bring to life (ok you get the point) God’s redemptive relationship with creation. The church communities, both locally in the United States and in Sub-Saharan Africa are the primary social structures through which the Gospel works to change the lives of communities and individuals alike. How do we, as the church in America best fight against the seemingly entrenched causes and effects of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in southern Sahara Africa? We stand alongside our brother and sister churches in the region, affirming that our roles are one and the same; we are the visible expression of God’s redemptive work.

We will as one, embody the hope of Christ by providing the children of AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa a chance to no longer be defined by the disease that took the lives of their loved ones, but instead be empowered by schooling, health care, counseling, income generating projects and access to clean water.

We will as one, exemplify the call of Christ by empowering the pastors of sub-Saharan Africa to stand up and lead their congregations in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

We will as one, build long-lasting relationships with orphans, pastors, theological colleges, caretakers, and churches in order to unify that visible expression of God’s redemptive work.

We will as one, make mistakes, learn from them and humbly ask for God to continue his Great work of redemption in our individual lives, communities, government structures, culture, and all of creation.

Will you, join us, as we become one global Christian Church seeking to share the love of God through physical assistance and spiritual restoration in Zimbabwe, Zambia, the United States and around the World?

Lindsay Reilly - Forgotten Voices Board Member and Research Analyst at Global Scripture Impact

Fleeing Rwandan Genocide to a Life of Service

Separated during a brutal attack on their village during the Rwandan Genocide of 1994, Pastor Murekezi and his future wife would not see each other again until years later at a refugee camp. Once married, the couple has since decided to follow a higher calling to become leaders of the Free Methodist Church outside of Ndola, Zambia.

Through the church and with help from Forgotten Voices, 26 orphaned children are able to attend primary school, and a community farm has been established that allows people without land to plant crops and feed their families.

The efforts of the congregation and leadership at this church have not only changed lives, but an entire community. More than a dozen families actively participate in their farming program, and plans are in place to use a portion of the crops grown to generate income that will sustain their efforts to send orphans in their community to school indefinitely.

What a powerful ministry. Right now, a team from Forgotten Voices is visiting the Free Methodist Church outside of Ndola, and bringing their expertise and encouragement to the congregation and Pastor Murekezi as they continue to care for those without a voice in their community. You can be a part of this exciting project, just one of nearly two dozen that Forgotten Voices is involved with.

Join our efforts through volunteering, donating, or sharing these stories with others.

We're focused on locally developed and run orphan care in Zimbabwe and Zambia. We hope you'll join in our efforts to help those without a voice wherever you are.