As COA prepares a community garden amid the COVID-19 lockdown in Zimbabwe, the project, supported by widespread community participation, aims not just to provide food and income but also serve as an agricultural model for other villages, demonstrating resilience and adaptation in these critical times.

Join the Blast Fast Challenge, an initiative asking participants to forego one weekly meal for a month, translating approximately $40 in savings into a month's worth of food for a family of six in Zimbabwe, through a donation to the Chenga Ose Association Zimbabwe (COA), which aims to serve 300 families amidst increased COVID-induced hardships.

In response to the challenges posed by COVID-19, Davis and Lucia, through the Chenga Ose Association (COA), have mobilized their local and U.S. network to provide essential food supplies to 300 families they support year-round, showcasing a powerful example of unity, love, and generosity amidst crisis.

Global BP Solutions joined a recent Epworth support group meeting organized by COA, where they shared stories, testimonials, and visions of creating employment opportunities in Zimbabwe, fostering a sense of encouragement and camaraderie, and furthering their collective understanding of the community's needs and strengths.

So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:5

What can happen when two God fearing organizations join forces for the good of Zimbabwe? We are about to find out…

The newly-formed group in Murehwa, Zimbabwe, has seen rapid growth, with 19 new members and significant stakeholders such as the Social Welfare Officer joining in August, who, along with the community members, expressed gratitude for COA's involvement, noting its role in identifying and mobilizing people with disabilities for collective advocacy, thus exemplifying a communal embrace of inclusivity.

Davis participated in a meeting with Tearfund and the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ), emphasizing the intrinsic value of individuals with disabilities and discussing how their increased participation can enrich communities, with thanks extended to the leaders pioneering this shift in perspective through engaging in meaningful dialogue.

At a recent workshop titled "Disability Friendly Church – Beyond Sympathy: Towards Empathy and Altruism," Lucia highlighted the need to transition from feeling sympathy for individuals with disabilities towards fostering empathetic relationships, a message that was well-received by attendees, including VIVA Network Country Coordinator and staff, prompting them to encourage more leaders to adopt this perspective in their churches and communities.

After an unexpected setback due to a rent increase at the initial site, the Mambure’s are now repurposing their own property in Budiriro into a starting point for the learning center, currently expanding its foundation with the faith that this modest beginning will transform into a fertile educational landscape.

Davis and Lucia Mambure are missionaries in Zimbabwe, working with Cru and Chenga Ose Association (COA) for women with physically and mentally challenged children.

In their ministry update, they share personal family news, including their son Tapona's health struggles with seizures and Nathaniel's aspirations to study medicine. They also mention the progress made in their home after a fire outbreak last year.

The Mambures recently organized a Church Growth Conference in Mudzi District, training 300 pastors and lay leaders on evangelism, and distributing gospel literature and Bibles. They have also been working with COA to provide support and care for people with disabilities and their caregivers. They are currently fundraising for a replacement vehicle to help them in their ministry work.

Despite a halt in the school development project due to increased rent, COA continues its impactful work, such as presenting at disability-focused workshops, launching a new support group in ChiNyani, maintaining support for over 100 families, and empowering community leaders in Zimbabwe.

Following a COA-led teaching session on the value and purpose of individuals with disabilities, one particularly moved pastor, in collaboration with COA, launched a support group in his village, marking the first time families with disabled members in this community will have a regular forum for mutual learning, love, and growth.

Here is a snap shop of a meeting with the leaders in ChiNyani village. As this community grows in their awareness of those with disabilities they will become more equipped to help them reach their potential.

YES! The income generation projects underway on Royal Creek Center grounds are taking off. Here’s a summary of the update Davis sent this morning…

The first and second batches of chickens sold out. We sold a total of 441 chickens which helped pay the rent at Royal Creek for two more months. In the garden, lettuce is almost ready and we hope to deliver 300 heads during the coming weekend!

Meet Mrs. Priscah Mango, Royal Creek’s first teacher. Mrs. Priscah will be very involved with the Early Child Education and Development Program. She has been working very hard getting the classes and materials ready for her students!

We have an update on two of the income generating projects that will help pay school expenses. Davis just sent these pictures yesterday…

2000 heads of lettuce are now growing lush and green!

Just got word from Davis that lettuce has been planted in the garden at Royal Creek. This is one more step toward making the school sustainable and of course providing nutritious meals for students.

We will post a picture of the lettuce as soon as it begins to sprout.