What about Kidz Alive?

Precious children coming to hear God's word and have some FUN.

Kidz Alive children singing a song

Did the children come to the christmas luncheon and enjoy themselves? Without a doubt. It's wonderful seeing children laugh, recite poems, sing to God and pray. They loved running around, eating sweets as well as sharing a meal.

Just too adorable!

What a lovely time we all had. Praise God!

By Molly Manhanga

Christmas luncheon at Crossroads

Peter preaching at Crossroads

It was WONDERFUL being in such a vibrant church where people really want to be in church, to praise and worship God, grow in their faith and encourage others to come.

We had an excellent service on Sunday with 148 children and 130 adults from the Mablauwuni community and surrounding villages. The praise and worship was livelyand the freedom experienced by all was GREAT. Bongo drums, tamberines, shakers and vuvuzela's filled the marquee as people danced, clapped, laughed and praised God.

Peter and Di Cunningham join in the vibrant service at Crossroads

It was awsome having the community leaders in the service as it gave us a chance to thank them and honour them for welcoming us into the community.

Peter preached an awsome word. Friends of ours from Bulawayo Baptist Church - Rodney, Daphne & Weslie Saunders also joined us and enjoyed their time in Kezi.

Christmas is all about CHRIST and we rejoice that He was born.

By Molly Manhanga

Brave! or what?

Black mamba

It's that time of the year when we are enjoying the rains again. New life and growth are seen as the environment turns green and flowers blossom.

BUT, it's also time for bugs, snakes and other unimaginable creepy crawlies to show face. One such snake ventured to cross the road near my office in Kezi and wasn't so lucky. The farm security smashed and battered it head. It was a black mamba, over 3 metres long. Were they brave - or what?

By Molly Manhanga

Crossroads Leaders Being Spurred On.....

…… Scott Marques ........

It was wonderful when Scott Marques visited Ebenezer Training Centre and took time to meet with and encourage the up and coming leaders of Crossroads Community Church. He “heard their voices” before encouraging them. He said:

1. There are leaders in the staff who genuinely love and pray for them. He encouraged the emerging leaders to open their hearts to the staff and to God and shine as an example at Ebenezer and the community. They will impact many people. Scott said the leaders had done well.

2. He encouraged them to shine in what they are doing as it will not only affect Kezi, but Bulawayo and other regions like Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and so on. He purred them on by saying they need to have missional thinking and be faithful as faithfulness leads to fruitfulness. God brings the fruits when we are faithful.

Some of the emerging leadersfrom Crossroads Community Church

Stephen Manhanga – leader of Crossroads Community Church, thanked Scott who came from Mozambique and took the time to visit Kezi to encourage the leaders. What a blessing!

By Molly Manhanga

Christ Centredness

Stephen Manhanga training on keeping records

Christ CentredWe cannot enjoy Christ centred family life unless our individual lives are centred on Christ. God created people for his glory. When our lives are centred on Christ, he lives in us and we glorify him in all we are and do. Therefore we can live with confidence that Christ is enough at all times and in all circumstances.

Our security comes from living a Christ centred life. It overflows into our families enabling us to enjoy peace in our homes. Christ centred families reflect the relationships of Harmony and love between The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit with The Trinity. They exaly Christ in their everyday Life and enjoy Him as they pray and worship together. They delight to serve Christ as they spread the light of the gospel to others.

Isaiah 43:7, Philippians 1:21, Galatians 2:20, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Joshua 24:15, Psalm 127:1, Deuteronomy 6:4 – 9, Matthew 5:13 – 16 and Matthew 28:18 – 20

Sexual Purity

Elizabeth Mhunduru better known as "Aunty Liz" training on Sexual Purity

Sexual Purity
God made us men and women as sexual beings and said that all He had made was very good. Within marriage, sex is blessed by God who intends it to be a joy and delight to both partners, because sexual intercourse is so precious to people and so significant in the sight of God, it is kept for the bond of marriage. This means no sex before marriage and no sex outside marriage.

Jesus also made it clear that sexual purity extends beyond the physical act of sexual intercourse to avoiding lustful thoughts and behaviour. However the Bible shows that sex sin can be forgiven and God calls the church to keep a balance between His justice and His forgiveness.

Some serious discussions taking place......

Hebrews 13:4, Proverbs 5:15 – 23, Song of Songs 4: 1 – 5:1, 8:8 – 9, Genesis 2:24, 1 Corinthians 6: 13 – 20, Matthew 5:31 – 32, Job 31:1 and Matthew 5:27 – 30

Valued Children

Elizabeth Mhunduru training on The Family

Valued Children
Jesus showed that children are significant people in God’s sight. They should be treated as valued members of the family. Children are a gift and blessing from God to any married couple.

Parents are responsible to bring their children up to know and love the Lord. Both father and mother should be active in this vital task, God who is THE Father, is the model and example for all parents.

However, is a couple is not able to have children their marriage is complete in God’s sight, and should be accepted as such in church and society.

Matthew 18:2 – 6, Psalm 128: 3 - 4, Matthew 19: 14, Psalm 127: 3 – 5, Proverbs 6:20, Proverbs 22:6, Genesis 18:19, Ephesians 6: 1 – 4, Hebrews 12:7 – 11 and Luke 1:6 – 7

Committed Couples

Discussion Groups

Committed Couples
Marriage is God’s idea. He created men and women equally in His image to be companions and to help each other. The foundation for marriage is given in Genesis 2:24 “a man will leave his father and mother”: The marriage relationship comes before all others including our relatyionship with our parents. When a couple marry, they set up a new family unit.

“and be united to his wife”: Marriage is the union of one man and one woman in intimate, life-long relationship and companionship.

“ and the two shall become one flesh”: This refers to sexual intercourse which comes after leaving and being united and so is kept for marriage.

In our short life on earth, it is possible to bring God glory either in marriage or as a single adult. Neither is a higher or more spiritual calling because for both men and women our first marriage is to Christ. We are His bride.

The wedding of the lamb has come. The bride closes with the wedding of Christ and the church. Every human marriage points forward to that glorious day and every Christian, married or single, is fully part of it for ever.

Genesis 1:27, 2:18, 2:24, Matthew 19:4 – 6, Mark 10:6 – 9, Ephesians 5: 18 – 33, Matthew 19:11 – 12, 1 Corinthians 7:7 and Revelation 19:7.

Everyone in Family

David Cunningham training on The Family

The biblical word for family is “house” which means a physical building and then refers to all the people in a ‘household’. Household includes all living generations and all in the family such as servants, visitors and animals. It is similar to the traditional extended family of Africa where everyone belonged in family.

Today family life is changing and we need to make a special effort to preserve the strength of the extended family by caring for the relatives in our extended families. By including everyone in the life of our families, especially single adults, orphans and widows. BUT there is a limit to the demands of relatives. In the church family and the human family, people are required to contribute what they can – “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”

Joshua 7:18, Exodus 20:10, Isaiah 58:7, 1 Timothy 5:8 and 16, Psalm 68:5 – 6 and 2 Thessalonians 3:10

Five Family Values

"Revelation To Build A nation"

Five Family Values
God’s ideal for family is a strong marriage relationship between a man and a woman as the center of an extended family network. When the Church has restored relationships and strong families, it demonstrates how heaven invades earth. The church is the Bride of Christ. Revival across Africa is in the hands of the local church.

Here are Five Family Values that sum up God’s plan for family in all cultures and all times:

1. Everyone in family
2. Committed couples
3. Valued children
4. Sexual purity
5. Christ centred

Foundations for Family

A group of about 16 people from Umguza and Kezi gathered at the Family Impact offices for a 2 day training on the Family. We had folk from Themalezizwe Church, New Life for All Church, River of Life Westgate Church, New Creations Church, United Penticostal Church and Crossroads Community Church.

The training was amazing as we looked at the Five Family Values as well as keeping records in agriculture. The facilitators were David Cunningham, Alan Norton, Stephen Manhanga and Elizabeth Mhunduru.

Lynne Knight from Family Impact is the Project Co-ordinator of Foundations for Family while David Cunningham, also from Family Impact is the Custodian. What I love so much about Lynne and David is that they actually LIVE out Family. It's so encouraging.

David Cunningham

"Revelation To Build A Nation"

The Problem:
“I AM THE CENTRE OF THE KNOWN UNIVERSE. IT IS ALL ABOUT ME. I DO IT ALL MY WAY.”
Malfunctioning relationships, disturbed families, disjointed churches, dysfunctional society. When people no longer treat each other as human beings, when people are treated as objects, it results in rape, prostitution, sexual abuse, forced child labour, alcoholism, racism, extreme violence, domestic violence, and you think this is normal……. That is when hell invades earth

The Solution:
“GOD IS THE CENTRE OF THE KNOWN UNIVERSE. IT IS ALL ABOUT HIM. WE DO IT GOD’S WAY”.
Loving relationships, strong families, inclusive churches, transformed society……When objects become human beings again, made in the image of God, when a soldier becomes a son, when a prostitute becomes a mother, when families become a safe place to be, when fathers turn to their children, when husbands love their wives……….. That is when Heaven invades earth

One on one with Pastor Mark Macklin

Pastor Mark Macklin
Senior Pastor of Christian Community Church, West London

M.M: Tell me briefly about your background?
M.M: I was in youth and children’s Ministry for about ten years. I led another church for four years before I became the senior leader at CCCWL. Long ago, I spent some years in the army and when I left, I worked for a computer firm.


M.M: How best would you describe your family life?
M.M: Julie and I have three children: Ami 15, Ryan 13 and Cameron 10. It is hectic even chaotic at times, but a lot of fun. We thank God for three excellent young people.


M.M: How long have you been leading the church?
M.M: Ten years last month


M.M: What have bee the highlights of the ministry?
M.M: I love most things about what I do. Seeing people connect with God is always the best part of it.


M.M: Any challenges you've faced?
M.M: Challenges I have faced just today, just joking. Challenges are always there, just different in each place.
Challenges for us here in London :

1. Trying to get people to understand that God wants to use them.

2. Trying to help people understand change in Church life.

3. Wanting to be relevant to the community and not seen like some dinosaur from another age.

4. The lack of space !!


M.M: How was your Sunday service at Crossroads?
M.M: The first thing I noticed was friendly people. The second thing was that these people wanted to be in Church and engaged in worship. Nothing was going to stop the service, even when we lost half the canvas roof. Nothing seemed to bother the leaders. We were here to have Church and that’s what we will do. We can all learn a lot from that. It was a great experience and one that I feel privileged to have seen and been a part of.


M.M: This is so encouraging. Any words of encouragement for us here in Kezi?
M.M: Just keep pushing through. Every set back that may come can be turned into an opportunity. If you can find that key of opportunity in everything, who knows what God will do in that place.


M.M: You've been a real blessing to us at Crossroads. Enjoy your time in Zimbabwe.

By Molly Manhanga

Faithful Stewards Programme Seed Distribution pt 2

An elderly farmer from Mablauwuni Village waiting patiently for his seed.

It was brilliant that we were able to distribute seed to elderly folk, widows, orphans and so on. Visiting their homes was a highlight as we were able to actually get a feel of what was happening on the ground.

Stephen Manhanga verifying names of farmers before the distribution began at Crossroads Community Church.

By Molly Manhanga

Faithful Stewards Programme Seed Distribution pt 1

Farmers receiving seed

It was excellent receiving the Foundations for Farming training at Shalom Camp Site at the end of October. What was also fantastic for the farmers was receiving maize seed and cowpeas. They were really thankful and went to plant at their homes. The rainy season has started and so the farmers are really busy in their fields.

By Molly Manhanga

"God Moments........"

I LOVE having "God Moments" - some cut to the heart while others are sheer bliss. This morning, I was reading an old Newfrontiers magazine "A Tribute To Two Great Heroes" those being Simon Pettit and Frank Gamble when these nuggets spoke volumes to me:

1. Faith says 'we can do it' when everything screams 'it's impossible!'

2. The word automatic is part of our culture........faith doesn't work like that; it's not automatic.

3. Every single person you meet, whatever their background, is made in the image of God, that is, the God of the Bible, the father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

4. When God desires something He usually gets it. God's desire is to save. He sent His Son to make it happen. 

By Molly Manhanga

A few minutes with John Hosier

John Hosier at Crossroads Community Church, Kezi, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

What do you do to relax?
Read, listen to music, walk, help Sue gardening and visit my grandchildren

What is your favourite quote?
1 Corinthians 5:1, 1 Corinthians 5:21 and Hebrews 10:14

What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
Crocodile pate

What are you most passionate about?
The local church

John and Sue Hosier at Crossroads Community Church with Stephen Manhanga, leader of Crossroads

Who has shaped your life?
My wife Sue, Terry Virgo, Martin Lloyd Jones, John Piper

What sorts of book do you like reading?
Lots of Theology books. I’ve read Wayne Grudem’s “Systematic Theology” a few times. I read books that win literary prizes so that I can keep up with what people are reading.

What is your favourite current album?
It’s a Moroccon/French album called Tootya.

By Molly Manhanga

A few minutes with Sue Hosier

Sue Hosier at Crossroads Community Church

What do you do to relax?
Gardening


What is your favourite quote?
Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in beleiveing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."


What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
Fufu


What are you most passionate about?
The Lord, the church, my family, discipling younger women and compost


Who has shaped your life?
My husband John


What sorts of book do you like reading?
Traveling books


What is your favourite current album?
Evan Rogers “Devoted”

John and Sue Hosier at a compost heap at Ebenezer Training Centre

By Molly Manhanga

A few minutes with Shaun McElvaine

Anne Cowley & Shaun McElvaine at Crossroads Community Church

I met Shaun McElvaine last year when he came to serve at New Creation Church, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. He is a wonderful person and really talented. Shaun and Anne have been dating for a year and it was awsome seeing him again at Crossroads and Ebenezer. It was Anne's first time in Zimbabwe and she loves it so far. They make a "cute" couple.

What do you do to relax?Play music
What is your favourite quote?John Piper “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him”
What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?Kapenta
What are you most passionate about?Anne
Who has shaped your life?My grandfather. He moved out to Zimbabwe and became head of the civil service for a long time. Pastor Simon Elliot also shaped my life.

What sorts of book do you like reading?
Theology
What is your favourite current album?Oliver Mutukudzi’s greatest hits

By Molly Manhanga

A few minutes with Anne Cowley

Shaun McElvaine & Anne Cowley at Ebenezer Training Centre

What do you do to relax?Watch films and eat
What is your favourite quote?The joy of the Lord is my strength
What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?Ostrich
What are you most passionate about?Children’s ministry
Who has shaped your life?A few people like Sarah Metry who discipled me, Beny Johnson, Stef Liston and Simon Virgo
What sorts of book do you like reading?Short Christian books
What is your favourite current album?Jurassic Five 

By Molly Manhanga

Crossroads Compassionate Youth Event

Young people praising God

Crossroads Compassionate Youth Group is led by Brilliant khoza. Recently, Stephen Manhanga – leader of Crossroads Community Church, and Brilliant came up with a Youth event that excited the young people.

Volleyball at it's best!

A group of about 70 young people from in and around the community gathered at Crossroads to share a meal and to have fun and games. It was awesome seeing the turnout and the competitiveness in the young people as they played volleyball and chairball, drew swords and tried to recite scripture. It truly was a fun event.

Fun and games at Crossroads

The Crossroads Catering Team did an awesome job preparing the meal. They love what they do and have such a sense of purpose and oneness. Seven ladies make up the Crossroads Catering Team and their ages range from the late twenties to the sixties. It’s wonderful. They too were amazed at the turnout of young people and to see the having fun on a Saturday afternoon. They felt really blessed to be at such an event.

 

Crossroads Catering Team

We look forward to the next Youth Event.

By Molly Manhanga

Operation Trumpet Call Follow-on pt 3

Alan Norton

Alan Norton spoke from Matthew 5 on the “Call to be a leader and to remember the poor.”

In short he expounded on:

1. The Call to be a leader
2. The Call to be a leader dependent on God
3. The Call to be a courageous, obedient leader
4. The Call to be a serving leader

Never before has there been a greater need for leaders of integrity and excellence. God calls us to be servants and God calls leaders to remember the poor. 

By Molly Manhanga

Operation Trumpet Call Follow-on pt 2

Craig Deall (Also known to be Brian Oldreive's Armour Bearer) spoke about the 5 Giants and these are:

1. Compaction
2. Pests & diseases
3. Crop stand
4. Weeds
5. Tradition

Operation Trumpet Call Follow-on pt 1

Dr Goodwill Shana

Listening to Dr. Goodwill Shana preach about “The Call” from Nehemiah 1:5 – 11 was just brilliant. I love the way he connects with people and his messages are so relevant for the time and season we are in here in Zimbabwe. This is what he said:
1. The Call to be passionate and remorseful at the state of the Nation. As Christians, we need to be moved at what is happening.

2. The Call to prayer: We have seed in our hands and prayer in our hearts. Prayer is a solid foundation. 1st is repentance and 2nd is prayer. Be a person of prayer who depends on God. It’s not by might, nor by power but by my spirit says the Lord. The call today is to seek God passionately in prayer.

3. The Call to return to the Kingdom: The Kingdom of God is a collection of churches, those who call themselves the children of God. The Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. To change Zimbabwe, Christians need to rise up and show the light. Look at Naaman and the little girl. The little girl had a kingdom mentality. The Kingdom of God has all the answers. One of our answers is Foundations for Farming. This is a call to return to Jesus Christ and to build His Kingdom.

4. The Call to wisdom and preparation: Nehemiah began to prepare. The call is to be a prepared people: know what to do and when to do it. If you want to touch Zimbabwe – be a people prepared.

5. The Call to courageous vigilance and diligence: Nehemiah 2 and 4. Two people opposed Nehemiah and these were Tobiah and Sanballet. We will face opposition within and without. We need to be diligent, vigilant and courageous, not intimidated and defeated.

6. The Call to rebuild: Nehemiah 2:20. Our foundations have to be sure. Foundations matter – the starting principles matter. Zimbabwe needs to sort out it’s foundations for proper rebuilding to take place. The foundations of poverty need to be fixed.

7. The Call to unity and diversity: Nehemiah 3 building of the sheep gate. Zimbabwe cannot be rebuilt unless the church rises up. Only the church can build. The men of Jericho had a new mindset. They saw God do the impossible. We need to change our mindsets. When God is involved, nothing is too big. We can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us. We all have a role to play. Have a different mindset and for this to happen we need to be full of the word. If Zimbabwe is to change, be FULL of the WORD.

Summarised by Molly Manhanga

One on One with Brett Edward Mills

Brett Edward Mills

It was great having the opportunity to chat to Brett Mills. I just LOVE seeing a young person so passionate about God. He has a heart to seeing young folk in the U.K radically changed for Christ. This is what he had to say:

M.M: Tell me about your background?

B.M: I am originally from London. I did my primary, high and college education. I started university but didn’t feel at that time that that was what God had called to me to. I went back to Hounslow to serve Pastor Mark and Pastor Nigel. I’m a Youth Pastor and I’m passionate about young people. It’s a tremendous blessing being part of a young leadership team. Amazing things are happening as I see young people come to the Lord, make recommitments and so on. I’m still hoping to go to University but I’m waiting on God at the moment.

M.M: How best would you describe your family life?B.M: Interesting. I lost my dad when I was 9 and my mum a year later. I was raised by my aunt and that is how I started going to church. My aunt is responsible for taking me to a church environment. I have an older brother. God is speaking to me about getting my family sorted. Once my family is sorted, it will be easier to have greater impact on others.

M.M: How long have you been in youth ministry?B.M: I’ve been in the youth from the age of 14 but really got involved from 15 by leading small groups. It continued from there.

M.M: What have been some of your highlights in Youth Ministry?B.M: My first highlight is me being saved. At one of our camps I accepted Jesus and have seen God’s goodness. As a leader I depend on God. Doing things in my own strength I come against problems and get nowhere but with God, I see the fruits – people come to know him. In my culture, the youth are rude and very insubordinate. But, I see how God is transforming that and opportunities are staring us in the face daily.

M.M: What are some of the challenges of the Youth?B.M: For me, it was confidence. My school life was not fantastic. I had negative words spoken to me. I was seen as “nerdy” and academic and my dress didn’t “fit” in with the other young people. It was an intimidating experience but, with God on my side, I realized that I can do all things with Him. Another challenge I find being a Young leader is being conscious of how much responsibility to put on young people. Young people are going to mess up big time and burn out but I find it such a privilege to lead. Having Pastor Mark and Pastor Nigel guidance is helpful and it makes things easier. With all the challenges, I realized that I have got to run to God and pray first.

M.M: What did you think of the service at Crossroads Community Church?B.M: It was an eye-opener culturally. The English people are so reserved while people here are so free. It was great seeing the ladies dancing. It showed a sense of freedom. You and Steve have a “can do” attitude to overcoming obstacles. Your team works incredibly well and God comes first. NOTHING stops you. The children are amazing. It was brilliant to see and culturally it was a real eye-opener. When I go back, I’ll see a difference with our home church but we are serving the same God.

M.M: How encouraging! What words of encouragement will you take with you back to the U.K?B.M: From here, I’ll tell the young people back home to seek God and be committed. Steve and you are so focused on God. You have faith to overcome obstacles and it makes me realize what a privilege to have a relationship with God.

M.M: Thank you so much Brett. Enjoy your time in Victoria Falls and have a safe journey back home.

Interviewed by Molly Manhanga

Faithful Stewards Programme Training pt 2

Stephen Manhanga helping with the Faithful Stewards Training Programme

The next day was a bright and early start with breakfast at 6:30am. A noticeable difference was the weather. The Thursday training day was pretty hot but on Friday morning, it was drizzling with a chilly wind. The dramatic weather change caught some of the farmers off guard but that didn’t stop the training. A demonstration of how to put in a Well Watered Garden (WWG) was done.

Field scale, rotations and small grains were also spoken about. Stephen Manhanga helped to facilitate with the training. Alan Norton gave an excellent talk on the call to be a leader and remembering the poor.

All in all, the training was excellent and the farmers enjoyed themselves.

By Molly Manhanga

Faithful Stewards Programme pt 1

Alan Norton, Zulu Dube and Make Mwenda from the Faithful Stewards Programme came out to Kezi, Bulawayo and held a two day training at Shalom Camp Site.
A group of about 30 people from 9 different churches attended the training. The churches involved were Crossroads Community Church, New Creation, Zion, United Penticostal Church, Seventh day Adventist, Thembalezizwe, RoL Westgate, New Life and Kingdom People. It was great seeing people come together and demonstrating the unity of the body of Christ. Each person stood up and told the group something of themselves as a “connecting” time. The farmers shared their problems and what they thought was the solution.

The farmers sharing about themselves.

The problem in Africa was shared together with vision, strategy and the folly of ploughing. The Grassroots team did well explaining the problem in Africa – especially using a visual aid in the form of the Foundations for Farming Training manual.

Alan Norton explained about making a planting string and in-between were many questions from the farmers.

Planting string

One of the highlights was when the farmers had a social time canoeing. Many went on the water for the first time and LOVED it. Letter Ndlovu, the wife of the Village Head was a shining example by braving the waters and really enjoying herself. Another highlight was the song/prayer session in the evening. It was just amazing seeing people from different Churches worshipping together and focusing on the Living God. How good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.

Summarised by Molly Manhanga

A few minutes with Adrian Willard

Adrian Willard

It was GREAT chatting to Adrian Willard – the man behind the “minute questions”. He came down to Kezi, Bulawayo to meet with Stephen Manhanga and he popped in on the Faithful Steward training with farmers from Umguza and Kezi. This is what he had to say in a few minutes….What do you do to relax?Walk on the beach. I love the beach and the sea for creative and spiritual times.
What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?Haggis – Sheeps stomach stuffed with offals. It’s a Scottish food and I ate it by accident. Really tasty!
What do you feel most passionate about?“Seeing other people’s potential realized”. That drives me: whether it with the poor, my staff etc. For example, Foundations for Farming is a fulfillment of what God showed me 15 years ago. African people are hard-working. With business and enterprise, we can help them make a profit and break the yoke of poverty.
Who has shaped your life?Quite a few people: My wife Madeline, Keith Wallace – he taught me about communication & marketing, Terry Virgo and Nigel Ring. I’ve worked with them for over 25 years. Anita Roddick; she is the Founder of “The Body Shop”, Piet Dreyer, Reverent Ian Barckley – He introduced me to the Holy Spirit. It was through him that I got filled with the spirit and Mrs Buthelezi in Petermaritsburg, South Africa.

Adrian chatting to Steve Manhanga, Mbonisi Malaba & Alan Norton

What sorts of book do you read?Mostly autobiographies of inspiring people. I feel the same about films; it’s about people’s lives.



By Molly Manhanga

A few minutes with Alan Norton

Alan Norton

What do you do to relax?
I love having time with my family, swimming, sailing and watching a good DVD

What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?Goats head and crocodile tail

What do you feel most passionate about?Other than my wife, empowering the poor and the church

What sorts of book do you read?Christian Theology books like John Piper, Terry Virgo, David Devenish & thrillers like Dick Frances

Who has shaped your life?My wife continues to shape my life, my parents, Piet Dreyer, Brian Oldreive and Scott Marques.

What is your current favourite album?CCK album called “Have you Heard”.

Alan training farmers in Kezi, Bulawayo. 

By Molly Manhanga

A few minutes with David Lee

David Lee

What do you do to relax?
Read and play tennis
What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?Mupani worm
What do you feel most passionate about?Helping others less fortunate than myself
What sorts of book do you read?I enjoy Christian expositions like “If you want to walk on water you got to step out of the boat” by John Ortburg. I’ve also enjoyed Terry Virgo’s book, “No Well Worn Paths”.
Who has shaped your life?Jesus, my parents and my wife Andrea.
What is your current favourite album?Michael W. Smith
What is your favourite quote?Something from David Livingstone: “You can send me in any direction as long as it is forward.”
What are your thoughts on the FSP training?Foundations for Farming is commendable. It runs so closely to what Andrea and I came to do in Wales. It’s in line with my thinking.
You’ve moved to Zimbabwe almost 3 months ago, what are your thoughts on being in Bulawayo?
Our purpose is evolving. James 1:29: we are thinking of helping orphans. 


By Molly Manhanga

A few minutes with Andrea Lee

Andrea Lee

Andrea is originally from the U.K. She moved to France and then Spain. She met David (her hubby) at a teacher training college in the U.K. nearly 40 years ago. Andrea is a lovely woman of God – devoted to reading the Word.

What do you do to relax?Read and walk
What is the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten?Sadza
What do you feel most passionate about?Following what God wants me to and being obedient to His will.
What sorts of book do you read?Mostly Christian books – biographies
Who has shaped your life?My parents, David and my children
What is your current favourite album?Michael W. Smith
What are your thoughts on the Faithful Stewards Programme (FSP) training?It’s nice to meet people from other communities and get to know them. The training is reinforcing what we’ve heard before at the Foundations for Farming Champs Conference. Reinforcing is good.
What are your thoughts on your stay in Zimbabwe so far?After being here for 2 weeks last year it was like coming home. It’s great to meet up with people we’ve met before and to meet up with new ones.

By Molly Manhanga

A few minutes with Zulu Dube

Zulu Dube

Zulu Dube is one of the leaders of Kingdom People Church based in Harare, Zimbabwe. He came down to Kezi, Bulawayo with the Faithful Steward Programme team and it was great chatting to him for a few minutes. This is what he had to say:
What do you do to relax?Play loud hip hop music and dance
What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?Mupani worm
What do you feel most passionate about?Seeing young people empowered – guys who were not working finding something to do. I’m passionate in helping to facilitate that.
What sorts of book do you read?I read books that motivate me like “Rich Dad, Poor Dad.” When I read them, I want to get out there and achieve something – make a change.
Who has shaped your life?Several people like P.J Smyth, Sibs Sibanda, Mbonisi Malaba, Kenneth Hagan and Cross Movement – a hip hop group.
What is your current favourite album?Kingdom People by Tedashi

By Molly Manhanga

Relating One with Another

“Families” relating to each other

Pastor’s Mark Maklin from Christian Community Church, Hounslow, London, U.K

It was such a blessing having “family” from the U.K visiting Stephen and I in Kezi Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. We were blessed by their encouragement, love and input into our lives as well as the lives of folk at Crossroads Community Church and Ebenezer Training Centre.

Pastor Mark Maklin, Pastor Nigel Lurrie, Tina Henry and Brett Mills from Christian Community Church in Hounslow, London (affiliated to Assemblies of God) came and served us so well. Pastor Mark preached at Crossroads on the Sunday morning and folk enjoyed themselves so much. Pastor Nigel shared with the apprentices and found it more challenging in that he needed to ‘connect’ with them and help them to relax. I suppose as it was their first time hearing him, they were listening rather attentively, without smiling…… He ended up winning them over as Pastor Nigel is an anointed worship leader and plays the guitar really well.

Tina Henry is a nurse and she did extremely at the Home Based Care meeting on the Monday morning. She spoke on general hygiene and cancer. The HBC volunteers had many questions with regard to cancer. She was blown away by the service at Crossroads and has ‘promised’ to come back and visit us next year.

Brett Mills is a “fired up” Youth leader. At the age of 20, he is so passionate about God and reaching the lost – it’s inspirational. He is serving Pastors Mark and Nigel and the hope for him was that once being in Zimbabwe – a new people group and culture group, Brett would be lifted to a new level in his walk with God. That seems to be exactly what has happened. I think everything will really begin to settle once he is back in the U.K.

What an awesome time we had.

By Molly Manhanga

 

Operation Trumpet Call pt 10.

Foundations for Farming – Formerly Farming God’s Way
Revelation to Feed A Nation

Brian Oldreive

Two Foundations for a Successful Enterprise:

1. Faithfulness with little (Stewardship) The Bible tells a story os a master who entrusted some money to his servants while he went away on a journey. Some of his servants invested the money to earn a profit, while one servant buried the money in the ground and it did not earn a profit. When the master returned, he was very pleased with the servants who had earned him a profit, and he took away even the little he had, to give to the other servants. This story illustrates that when we are faithful with even the little we have we gain more. If we are not faithful we experience loss. If you are faithful with the land you have, even a small piece, and steward it well, you reap a good harvest.

2. Giving to receive. It is a universal law that the more you give into something, the more you will receive. We cannot expect the land to give us a harvest if we have not given to it with some sort of fertilization. Our farming enterprise will become more profitable the more we give of our time, energy and extra effort. If you are willing to be a good steward, giving of all your resources you have available to you into your farming enterprise, you can become one of the best farmers in the world!

Operation Trumpet Call pt 9.

Foundations for Farming – Formerly Farming God’s Way
Revelation to Feed A Nation

Brian Oldreive

Foundations for a Successful Crop:
Step by step procedure for growing maize

6. Planting: Plant after good rains in November, preferably before 25 November. (Two and a half bags of grain per hectare are lost for every day you plant after 25 November – so plant on time), plant your seed within 2 days of soaking rainfall, your seeds should be planted at a depth, which is the same as the length of a matchbox, place 3 seeds in each hole. These will ultimately be thinned to 2 per hole, which will give a plant population of 44,000 plants per hectare, plant in a straight line across the row. Cover your seeds carefully with soil until it is level with the surrounding soil surface (no clods or stones over the seeds).The should be no mulch in the soil, which is used to cover the seed – full soil to seed contact is vital for seed germination. Cover as much of the field as you possibly can with mulch.

7. Weed Control – Three Vital Principles: Hoe the weeds when they are very small. Make sure you have a good crop canopy (roof) that shades out the weeds. This is achieved by having high standards and precision of planting holes, seed placement and covering resulting in eveness of growth and a full plant population. Keep weed free throughout the year, especially at the end of the harvest! Hoe just below the surface. Cut off the roots – except for creeping grasses which must be sprayed or carried out to effectively eradicate them.

8. Thinning: Thin to an average of two plants per hole. This is very important! Thin the weakest plant or middle plant if three emerge. Leave three in the hole where one emerges on the previous hole so that there is an average of two per hole.

9. Top Dressing Fertiliser (If available): Apply a minimum of 5ml of AN fertilizer (or 200ml chicken manure) per planting station about two weeks after emergence when the plants are about 20cm tall. If you are able, apply a second dose of the same amounts just before the maize tassles. Place the dressing a minimum of 5cm from the stem base on the slope side of the plants. Place it equidistant from each plant in the planting station.

Operation Trumpet Call pt 8.

Foundations for Farming – Formerly Farming God’s Way
Revelation to Feed A Nation

Brian Oldreive

Foundations for a Successful Crop:
Step by step procedure for growing maize

1. Tools Required: hoe, 5ml, 8ml & 12ml cups or 450ml tin can for manure or compost, 75cm measuring stick, measuring string with markers spaced every 60cm, fertilizer or manure or compost, seed.

2. Land Preparation: do not burn, stump and clear by chopping the plants off at the roots, do not plough, keep weed free.

3. Preparing Planting Stations: plant across the slope, hole out 75cm x 60cm, dig holes a hoe width wide and 8cm deep for fertilizer or 15cm deep for manure, place soil heap on downslope side, complete by at least three weeks before expected beginning of the rains i.e. by end of October in Zimbabwe.

4. Liming: (Optional) This is necessary if you have acidic soils, try to get a soil analysis done if you can, the amount of lime necessary will be according to your soil analysis, but 10ml should be a good general amount, place lime evenly across the base of the hole.

5. Fertilisation: The amount of fertilizer you use will be based on your yield targets and your available resources, ensure that your fertilizer or manure is available by the end of October to apply before the rains, if you are going to use inorganic fertilizers, apply a 12ml cup of maize compound fertilizer to each hole, if you are going to use manure, compost or ant heap apply a 450ml tin full, place it evemly across the bottom of your hole, cover the fertilizer slightly until you have your required seed planting depth in your hole and wait for the rains.

Operation Trumpet Call pt 7.

Brian Oldreive

Foundations for a Profit:
Profitability is possible if you faithfully apply these management principles of doing everything:

1. On Time: Plan ahead, Prepare well, Start early, Never be late.

2. At A High Standard: Do every operation and detail as well as you can with no shortcuts. Be honest and honorable in all you do.

3. Without Wastage: Don’t waste time, soil, water, sunlight, seed, nutrients, labour, energy, opportunity etc.

4. With Joy: If you do these first three things faithfully without self pity, complaining, blaming others, making excuses, but with thankfulness, there will be no need to fear and hopelessness and you will have hope and joy which gives you strength.

Operation Trumpet Call pt 6.

Foundations for Farming – Formerly Farming God’s Way
Revelation to Feed A Nation

Brian Oldreive

Foundations for Production:
The Foundations for Farming principles can be applied in the smallest back yard garden to the largest commercial farm. On a small scale all work is manual and requires nothing more technical than a hoe.

Typically, you’ll be able to grow sufficient food to:
1. Feed your family
2. Sell surplus to help buy next year’s inputs
3. Sell and make a profit and pay for other living expenses
4. Give to others

We have testimonies of farmers who, by adopting Foundations for farming methods, have increased their yield over tenfold i.e. 0.3 tonnes to over 3 tonnes.
Profitability is essential for sustained production and development. The only alternative to profitability for survival in the short term is begging or theft, both of which cause poverty in the long term.

Operation Trumpet Call pt 5.

Foundations for Farming – Formerly Farming God’s Way
Revelation to Feed A Nation

Brian Oldreive

The Solution
Foundation for Farming can reverse these trends because it brings a very effective and appropriate technology and implementation system and deals with the socio-cultural causes of the problem.

It is a natural law that those who are faithful with what they have, gain more. Foundations for farming principles protect and preserve the soil and rain a farmer is given.
In God’s natural creation:
1. There is no ploughing.
2. There is a wonderful mulch cover from the fallen leaves and plant material. This greatly reduces soil erosion and captures and transfers the precious water effectively to the plants, reducing the risk from drought, pests and disease.