help send emily to zimbabwe

Friends, I've been to Zimbabwe twice. At first, it seemed like an unlikely partnership, but both trips have been literally life-changing. Now, my amazing girlfriend electric Emily is going in April. (Editorial note: Emily made her decision to go independently of our relationship).

Here's Emily's support letter; let me know if you want to help send her to Zim!

Dear friends and family,

It’s with sheer excitement and anticipation that I write to you! A few months ago, I met with friends and was given the opportunity to join a team of young adults heading to Zimbabwe, Africa – a desire I’ve had for a many years. After prayerfully considering if this was God’s leading, I seized the opportunity to join the team with great enthusiasm!

Though I signed up with eagerness, I wanted to make sure I knew what I was getting into. I have heard stories over the last few months from friends who have been a part of the Zimbabwe Missions team in the past, and was educated on the nation’s history and current state of affairs. Not a pretty picture to say the least.

Once a thriving nation and Africa’s “bread basket,” Zimbabwe has fallen hard during the rule of their corrupt president. With an AIDS epidemic seizing lives, extreme poverty, an economic collapse, a tragic youth crisis and a recent cholera outbreak, Zimbabwe is at the top of the world’s list in need of urgent rescue.

But hope is not lost.

Through Vital Connections, the long-standing ministry in Zimbabwe that has been sending teams from the States, Kingdom bridges have been built and have proved to withstand storms that continue to hit the nation. It is the message of hope that we take to Zimbabwe: “There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” (Proverbs 23:18)

The group I have the privilege of joining through Vital Connections and Kentwood Community Church will be sending our team out April 8th – April 23rd to Harare and Chinoyi, Zimbabwe. Our team will have the opportunity to participate in a number of service projects. We’ll be leading two youth weekend conferences for about 80-100 local men and women between 18 and 28 years old. As you’re probably aware of, I have a huge calling and passion for youth. I’m anxious to see the ways in which God challenges me and our team as we reach out to the youth of Zimbabwe.

We’ll also be traveling to local villages to work in feeding centers and orphanages, delivering much needed supplies. The team will be developing a children’s program that we can perform many times to connect with children and their families.

Our goal is to involve as many friends, family, and community members as possible for this missions project. Involvement will be in the form of support teams:

• Team members traveling to Zimbabwe: Josh, Chris, Andria, Deanne, Tim, Emily

• Prayer supporters

• Financial supporters

I don’t want to sound cliché, but prayer truly is the foundation in which this trip is possible. Our team wants to be following the Spirit’s direction in which He takes us—both before and during our time in Zimbabwe.

Because of this, we will need as many prayer supporters rallying for us in Christ.

Though our economy is tight, I strongly believe the Body can work together to do Kingdom work and continue to build this bridge to Zimbabwe. I humbly ask you for your financial support. I need to raise $2,500 to cover the cost of the trip. If you feel God leading you to support in this way, you can make out a check to Kentwood Community Church (with my name in the footnote) and send it to:

Kentwood Community Church

c/o Kim Rankens

1200 60th St Se

Kentwood, MI 49508

I want to thank you ahead of time in joining me on this great adventure Christ has impressed upon my heart.

Your friendship, prayer and financial support makes all this possible. I‘m eager to report back to you the ways in which Christ moved in the hearts of our team and the new friendships we will have in Zimbabwe.

In Christ,

Emily