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It is estimated that an incredible 8% of the population of Zimbabwe are orphaned or abandoned children. Throughout the Bible we are told to care for the fatherless, so this is an important area of ministry for ZPT During 2014 Anna Stolarski, the daughter of one of our Trustees, spent three months in Zimbabwe, working as a volunteer at The Sandra Jones Centre, one of the orphan charities in Bulawayo. As well as giving daily support to the permanent staff in the care of the children, Anna has also been involved in giving help to the girls with their English and Maths and support for the children in their homework and extra lessons as well as helping out with the pre-school children at the Centre. Anna has thoroughly enjoyed her time at SJC and has often been heard to say “playing outside with the children at SJC is a joy in the African winter sun!” She has recorded an interesting blog of her experiences -www.bulawayobriefs.wordpress.com with her pictures that give a good insight into her time as a volunteer. The Sandra Jones Centre are always grateful for the help of volunteers like Anna to support them in their ministry and this is an area of partnership between churches in the UK and the Lord’s work in Zimbabwe that we are keen to encourage. |
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| Mind the Gap was formed in 2007 and developed the idea of providing 'family forever homes' with about 8-10 children in each, looked after by a house mother (and sometimes father) plus several 'Aunts'. | |||
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This idea has proved very successful and has given a secure and loving home to many young children including several with special needs.
In August 2010, Jenny Hensman, the director of MTG, became convinced that the way forward for Mind The Gap would be the acquisition of a new property, large enough to accommodate 12 such homes and surrounded by land to grow crops and raise livestock and poultry. In God's goodness, Jenny has been able to purchase such a property and has called it the Harvest Family Village. After a lot of hard work overcoming a series of problems and setbacks and much prayer, the initial two existing family units will shortly be transferring to this new home. |
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Facebookers may like to follow their progress on their public group. |
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| The Sandra Jones Centre cares for up to 90 orphans and abandoned babies, specialising in making provision for young girls who have suffered sexual abuse, particularly cases where this has led to a pregnancy and the birth of a child. This very specialised centre has provided a safe refuge where the girls and their babies can be cared for lovingly and safely. | |||
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In 2012 they too grasped an opportunity to obtain their own property which is much more suitable for their needs. Sandra Jones Centre were able to purchase a hotel in Bulawayo that was on the point of closing but still completely furnished and all ready to move into. This was a remarkable provision, and some ZPT funds were sent to help them at the time of the move. The Centre is still making quarterly payments to complete the purchase of these premises and would value your prayers that they will be able to honour these commitments alongside the daily running expenses involved in caring for the children in the Centre. Any gifts you might like to make towards this work can be made to the Trust, earmarked for the Sandra Jones Centre.
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| For further information on the Sandra Jones Centre visit the website or on Facebook. | |||
Contact
Roger Prime