Seeds of Hope in Bloom: United Global Connects
Last summer, members of the United Global Connects group from Pine River United Church took a transformative journey to Zimbabwe. They aimed to deepen their understanding of worship, foster cross-cultural relationships, and strengthen their local community.
The small group from Ripley, ON travelled to Harare, Masvingo, Bulawayo, Hwange, and Victoria Falls along with other individuals from Netherlands, Africa, and Australia. Pine River’s minister Rev. Wonder Chimvinga hails from Zimbabwe, so the trip also had a personal connection.
Upon arriving in Harare, the group engaged with Rev. Wonder’s former church in Norton, participating in vibrant services filled with music and fellowship. This experience broadened their perspective on Christian faith in Zimbabwe. A significant part of their trip included visiting the Henry Murray School for the Blind, where they donated groceries, school supplies, and hygiene products. They were inspired by the school’s commitment to teaching essential life skills through agriculture.
The group also made a meaningful impact at Morgenster Hospital by donating a microwave and an oven, enhancing patient meal quality and illustrating the challenges faced by healthcare workers in the region.
Strengthening Local Community
Strengthening relationships within their own church community was another goal. As participants grew closer through shared experiences, the trip particularly engaged younger members, reinforcing their commitment to leadership and service in Pine River United Church.
The group plans to share their experiences to inspire others, illustrating the impact of faith-driven connections. They also developed essential leadership skills throughout the planning and execution of the trip, enhancing their abilities in communication and collaboration.
Concluding their journey with visits to sites like the Great Zimbabwe National Monument and Victoria Falls, the group returned home with rich memories and a commitment to serving both their local and global communities. This experience highlights the power of faith in fostering understanding, connection, and service across cultures.
Organizer Rachel Eby kept the Foundation updated on the trip by email throughout their time in Zimbabwe, which felt kind of like receiving modern postcards. “This was truly a trip of a lifetime and a wonderful experience for us all,” Rachel told us.
Plant Your Own Seeds of Hope… and Watch Them Bloom!
The United Church of Canada Foundation offers a variety of grant opportunities for organizations and individuals to bring life to the mission and values of the United Church. The Seeds of Hope granting program awards approximately one million dollars every year is support of innovative United Church projects. Our spring granting round is open now! How will a funding boost from Seeds of Hope help your project take flight? Learn more and apply now: unitedchurchfoundation.ca/grants/seeds-of-hope.
We are always available if you need help completing your application. Should you have any questions, please email us at grants@united-church.ca.
Grants from the Foundation, representing the generosity of many United Church people, help make this work possible! To make a financial gift to support this good work, please click here. Thank you!
