VERSE Romans 15:13 ”May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him”

DECEMBER 2025

a mESSAGE OF HOPE

Hope begins in brokenness. Our name, Children With Hope, was born from the reality we saw in children and young people across our beautiful country, Zimbabwe - a reality of brokenness and deep hopelessness. Our hearts were stirred afresh to bring a message of Hope, the Hope that comes only from the God of Hope through His Word. In our brokenness and despair, we need a Saviour, and there is only One. His name is Jesus. Our longing is that every child will have an opportunity to hear the Good News and become a child with hope through knowing Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.

Romans 15:13 says:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as
you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit.

A Season of Growth and Gratitude

Over the past few months, we have seen many meaningful highlights in our ministry. For every story and opportunity, we thank God — and for the wonderful people He has brought alongside us as co- labourers in Christ. Ultimately, what matters most is this simple prayer: “Lord, if You are pleased, it is enough.” I have kept this at the forefront of my decisions and conversations as we continue to reach more children and youth, partner with more churches, and cast vision with more pastors. Our calling is obedience, to make His name known, so that every young person has the chance to respond to Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour. When we receive testimonies from the children themselves, telling us they have found Jesus and know His love for them, we know that Jesus is pleased.

Building on the Work: A Story Like Nehemiah’s

Nehemiah began his ministry by asking questions about his homeland, and when he heard the answers, he wept. Yet, he believed there could be a different outcome. He began in prayer, then rolled up his sleeves and stepped out in obedience, ready for hard labour, seeking partners in the work and trusting God to give them success. We can testify to a similar journey. Our ministry was birthed in prayer and then stepping out in faith, taking small steps as God opened doors for us. We are deeply grateful for the tools, booklets, discipleship groups, schools, and films that have helped us share the Good News with children and youth over the past three years. One of these resources is the film Rose, the story of a young girl whose life was transformed by Jesus. This film was shown in large outdoor viewings during the Love Zimbabwe festivals in Chinhoyi, Gweru, Bulawayo, and Harare.

Testimony: Light in the Darkness

One of our key partners in recent months has been the team from Palau Ministries, through Love Zimbabwe. Here is a powerful testimony from their outreach using our booklet Light in the Dark:

At a school in Waterfalls, an area known for deep-rooted ritual traditions, the team met an 11-year-old boy who had grown up surrounded by Zvigure practices, masked dances, and beliefs that shaped his entire worldview from a young age.


As the gospel was shared through music, drama, and dance, he watched – curious and captivated. At the
end of the presentation, he quietly made a decision to give his life to Jesus. Before the team left, he ran to one of the leaders, clutching the Little Light in the Dark booklet. His hands trembled as he asked:


“Will this answer my questions?”


He looked down at the pages, then back up again, searching for assurance.

The leader gently replied “Yes, it will answer most of  them.”

“Are you sure?” he answered

“Yes!” the leader responded


He walked back to his classroom, flipping through the pages – hungry for truth, for light, and for hope. This
moment reminded us that even in the darkest places, the light of Christ shines brightest. That child is seen
and loved by God.

Called to Thrive: Voices from Students Across Zimbabwe

This year, we were encouraged by incredible feedback from tertiary students who participated in the Catalyse Clubs through Zoom, using the Called to Thrive entrepreneurship and discipleship material. Around 80 students from universities across Zimbabwe (and even beyond) engaged with the program. Their reflections highlight how transformative God’s Word can be when paired with practical life and leadership training. Here are some of their voices:

“The training reinforced key principles of business and faith, emphasizing stewardship and the importance of using God- given talents. It clarified the true meaning of entrepreneurship for a committed follower of Christ.”
Jacinth D.Jeffery
Midlands State University
I gained practical insights on efficiently using social media platforms. Despite the length of the courses, the experience was valuable and enriching.
Tawanda Mtunzie
Midlands State University
Entrepreneurship is more than a career; it is a calling where resilience is built through challenges, guided by purpose, faith, and value.
Andrew Gorondondo
NUST
The training inspired me to start my own business. The facilitators were supportive and knowledgeable, offering practical skills and biblical perspectives that shaped my entrepreneurial mindset.
Irvine M. Chiwariro
Lupane State University
The trainings helped me reclaim my purpose in life. I once felt lost, but through them I remembered why I’m on this planet. I’ve started applying what we learned — including starting a small business with what I have. My relationship with God is much stronger because I now understand He placed us here for a purpose, and I must fulfill that purpose.
Senate Larotholi
National University of Lesotho
Every detail that makes you who you are was placed there to bring God’s glory and to bless the world.
Tinashe Mapfumo
Chinhoyi University of Technology
Completing the Call to Thrive entrepreneurship course gave me hands-on knowledge about my responsibilities in society. It filled me with hope, resilience, and purpose, empowering me to rise above challenges and discover my calling in life.
Tawanda Mubako
Midlands State University

These testimonies are a reminder of how God is using this program to shape a generation – encouraging boldness, purpose, and faith-driven leadership.

Growing Partnership Across Zimbabwe

We believe the key to increasing our reach and deepening discipleship is partnering with schools, pastors, and children’s and youth ministry leaders in local churches, in other words, those who walk daily with the children. In September, we attended the ACSI Zimbabwe Christian Educators Conference in Harare, with more than 400 teachers present from across the country. Many schools expressed interest in partnering with us to disciple their children and youth. Please pray for these partnerships to grow.

Training and Ministry Highlights

Held at Northside Community Church, 1 November 2025. Attendance: 120 people from over 50 churches across Harare. Children and Youth Training: Regional Visit: In late October, we hosted Lindsay Lategan, the Regional Ministry Coordinator from Pretoria. He was greatly encouraged by the work being done in Zimbabwe and enjoyed meeting our team and our Champion Church leaders.

Add Your Heading Text Here

2025 Strategy & Impact

PROJECT REACH:

738,800

Actual REACH TO DATE:

976,518

Training & Discipleship Impacts

People Reached in 2025

Pastors

Children & Youth Workers

865

1,639

Youth (Catalyse Clubs)

Film Viewers

1,439

36,986

Prayer Points

“Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.” - Psalm 105:4

  • PRAISE for the growing hunger within churches to strengthen their children’s and youth ministries. We are grateful for UDACIZA, our new partner and the fastest growing church in Zimbabwe. They have requested discipleship materials and training for their children and youth. Please pray for wisdom and new opportunities in the coming year as we respond to this request.
  • PRAY that pastors will be inspired and excited by the vision to raise up a missional generation among our youth.
  • PRAISE for the unity among the four mother bodies through their collaboration in the Love Zimbabwe festivals. Pray that we may continue strengthening these relationships and the opportunities within EFZ, CCC, UDACIZA, and Catholic Bishops.
  • PRAY for openings and opportunities to expand our Catalyse Clubs so we can deepen discipleship among youth across the nation.
  • PRAY for grassroots financial support to grow our ministry, increase our reach, and build the capacity needed to reach more communities across Zimbabwe.
  • PRAY for the safe arrival of our new stock expected at the end of February 2026. Our container is now empty, and we give thanks to the Lord that every resource was used wisely and freely.

A Personal Reflection

In a recent devotion, we were challenged with this question:


“How might Christ be shaping you through the very work He has given you to do?”


This has deeply challenged me. The work is important, but its source is more important. Am I sitting long enough in God’s presence? Am I living daily in hope myself, even as I long for every young person to find their hope in Jesus?


Our doing must overflow from our being. I need more of Jesus – His rest, His grace, His power, His love. My prayer is that this Christmas season gives you moments to sit, marvel, adore our Saviour, and find peace, joy, and hope in His presence.

 

Redemption is God’s story. We are part of His story. As we do His work, He is also doing His work in us, and we’re transformed through his grace and mercy. Growth requires change, and change requires courage. Please pray with us for courage, and support us as God leads you. Philippians 2:13 says:


“It is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil His good purposes.”


Thank you for being part of God’s calling with us, and for supporting our desire to share His Word with every child.

Sarah Cross
NATIONAL DIRECTOR