HVCM is excited to welcome Stephanie (Pemberton) Davy to their Zimbabwe Staff in 2017!
by: Stephanie Davy
Hello there! Makorokoto egoredzva (Greetings for the New Year)!
I was excited when Brittany asked me to write a report for this month, although a tad hesitant; I am the newest member of the team and feel thoroughly under-qualified. However, the Living Proof program is one that I am very passionate about, and already in my one month I have learned a lot. This letter also provides a good time for me to introduce myself; in Zimbabwe introductions are absolutely necessary, and I am a student of Shona culture!
My name is Stephanie (Pemberton) Davy, the second born of Bob and Nancy Pemberton. My Grandparents, John C. and Marjorie Pemberton, were some of the founders of Hippo Valley Christian Mission. I live in Zimbabwe with my husband, Rob Davy, who is in training to become a professional Safari Guide. Having grown up in Chiredzi with my parents working for the Mission, I was thrilled when the opportunity came to join the Living Proof Program, none the least of which being that I get to work alongside Pastor Cephas Zivanai.
I have to smile at God’s sense of humor and symmetry as my mom, Nancy, taught him when he was a youth back in the early 1980’s - before I was born! Pastor Cephas has been so welcoming to me, as well as a great leader of this team. Judith Chitiki is the other member of our team, whom I have found to be an excellent worker and a wonderful person.
Hello there! Makorokoto egoredzva (Greetings for the New Year)!
I was excited when Brittany asked me to write a report for this month, although a tad hesitant; I am the newest member of the team and feel thoroughly under-qualified. However, the Living Proof program is one that I am very passionate about, and already in my one month I have learned a lot. This letter also provides a good time for me to introduce myself; in Zimbabwe introductions are absolutely necessary, and I am a student of Shona culture!
My name is Stephanie (Pemberton) Davy, the second born of Bob and Nancy Pemberton. My Grandparents, John C. and Marjorie Pemberton, were some of the founders of Hippo Valley Christian Mission. I live in Zimbabwe with my husband, Rob Davy, who is in training to become a professional Safari Guide. Having grown up in Chiredzi with my parents working for the Mission, I was thrilled when the opportunity came to join the Living Proof Program, none the least of which being that I get to work alongside Pastor Cephas Zivanai.
I have to smile at God’s sense of humor and symmetry as my mom, Nancy, taught him when he was a youth back in the early 1980’s - before I was born! Pastor Cephas has been so welcoming to me, as well as a great leader of this team. Judith Chitiki is the other member of our team, whom I have found to be an excellent worker and a wonderful person.
Stephanie and Rob at the Chilo Gorge Waterfalls in Zimbabwe
We have already crammed a lot into my first month with Living Proof: being introduced to the various logistical sides of our work (receiving and labeling letters, filing, organizing, etc.), brainstorming ways to grow and perfect, as well as getting hands-on experience buying shoes and uniforms for all of our kids. We have been working hard at labeling all of the items and grouping them into schools, so that soon we can begin our distribution process. Some of our kids are also moving into High School this year, a first for us, so figuring out where they are choosing to go and expanding to new schools will be a fun challenge!
 | LEFT and RIGHT: Stephanie, Cephas, and Judith picking up boxes upon boxes of new uniforms for our Living proof kids! |  |
While I have enjoyed all of the office work, I am looking forward to meeting our 1,000+ kids, as well as helping with the Christian School games coming up next term. These games are when all the Church of Christ/Mashoko Christian Schools get together for four days out of the second term and compete in various activities. This includes: netball, soccer, volleyball, handball, music, drama, biblical quizzes, and extra for the High Schoolers, debate and chess. Pastor Cephas tells me that our Living Proof kids are the “torch bearers” of this event, because they are the ones leading services and singing, as well as helping to organize. It is so wonderful to see the vision of training up Christian leaders become a reality!
Speaking of which, over the course of this year we hope to be writing a curriculum for our Living Proof Bible program. I cannot wait to do this, and to get out into the schools! I run the Children’s program at my Church here in Chiredzi, and helping kids develop a firm Biblical foundation is something I am very passionate about; as well as I just love kids J
That’s all from me for now! Needless to say I think you will need to watch this space as our Living Proof Program keeps growing and developing. Please keep praying for us, specifically that:
Until next time, Chisarai munaJesu (Goodbye, stay well in Jesus)!
Love,
Steph
steph@hippovalley.com
Speaking of which, over the course of this year we hope to be writing a curriculum for our Living Proof Bible program. I cannot wait to do this, and to get out into the schools! I run the Children’s program at my Church here in Chiredzi, and helping kids develop a firm Biblical foundation is something I am very passionate about; as well as I just love kids J
That’s all from me for now! Needless to say I think you will need to watch this space as our Living Proof Program keeps growing and developing. Please keep praying for us, specifically that:
- We continue to evaluate and perfect this fast growing program
- More sponsors will come on board as we look to bring on additional kids
- Our Living Proof kids continue to grow in “wisdom and in stature” as leaders of their schools and communities
- That the Lord would equip us to disciple and to empower, which will in turn affect change not just schools and communities but ultimately the country of Zimbabwe
Until next time, Chisarai munaJesu (Goodbye, stay well in Jesus)!
Love,
Steph
steph@hippovalley.com
RSS Feed