What Donors Say I am encouraged when I visit Mtshabezi Hospital and see the improvements in the level of health care provided. I also know that my family did not die in vain when I see hundreds of people lined up to receive free treatment in the Community Health Outreaches that we run every six months…. Giving to Hope for Mtshabezi is the most satisfying thing I have done, primarily because I know that my donation touches real people, real lives. A child who could die because of diarrhea and dehydration can be saved by just a few dollars used to buy IV-fluids. A woman who may not know that she has High Blood Pressure or Diabetes may find out when she goes to a Community Health Outreach event sponsored by HFM. She not only gets the diagnosis, but also gets medication and a chance to live. Together we can bring HOPE to so many desperate men, women and children. HFM is a bridge to a Healthy community. Mtshabezi Hospital serves a huge underserved segment of the people of the Nqameni Squadron in Matebeleland South. It can be accessed on foot, by bus or scotch cart. It is a community based Health Center run by locals. The people of that area realized that no one can help "us" but us. This community cannot do it alone and that's where all of us come in. We in the diaspora have way more than what we need and we all know that we came "naked in this world and naked we shall leave". A part of me remains at Mtshabezi hospital because that's were I was born very early one July night more than 50 years ago. Yes I have made North America my home for the past 30 years but "Samamofu" (local stream where people fetched water upstream and bathed downstream) I will never forget. C. Bongi Richards, Riverdale, GA Hope for Mtshabezi, is hope for me and all the people of Zimbabwe. It is very comforting to know that when my grandfather or his neighbor needs healthcare, Mtshabezi is available. But above all, it has been very fulfilling to be a part of something that inspires me to look beyond myself. A piece of bread lying on the floor may seem too large to a family of ants, but crumb by crumb they break it down. The vision for Mtshabezi is big, but so are all the hearts of all the ants that are part of it.... We have great responsibilities, for we have been given greater gifts! Doreen Khumalo, Denver, CO We believe it is our privilege and obligation to care for those in need in this world. Just as adults are responsible for children, those that have so much are responsible for sharing what they have. As an ovarian cancer survivor, it was my privilege to be cared for during my first hospitalization at Thornton hospital by Lindani Sibanda. Later I met her as a colleague at a conference on hospice and palliative care and we became friends. It is a joy to see what she has done to continue providing resources for those in Zimbabwe who have suffered so profoundly under economic and political strain. We have all been blessed through this effort and encourage as many who are inspired to join in this worthy cause. If it was our children suffering wouldn't we want them to be helped? We are all family in this world and it is our joy to do what we can to treat each other with love, respect and generosity. I am a historian who has done many interviews with people whose origins are in Gwanda district. My life has been so blessed by learning about the families of that area, and people have welcomed and helped me with such open hearts. Lingadinwa lakusasa: I can never give back all that I have received. One sits here in North America, grieving for the losses and suffering of the people during these difficult days. Then comes an opportunity to give funds that will go directly to benefit people in the area around Mtshabezi. When I learned that Hope for Mtshabezi would give me an opportunity to give something back, however small, I was happy to do this, even though I don't have as much to give as I would like. It also helps that I have such trust in the people who administer the "Hope for Mtshabezi" initiative. God bless Dr Hlezikuhle Nyoni-Nkala and the brave staff at the hospital. May they be empowered to share healing for many. W.U.M., Historian, NY
It is a great joy to speak a few words about Hope for Mtshabezi. I met Lindani Sibanda about 14 years ago when her daughters began attending Vista Christian School where I was Principal. It was as we became heart friends that I clearly saw the call of God in her life to bring hope to her beloved people in Zimbabwe. It was a joy to be part of that call through the students at school and now later as a friend whom our Savior has invited to come along side to share His heart and hers through prayer and sharing His financial blessings. My husband and I consider it a great privilege to be part of the Hope for Mtshabezi family! Jeannie I. Miller, BA Christian Education, MA Education/Administration
“My piece of bread only belongs to me when I know that everyone
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