MADINDI FAMILY
Zimbabwe (Midlands Region)
Pastor Abton and wife Sibusisiwe
Children: Gamaliel, Gemariah, & Getmore
Sponsorships needed: 2 Ministry; 1 Outreach; 1 Training
About The Preacher, in his own words:
I was sick and unhappy during my childhood. At the age of twelve, I was drinking beer. I stayed alone in shacks to avoid the guidance of my parents. Life was very hard for me, and I continued to be sick. People told me that witch doctors could save my life but they all failed. Since I had nowhere to turn, I was now open for the gospel. A woman visited me and told me that Jesus could save my life if I would give it to Him. Later I visited a church service for the first time in my life. When the pastor preached it was as if he knew me. That was the day that I gave my life to Jesus. The first thing I did was to go back to my parents and make things right. The Lord completely changed my life.
My wife, Sibusisiwe, was born to a father with two wives. He was a witch doctor. She was trained how to call evil spirits every time they were needed. They totally worshiped idols and evil spirits. One of Sibusisiwe’s brothers got a job in Victoria Falls where I was living. As I was preaching, he received Christ. He told me about the situation in his family. Later, we visited his home where a number of the children accepted Christ, including Sibusisiwe. She went to live with her brother and began to serve the Lord wholeheartedly. God started using her to bring people to Himself. She was even able to lead her own father to the Lord. Now my wife continues to be active in evangelism and ministers to children, youth, ladies, and couples.
As I read the Bible, I became burdened to share it with others. I visited with some friends and told them how I was healed and saved. People began to come to Jesus. I felt that the best thing that I could do with my life was to preach the Word of God. Jesus called me to the ministry and I have served the Lord for many years.
FRANK FAMILY
Zimbabwe (Mashonaland Region) Pastor Goodrich and wife CarolChildren: Faith & Emmanuel (plus 3 other dependents)
Sponsorships needed: 2 Ministry; 1 Outreach; 1 Training
About The Preacher, in his own words:
Growing up, I lived with a stepmother and was rude and violent. I soon began to drink and was always in trouble with the police. I became addicted to drugs and was involved with many women. My next door neighbor was a pastor who used to hold all night prayer sessions at his house. Sometimes I would listen to his sermons from my room. It was the singing that always touched something in me. Slowly I began to realize that I lived a wretched life. A friend of mine died of AIDS, and that really shook me. For days afterward I was filled with fear and could hardly eat. I had the opportunity to attend a church service when I visited my sister who was by now married. When it was time for the altar call, I just found myself crying my heart out at the feet of the pastor. Since that day I have never looked back.
My wife, Carol, was a rebellious young person growing up. Her father was verbally abusive, and as a result she became angry. After losing a good friend because of her behavior, she began to attend church. It was at an open air meeting that Carol realized the need for a meaningful relationship with Christ. She made a decision to live for Christ that day and became a role model instead of a social outcast. She was no longer filled with hate. God’s love filled Carol’s life. Now my wife is involved in evangelism and ministers to many ladies.
As time went by I was increasingly involved with the affairs of my church. I headed the cell group, and from time to time I stood in for the pastor. A restlessness grew in me. My pastor confirmed to me that he had seen what God was doing in me and told me that he had been grooming me for the pastorate. I enrolled in Bible school. Since that time I have been serving the Lord through evangelism and discipleship.
