Although Abigirl Changu may seem quiet and reserved when you first meet her, her voice and eyes come alive when she begins talking about her mission. Abigirl is one of 120 students in Global Action’s Foundations leadership training program in Zimbabwe. While her journey is just beginning, her main mission right now is studying the Word and understanding it so she is better equipped to serve the people in her church and wider community.
The youngest in a family of seven, Abigirl was raised in the Roman Catholic church. Reflecting thoughtfully on her childhood, she recounts how she was taught the Bible but never invited to study it for herself. Because of this, Abigirl felt like she never really grasped the Scriptures. Upon marrying her husband Obert, she began attending a Baptist church. She felt called to go deeper in her understanding of Scripture, and this year she enrolled in one of the 22 classes Global Action is offering in Zimbabwe. Finally, the Scriptures are beginning to have real meaning in her life!
Abigirl partners with her husband, who is a pastor, to lead Bible studies and provide discipleship and counselling for church and community members. Their passion is teaching the word of God, especially to young people (including their 3-year-old daughter Nicole) and to young couples.
They carry out this work in the high-density, low-income areas of Mbare and Sunningdale, both located in the capital city of Harare. With a combined population of about 850,000 people, the unemployment rate is at a staggering 90% as families struggle to put food on the table and pay school fees for their children. Many households lack running water, and some are comprised of single mothers or grandparents taking care of children whose parents have died from HIV and AIDS.
Abigirl and Obert are passionate about reaching these communities, eager to teach others how to faithfully understand, share, and live out the Bible. With your support, Global Action is looking to start several more classes in under-served areas such as these.
“We desperately need leaders who will bring the true gospel to these communities,” explains Buhe Mativenga, Global Action’s Director in Africa. “There are many false prophets and teachers in this area, and they are not bringing lasting change to people’s lives. A group of well-trained leaders will have a transformational impact on the community.”
Join us in thanking Abigirl and Obert for their dedication! With your help, Global Action will continue to lift up leaders like them to spread God’s Word and love in Africa.
