Seeds of Hope in Bulawayo

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe: A Meaningful Stop on Our Journey

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, quickly became one of the most meaningful stops on our journey—not just for where we were, but for who we met and what we experienced while there. Every moment seemed layered with purpose, connection, and history.

Meeting Our Zimbabwean Brothers

One of the greatest blessings in Bulawayo was meeting two more of our ancestral Zimbabwean brothers, Pius and Uncle Charles. Though Uncle Charles looks like one of the youngest among us, Zimbabwean family tradition gives him the honored role of “Uncle,” and we were proud to show him that respect. He and his wife had recently welcomed a beautiful new baby, and his joy as a new father was contagious. As our time together unfolded, we continued to learn more about both men and the stories that connect our families across oceans and generations.

Stepping Into History at the Bulawayo Club

We also spent an unforgettable evening at the historic Bulawayo Club, a place that feels almost frozen in time. Walking through its halls felt like stepping into a living museum. From the old bar where colonial officials once gathered to walls lined with portraits of English dignitaries, every corner whispered stories from another era.

Riding the vintage elevator and standing quietly in the courtyard at the heart of the building felt surreal—especially knowing we were standing on infamous ground. What was once a space of exclusivity now held deeper meaning for us: history observed, remembered, and gently rewritten by our presence.

Witnessing Hope in Action at Equipping Farmers International

Perhaps the most powerful moment in Bulawayo was our visit to Equipping Farmers International (EFI). Denise, Wayne, and I had the rare opportunity to see firsthand the incredible work this U.S.-based nonprofit is doing to fight hunger and strengthen communities around the world. We were so inspired by what we witnessed that Denise immediately began thinking about how some of these techniques could be incorporated at her church in Brooklyn, New York.

EFI partners with local churches to train smallholder farmers in sustainable, regenerative agriculture, helping families grow more food, care for their land, and build long-term livelihoods rooted in dignity and faith.

Faith, Farming, and a Ripple Effect of Change

What makes EFI especially inspiring is that its work doesn’t end with a single harvest. Farmers are trained to become teachers themselves, creating a ripple effect of faith, self-reliance, and empowerment that spreads from village to village. Today, EFI operates in more than 50 countries, including right here in Bulawayo through Pastor Xolani Ndlovu and the Worringham Presbyterian Church.

Since Wayne serves on EFI’s board, this visit held special meaning for all of us—it was the first time we were able to witness the organization’s impact on the ground together. We learned about the church’s mission, its strategic plans, the community garden, and the powerful work being done to nourish both people and land in this region.

Where It All Began: EFI’s Roots in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is also where EFI’s work first took root. Through an early pilot program, EFI demonstrated how faith and farming can truly change lives. By partnering with churches and community leaders, the organization introduced conservation and regenerative farming techniques that helped farmers increase yields, restore soil health, and reduce reliance on expensive inputs. Those first farmers went on to train others, multiplying the impact and spreading hope throughout rural communities.

If you’d like to learn more about EFI or support its work, you can visit www.efi-intl.org.

Looking Ahead on the Journey

Have you ever visited a nonprofit making a real difference in the world? We’d love to hear your story.

And as our journey continues, we’re headed to one of Zimbabwe’s most iconic natural wonders. Can you guess where? 🌍

The answer is coming very soon…