08/24/2026
From August 3–18, 2026, ten volunteers from Germany, Austria, England, and the United States joined forces with the GC Education Department and the NGO Education for Eternity an unforgettable mission at Tim Martin Primary School in Gokwe, Zimbabwe.
We came from different countries, backgrounds, and professions—but with one purpose: to serve. 🙏🏻 And what an adventure it became! Two flat tires 🚙, a suitcase mix-up at Harare Airport 🧳, spiders and frogs joining us in the lodge showers 🕷️🐸, power shortages—and plenty of unexpected challenges along the way. Yet none of these things could take away our joy. We laughed, worked, prayed, improvised, learned, and grew together. Again and again, we experienced God's protection and help.
🏫 At the heart of our mission was Tim Martin Primary School, a school of approximately 170 children led by its dedicated principal, Sister Josephine Gwina, a visionary woman whose commitment to these children and their future is supported by her husband, Pastor David Gwina.
In just a few intense days, volunteers, parents, church members, local workers, and supporters accomplished an incredible amount together:
💧 A 70-meter borehole had been drilled and equipped with a solar-powered water pump and two solar panels.
🚰 A new water-tank stand was constructed, and hundreds of meters of piping were installed to bring running water to the school.
🚽 Work on new sanitary facilities included plumbing for 8 flushing toilets, 6 urinals, 2 showers, 10 sinks, and a drinking fountain, as well as concrete and tiling work.
🏫 A 1-kilometer fence was constructed around the school property, helping create a safer and more defined environment for the children.
🎁 Clothes, toys, educational materials, school supplies, and many other donations brought additional joy and practical support to the students and families.
Tim Martin Primary School is more than a place of education. It is becoming a light for the surrounding community. Through the children, relationships are being built with entire families. As parents see their children learning and growing at the school, many are becoming more connected with the church community and more open to attending Sabbath services and hearing the message of God's Word. 🌱
None of this would have been possible without YOU. To every person who donated money, clothing, toys, school supplies, equipment, time, skills, prayers, or encouragement: THANK YOU! ❤️ Your contribution traveled much farther than Zimbabwe—it reached classrooms, homes, families, and hearts. And to our brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe: thank you for welcoming us, working beside us, teaching us, laughing with us, praying with us, and becoming our friends. We arrived hoping to give something—but we returned home having received so much ourselves.
We left Zimbabwe with tired bodies, full hearts, countless memories, and one certainty: When we place our hands, resources, and talents in God's hands, He can accomplish far more than we could ever accomplish alone. 🙏🏻
