Gideon, Father To Orphans
"The dream and vision of Gideon and Jennifer blossomed into a fantastic home for the unwanted"
We are familiar with descriptives such as “Godwinks,” “it’s a God thing,” destiny, coincidence, and luck when good fortune occurs. Zazzy Bandz’ relationship with Peniel Orphanage over the past seven years is a God-thing. We are fortunate to know this place. The staff at Peniel has blessed many previously unwanted, desperate children with a loving place called HOME. This month’s story is about the orphanage leader, a father to orphans.
Gideon and Jennifer Chisamba have been parents to many children who pass through the gates of Peniel Centre Orphanage in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. What was the turning point, the Godwink giving them the focus and vision to establish this home for the homeless?
Gideon grew up in an impoverished community. He quit school during FORM 2 (around 8th grade) following his father’s death, even though he wanted to continue his education. School authorities chased him away from the school he had attended. Gideon hated God for how He was allowing his life to unfold with the loss of his dad and no more school. His friends, however, helped him study from home, where he eventually took the “O” Level ( high school) exams and passed them all. Providential destiny? Gideon desired to continue his education to become a teacher. He was rejected from colleges because he had no money, so he stayed home and continued to hate God. “Until one night,” Gideon said, “He met me and told me He died for me out of His love for me.” That night he sensed a Presence and felt that a Greater Someone did love him. The next day he visited with a friend who showed him how to have a personal relationship with Jesus. That day, Gideon “realized that God had called me to communicate His love to orphans, vulnerable children, and the poor.”
Gideon later joined YWAM (Youth With A Mission), where he met and married Jennifer. They have worked with the poor in their community since the early 2000s. Their love story continues as God led them to many vulnerable children; orphans, abused and abandoned children, and children affected by the high poverty levels. Many came to live with Gideon and Jennifer, where they found a loving, secure home.
The dream and vision of Gideon and Jennifer blossomed into a fantastic home for the unwanted. Peniel Centre encompasses a house, cottages, out-buildings with chickens, cows, goats, and a large vegetable garden in an area safe for children to be kids. It is an ideal place for these children to call home. Not all are permanent family members; however, some come to stay a short while, giving a period of respite to their families. The children have a place to sleep, eat and go to school. They are allowed the chance to dream!
Gideon has been instrumental in securing the necessary funding to improve the quality of life for his children/students. He plans for the children's future by teaching them the required academic or career/technical skills to be successful adults. We are honored and blessed to be a part of the ministry of Gideon and Jennifer.
A portion of each Zazzy Bandz purchase goes to Peniel Centre Orphanage, a ministry with a purpose. Bulawayo, Zimbabwe is across the big pond and then some from America, yet, through luck, or God-led, we are helping previously unwanted homeless children have their forever home. “To whom much is given, much is required.” The vision in this verse is a call to serve and give hope. Thank you for being a part of this bigger vision by purchasing Zazzy Bandz.
More to come,
Zazzy Bandz ... More Than A Headband 💗
1 Zazzy Bandz Sold = 1 Day of Education to a Child at Peniel Centre Orphanage