July 2018
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ
We at JIBC are excited about a project we are undertaking for our missionaries, Graham and Sarah, who are working with the charity Acacia (Assisting Communities And Children In Africa) in Mazwi Village, Zimbabwe. Graham and Sarah visited us a few weeks ago and shared a vision they have from God for Mazwi Village and that is to see a building project come to fruition. Pastor Steve felt, as they shared with us one Sunday morning, that God was prompting us to help this happen………..as we sit in our comfortable chairs Mazwi people do not, as we have a lovely building to worship in Mazwi people do not (they meet in structures made with wooden poles and tarpaulin), as we have toilets Mazwi people do not, as we have health care at our finger tips Mazwi people do not. As you can imagine there are lots of other health issues that would really benefit from a clinic, which will be included in the new building.
So, the project is to build a multi-purpose building which will include a church hall, classrooms, toilets and the clinic. Graham and Sarah have plans for this but no finance. We at JIBC are looking to help them with this. We are praying for God’s blessing on the project We plan to keep this at the forefront of our minds, prayers and actions over the next year.
We know God is moving in a mighty way through Graham and Sarah………He can do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ
We at JIBC are excited about a project we are undertaking for our missionaries, Graham and Sarah, who are working with the charity Acacia (Assisting Communities And Children In Africa) in Mazwi Village, Zimbabwe. Graham and Sarah visited us a few weeks ago and shared a vision they have from God for Mazwi Village and that is to see a building project come to fruition. Pastor Steve felt, as they shared with us one Sunday morning, that God was prompting us to help this happen………..as we sit in our comfortable chairs Mazwi people do not, as we have a lovely building to worship in Mazwi people do not (they meet in structures made with wooden poles and tarpaulin), as we have toilets Mazwi people do not, as we have health care at our finger tips Mazwi people do not. As you can imagine there are lots of other health issues that would really benefit from a clinic, which will be included in the new building.
So, the project is to build a multi-purpose building which will include a church hall, classrooms, toilets and the clinic. Graham and Sarah have plans for this but no finance. We at JIBC are looking to help them with this. We are praying for God’s blessing on the project We plan to keep this at the forefront of our minds, prayers and actions over the next year.
We know God is moving in a mighty way through Graham and Sarah………He can do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine.

As you can imagine it can be freezing during the winter months and boiling hot in the summer.
So far, we have seen the foundations laid and supplied bricks to start building the ECD centre (the building being done in stages).
If you have any ideas on how we could raise monies towards this very worthwhile project we would be very grateful to hear from you.
You can see the wonderful works that go on in Mazwi Village on Acacia’s Facebook page.
If you would like more information, please feel free to contact Annette Ashton at annettebalkham@hotmail.com
September 2019
So far, we have seen the foundations laid and supplied bricks to start building the ECD centre (the building being done in stages).
If you have any ideas on how we could raise monies towards this very worthwhile project we would be very grateful to hear from you.
You can see the wonderful works that go on in Mazwi Village on Acacia’s Facebook page.
If you would like more information, please feel free to contact Annette Ashton at annettebalkham@hotmail.com
September 2019
April 2020
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ
We at JIBC are excited about a building project we are helping to see come to fruition for our missionaries, Graham and Sarah, who are working with the charity Acacia (Assisting Communities And Children In Africa) in Mazwi Community, Zimbabwe. We were challenged to help because as we sit in our comfortable chairs Mazwi people do not, as we have a lovely building to worship in Mazwi people do not (they meet in structures made with wooden poles and tarpaulin), as we have toilets Mazwi people do not, as we have health care at our finger tips Mazwi people do not. They have several mamma’s who are HIV positive and have a day journey each month to pick up their life saving medications (all of whom are sponsored). As you can imagine there are lots of other health issues that would really benefit from a clinic, which will be included in the new building. They have children of all ages who go to school because of a sponsorship programme.
So far, enough money has been raised to see the completion of all the groundworks, foundation and flooring for the whole building. Now due to money limitations they are having to build up one room at a time, they have decided, first of all, to build up the ECD (Early Child Development) Centre and there was enough money to complete the brickwork up to almost roof level. Now they await more funds.
to edit.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ
We at JIBC are excited about a building project we are helping to see come to fruition for our missionaries, Graham and Sarah, who are working with the charity Acacia (Assisting Communities And Children In Africa) in Mazwi Community, Zimbabwe. We were challenged to help because as we sit in our comfortable chairs Mazwi people do not, as we have a lovely building to worship in Mazwi people do not (they meet in structures made with wooden poles and tarpaulin), as we have toilets Mazwi people do not, as we have health care at our finger tips Mazwi people do not. They have several mamma’s who are HIV positive and have a day journey each month to pick up their life saving medications (all of whom are sponsored). As you can imagine there are lots of other health issues that would really benefit from a clinic, which will be included in the new building. They have children of all ages who go to school because of a sponsorship programme.
So far, enough money has been raised to see the completion of all the groundworks, foundation and flooring for the whole building. Now due to money limitations they are having to build up one room at a time, they have decided, first of all, to build up the ECD (Early Child Development) Centre and there was enough money to complete the brickwork up to almost roof level. Now they await more funds.
to edit.
May 2020
Please see attached photos, taken this week of ongoing work on the building project at Mazwi. Sarah and Graham were able to purchase some more cement this week to enable them to do some more of the brickwork on the ECD classrooms; Praise the Lord. They now need to try and purchase another window, which, as you can see from the photos is missing.
We are thinking of ways to raise money in the future to continue our support, we have missed out on a lot of fundraising this year especially the auction which usually brings in a substantial amount. We have the sale items, and hopefully we can have this next Spring.
.
Please see attached photos, taken this week of ongoing work on the building project at Mazwi. Sarah and Graham were able to purchase some more cement this week to enable them to do some more of the brickwork on the ECD classrooms; Praise the Lord. They now need to try and purchase another window, which, as you can see from the photos is missing.
We are thinking of ways to raise money in the future to continue our support, we have missed out on a lot of fundraising this year especially the auction which usually brings in a substantial amount. We have the sale items, and hopefully we can have this next Spring.
.
Mazwi Update 25.6.20
Morning from cold Bulawayo. The roof for ECD block is $13,000. We have to put a septic tank in before they will connect water...estimate for that is $8,000. 5 big window frames @ $90 each. We need reinforcing metal bars @ $120. Double door frames X 3 are $100 each. 8 toilet windows are $20 each. Single door frames X3 are $15 each. These are obviously at this week's rate of exchange! Hope this helps. Blessings and love The reason we have been given this information is because we were asked by some in the fellowship if there was a breakdown of the costs, as some might like to donate to a specific item. The ECD (Early Child Development) block cannot open until, obviously firstly the roof is on and secondly the toilet block is completed, this is a requirement of the authorities. They have started to build the toilet block adjacent to the ECD room, but are needing the items listed above, especially the septic tank.
Morning from cold Bulawayo. The roof for ECD block is $13,000. We have to put a septic tank in before they will connect water...estimate for that is $8,000. 5 big window frames @ $90 each. We need reinforcing metal bars @ $120. Double door frames X 3 are $100 each. 8 toilet windows are $20 each. Single door frames X3 are $15 each. These are obviously at this week's rate of exchange! Hope this helps. Blessings and love The reason we have been given this information is because we were asked by some in the fellowship if there was a breakdown of the costs, as some might like to donate to a specific item. The ECD (Early Child Development) block cannot open until, obviously firstly the roof is on and secondly the toilet block is completed, this is a requirement of the authorities. They have started to build the toilet block adjacent to the ECD room, but are needing the items listed above, especially the septic tank.
Mazwi Building Project Update October 2020
Obviously, this year has been extremely difficult for the people of Mazwi Community but praise God the building works are still slowly ongoing. Sarah and Graham have received donations to enable the putting in of the Septic tank, drainage and pipes for the new building on Plot 707 Mazwi Village.
Obviously, this year has been extremely difficult for the people of Mazwi Community but praise God the building works are still slowly ongoing. Sarah and Graham have received donations to enable the putting in of the Septic tank, drainage and pipes for the new building on Plot 707 Mazwi Village.
Mazwi Building Project Update July 2021
The building works have had to stop currently – for the last 4 weeks as funding is low. The floors have almost completed the screeding. Next to happen will be toilets and basins purchased and fitted and water connection. Estimated costs are US$ 6,000 – US$8,000 depending on costings and availability at the time as there is constant economic change here!
The building works have had to stop currently – for the last 4 weeks as funding is low. The floors have almost completed the screeding. Next to happen will be toilets and basins purchased and fitted and water connection. Estimated costs are US$ 6,000 – US$8,000 depending on costings and availability at the time as there is constant economic change here!
September 2021 update
Building progress. We had a 5 week break with the building whilst we accumulated funds for next bit.
Two large water tanks have been purchased and delivered and the guys have been constructing a tank stand. One tank will go on the flat roof and supply the building, the other will go on the floor base behind the water tank to collect all the roof rain water. Other pictures are ladies/girls toilets with 3 cubicles, the gents/boys from the entrance and the day/sick room
All the floors are now screened.
Building progress. We had a 5 week break with the building whilst we accumulated funds for next bit.
Two large water tanks have been purchased and delivered and the guys have been constructing a tank stand. One tank will go on the flat roof and supply the building, the other will go on the floor base behind the water tank to collect all the roof rain water. Other pictures are ladies/girls toilets with 3 cubicles, the gents/boys from the entrance and the day/sick room
All the floors are now screened.
The first pic is the toilet passageway, the next one is the kitchen with serving hatch into the church hall, the last one is inside the kitchen with serving hatch to Sarah’s classrooms.
December 2021
We are thrilled with the progress to the building on Plot 707. The kitchen has been ordered , paid for and will be delivered and fitted in January. Thank you JIBC, Spain for generous giving which has covered almost all of this.
We have received an amazing donation which will enable us to build the church hall side of the building.
The ECD children were excited to be there one day when the bricks were delivered.
SIYABONGA
We are thrilled with the progress to the building on Plot 707. The kitchen has been ordered , paid for and will be delivered and fitted in January. Thank you JIBC, Spain for generous giving which has covered almost all of this.
We have received an amazing donation which will enable us to build the church hall side of the building.
The ECD children were excited to be there one day when the bricks were delivered.
SIYABONGA
March 2022
The Building
Well, what can we say?? It is truly amazing. A very special thank you to JIBC for starting us off with JAMMY and for continued support and to our donor for blessing us with the funding to complete the building. We have gone beyond the ECD block, toilets and kitchen and the church hall is underway!
The building inspector has been and approved all works, hallelujah. he will return on completion of build.
The Building
Well, what can we say?? It is truly amazing. A very special thank you to JIBC for starting us off with JAMMY and for continued support and to our donor for blessing us with the funding to complete the building. We have gone beyond the ECD block, toilets and kitchen and the church hall is underway!
The building inspector has been and approved all works, hallelujah. he will return on completion of build.
Report on current state of building operations November 2022
First, I would like to thank the many contributors for the building project thus far. We are grateful for every one of you and thank God for stirring your hearts to be involved. This project would not have happened without your involvement. A huge thank you to the various Churches who have stood by us through this process and individuals within those churches, which gives me confidence in the scriptures where it states That through the church the manifold wisdom of God will be displayed. We are currently in a position of almost completed, however our current funding has run out and we have had to hold off and stop construction until such time as we receive funds to complete the building. Please may I ask you to pray with us as we look to God to provide for us as he has done so up till now. Bless you all and thank you for standing with us. I will now include photos of how far we have come and showing what needs to be completed.
First, I would like to thank the many contributors for the building project thus far. We are grateful for every one of you and thank God for stirring your hearts to be involved. This project would not have happened without your involvement. A huge thank you to the various Churches who have stood by us through this process and individuals within those churches, which gives me confidence in the scriptures where it states That through the church the manifold wisdom of God will be displayed. We are currently in a position of almost completed, however our current funding has run out and we have had to hold off and stop construction until such time as we receive funds to complete the building. Please may I ask you to pray with us as we look to God to provide for us as he has done so up till now. Bless you all and thank you for standing with us. I will now include photos of how far we have come and showing what needs to be completed.
Shows the toilets fitted and connected to the soak away. Above the space next to water tank ready for another one.