Bill and Maria Humbane, natives of Mozambique, are newly assigned missionaries to Zimbabwe, where he serves as a language instructor at Africa University, and she as a coordinator of community projects.

Ishe Anesu is a new and noteworthy project initiated by Mrs. Humbane for underprivileged children. A program approved by Bishop Jokomo, episcopal leader for the region, Ishe Anesu (which means, "God is with us") is related to Hilltop United Methodist Church in the Sakubva Township where the Rev. Eva Mudambanuki serves as pastor.

A very poor district outside of Mutare, Sakubva has a high adult unemployment rate. There are several children living in single-parent homes and many orphaned children in this community. Suffering is greatest among the children and elderly on whom primary responsibility falls to raise the many orphans in Sakubva.

Hilltop is providing space within the sanctuary to conduct this newly developed program for children. Fifteen children between the ages of 7 and 12 who had been expelled from school because of inability to pay were given needed aid to return. The bishop's office gave additional funds to purchase uniforms required for them to attend. A small supply of food was purchased to serve the children after school. Mrs. Humbane learned that this meal was the first and only one that some of the children were receiving daily. For this reason, there was hope that they would operate the after-school program on a daily basis. However, limited funds have made it necessary to receive the children only three afternoons per week. Mrs. Humbane, who is assisted by the pastor and Mrs. Chinzwende, a local volunteer, bakes bread and rolls at home to bring to the children. She says that she hopes the center will be able to secure an electric stove at some point to facilitate cooking food on site for the children.

In addition to meals, love, and care, the children at Ishe Anesu receive a Christian education and are taught family ethics. Mrs. Humbane said that "the children now know how to pray and say grace before meals," and many of the parents have come to express appreciation for the positive changes they have seen in their children. "This was encouraging, since this particular age group (7-12) is the most easily abused and lured into crime, drug abuse, drinking, and smoking," said Mrs. Humbane.

When initiation of the program was first announced, more than 72 children and parents/guardians appeared. Mrs. Humbane had to turn away a large number of potential participants because Ishe Anesu wants to concentrate on helping a small number of children rather than receive more than they can sufficiently accommodate. There is hope that resources will be cultivated to expand this important and much needed work. Support to increase their efforts can be channeled through the Bishops' Appeal: Hope for The Children of Africa, or Children's Ministries, Africa (UMCOR) #101225-3.

December 19, 1998