I am going to Zimbabwe!

I am writing to share some exciting news about what God has been preparing me for over the last several years, but first I would like to give you a brief update on my life. I just graduated from Carson-Newman College this May with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and a minor in Sociology. During my college career, I have continued my active involvement with missions and serving the poor. Along with ministering at a free clinic each week, I have been part of establishing a globally minded organization on our campus to educate students about global issues and how they can be involved with these. In addition, during one school break each year I served on a mission trip through our Baptist Collegiate Ministries. In fact, this year I traveled to Jimani, Dominican Republic to participate in my first medical mission trip. Through this, I was able to see and participate in God’s work among his people there. It was also very inspiring to work with the medical team there, who have dedicated themselves to serving the underserved in both the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

As many of you are probably aware, I have felt God calling me to medical missions for several years, which makes what I am about to share with you wonderfully exciting! After much prayer and consideration, I am planning a journey to Zimbabwe this August. I plan to spend most of my time serving in the Baptist Mission Hospital in Sanyati. Sanyati is a small village in north central Zimbabwe and is a former mission post that is currently maintained by nationals. I will live with a family of nationals who are involved in the local Baptist church, as well as the hospital. I will live as they live over the course of my five months in the country. I hope to learn much from them and to gain a deeper understanding of their lives and circumstances, while also reminding them of the hope and promise that we have in Jesus Christ.

Last year our campus minister introduced me to a developing ministry called JourneyPartners. This small, but far-reaching ministry has developed many partnerships both nationally and internationally to further its goal of “developing networks and partnerships for mutual learning and spiritual growth.” This ministry has made many valuable contributions to schools, hospitals, clinics, as well as the Church Leadership Institute and Baptist Conference Center in Zimbabwe. JourneyPartners has also entered into a partnership with a project originating in South Africa, called Jewels of Hope, which allows children to make jewelry, allowing them to remain in school, and help provide for their education, food supplements for them and their families and living expenses.

It is my hope and prayer that you will partner with me, JourneyPartners, and the people of Zimbabwe. It is our desire to involve you in the wonderful journey that Christ invites us to embark upon by carrying his message to the ends of the earth. I will be fundraising for the next couple months and I would greatly appreciate any contribution that you are willing to offer; both prayers and financial contributions will be graciously accepted. This is an awesome opportunity for you to be involved in going to the ends of the earth with Christ, and to share His message of hope and love to those who most need it.

In Christ,

Anna Clements