On this special day, the mission for Hopely was to bring reformation  

  to the ravaged resettlement community, while distributing free lunch,

  supplies, and blankets to keep the vast amount of children safe and

  warm in the cold winter months – most of who are orphans, lack

  basic life necessities and are vulnerable to the dangers of their harsh

  surroundings.

  As event tents were set-up around the main stage of this 

  dry and dusty district, the band began to test their sound as

  groups of little kids gathered in front of them; first wondering what was

  going on in their own backyard, but then - as they began cracking

  smiles - started to realize they were in for something

  special.

  Living in very harsh conditions with no electricity, limited resources

  and poor backgrounds, it was comfort and inspiration which uplifted 

  the youth the most. In addition to the food, water, words, hugs and

  fellowship - both given and received - there was also the hope 

- Children of Hopely dancing during praise.                         these young people could one day change their own lives.

As the warm Saturday morning kicked-off with a unique display of praise and worship, guitarist extraordinaire Deacon Jonathon Deuschle, along with his brother Deacon Daniel and mother Pastor Bonnie, electrified the crowd with anointed frequencies, as the sound rapidly spread throughout the village and the people of Hopely left their homes for the stage.

Dressed in secondhand clothes – some with open wounds or scars on their heads and faces – few children stood and starred deciding whether or not to join in the festivities, but most went wild when they heard the lively music and demonstrated their own style of dance moves. As these “lighties” kicked-up dust and jumped for joy, a few parents who attended joined in the celebration as others watched from a distance.

Teamwork, partnership and a common vision were key in reaching the lives of thousands as Pastors Tom and Bonnie Deuschle, their five children (Pastor Tommy, and Deacons Jonathan, Benjamin, Daniel and Sarah) the Arena Youth Group, and dozens of Celebration churches, pastors and leaders throughout Zimbabwe worked together with CFL to put forth one of the most successful outreaches to date.

According to several testimonies, many children with headaches, tummy pains and diarrhea were instantly healed during the concert as they surrendered to the music and               - Deacon Jon sings in "Shona" to the mass audience.

danced worry-free.

and off the stage – from prevailing for well over two hours. 

Halfway through the concert, Pastor Tom gave an uplifting word – like a father to his sons and daughters – before handing the spotlight over to his first-born son Pastor Tommy Deuschle, who grabbed the microphone and said “now give the person next to you a big hug…” as the crowd, now consisting of all the visitors and the thousands of Hopely children, fully embraced each other.

  The 24 year old Big Africa CEO shared a story of salvation as 90 percent of the

  crowd raised their hands in acceptance of Jesus Christ into their lives in a 

  truly heartfelt moment.

  Responsible for bringing the elite outreach team together, and making the day

  happen is CFL Project Director, Dr. Andrew Reid, who’s dancing, singing and

  shouting amongst the 6,000 inspired everyone to do the same.

Reid said the glory of God was all around the people of Hopely as He planted dreams, and visions in the hearts and minds of the young people.

According the Reid, Deacon Jonathan, Deacon Daniel and the band were mobbed by the crowd of young people following their masterful music display.

“The power was coming from them (Jon and Daniel) and healing them all,” said Reid. “The young people's lives will never be the same again…”

Gift Makwala, Champions for Life Project Manager, who has helped build CFL for almost two years – organizing countless outreach events every weekend – has witnessed the endless fruits and benefits of such community projects and the significance of informing the world of its purpose.

“Hopely is one of the poorest communities in Zimbabwe,” said Makwala. “We’re glad to be able to help the children there to dream big… Dream about a better future and about being greater… Growing up to be doctors or business owners despite their background and current conditions… This is what it’s all about!”

Originally CFL was expecting three to five thousands kids on the day but all 6,500 people were fed lunch anyway. Many basic supplies were also handed out and 2100 blankets were distributed thanks to Bruce and Camilla Binkly from the United States, who work with orphans in Zimbabwe and wanted the children to remember, “every time they cover themselves with the blankets it’s like God covering          - The mass audience of over 6,500 people, Saturday 7 August, 2010 at Hopely Farm.

them with his love…”        

As the day came to an end, the people of Hopely gave their thankful appreciation to all the visitors who had come to give       

and spend time with them, but perhaps the greatest breakthrough occurred the following morning.

Head of Celebration Church, Hopely, Pastors Givemore and Barbera Nyamupfukudza, whose congregation usually consists of only 115 people said they pitched a large tent (in good faith) big enough to hold 1000 people for their Sunday service. The next morning 850 people attended church (eight times greater than their usual audience) including 612 children. The pastors were able to again feed all 612 kids as well as over 200 adults with food left over from the day before, and still has 150kgs of rice left over for their monthly Champions For Life programs.

CFL holds weekend outreaches to communities almost every weekend in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Kadoma, Marondera, Mutare, Kwekwe, Masvingo and has also held projects in Nairobi (Kenya), Joska (Kenya) and Kampala (Uganda).

The next big Champions For Life Outreach takes place in Epworth this October.