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Hope for Hopely…
Many young lives were impacted on 7 August, 2010 as Champions For Life – a branch of Celebration Church who’s mission is to build and support the lives of young people infected and affected by HIV – visited Hopely Farm, a resettlement area 10kms south of Harare. Over 6,000 children, 500 adults (460 women and 40 men) flocked from their sheltered shacks to attend a free live rock concert courtesy of Celebration, but the responsive crowd received much more than expected.
 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 in the middle of the
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, the goal was to inspire and comfort the youth.
In addition to the food, water, words, hugs and fellowship both given
and received, there was also the hope these young people could one
- Children of Hopely dancing during praise. day change their own lives.
As the warm Saturday morning kicked-off with a unique display of praise and worship led by guitarist extraordinaire, Deacon Jonathon Deuschle, along with his brother Deacon Daniel and mother Pastor Bonnie, electrified the crowd with anointed frequencies, the sound rapidly spread throughout the village as 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, demonstrating their own style of dance moves. As the “lighties” kicked-up dust and jumped for joy, the 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.
 “It’s good for us as privileged people to share our absolute best with those who are much less fortunate,” said Deacon Jon Deuschle. “Going all out for those who may not have the opportunities we do... Jesus said ‘if you have done this to the least of me, you have done it to me’ and I think it’s how we want to tackle our ministry from now on. …Feeding the hungry, clothing the cold, touching the sick and putting a song of hope in their mouths. I feel like we really touched our brothers and sisters at Hopely…”
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.
blissfully danced.
Not even continual clouds of dust and dirt under the intense midday sun cloud stop this passionate performance – both on
and off the stage – from lasting well over two hours.
Halfway through the concert, Pastor Tom also 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 emotional heartfelt moment.
“We saw both young and old collaborating,
reaching out to the overlooked people in the
community,” said Deuschle. “The best part is all
6,000 kids had a fun, entertaining time, and were
free to jump, shout and dance with no worries…
We were able to reach them on another level, and
were able to give them a Hope for the future…
Because of the simple act of love...”
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.
“The Hopely Outreach was a real Celebration family occasion,” said Reid. “It
was a great honor for all of us, especially the people of Hopely... From
beginning to end the Presence of God was so strong here... All of the children
who’ve suffered their whole lives began to ‘burst into bloom’ as they rejoiced
- Pastor Tommy celebrates with crowd. greatly and shouted for joy!”
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.
“The children are forgetting the former things that held them back,” added Reid. “They’re not dwelling on the past anymore… They see how God is doing new things...”
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.
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