ZOE Ministry – Giving Hope to Orphans in Africa : ZOE Ministry

Abraham is
Giving Hope

Across Africa,
children like Abraham
are raising their siblings
due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic
and genocide.

Abraham and his brother

ZOE Ministry
Is Giving Hope

  • Helping African children orphaned by the HIV/AIDS pandemic and genocide through medical care, food relief, education, and clothing programs.
  • Offering Christ through shared word and deed.
  • Partnering with Christians in Africa and the United States to address the needs of suffering orphans in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Rwanda, and Kenya.
  • Empowering orphans with essential life skills so they may live free from the cycle of poverty and dependency. Skills taught through ZOE's Giving Hope Empowerment Project include mentoring, vocational training, income-generating activities to foster financial independence, training in animal husbandry and farming, and HIV/AIDS education and awareness.

“For I know the plans I have for you,
declares the Lord; plans to prosper you
and not to harm you; plans to give you
hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

ZOE’s Story

ZOE Ministry began in 2004 when Rev. Greg Jenks answered Christ’s call to reach out to the least of these through the witness of a 15 year old girl who had traveled to Africa to work with children orphaned by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Greg Jenks with children in ZOE’s food relief programWith the support of the North Carolina United Methodist Conference, Greg left the parish ministry to launch ZOE Ministry from his home in Clayton, NC. Today, thousands of people have helped meet the needs of orphans and vulnerable children in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya, and Rwanda through the work of ZOE Ministry.

Life Dreams Make Hope a Reality

A Life Dream is posted at a business run by a youth in the Giving Hope project.

Orphans in ZOE’s Giving Hope Empowerment Project draw a picture to represent their suffering, fears, hopes and dreams. These "Life Dreams" are posted on the walls of their homes or businesses to help them process and plan for the future.

2009 ZOE Life Dreams

See ZOE’s 2009 Life Dreams of continued commitment, expanded impact, and the first group of Giving Hope Graduates. You can help make these dreams come true. Learn more from the links on the right under “You Can Give Hope.”

Children are
Giving Hope

Pennies for Pigs

Epiphanie Mujawimana (center), ZOE’s Giving Hope founder and director, with two recipients of the Saints of God Stewardship Award from United Methodist Foundation. The award honored the children's "Pennies for Pigs" fundraising efforts to support the work of ZOE Ministry. They are the first group of children to receive this recognition. Read about this award.

Visit the Giving Hope Empowerment Project page to learn more about how this program transforms the lives of orphans into Stories of Hope.