ZOE's Story
Greg Jenks with children in a ZOE food relief program
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.
With the support of the North Carolina United Methodist Conference, Greg left the parish ministry to launch ZOE Ministry from his home in Clayton, North Carolina. 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.
ZOE, the Greek word for “life,” initially stood for Zimbabwe Orphans Endeavor, the country where ZOE’s work began. In early 2004, Greg led a ZOE team to Zimbabwe to hear firsthand from United Methodist sister churches and schools how ZOE might best partner with them to alleviate suffering among children who were orphaned by the AIDS crisis.
Over and over again, the team found that the churches and schools had clear ideas about how to help orphans in their communities. Due to political problems, a crumbling economy, crushing poverty, sickness and disease, they lacked the resources to make it happen.
Many non-governmental organizations (or NGO’s) and mission agencies were departing Zimbabwe due to the difficult political climate, leaving a void in relief care. ZOE was able to stay and offer support because of the connection to The United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe.
Immediately, those dedicated to ZOE Ministry began telling the story of suffering children to individuals, churches, and organizations in the United States. Through their efforts and the generosity of ZOE supporters who answered the call to give hope, the food relief programs that would have otherwise ended in many schools and communities were maintained, and ZOE was also able to begin new ones.
ZOE’s efforts have expanded and now serve vulnerable African children in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Rwanda, and Kenya with a Relief Ministry which includes:
- Food Aid
- Medical Care
- Education Fees
- Clothing Programs
- Clean Water Projects
ZOE is also sponsoring the Giving Hope Empowerment Project. The core focus of Giving Hope is to empower orphans and child-led families to become self sufficient in 2-3 years so they will not require lifelong assistance from outside relief programs. Giving Hope founder, Epiphanie Mujawimana, oversees our projects in Rwanda and Kenya.
Read more about ZOE’s Staff in the United States and Africa.
“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