Grace Scholarship Program
The Grace Scholarship Program, or Student Support as it was originally called, was an orphan support program. We did not see the Lord calling us to start an orphanage, but did see his guidance in helping orphans to get an education.
In Zimbabwe, if both parents die the child(ren) will be sent to live with relatives. If just the father or mother dies and the surviving spouse remarries, in some instances the children may still be sent to live with relatives. Typically this scenario comes true if the father dies and the mother remarries; the children will be sent to live with the father's relatives.
In either scenario, if the relatives cannot pay the extra schools fees of the children they then cannot attend school.
After being accepted on the program each student is expected to keep a B average. Students are required to be an example of good Christian Character. Students are required to attend the youth programs on Saturdays and church on Sundays . Attendance requirements are strictly monitored for both youth and church activities. We deal directly with the schools in paying the fees required. No money is given directly to the student(s) or their family.
The students are required to be accountable for the items purchased by the program, such as, clothing, books, and school supplies. Books and equipment provided by the program remain the property of the program and students are required to return them to us upon finishing the school year.
Zimbabwe has a long history of handouts and in the end it only fosters dependency. ZOM hopes to teach dependency on God, while working for yourself. As the saying goes, "teach a man to fish and he will never starve."
The way in which the support program operates recognizes that at some point we all cannot do for ourselves and in turn need a hand. In the past ZOM was able to operate in this manner of benevolence without any interruption from the government. In recent years, inquiry was made into what we were doing and the government said we could no longer continue because we did not have a PVO status (Private Volunteer Organization, similiar to Non-Profit Organization in the US).
We have filed the necessary documents for this status but things move vary slowly in Zimbabwe and after two years we have yet to attain the PVO status for the ministries.
However, there was another way to continue giving aid to students for school that was allowed. Zimbabwe recognizes churches as individual institutions and as such know they are "giving" in nature and only restricts benevolence to it's church members.
The program is now open to those who are members of Grace Christian Church. The country is still in very poor conditions with 90% unemployment and high inflation and so this has allowed us to effectively reach more people in need.
What Satan meant to destroy, God made it for good. ZOM was having extremely high turn over rates on the Student Support Program as the students were failing to keep the requirements for the program.
The Lord's direction of placing this ministry under the congregational level has allowed the ministry to become more stable and has allowed the ministry to reach a higher level of spiritual instruction.
The children on the program now, may or may not be orphans, but all are in need.
In Zimbabwe, if both parents die the child(ren) will be sent to live with relatives. If just the father or mother dies and the surviving spouse remarries, in some instances the children may still be sent to live with relatives. Typically this scenario comes true if the father dies and the mother remarries; the children will be sent to live with the father's relatives.
In either scenario, if the relatives cannot pay the extra schools fees of the children they then cannot attend school.
After being accepted on the program each student is expected to keep a B average. Students are required to be an example of good Christian Character. Students are required to attend the youth programs on Saturdays and church on Sundays . Attendance requirements are strictly monitored for both youth and church activities. We deal directly with the schools in paying the fees required. No money is given directly to the student(s) or their family.
The students are required to be accountable for the items purchased by the program, such as, clothing, books, and school supplies. Books and equipment provided by the program remain the property of the program and students are required to return them to us upon finishing the school year.
Zimbabwe has a long history of handouts and in the end it only fosters dependency. ZOM hopes to teach dependency on God, while working for yourself. As the saying goes, "teach a man to fish and he will never starve."
The way in which the support program operates recognizes that at some point we all cannot do for ourselves and in turn need a hand. In the past ZOM was able to operate in this manner of benevolence without any interruption from the government. In recent years, inquiry was made into what we were doing and the government said we could no longer continue because we did not have a PVO status (Private Volunteer Organization, similiar to Non-Profit Organization in the US).
We have filed the necessary documents for this status but things move vary slowly in Zimbabwe and after two years we have yet to attain the PVO status for the ministries.
However, there was another way to continue giving aid to students for school that was allowed. Zimbabwe recognizes churches as individual institutions and as such know they are "giving" in nature and only restricts benevolence to it's church members.
The program is now open to those who are members of Grace Christian Church. The country is still in very poor conditions with 90% unemployment and high inflation and so this has allowed us to effectively reach more people in need.
What Satan meant to destroy, God made it for good. ZOM was having extremely high turn over rates on the Student Support Program as the students were failing to keep the requirements for the program.
The Lord's direction of placing this ministry under the congregational level has allowed the ministry to become more stable and has allowed the ministry to reach a higher level of spiritual instruction.
The children on the program now, may or may not be orphans, but all are in need.
student sponsorship
Student sponsorship costs $360 a year which can be paid monthly @ $30, quarterly @ $90, or yearly. ZOM also has half-sponsorships where two families sponsor one child and the fees are split. By sponsoring a child you will receive a picture, child's name, and background information. Students write thank you letters each term to their sponsor(s), updating them on their schooling and expressing their gratitude. |
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