History

Rev. Noah (deceased) and Rev. Margaret Sibanda

Digging a water well or borehole beside Noah’s church was the next project. Water would be supplied at no charge to the community. A garden was started to help feed the needy in the neighborhood and to raise money for school fees. Some of the activities will be listed below but the most significant results will be mentioned at the close of this section.

From there, a plan quickly developed forming the acronym FARM. Noah’s name was taken from the Biblical story of Noah and the many animals in Africa were reminiscent of the same story. “F” stands for Feeding the Hungry by providing potable water for drinking and irrigation plus teaching gardening techniques. “A” stands for Advocating for Education by creatively finding financial solutions for deserving families eventually growing to supplying text books and opening a high school within Gweru city limits in 2026. “R” stands for Reaching the Lost by establishing church properties in various locations surrounding Gweru and supporting education of church staff to spread the Gospel through activities engaging the community. “M” stands for Mentoring Livelihoods through training, business consulting and establishment of a cooperative to oversee distribution of startup funds loaned to deserving families.

By 2019, numerous Zimbabwean leaders were assisting with the establishment of a couple dozen churches with associated activities including the gardening, education and business efforts. Unpredictably, in 2021 Noah succumbed to Covid 19 leaving a temporary vacuum in leadership that was quickly taken up by his wife, Margaret and other leaders in the movement.

Moving to 2026, over 18 water wells have been established complete with solar powered pumps and above ground storage tanks; over 36 churches and preaching points are ministering throughout the community with gardens and small orchards being developed to provide nutrition and economic support for years to come. Ascot Christian College (ACC), a new high school opened in 2026 and is growing with construction on the next building underway.

All of these activities have been impressive but the lasting benefits are the changed lives. Families struggling with getting their children into school have seen children complete basic education and some have gone on to complete college degrees. Easier access to potable water has improved health conditions and opened up time for productive activity that was previously spent collecting water from miles away. This water also provides significant improvement in gardening potential through irrigation.

Families and relationships are being restored as they embrace the Gospel story and engage in their local church communities. A growing number of families are benefiting from a hand up rather than a hand out. The new cooperative is providing the professional and financial support needed to take on the challenges of a society without struggling with the basic needs of life.

Each Thanksgiving season, the Great Texas Turkey Fry is held in San Antonio preparing 1,200 turkeys as a fundraiser for Noah’s FARM and an outreach to a couple hundred Wounded Warriors at local military bases. Several dozen volunteers donate their time to make this a memorable contribution to participants and recipients alike. Annual trips taking interested individuals to Zimbabwe are designed to encourage and train the local teams in their efforts. These trips include construction and ministry opportunities and result in giving the participants a new appreciation for Noah’s FARM’s impact. Noah’s FARM is a 501-C3 and administrative costs are paid by the Board of Directors so your donations are tax deductible and are 100% invested in the ministry. Thank you for your prayers and financial support.