Zimbabwe Pp 0121 01Pardon lost both his parents in a car crash when he was just 12. The traumatic experience left a gaping hole in his heart.

“It was tough,” Pardon recalls, sadness evident in his voice. The tragedy happened many years ago, but he remembers it like it was only yesterday. “When our parents passed away, my siblings and I felt lost, as if our lives were taken from us as well.”

The children were mentally and emotionally affected. They had to rely on the kindness of their extended family in Zimbabwe.

“We relocated where our aunt took care of us. Our relatives supported us financially. She treated us well and helped us continue with our education. That was when I decided I had to do my best in school.”

Pardon excelled in his studies with flying colors. It had been his desire to repay his aunt and relatives. Pardon shared that his determination to do better has a lot to do with his faith in God. “Our parents brought us up as Christians. We attended church regularly,” he says.

His devotion only grew stronger when Mrs. Madiridze from Bible League International visited him. “As a Christian family, we eagerly welcomed her into our home.” The siblings listened intently to what she had to say. “I was especially interested in the Project Philip Bible study program.”

Pardon took part in every lesson. He absorbed every vital piece of information, and he grew spiritually day by day. “The lessons encouraged me to read the Bible regularly,” he says. “But it didn’t stop there. I also learned that I should sacrifice my time to share the Word of God with others, especially with the less privileged.”

He explains how he could achieve his newfound mission with the help of Bible League’s Bible study materials. “The booklets are so useful. They teach lessons based on real-life experiences that anyone can apply to their day-to-day lives. The stories are realistic and relevant, and I always find myself excited to know more about God. I’m certain that with these materials, others will want to know more about God.”

God’s Word changed Pardon’s life–from a fearful and traumatized child to a strong young man who is helping build the Church of Christ. He is thankful to God for providing resources for Bible study. He is also immensely grateful for his very first personal Bible, which he fondly treasures.

“Praise the Lord! I can take Bible lessons with my siblings. I want to be of greater help to my family and my community.”