The Sunday Mail
Pastor Tom Deuschle led a team of church members from two continents to the peak of Mt Kilimanjaro last year
A journey to climb the towering 5,895m Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania by Celebration Ministries International Pastor, Tom Deuschle, has raised funds to build cluster homes for orphans.
In September last year, Pastor Deuschle embarked on the climb to raise $600 000 aimed at providing new homes for 60 orphans to be located within walking distance of Celebration Centre and the church’s school. The funds came through sponsorships for the journey.
A documentary dubbed Project Relocation films the six day journey and reflects the challenges that orphans face every-day.
Speaking of his experience, Pastor Deuschle said he had a feeling that his ministry would begin when he reached that age through the strength from God.
“The climb to the Uhuru Summit was for the very first day manageable despite steep and rocky ascends. We travelled through the night.
“As you go up it gets very cold. At this point it’s a place of make or break it. The air gets thin,” said Pastor Deuschle.
“I am moved by what I see, I am not moved by what I hear, I am moved by what I believe! If your dreams don’t scare you, you are dreaming too small.
“Zimbabwe has over one million orphans whose lives can be transformed one at a time if we continue to take the challenge one by one,” added Pastor Deuschle.
Pastor Deuschle who has been taking care of the less privileged since 1982, was joined by 14 others who included businessman Nigel Chanakira.
Having committed to complete the task in six days, the group took four and half days to reach the peak while their descent ended a day and half later.
The documentary captures the journey which began with prayer for different reasons that includes health, fear, and gratitude among other issues.
The participants give individual accounts of their experience during the task. One member said he hoped to see the sunrise for the orphans in Zimbabwe. According to the church’s website, celebrate.org, their endeavor is to raise $1,25 million.
Project Relocation is aiming to relocate all children from the dormitory-styled care centres to cluster home-styled housing units.
The cluster homes will house parents and a maximum of 6 children per home.
