Lorraine Charinda is from Zimbabwe, but lived for quite some years in Windhoek, Namibia, where she studied and worked before answering her call to mission. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture and natural resources from Africa University in Zimbabwe, and a Master of Science degree in agricultural economics from the University of Namibia. In Windhoek, Lorraine worked in industry and education. She volunteered to teach in a church academy for children and adults who are unable to pay for mainstream schools. "That’s when my zeal for missionary work increased," Lorraine says. "It brings me joy to know that my academic achievements can help others.”

Ministry

Lorraine serves as a Regional missionary, Agriculturalist, and Rural Economic Development specialist under the Yambasu Agriculture Initiative (YAI). She works with the Mid-Africa Regional conferences. She was commissioned as a GBGM missionary in October 2017. Her projects include helping several projects who are recipients of the YAI grants, including Kamisamba Farm, that grow a wide range of crops and provide training to local farmers, plus projects in renewable (solar) energy, fishing, and livestock breeding. The Mid-Africa region forms one of the largest regional conferences in The United Methodist Church - and it is one of the poorest. Most of the people depend on small-scale farming to earn a living, and the church is committed to maximizing agricultural productivity. Farming serves as a tool for both evangelism and sustainable economic development.

How You Can Help

Your support of Lorraine will continue to help create more sustainable agriculture for the people in the Mid-Africa Region. Like all United Methodist missionaries, Lorraine is responsible for raising her own support through covenant relationships with individuals, groups, and congregations. To support Lorraine, donate online here, or send a check to West Ohio Conference, 32 Wesley Blvd, Worthington, OH 43085, with 'Lorraine Charinda, #3022397' in the Memo line.

Get to know Lorraine and her ministry by watching this virtual itineration video!

#StillInMission: Lorraine Charinda from Global Ministries on Vimeo.