Elise Whitfield
We are Eleeo Project! Located in Southern Zambia in the farming district of Mazabuka! We are two hours south of the capital, Lusaka in a very beautiful, rural area. The heart of our ministry since coming to Zambia in 2007, is to build relationships with the local people by meeting both their physical and spiritual needs.
Weekly visits to the communities on the farms, help keep us in touch with the needs of the people and especially those we help monthly. These weekly visits are a time to connect, pray and assess the variety of needs and how we can help. We can’t possibly help everyone, so we try to build relationships and assist a small handful of families at a time.
Since 2012 we have been empowering the women in the community through weekly Bible studies. We are now meeting on four of the surrounding farms near us. This is a special time for the ladies not only to be encouraged with God’s word but also to meet and have fun together while singing, dancing, and enjoying tea and cake!
Out of these groups we have been able to identify orphans, widows, children, and women with disabilities and build relationships that allow us opportunities to help on many different levels. These most vulnerable individuals are involved in our small-scale farming projects throughout the year and small business opportunities in the women's crochet group.
Working hand In hand with these groups is Payton’s Pantry, our giving outlet to the community. We raise funds, collect goods, and also grow food to distribute to the local people. It is named after our son who passed away in June 2020 to honor his heart and love for Africa.
Grow to Give is an aspect of Payton’s Pantry where we grow beans and the superfood moringa to help give towards the physical needs of the people that come to our gate! It helps us to be able to meet their physical need in a very practical way!
Our partnership with Terranova School is another aspect of ministry here in the farming community. We are involved with weekly classroom teaching, student sponsorship, teacher's bible studies, and weekly visits to the dormitories. This is an amazing opportunity to be involved in and a privilege to bring light and love to the future generation!
It is a privilege to be in this amazingly open and loving community and be the hands and feet of Jesus, even in the simple, practical ways of life! Thank you for your love, prayers, and support for our family and ministry!