The Foundations for Farming Zimbabwe team recently share with us an exciting update regarding the positive impact their Money Map trainings have had on the lives of 106 farmers in Murehwa. Building on their previous Pfumvudza trainings, this program aims to elevate farmers’ skills beyond fundamental agricultural practices.

During the sessions, several challenges were highlighted, including unpaid debts, uncontrolled spending, and poor communication within families on financial matters. However, with the introduction of the African Money Map program, farmers have been able to identify and address these challenges head-on. One of the key topics covered in the training was the concept of work. Many farmers had previously viewed work as a punishment, a sentiment that often hindered their productivity and joy. This session, drawing on the wisdom of Colossians 3:23 (“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters“), shifted their mindset.

Farmers were encouraged to view their work as a calling, a means to not only provide for their families but also to experience God’s blessings and fulfillment. The positive impact of this spiritual element has been evident. Farmers have expressed feeling a newfound sense of purpose and joy in their work. This positive attitude towards their daily tasks is already leading to increased productivity and motivation. “The work session resonated with me,” shared one farmer. “I used to dread going out to the fields, but now I see it as an opportunity to serve God and provide for my family.”

According to Darryl Edwards from Foundations for Farming Zimbabwe, the training has already covered five key topics, with the final sessions scheduled for later this year. “The progress these farmers are making has been encouraging,” Darryl said, “and we are confident that by the end of the training program, their lives will be transformed both spiritually and financially.”

Join us in praying for The Foundations for Farming Zimbabwe team, and that God will continue encouraging these farmers on their journey towards financial stability and a deeper understanding of their work’s significance.

Ruth, a leader among Philippine Adventist Medical Aviation Services (PAMAS) workers and their wives, completed FARM STEW training and introduced the Crown Financial Money Map to her community. By studying the Money Map together weekly, five workers’ wives learned valuable lessons about budgeting, saving, and debt management. Through engaging sessions, they created budgets, identified spending habits, and developed plans to pay off debts. By Destination 7, three families started saving regularly, and one family became debt-free, with others well on their way to financial stability. Ruth praises the Money Map as a powerful tool for financial education, empowering even the poorest families to become good stewards of their resources. Thanks to these timeless biblical stewardship principles, these families in the Philippines are now on a path to long-term financial stability and empowerment!

We share this recent update from our partner, Fredrick Phiri, in Zimbabwe.  He attended one of our first “I Was Hungry” classes in Zimbabwe and he is one of our most active African Money Map trainers. (Fredrick actually learned English by reading the African Money Map!)

Recently Frederick faced significant challenges when he lost all his crops to the current drought. With his oldest son moving in after his grandmother’s passing and the addition of a newborn baby, the pressure mounted. He expressed his fear of not being able to feed his five children or afford their schooling. Fredrick had no livestock and a shallow well without power for the pump or a hose.

A partner in Zambia suggested that Fredrick start by planting a small garden. Fredrick acted immediately, and with the solar panels and hose donated by friends of Crown, he started his garden. Shortly after, a pastor visiting his town needed an interpreter, and Fredrick volunteered. The pastor’s gratitude came in the form of money, which Fredrick used to buy five chickens. Despite the worsening drought, the vegetable garden and chicken eggs have become their main food source. Fredrick continues to work hard, hoping for rain and asking for prayers for provision for his family and many others in Africa facing similar hardships. The photos below show the garden’s initial success and its current struggle, alongside a picture of Fredrick’s healthy baby, Mufaro.

Crown could not accomplish our mission of spreading biblical stewardship principles around the world without the efforts of people like Fredrick. Join us in continuing to pray for Fredrick and his family and that God provides strength in his continued ministry efforts.

So many exciting developments are unfolding across Latin America, and we are thrilled to share these encouraging updates and photos with you. From impactful financial training programs to entrepreneurial education and leadership development, the region is buzzing with positive change and growth.

The Centro Cristiano de Liderazgo Siglo XXI Cenfol La América church in Medellín, Colombia, is thrilled to announce the graduation of 20 individuals who successfully completed a 12-week personal finances study. This achievement is mirrored by the Centro Cristiano La Gran Comisión church, also in Medellín, where 38 people graduated from the same small group study. We pray that these biblical financial principles will continue to spread throughout the region as the graduates train others in these essential skills.

In May, we launched the second cohort of the Crown Español Entrepreneurship School, “Crown Emprendedor,” led by Gonzalo Aranda. This cohort includes 13 entrepreneurs with seed-stage businesses from Costa Rica, the United States, Colombia, and Venezuela. Throughout the program, participants have been learning key business concepts related to sales, human resources, management, and leadership. We pray that this knowledge will significantly impact their businesses and communities.

Additionally, we recently received reports of 98 leaders being trained last month by our dedicated team of volunteers in Panama. This training took place both in person, at various churches located in Panama City and Cáceres, Arraiján, and via Zoom. We praise God for the faithfulness of these volunteers and their commitment to leadership development.

Last month marked the launch of the Emanuel Stewardship Unit at the Emanuel Foundation in Bolivia. Seven women graduated and received their certificates after completing a seven-month training program called “Stewardship of the Land,” provided by our partners at Fundación Apoyo Bolivia.

Join us in praising God for the incredible work He is doing throughout Latin America. We ask for your continued prayers for the dedicated leaders within these communities as they inspire and guide others towards growth and raising up more faithful stewards.

Crown is thrilled to announce the ongoing success of our online training sessions, designed to enhance the expertise of our partners and foster global networking opportunities. Our latest series, “Bible on Money,” launched on May 7th, led by Curtis Anderson, Senior Director of US Urban Development. This series comprises five engaging Zoom sessions, and the curriculum offers an insightful exploration of biblical teachings on financial stewardship, focusing on the relationship between money, our hearts, and possessions.

The response to this initiative has been overwhelmingly positive, with more than 20 participants from diverse backgrounds, representing 12 different countries including Burkina Faso, DRC, Haiti, Egypt, Mongolia, Namibia, Nigeria, Romania, Thailand, Turkey, Zambia, and the US. This cross-cultural participation enriches the learning experience, providing a unique platform for dialogue and understanding.

Feedback from attendees has been encouraging. One participant expressed his appreciation, stating, “Thank you so much again for this wonderful initiative. I will keep the recordings and will use them to enrich our presentations as it comes along.” The participant also highlighted the relevance of discussions on honesty and integrity, emphasizing the transformative impact of such teachings.

This series not only aims to educate but also to inspire action and reflection among our partners, ensuring they are well-equipped to apply these teachings in their respective contexts. We are proud to be a part of this journey and are committed to continuing our efforts in providing valuable learning experiences that resonate across borders.