About Jephias

I am Jephias Maipi and I conduct the work of Zimbabwe Educational Empowerment Ministry, overseen by a board, most of whom are members of Hopwood Christian Church.

I was born in Zimbabwe, in southern Africa.  My wife, Alice, and I have three children: a son, Shalom, and two daughters, Sharmaine and Shekinah.  I graduated from Zimbabwe Christian College (now Central Africa Christian College) in 1997 and became a professor there in 2009. Five years later I moved to Tennessee to pursue theological and pastoral education at Emmanuel Christian Seminary. My purpose was to equip myself better for ministry in Zimbabwe.

As I think of my vocational story, I’m reminded of Samuel’s words in 1 Samuel 7:12: “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” As Samuel saw God’s victory for Israel, so I see the victory that God has achieved in me. Who would ever think that a boy born in a non-Christian family would become a preacher, teacher, and professor? Like the children that ZEEM is sponsoring, were it not for the financial assistance of a caring Christian, I would not have been able to complete even my early education.

Baptized at age of 14, I got involved in the activities of the Christian Union in my high school. This organization, which seeks to reach students with the Good News, had a profound impact on me. As a result of my participation in Christian Union events, I made the decision to devote my life to the ministry of God. In my final year of high school, I was privileged to lead a Christian Union group.

Even before graduating from high school, the pastor at my local church would sometimes give me opportunities to preach. I would also accompany him when he was visiting church members. This work with my pastor confirmed my calling to ministry. When I made my intentions known to the pastor, he encouraged me to enroll in a three-year educational program at Zimbabwe Christian College (now CACC). Unfortunately, I didn’t have the money for tuition.

Nevertheless, the Lord provided for me! Mr. Pemberton, a missionary in our area, learned about my desire to do ministry and made it possible for me to attend ZCC. This development was a great confirmation of my calling to ministry. Thus I enrolled in ZCC and graduated in three years.

After graduation I returned to my home church and served as an associate pastor. But since the church was unable to provide me with financial support, I had to leave after a year to take a teaching position. For eight years I taught in both public and Christian schools.

In 2005 I was invited to teach at a new Christian school and to pastor a church yet-to-be-planted at the school. When my wife, Alice, and I moved to the new school we were warmly welcomed by the community. After three months we started a new church at the school with three families. From that time on, the church grew and has become a source of light to that community.

The year 2009 saw us moving back to teach at ZCC in Harare. There I not only served as a professor, but also as a sort of dean of students. I also led students on evangelistic outreach trips arranged by the college. It was during this time that I became acquainted with Emmanuel Christian Seminary through visiting professors. Eventually I decided to enroll in this seminary to be further equipped for my teaching and preaching ministry. Thus my academic work at Emmanuel began in 2014, and was successfully completed in 2019. I remained in the States fund-raising until June 2020 when I returned to my family and my home in Harare, Zimbabwe.

As a result of my seminary education I’ve been further prepared to life and for ministry. Upon my return to Zimbabwe, I immediately resumed my teaching responsibilities at Central Africa Christian College (formerly ZZC). My wife and I continue to mentor a growing number of children sponsored by ZEEM. In addition, we have planted a new church on the west side of Harare. This church gives us not only the opportunity of spreading the Gospel in a different part of our capital city, but it also is providing training opportunities for our students.