Zoe Ministries was originally founded in January 2017 by Taylor Summers, who, after spending extensive time in rural Kenya, felt God leading him to start an organization that rescued orphaned children. As he prayed about what that would look like, the words from John 10:10 resonated with him as Jesus said, “I have come that they may have LIFE and have it to the full.” The Greek word for life is “Zoe” and from that, Zoe Ministries was born.
Since its inception, Zoe Ministries has expanded its focus beyond orphan care. In an effort to make a greater impact, Zoe now works in 3 areas of ministry: orphan care, clean water accessibility, and women empowerment through strategic orphan care initiatives and facilitating secure housing for widows, education enhancement, food security, clean water wells and income generation.
Our Congregation's World Mission sponsorship dollars go to a branch of Zoe Ministries called Zoe Empowers. Zoe Empowers works to empower vulnerable women and families by offering strategic programs designed to help them overcome obstacles in caring for their families. Zoe Empowers pledges that every person they serve will have their specific physical needs met, receive the training and resources needed to provide a foundation for their future, and experience continued communication and support from their Christian community to live as followers of Christ. Zoe Ministries and our Congregation believe when you empower a woman and a family you restore hope, dignity, faith, and you change an entire generation.
Our Current Group
2027-2030
Our Congregation has once again pledged to support a specific group through Zoe Empowers for the next three years. More information regarding our sponsorship group will be posted soon.
Previous Groups
2023-2026
Beginning in October 2023, and receiving our support through late 2026, the Congregation at Duke University Chapel sponsored two groups from Zimbabwe, Ropafadzo "Blessing" Pimai and Elevated Pimai. We invite you to watch these two short videos highlighting a member from each of our two supported groups.
2020-2023
"Gratitude" was the name of one of the groups the Congregation sponsored from 2020-2023. This group in rural Zimbabwe has 30 households with a total of 92 children. The second group named themselves “Greater Life”. Greater Life has 30 households and 98 children total. Through training, micro grants, social support, and spiritual encouragement, these children will build new lives for themselves.
2018-2021
The "Reward" group comprised of 27 households and 81 children was formed in the spring of 2018 and continued to 2021. The group is located in rural Zimbabwe. This group is funded with a special initiative called the "Empowerment Ministries".
2017-2020
The "Wise" group, comprised of 28 households and 73 children, was formed in the fall of 2017 and continued to 2020. The group is located in the city of Mutare, Zimbabwe.
2015-2017
From 2015–2017, the Congregation supported the Taguta Dora Working Group in Zimbabwe; their group name means "We Are Satisfied". This group has 25 households and a total of 80 members. One of the biggest disadvantages orphans and vulnerable children face is isolation from peers and the larger community. Struggling on their own, the children lack moral support, access to community resources, and a network of people to help them progress and face challenges. ZOE Empowers provides connections, mentors, facilitators, and support.
2012-2014
