By Laura McKillop Wood
Denford Chizanga’s life is a testament to transformation—not only the transformation of his own, but also transformation in the lives of countless people across Africa. Growing up in rural Zimbabwe, Denford began his education in a small village before moving to Harare, the country’s capital, to continue his education. He initially trained as an electrical engineer but felt a powerful calling from God to dedicate his life to ministry.
Through this conviction that God was calling him to ministry, Denford started working with Greencroft Christian Church in Harare, Zimbabwe in 1995. He saw the need for a deeper understanding of the Bible, so he began studying on his own, learning as much as he could through his own studies and through interacting with other Christians. Wanting more than that, he decided to pursue a Certificate in Pastoral Studies at Zimbabwe Christian College, which led him to seek even more education. By 1998, Denford had moved to the United States to attend Cincinnati Christian University. There he earned a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees. Although many international students attend college in the United States and end up staying after their graduation, Denford felt a deep call to return to his homeland to serve his community. So he returned to Zimbabwe to begin ministering there again, this time with more education and experience and a wider and deeper knowledge of the world and of God’s Word.
Upon his return, Denford reunited with Shingirirai, a young lady he had met at Greencroft’s youth group years earlier. They married and had two daughters and one son. In 2002, while building their marriage and their family, the couple founded Africa Development Mission (ADM). Their goal was to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and empower local communities. The ministry focuses on three primary areas: church planting, leadership development, and community transformation.
Church Planting: Spreading the Message of Hope
Since ADM’s inception, Denford, Shingirirai, and their co-workers in ministry have planted over 37 churches across Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, and Malawi. The churches have continued to grow and thrive; some have constructed their own buildings and all have made significant impacts on their communities. As more leaders are trained, the Chizangas’ vision of expanding their reach into southern, central, and northern Africa is becoming a reality. According to Denford, this group operates with the goal of “helping individuals, churches, and organizations reach their full potential in making Jesus known to all nations and people groups.” They train the local people to lead their churches and reach out to others in their communities with the love of Christ and practical support.
Leadership Development: Training Future Leaders
At the heart of ADM’s work is the investment in church and community leadership. The organization offers an internship program for emerging leaders, providing hands-on ministry experience, and teaches vocational courses in agriculture, building, and computer technology. ADM equips students to remain in their communities and minister while also providing practical experience that enables them to support their families and develop their communities. ADM also sponsors students to attend Bible colleges in Zimbabwe, ensuring that future pastors and evangelists are well-equipped to lead. To date, ADM has sponsored more than 550 students, with many already serving in their communities. In addition, the ministry offers ongoing training, resources, and seminars to empower leaders and strengthen the churches they serve.
Community Transformation: Addressing Practical Needs
The Chizangas understand that ministry isn’t just about spiritual growth but also meeting practical needs. ADM focuses on five key areas: education, healthcare, clean water, food relief, and income-generating projects. They sponsor schoolchildren to ease the financial burden on families, support five rural schools, and strive to improve local health clinics. Through their Water Project, ADM has drilled over 151 deep wells, providing communities with clean, safe drinking water, which is an essential foundation for health and well-being. The project also enables families to grow vegetables and start community gardens, contributing both to improved nutrition and additional income. “Families are coming together to grow vegetables, improving their diets and providing financial stability,” says Denford. The organization’s approach to sustainability helps families become self-sufficient, fostering long-term success. As Denford puts it, “Assisting families with entrepreneurial potential to start income-generating projects is key to achieving sustainability.”
ICOM President 2025
Denford’s most recent endeavor has been working with ICOM (International Conference on Missions). He was chosen as the president of the 2025 conference, which will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, November 20-22. As Denford says, “Nothing moves that is not compelled. Behind every movement there is a driving, compelling force.” Denford believes we must be inwardly driven and compelled to take the gospel to the world, going against all odds and facing all challenges in order to effectively introduce Christ to those who do not know him.
Challenges and Rewards: A Ministry of Impact
Though rewarding, the journey has not been without challenges. Denford has faced the difficulty of seeing the potential for life-changing impact while struggling at times with limited resources to fully realize it. Still, the most rewarding part of his work has been seeing lives transformed spiritually, socially, and economically. Denford’s passion is clear: bringing real, lasting change through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
For more information about Africa Development Mission and how you can support their work, visit their website at www.africadevelopmentmission.org. To learn more about ICOM, visit their website at www.theicom.org/events/icom-2025.
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