Jul 30, 2025 A Prayer Under the Africa Tree: Honoring Leanne in Zimbabwe 

*A story from team member Robin 

“Oh look! Right there, here in Honduras, I got an Africa tree!” said Leanne excitedly. 

Twelve years ago, I invited a woman from my church named Leanne to join me on a mission trip. She had a heart for service and a deep desire to go to Africa—but when I told her Africa wasn’t in my plans at that point, I encouraged her to join me in Honduras.  

Her husband was hesitant at first, but because he knew me from our church and youth ministry, he gave his blessing.  

That decision marked the beginning of something beautiful. 

Leanne fell in love with missions. Though she couldn’t speak the language, she adored the children and embraced the people we served. I remember one day in Honduras, the line for the clinic had gathered under a massive tree. Leanne looked up and said, “Oh look! Right there, here in Honduras, I got an Africa tree!” That night, she asked me to go back and pray under the tree with her—for God to open the door for her to serve in Africa one day. 

We prayed with sincerity and hope, unaware that God was planting a seed that would take more than a decade to bloom. 

Leanne joined me on two more trips to Honduras. Eventually, she inspired her husband to love missions too. They even went on a trip to Ireland together. But not long after returning, Leanne was diagnosed with breast cancer. The church prayed constantly for a miracle, but after a long battle, Leanne passed away. 

Now twelve years later, I was on Facebook, and I saw an ad for the QHM trip to Peru. Once I was on the website, something nudged me to keep scrolling.  

There it was: Zimbabwe, Africa.  

My heart jumped, and I immediately thought of Leanne and that prayer under the Africa tree. 

The trip came together quickly—only a few weeks’ notice—and I wasn’t sure I’d have the funds. But God provided. From generous family members to a surprise $300 tip at the restaurant where I work, everything I needed came through.  

It was clear: this trip was meant to be. 

In Zimbabwe, I felt Leanne with me. She loved the clinics most, and as I served there, I felt her presence.  

One piece of fabric I had bought two years ago—originally intended for curtains—then I was going to take it on another mission trip but didn’t have room, ended coming on this trip. 

It fit perfectly, to the inch, to cover up the construction supplies that were in the children’s room. Then we used it to sit on during the baptisms, and eventually I gifted it to a local tailor who would turn it into skirts for girls in the area.  

It’s incredible how even the smallest details came together. 

God knows it all, even to the point where each night at the hotel I would grab handfuls of candy never knowing how many children would show up that night. And every night I had the exact amount that I needed.  

This trip was not just about honoring Leanne, though it certainly was that. It was also a reminder that God hears our prayers—even those whispered under trees in foreign lands.  

Life is short, and we don’t always know when or how God will fulfill the desires of our hearts. But He does. In His time, in His way. 

Twelve years ago, Leanne and I asked God for Africa. And this year, I got to carry Leanne’s spirit with me as I served the people she always dreamed of loving. 

Click here to see the photos from our mission trip to Zimbabwe.