My name is Confidence Kamuzu and I want to share my story of how Montgomery Heights became not only a safe haven but a home for me.

I really don’t remember the early days of my childhood before I came to Montgomery; it is all a blur, but I do remember having a strong, protective mother who always stood up for me. Sadly she passed away when I was 6  years old. I also remember the day my father came with two strangers who said that, as my father couldn’t manage to care for my two bothers (aged 4 and 3 months) and me, we were going to a nice place where we would be taken care of, given nice food and pretty clothes and meet many new friends. Being just 6 years old the words “nice food” took away all my fears!

I can still remember my first day at Montgomery so clearly. A lot of children came and crowded round the car I was in, 2 dogs were running around excitedly and I had no idea what was being said to me as I didn’t speak or understand English. I remember feeling scared and overwhelmed by everything but I also remember the kind faces, the loving eyes and arms as I was led to my new house. I couldn’t believe I had my very own bed to sleep in, my own plate of food that I didn’t have to share with anyone and having my own new, clean clothes (which I didn’t want to take off!) This was all new to me as it was not the life I’d been used to.

Gradually I learned the children’s names and made some good friends…who are still my close friends today, over 20 years later. I soon learned to speak English and began to feel at home. Montgomery was no longer a strange place, but it was my home; a place with good parents who taught me right from wrong, showed me kindness and love and above all I got to know about Jesus and his love and forgiveness and I accepted Him as my Lord and Saviour.

After completing my Secondary Education I was accepted at a university to study a degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship. Technically, now that I was over 18, the leaders at Montgomery weren’t required to do anything more for me yet, because Montgomery really is a family, the leadership continued to support me financially, practically and emotionally throughout my 4 year course which I completed in November 2022.

Like all young people I had all sorts of dreams and plans about what I would do after university, but with everything that has happened in Zimbabwe over the past few years, finding employment is extremely difficult. A couple of positions came up for me but in both situations the companies refused to give proper contracts and did not pay even the small salaries that they had promised. I found myself really struggling to manage and began to question my own self worth and struggle spiritually…Had God abandoned me?….Was there something wrong with me?…Was it me or was God trying to teach me something?

It seemed the best thing was to come home to Montgomery once again, where I was welcomed with open arms and much love and encouragement.

While here I have been assisting with all kinds of things, especially helping with the children’s education and with the youth work.  This time has been a special time where I have grown spiritually and received the healing that my heart and mind so desperately needed.

I feel perhaps I have grown into my name, Confidence, more than ever…and am now really ready for whatever the Lord opens up for me.

So if you ask me what Montgomery Heights means to me, I really wouldn’t know where to begin! 

It is a place where I was introduced to God; a place where broken spirits are revived; a true home for all, regardless of age; a place where there is a feeling of peace, security and love.

I lost my mother at a young age, and later my father, but guess what? I got to have not one, but two amazing mothers (Mum M. & Mum B.), loads of brothers and sisters and a place to call my own…a real home!