Robert Grindley
"I hope our ministry and lives can be a blessing to you. If you would like, I can be reached by email via our Contact page."
Robert was saved at age 11 at a Vicki Jameson Healing service after being touched by the Lord and healed of a leg problem. He later attended Rhema Bible Training Center in Oklahoma, USA in 1989. After graduating he served the Lord in a local church primarily overseeing and teaching Youth and Children's Ministry. He also traveled and preached in other churches within the US before moving to Botswana.
In 1996, he and his wife Mary were sent out from Church of the Harvest in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, to serve the Lord in Botswana, Africa. Since then, they have had the opportunity to touch thousands of lives. They have seen the Lord Jesus display His grace in bringing salvation, changing lives and healing many. Robert has established a Bible Training Program; he also moves in a healing anointing, and has been the vehicle of many major healings.
Mary Grindley
"From a young age I had a desire to help others, and an inward sense that it may be in another country, but it wasn't until I was in my 30's that I sensed the Lord directing me to Africa. My early life had its share of trials and tragedies. I was raped at age 14, had cancer when I was 20, was widowed at 34, and despite having wonderful parents suffered in some abusive relationships. I have found that God now uses these experiences to encourage, strengthen and bring healing to others. It has been a real learning curve to live abroad and adapt to other cultures. One thing i have found however is people are people wherever you go. The Word of God is for all cultures; every tribe, tongue and people group. It is the one thing that is tried and true and never fails."
Shortly after Mary gave her life to Jesus, she attended Victory Bible Training Center in Massachusetts. After graduating in 1993, she and Robert began to have a specific leading towards Africa, and in 1996 they moved to Botswana.
In 2002 they returned to the US, but traveled doing missions work in Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Republic of Congo until June of 2007, when they settled again in Selebi-Phikwe, Botswana. Mary now oversees all the construction of Children of Promise Orphan Center, besides taking her place as a supportive wife and helping in the churches they have established. Mary also founded and oversees Ladies of Virtue & Excellence (an outreach to women).
Mavis Chikwekwete
I have been working with Branch Ministries for over 15 years now. I am a native of Zimbabwe and graduated from Living Waters theological Bible College in 1990. I was ordained through the Institute of Prayer and Revival in Kadoma in 1996. I also completed the EEE 3 Program of Discipleship and Evangelism. I have completed the one-year Branch Ministries Bible Training Course as well.
My work includes many facets at Branch Ministries and I oversee the work in the absence of our missionary leaders. The greatest aspect of my ministry now is the time I spend with the children at Powerhouse Sports after school program. Sharing with them motherly love and watching them grow to become God loving teens. I am also overseeing the church in Damochujenaa, where I love every minute sharing God's word with the children and adults of our congregation.
Naledi Kemodimo
Naledi Kemodimo, a native of Botswana Africa, comes from a small village called Mabeleapodi and is currently living in Selebi-Phikwe. She graduated with a NCC Advanced Diploma in Computing in 2016 from Gaborone Institute of Professional Studies. She joined with Branch Ministries in January 2017 as a peer educator and she has since reached thousands of young people in Selebi-Phikwe district in both Junior and Senior schools with abstinence and character-building teachings.
She also wears the hat of a coach and mentor for our Powerhouse Sports community program. Here, she mentors young people from the Primary schools, teaching them Godly principles, life lessons, character building and coaching them in basic sporting activities.
She has also graduated from our Bible Training Program obtaining a certificate of completion in basic ministerial work. She testifies: "The most fulfilling area about my work is receiving testimonies from young people that are touched and changed by the teachings we share in their schools, fulfilling what I believe is God's purpose for my life: to work with young people." She also says "The most exciting thing has been exploring and learning new skills, adding to my computing knowledge. Being able to learn more and better my craft through my area of work is the best part of being a part of the team at Branch Ministries. Honestly, it comes through having leaders that push me to reach my potentials in all I do, and I am forever grateful, Amen."
Tongai Mlambo
Tongai, being born in Kwekwe, Zimbabwe says he is happy to now be in Botswana with his wife Rumbidzai, and his three children, Tarisai 17, Tariro 13, and Tanisha 6. After graduating high school, he obtained certificates in merchandising, welding and fabrication. Upon joining with Branch Ministries, he also completed the one-year Bible Training Program. Currently he is a farm worker at the Children of Promise Orphan Center in the village of Sefophe.
Tongai says "Growing up, one of my main passions was soccer and I was on the national team until I shattered one of my legs while playing. I volunteer as a coach and mentor now at the Powerhouse Sports Program, and I am using my soccer skills to help build and groom young people to serve God. Since 2019 I have also, along with my family, helped to start a congregation in the village of Sefophe. My children have academically thrived here, obtaining many awards at school as we try to represent what a Christian family should look like and be. I am looking forward to when Branch Ministries opens the Orphan Center and we can be part of the framework of influence in these children’s’ lives also."
Sylvester Rakwadi
I was born-again in 2012, and grew up in the village of Tobane. I became an active member in the congregation there along with my mother, who hosted Bible studies in our home for several years. I am a bit of an athlete, so early on I helped Branch Ministries with their Powerhouse Sports Program as a coach and mentor. Even now if my off days coincide with that program I try and lend a hand.
In 2016 I was employed by the local copper mine, but later took the opportunity to begin working full-time for Branch Ministries on Cogent Farm. I am looking forward to getting additional farming operations underway. I grew up helping on my family farm and working with small stock.
Tshepo Mashaba
I came to Branch ministries in 2018 after working at a wholesale store in customer service. After high school I obtained a certificate in customer service. I desire in the future to complete the Bible Training Program. I was saved in 2010, and my friends and church mates consider me a bit of a comedian. I love to make others laugh. I also have some artistic abilities and have done portraits for those visiting Branch Ministries. I truly love working on Cogent Farm, and I am taking some courses on welding and have some carpentry experience and hope one day to have a business of my own.