Major Donation to Restore All Souls Mission Pastoral Center in Binga, Zimbabwe
Acworth, GA, March 14, 2026 — The Tonga Literacy Project is honored to announce a transformational donation from David and Gail Easterbrook to support the refurbishment of All Souls Mission, a rural mission church and pastoral center serving the marginalized Tonga people of Binga District, in northwestern Zimbabwe, in southern Africa.
All Souls Mission pastoral center—known locally as Tusimpe, meaning “Let Us Deepen Our Roots”—has long served as a center for spiritual formation and community development. From 1984 to 2010, the mission was supported by the Diocese of Toledo and is now fully led by the local community.
The Tonga people were forcibly displaced from their ancestral lands along the Zambezi River during construction of the Kariba Dam. Despite living near Lake Kariba, many communities still lack access to electricity and safe drinking water.
The Easterbrooks’ donation will fund critical renovations, including the installation of solar panels and solar-powered water tanks. Once completed, the center will support pastoral ministries and provide office and meeting space for local organizations, generating income to sustain the rural church.
David Easterbrook, a facility designer for race car and automobile dealerships, is bringing his professional expertise to help reimagine this pastoral center—applying design skills honed in high-performance environments to a space dedicated to service, community, and care. Gail and David have supported the Tonga Literacy Project since its founding in 2019.
This gift is made in loving honor of their daughter, Ashley, who was tragically killed in a car accident caused by a driver under the influence. Through their nonprofit, Ashley’s Dream – The Foundation for Ashley’s Dream, the Easterbrooks work to raise awareness about the devastating consequences of impaired driving.
“We are profoundly grateful to David and Gail for their generosity and faith in the Tonga community,” said Michael Tremmel, Director of the Tonga Literacy Project. “This project restores not only a building, but a place where roots can deepen—of dignity, resilience, and opportunity.”
Since 2019, the Tonga Literacy Project has supported literacy, cultural preservation, and youth leadership; published eight Tonga-language books; produced a 15-minute documentary shortlisted at three international festivals, including the Human Rights Film Festiva in Cape Town, South Africa; and funded scholarships for 16 secondary and university students facing educational disadvantage.
Media Contact:
Michael Tremmel
Director, Tonga Literacy Project