About Us
Who We Are
Remembering God's Help & Answering God's Call.
Ebenezer Ministries, a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Knoxville, Tennessee, was established in 1996 by John and Sue Dee to deepen the spiritual growth, understanding, and confidence of everyone they meet. For nearly three decades, the organization has honored God’s faithfulness through prayer education, modern-day parables, and encouragement in Christian faith, while providing practical help where needed in both the United States and Zimbabwe.
Sue Dee now leads the ministry, building on the foundation she and John created together. Ebenezer Ministries reflects her commitment to bridging hearts and resources between the U.S. and Zimbabwe’s orphans and widows. Her passion drives the ministry to lead bi-annual mission trips to Zimbabwe, working directly with communities to support and create lasting spiritual and practical change.
The ministry’s work embodies Sue’s desire to celebrate God’s help and actively answer His call to serve these groups. By reflecting on moments of divine intervention and grace, Ebenezer Ministries inspires others to join in this God-given mission. They are dedicated to creating opportunities for spiritual growth and extending hope to those in need, ensuring that the legacy of God’s help makes a meaningful impact.
How We Hope You Get Involved:
Ebenezer Ministries invites everyone to join this journey, recall their own “Ebenezer Moments” of divine support, and contribute through prayer, financial support, and practical help. Together, they strive to make a difference and offer hope to those considered “the least of these.”
Inspired by their experiences in Zimbabwe, Sue Dee and the Ebenezer Ministries team aim to bridge the gap between hearts and resources in the US and the urgent needs of aging orphans and widows in Zimbabwe. Reflecting on God’s past support fuels their commitment to answering His call and making a meaningful impact here in Knoxville, and also in their home country–Zimbabwe.
Join us in remembering God’s help and answering His call. Together, we can foster spiritual growth and offer hope to those who need it most.
Why Are We Called "Ebenezer?"
The name “Ebenezer,” derived from1 Samuel 7:12, means “stone of help.” In this biblical passage, Samuel set up a stone to commemorate God’s intervention and faithfulness to the Israelites. The stone served as a tangible reminder of how God had provided support and guidance in times of need. For Ebenezer Ministries, this concept is central to their mission. They honor the significance of the “Ebenezer” by celebrating God’s unwavering assistance throughout history and actively seeking to extend that grace to others. By reflecting on this biblical symbol, they aim to provide the same steadfast support and encouragement to those they serve.
Our History
John and Sue Dee founded Ebenezer Ministries in 1996. Both came from what was then Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. Their journey began after a profound season of prayer, during which they felt called to promote spiritual growth, understanding, and confidence in God.
John and Sue dedicated their lives to prayer and teaching, while also providing practical help to those in need. In 2007, they expanded their mission by hosting short-term trips to Zimbabwe. Then, in 2008, they introduced the Hug-a-Child Program, which offered practical support and encouragement through letter writing and funding.
John’s commitment to prayer and teaching, along with Sue’s leadership in the Hug-a-Child Program and her role as director for Africa with Homes of Love, laid a solid foundation for the ministry. Together, they built the groundwork for a bright future for Ebenezer Ministries.
Our Future
After John’s passing several years ago, Sue stepped into the leadership role at Ebenezer Ministries, carrying forward the work they began together. Under her guidance, the ministry has remained dedicated to serving orphans, aging orphans, widows, and communities in Zimbabwe.
The scope of the ministry has expanded significantly. One notable initiative is the Bak2Eden program. This program builds on the success of Hug-a-Child by equipping aged-out orphans with essential life skills and Kingdom principles. Through innovative no-till farming techniques and partnerships with local organizations and entrepreneurs, Bak2Eden helps these young adults become God-sufficienct (instead of self-sufficient) and make a positive impact in their own lives and their communities.
Sue’s steadfast dedication and passion have driven the ministry’s progress. Her leadership continues to touch countless lives and inspires others to join the mission.
Our Mission Is to Eradicate the "Orphaned Heart."
At Ebenezer Ministries, we are deeply committed to eradicating the orphaned heart. This mission grew from our heartfelt recognition of the emotional wounds faced by those who lack family support.
In our past efforts with the Hug-a-Child program, we saw firsthand the effects of abandonment and emotional neglect on young lives. Through this program, we understood that addressing these wounds required more than physical care or occasional emotional support.
Recognizing this, we shifted our focus to a new approach. We now aim to meet the emotional and psychological needs of orphans as they grow up and begin their independent journeys. Our dedication goes beyond providing essential resources. We strive to create a supportive environment where they can heal, embrace their identity in God the Father, and gain life skills for a hopeful future. We choose “good stewardship” each day by choosing to do things…
ON TIME.
Ebenezer Ministries approaches every task with a deep respect for God's timing and God's seasons, ensuring that everything is done with purpose and precision.
TO STANDARD.
Ebenezer Ministries is committed to upholding the highest standards in every endeavor, ensuring excellence and integrity in all they do.
WITHOUT WASTE.
They operate with efficiency and mindfulness, striving to use resources wisely and minimize waste in all aspects of their work.
WITH JOY.
Ebenezer Ministries carries out their work with the joy of the Lord, reflecting a deep sense of gratitude and passion that fuels their commitment to making a positive impact.
You can make a difference through
your prayer, your giving, or volunteering.
Each of these acts of support helps us create lasting change and advance our mission in Zimbabwe.
Our Board
Sue Dee
Founder
Sue Dee, together with her late husband John, founded Ebenezer Ministries in 1995. Their local focus in Knoxville, TN, expanded significantly when they began leading short-term mission trips to Zimbabwe in 2007. With strong ties to Zimbabwe, Ebenezer has become a vital link between communities. Sue is deeply fulfilled by her role, which involves encouraging individuals to overcome limiting mindsets and embrace their true potential. Her passion for helping orphans, widows, and those in need drives her dedication to the ministry’s mission. Sue’s leadership continues to inspire and support the impactful work in Zimbabwe.
Ashleigh White
Board Member
Ashleigh White is a devoted wife and mother of four, having spent the first nine years of her life in Zimbabwe. As the daughter of John and Sue Dee, Ashleigh grew up with a deep connection to Ebenezer Ministries. Joining the board in 2023, she felt a strong call to become more actively involved in the ministry’s work. Ashleigh’s unique perspective and personal experiences fuel her passion for supporting Ebenezer’s mission. Her dedication to the cause is driven by a heartfelt commitment to making a difference in Zimbabwe through her role on the board.
Hal Flynt
Board Member
Hal Flynt is a dedicated veteran and retired mortgage banker. Alongside his wife, Susie, who has been married to him for 47 years, Hal became involved with Ebenezer Ministries through John and Sue Dee. They both joined the board in 2009, and their first trip to Zimbabwe was a life-changing experience. Hal has since visited Zimbabwe five times, while Susie has made four trips. The bond they formed with the young orphans they met in 2009 remains strong, with ongoing connections through WhatsApp. Hal and Susie are passionate about Sue Dee’s vision of helping these same orphans become self-sufficient and thrive.
Brandon & Cassie Givens
Board Member
Brandon and Cassie Givens have been active on the Ebenezer Board for over two years. After relocating from Knoxville, TN, to Washington, DC, where Brandon now leads worship at Burke Community Church, their commitment to Ebenezer remains steadfast. Brandon has traveled to Zimbabwe four times, and Cassie has visited twice. Their experiences there captured their hearts, and they are enthusiastic supporters of the ministry. They are also proud parents of Elijah (6), David (4), and baby Anastasia (5 months), and their family’s support helps drive Ebenezer’s mission forward.
Gary Bekker
Board Member
Gary Bekker is an entrepreneur with a passion for leadership and disciple-making. Born in Zimbabwe and moved to South Africa after his father’s passing, Gary was raised by his mother and three older sisters. At 23, he had a transformative encounter with Jesus in Knoxville, TN, where he stayed and was mentored by his brother-in-law, John Dee. Gary and his wife, Jolandi, have been married for 25 years. After running a successful business for over 20 years, Gary and his family moved to Knoxville in 2018. Now a business coach, he helps leaders find their purpose and make an impact.
Ben Campbell
Board Member