Zimbabwe

[Gabby]

I get fairly frequent emails and newsletters from a dear friend who works tirelessly in Zimbabwe, specifically Bulawayo. This person left a high ranking job with the government broadcasting company so that he could do God's work full time. His heart is really for the children, the most innocent of the suffering in Zimbabwe.

I have really felt the need to share a bit of the work he tirelessly does each and every day, I am very proud of him. He could have left Zimbabwe just like thousands before him have but he and his family have chosen to stay and struggle along side the most destitute people there.

In the next few days I will post (expect for personal item) his correspondence with us from this past year.

January 5, 2007

Beloved

Wow, the festive season has rolled round again so fast!! 2006 has been a very rewarding, eventful and challenging year. We are happy though that the Lord helped us sail through. How wonderful your visit was!! We always cherish that visit and wish you would visit numerous places next time when you come.

We do hope that you had wonderful times meeting friends and relatives and reminiscing the old days during the festive season as usual on such occasions. Well, we pray that the Lord will strengthen you and give you good health and bless you richly in 2007.

We had good times as well because all members of the family came together for HaileyJohn's wedding and we spent Christmas and New Year holidays together. Shall send you pictures of our grandchildren and the wedding. Oh! we did not realize that we are that old till our bunch of grandchildren came together. We thank God for everything.

We would like to inform you that in Zimbabwe, we are currently having a terrible scenario taking place. A new wave of price increases has welcomed Zimbabweans into the New Year, a development that will worsen the plight of all people here. The prices of goods have shot up by between 50 and 150 percent while those of some services have risen by more than 1000 percent. Most commodities are unavailable in the shops, leaving consumers to buy from the black market. A recent survey of retail outlets in the city showed that the price of two litres of cooking oil, where available, has risen from the pre-Christmas price of $8000 to between $11 000 and $16 000 in the new year. Bread is now between $800 and $1000 a loaf. Most shops in the city center have run out of the staple food in most homes, the mealie meal. The few shops stocking the product are selling it for $1 500 for a 10-kg packet. Sugar is only available on the black market but costs $1000 per 2kg instead of the controlled price of $570. Aside from price increases in goods, Zimbabweans are facing massive increases in the cost of education and social amenities. The rates have shot up by 1060 percent and school fees by a similar margin.Petrol is available on the black market at between $ 2800 and $3 000 per litre. The recent increases is a manifestation of the deepening economic malaise, which needs a multi-faceted approach to tackle. We are in serious trouble. Intellectuals and professionals are leaving the country in droves.
Recently all remaining doctors were on strike demanding more on their salaries to make ends meet and the whole lot in society is mourning silently. Yes, this is incredible but true! We need your prayers in 2007 because if nothing is done soon, economic chaos may ensure.

In His service

[Gabby]

January 12, 2007

Rachele, Orin, Chris & Ron;

Just to let you know that most of the clothing which you left with us we gave them to those two AIDS orphans at Ntabazinduna where we visited during your itinerary here. We went to pick them from their rural home and stayed with them over the Christmas holiday and then asked one of the elders brother Linus Ncube and his wife ( in the picture) to give the clothing to the young girls. Primrose on the left Letwin in the middle and Zinzile on the right. See the picture- they are putting on some clothing you donated. They are all 12. Oh! they were very happy indeed. We included another orphan Zinzile Moyo. We did not want to take the clothing there, otherwise some cruel neighbors would steal from them. We are now planning to help them fix their kitchen hut. Shall send you pictures when we do. Bought some food and school materials for them as well.

In His service

[Gabby]

January 22, 2007

Loving Friends,

The child who is HIV positive, Zipho Sitole, whom we adopted financially, is now taking ARV tablets. The child was sick for sometime and was admitted at Mpilo Hospital but has recovered and is now on these drugs. We really thank the Lord because we had lost all hope that the child would recover. His parents died of AIDS in April last year. This child is being kept by a woman whose husband also died of AIDS some two years ago. Please always remember Zipho in your prayers.

In His service

[Gabby]

January 31, 2007 - World Bible School progress report.

Mom, Christie,and Ron,

Introduction

The year 2006 has rolled round again so fast. It was very rewarding and challenging indeed. The new year 2007 has brought with it a crystal indication and realization that we are all getting closer to our eternal home. This calls for our maximum effort and dedication in the Lord's vineyard in winning the lost and keeping the saved.

BAPTISM

We are happy that during the month in review, 19 souls obeyed the gospel and were baptized. Their ages range between 19 and 65. We pray and hope that these souls will mature spiritually and be able to win others to Christ.

WBS OFFICE

We started the Lord's work at the WBS Office with a "Retreat" at Matopos National Park where we spent a day praying for God's guidance in His work this year. We also brainstormed with ideas on how to improve the work we are doing. We realized that with unity of purpose, good planning and harmony we could do more for Christ. During the month , 33 students visited the Office,
Five completed their Courses and 39 received Certificates. We sent out 157 Courses to various students throughout the country. Our Prison Ministry is progressing very well. We are receiving inquiries from student prisoners seeking for more clarification on certain biblical issues. We are happy because this is an indication that these inquisitive prisoners are taking their Bible studies seriously. We are praying that someday we may be granted an opportunity to teach these prisoners face to face.

Drip Irrigation

Jacob has started distributing vegetable seeds to the rural farmers. His emphasis on this program this year will
be more on assisting farmers practically. We want to see many families than last year feeding their families. If this drip system becomes a means of livelihood for many rural farmers, they will be able to pass it on to others in need in their respective areas. This way, many poor rural families will be able to feed themselves especially this year when crops are already wilting under the scorching sun in many parts of Matabeleland which is prone for perennial droughts.

World Radio

The local Radio Station has indicated to us that it will raise the program fees by one thousand percent because of the hyper-inflationary economic conditions prevailing in the country. Well, we have sent a letter to the Head of the Station indicating to him that our program is non-commercial and we should pay much less than what profit making organizations should pay. We pray and hope that our request will be accepted.

Family News

We had a wonderful time during the festive season when all members of our family gathered at our home. We enjoyed the company of our four grand-children.

Zimbabwe

Shortages of most basic commodities are worsening the lives of many. We pray and hope that a way will somehow be found to bring the country out of this economic malaise.

Conclusion

I would like to end my report by quoting brother Ken Bolden who said: " Being a disciple means " being like Jesus". What did He do? He healed, fed,counseled, clothed and gave HOPE! So, what should we do? Let us do the same!"

In His service

[luv1another]

thanks gabby...our church just raised some money for wells in Zimbabwe. they have a huge drought in some areas and people will travel miles to get water.

[Trout]

[Gabby]

Febuary 7, 2007

We started a new congregation at Nesby in Nyamandlovu. We baptized five souls. We give all glory to God! ( see pictures)

In His service

[Gabby]

Febuary 14, 2007

Beloved,

The following and attached messages are for your information so that you keep abreast of what is happening in Zimbabwe economically.

Zimbabwe's annual inflation has leapt to a record 1 593,6 percent, the Central Statistical office reports.

This means that on average, goods and services normally purchased by households for final use in Zimbabwe are about 17 times as expensive now as they were twelve months ago.

I have also included pictures of people in our truck on our way to baptism in rural areas and the fish we caught at the Zambezi river.


In His service

[Gabby]

Febuary 21, 2007

I do hope that this message will find you strong in body and soul.
We understand that snow is everywhere in Canada whereas in Zimbabwe the sun is everywhere and the early planted crops are now a write-off. My worry is: if snow is everywhere, what will happen when it melts? Are you not going to have problems with water flowing everywhere? If it is cold like that, what happens to those ducks we saw in Calgary and animals too. Are these creatures not affected?
This morning, we buried Mr Hleza at Stanhope who became a third person to be buried in as many days. However after his burial something happened. A Kraal-head ( a government official chosen to look after the social needs of people in the area) was given time to thank those who had come to the funeral. He lifted up his voice and said :" I have not been sent by anyone to say these words but this is what comes out of my heart. I would like to urge those who are not members of the Church of Christ to think seriously about it. I say so because we have seen this church in action in our community: converting sinners, feeding the old and and needy during drought periods including our AIDS victims. This church is a light in our area. They do not merely talk by word of mouth but also talk by their deeds. This is why I am urging all of you here present to repent and be baptized and enter this church. Some ( denominations) may complain why I am mentioning the Church of Christ excluding them, but their works speak louder than words especially having assisted us recently in the burial of two villagers. Anyway, thank you for attending this funeral and for digging the grave and so on but when you go back to your homes, please remember what I have said. Thank you." Preachers who attended the funeral include Jacob, Lucky, Nehemiah and I. May the glory to to God on High!! They too where taken aback by what was said by this Kraal-head Mr Ndlovu Siqoqodo. You know what, sometimes I do not feel good if someone praises me in the presence of other people but the point is, he praised the church not individuals, this is why I am telling you. We also praise God as well for using us in this area!!

In His service

[Gabby]

Febuary progress report

The following is our Progress report for the month of February 2007.

Introduction

In Zimbabwe, we are living under very harsh economic conditions. However, we are rejoicing in the fact that we still have the wonderful opportunity of preaching the gospel everywhere, freely, without any hindrance. That is a great boon to us!

Baptism

Eleven souls obeyed the gospel and were baptized during the month of February. We thank God! An old lady whom we baptized at the Gwayi River, began to shake violently as she entered the water. I had to summon the assistance of two other men to hold her tight as we prayed fervently until she calmed down. After coming out the waters of baptism, she never showed any signs of shaking. When we asked her why she acted like that when she was going into the river, she claimed ignorance but we were happy that she accepted the Lord to dwell in her heart instead of the evil spirits which were so manifest. We praise the Lord!

Additional Studies

We have started an additional program of giving more Bible lessons to our students who have completed all Courses but failed to respond positively to the gospel truth. Hailey John conducts such classes with these students twice weekly. We also aim at enrolling them with the Nations University after careful evaluation. Our major objective is to win their souls.

Ndebele Bibles

The Antioch Church of Christ donated US$3 000 which we are using to buy Ndebele Bibles. We appreciate very much this wonderful gift and pray that God's blessings be upon all who have sacrificed so much so that the poor in the rural areas are enabled to own their Bibles and feed on God's Word throughout their lives.

Drip Irrigation

Almost all early planted maize crops in Matabeleland Province have wilted. This has made it paramount for Jacob to exert more effort in assisting the rural farmers in their drip irrigation gardens so that they may feed their families. One major challenge though which is facing these farmers is the shortage of water to use in their gardens as these areas received very little rainfall this year.

World Radio

Here is an interesting question from one of our listeners: " We want to inform you that we listen to More Than Conquerors radio program every Sunday evening because it enlightens us on numerous spiritual issues. Please keep up the good job of preaching the truth to the nation. However, if God so loved the world and sent His son to die for it, why is He now allowing the innocent people to be butchered by bombers in Iraq?" Part of our answer was that: God made men a creature of choice. If we make bad choices, we suffer for them. This is why some suffering in Iraq is self-inflicted. Some suffering is passed on from others who make bad choices and end up causing the suffering of many innocent people. We need not blame God for that. Most suffering in the world is caused by the Devil. Still we cannot blame God for that. To us, such questions from our listeners show that many people listen to our program and we are thankful to God and the brethren at the White Ferry Road Church of Christ in West Monroe, Louisiana, for sustaining the program on air.

AIDS ORPHANS

Our brothers and sisters in Canada donated US$ 500 for use
In our work and in assisting the AIDS orphans. We bought food for some three AIDS orphans at Ntabazinduna and a sister in Christ at Stanhope who is a widow and HIV positive. We are currently discussing with various boarding school-heads so that
the two AIDS orphans who are living alone at Ntabazinduna, Letwin and primrose may be accommodated at a boarding school. Our fear is that if they continue to live alone since they are now 12 /13, they may be sexually abused by some wicked fellows.

Zimbabwe

Today's screaming daily headline reads: PANIC LEADS TO WAVE OF NEW PRICE HIKES! A loaf of bread now costs Z$3 000 while the price of cooking oil, sugar, rice and bathing soap have been hiked between 40 and 50% and these items are now more dearer than they were last week.. We still have hope that a way will be found to stabilize our economy.

Conclusion

We appreciate very much your support for the Lord's work in Zimbabwe. May God bless you all!

In His service

[Gabby]

thanks gabby...our church just raised some money for wells in Zimbabwe. they have a huge drought in some areas and people will travel miles to get water.

It's a good work Luv! The people in Zimbabwe have seen so much suffering.

[Gabby]

Thank you Trout

[Gabby]

These two pictures were to be posted with the Febuary Progress report. oops

The two girls are AIDS orphans and have no one, not a grandparent, auntie or uncle to look after them.

[Gabby]

March 4, 2007

• Edited by a Moderator • lost her brother this morning. He was HIV positive. His wife died two years ago. We received the message during the funeral service of one of our church members who died last Sunday. He is survived by a daughter whom we took into our care after the death of her mother.

In His service

[Gabby]

March progress report

Beloved,

This month, the Lord provided us with wonderful opportunities of reaching out to many people with the Gospel message.

Baptisms

Thirty two (32) souls were baptized and added to the Church during the month in review. We praise God!! Those who responded positively to the preaching of the Gospel did so at some of the following urban and rural congregations which we visited: Redwood, Maraposa, and eNyandeni in Matabeleland; Dangamvura, Garawase, and Maruru Churches of Christ in Manicaland and Marondera Central Church of Christ in Mashonaland East. We thank God because in all these areas, people were receptive to the preaching of God's Word. We are so thankful to God for taking care of during our 1, 656 kilometers itinerary. Yesterday, we drove for 13 hours from Ruwangwe in Nyanga to Bulawayo.

Mutare Bible School

During this long trip, we visited the Mutare School of Preaching which trains men to preach the Gospel. It is situated about 560 kilometers east of Bulawayo. I was invited at this school to go and Lecture for a week ( 26 - 30 March 2007) on challenges which face preachers after graduating from the school. I also spoke during all Chapel sessions. After each lecture, my wife, Stella and I also visited several Christian families whose homes were close to the school. We enjoyed doing this work and were spiritually edified. I lectured for ten hours during the whole week. On Friday, March 31, we left Mutare and visited Churches in Ruwangwe (about 200 kilometers north of Mutare) . We met several preachers there who include the Mazambani and Bowa families who are doing a fantastic work for Lord. I was happy to see them using wisely the drought relief fund which brother Loy Mitchell sent to the area . They bought maize ( staple food) and distributed it to Christians who are facing starvation as Zimbabwe faces yet another severe drought this year.

AIDS ORPHANS

Our profound gratitude goes to our sisters and brothers in Christ in Canada for their strong support for the Lord's work in Zimbabwe. Their help is assisting some AIDS orphans to get food and go to school. May God bless them all.

WBS goes to Nyanga

When we arrived at Nyanga, we met the local preacher brother Sitima, who has enrolled several WBS students in the area. He requested that we send him more Intros because many people in this town are showing so much interest to study the Bible. We will send him more WBS Courses. We praise God!

Prison Ministry

Most of our student prisoners are doing very well indeed. We have very few who are scoring below 60%. Many are sending us messages thanking the church ( Antioch Church of Christ) which provided them with Bibles to use during their studies. Some are writing saying they are enjoying reading the Bible whenever they are given an opportunity to do so. We praise God!

Bibles

We appreciate brother Von Prahl from Texas, who continues to send us the English Bibles to distribute to our WBS students.
May God continue to bless you my brother.

Drip Irrigation

The Zimbabwean government has declared 2007 as a drought year because most crops failed to mature due to inadequate rains. This has made the drip irrigation scheme very meaningful to rural farmers because they will be able to cultivate small vegitable gardens with little water available though in some areas the availability of water is becoming a major challenge. I think this year, most rural farmers will need some assistance to buy maize( staple food).

World Radio

We experienced so much joy when we met a regular listener of the the program More Than Conquerors in Mutare during our itinerary. His name is Mr Munodeyi Mparutsa of Chikanga village in Sakubva. He indicated that he listens on every Sunday to the program with his family. Great! We encouraged him to tell his friends about the program.

Conclusion

"Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread and triumph, just as it was with you." II Thessalonians 3:1.

In His service