From the email archives
August report, 2015
Every year in August we have our annual conference where all our churches meet at Siachilaba Center. This year we decided that the conference should be in two different zones. This reduced traveling expenses for most people. The first gathering was held at Manseme Church on August 13-16. About 337 people attended the gathering. We had inspiring lessons from great speakers. We were so encouraged and edified in spirit. We also enjoyed great music led by gifted singers. Playing musical instruments has become a very good tool for inviting the villagers to the gathering. We usually have many people coming during the evenings and we let evangelists preach. We had question time which I liked as well. People asked many great questions related to faith and doctrine. Some Christians asked about the emerging African prophets and their unbelievable miracles which they watch on TV. It is difficult to tell if they are true or false prophets, but the Bible warns us about false prophets and teachers who shall deceive many people even God’s elects. The Bible says we shall know them by their life. We gave an example of a recent popular prophet who has just made two ladies pregnant and ran away, leaving God’s flock astray.
We had another zonal conference on August 26-30 held at Nsenga Church on the eastern side of Binga. It was attended by five Churches with a total of over 100 people. Both attendances were affected by drought. Some brothers and sisters failed to contribute food toward conference, so they could not attend the conferences. Besides that, the conference was so fruitful and worthy attending. We had many leaders and Christians from other denominations attending the gathering. They also appreciated great lessons and music. It was a huge blessing to have one Guest Speaker, Vicks Maanza from Zambia accompanied by two other leaders. We were so strengthened in spirit through his vibrant message. He also encouraged our fellowship to continue between the Zimbabweans and the Zambians. I hope many Zimbabweans will be going to Zambia for Christian gathering next year.
There were a few people who were set free from demonic spirits. Demons torment many people in many different ways. During counseling we strongly encourage people to maintain their salvation once they are delivered so that the demons don’t return. Many have been set free indeed and are enjoying true and happy life in Jesus.
Water Project
In my 2014 Annual Newsletter I wrote an article about Biosand filters and how it helped the clinic and some households. Pastor Gideon Mumpande was so much interested in Biosand filters. He asked me if I could start the same project at Dongamuse where he is a resident too. I carefully thought and prayed about it and finally said, “Yes, it is good to do the project.” After I talked to the local authorities and have been granted permission, I went to Siadindi and brought 3 people to train the new group. We had one week training ie from August 3-10. We worked very hard collecting gravel and sand by a truck, sieving gravel and sand. Women were fetching water and carrying the buckets of water on their heads. The group continued molding filters after we left. 27 filters were molded. My goal is that each household should have at least one filter to provide safe clean water. I found out that there are 400 households in that village. Since we have already molded 27 filters that means only 373 filters are left for the entire village. A pocket of cement is $13.50 and makes 2 filters which last for 35 years. So if one can donate $13.50 he or she will have blessed two households a gift which will last for at least 35 years. There are, of course, other expenses for diffuser plates, lubricants and transportation. I am very happy about this new group. It is more zealous and determined to do the project. They are quite aware of the dangers for drinking dirty water.
This village does not only need Biosand filters, but other sources of water. All the 400 households and domestic animals depend on one borehole. The borehole is 90m deep which makes it difficult to draw water. It needs 8-10 people to draw water. It is ever busy. There are always long queues of buckets from sunrise to sunset. I thank God the borehole does not dry out. I wish God would provide another borehole.
Mr Tiki Mugande is late.
Our Senior Evangelist Tiki Mugande, who had a leg amputation a couple of months ago, departed to be with the Lord on the 31st of August. He was laid to rest in peace at his home on the 2nd of September. Hundreds of people from all over Binga came for his burial. We are so thankful that he kept his faith to the end without shame.
.For all those who are interested in supporting Zimbabwe ministry, please make your donations to:
Jill Hartzell
Good Neighbor Network
2445 Sw Crestdale Dr
Portland, OR 97225.
email:hartzz1@comcast.net
In His Service
Alec
