From the email archives
January newsletter 2015
Co-workers in Christ
The manifestation of God’s power.
I work with many pastors in the Mission. One of these pastors is Pickson Mumpande. He ministers at Samende Church. He has been trained at Zimbabwe Christian Church and finished his studies in 1995, since then, he has been a full-time worker of God. Currently, he is training as a teacher. Two weeks ago, I called Pickson to hear how he and his family were doing. He said, “Man of God, I have been calling you for a couple of days, but I couldn’t reach you.” I asked if he had any problem which needed my immediate attention. He began to narrate his unbelievable story. On a Monday evening he came from Church Service. Just a few meters to enter into his yard, he was bitten by a snake. He couldn’t kill it because he was shocked and trembling. They hurried him to Binga Hospital, unfortunately there was no medication. The following morning, they brought him back home. Again, they made some calls to me for assistance; unfortunately I was unreacheable. The brothers and sisters in Christ began fasting and praying for him. They had bold faith that the same God who rescued Paul from the snake at the Island of Malta would heal Pickson too. Four days later, Pickson was completely healed in Jesus’ name and is now back to College. I began to re-read and ponder on Jesus’ words to His disciples in Mark 16:17-18 which read, “And these signs will accompany those who believe: they will pick up snakes with their hands.”
Food Project
Our caring Father is always good to us in times of happiness and hardship. He provided us with funds through IDES and Tonga Ministries to purchase mealie-meal for our hungry Churches. I have just finished delivering food to the Churches. Hunger is at its peak as from December to April. This is the time when people need food most as they spend most of their time working hard in the fields. It becomes difficult for those with little food to work as much as they should. One lady who harvested very little last year because of the locusts which ate up her crops was very excited and thankful as she received her share of mealie-meal. She said she would work very hard in her field that week. We traveled at night as we delivered mealie-meal to the Churches. Traveling at night has become convenient for us because there will be no road blocks. Last time I traveled during day time I was charged $30 for worn out tires. The tires were not too bad. Traveling by car in Zimbabwe needs you to carry extra money to pay at road blocks. The policeman will always find fault on your car. I am glad I have been able to purchase two new tires and fixed other minor problems. But still that doesn’t mean I am safe on the road blocks.
Family
This is rainy season where everyone, especially, in rural area is busy working in the fields. I and my family are busy working in our small field. We have finished weeding. It wasn’t easy. We developed sores in our hands. We lost much water in our bodies through sweating. One day I noticed Timothy was not comfortable because of sweating and wanted to dismiss earlier. That day it was very hot. I said to him, “Do you know what God said to Adam?” He replied, “No.” God said to Adam, “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food…” He said, “Are we going to see Adam in Heaven?” I knew what he meant and I went on to explain that in Heaven there will be no sweating, no hunger, no poverty and all people will be brothers and sisters. Adam will be our dear brother too. When people become tired and sweating as they work hard in the fields they start to complain a lot about Adam.
We are missing Chilengwa and Timothy a lot. Obey is feeling so lonely in the house. It is his first time to be away from his brother and sister. We plan to take him to Manjolo on one of the weekends and meet his brother and sister as we take their grocery. I have often heard Ellina say, “I wish Chilengwa was here she would help me with dishes.” I said to her, “Do you also realize that in a few more years to come Obey will be away from us for his Secondary education.” We will be having family re-union during School holidays only.
Change of Forwarding Agent
I would like to inform you all that Charles D Kamilos is no longer my forwarding agent because of his health problem. I and my family are very thankful for Charlie’s unconditional services for us since 2011. He has been very honest and faithful with our funds. We pray that God will take care of him.
My new forwarding agent meanwhile is Jim Fitch. He is the President of the Tonga Ministries. We have been very good friends since 1992 when I began my undergraduate studies at Zimbabwe Christian College. In August 2009 Jim and his lovely family hosted me and my family in the States and paid my tuition at GFU. Following my graduation at George Fox University Jim and his family have been very supportive of my Ministry. Therefore, I kindly encourage you all who have been sending your checks/donations to Charles to send them to:
Jim Fitch
29395 Sw Camelot St
Wilsonville, OR 97070
U S A
Email: jim_fitch@mentor.com
Your Co-worker in Christ’s Kingdom
Alec.
