Attached is my June and July report along with photos. I hope all is well with you.
Blessings
Alec
June is one of the most exciting months for our ladies in our Mission. It is the month where they conduct their conference. It was one of the most inspiring and fruitful gatherings. The attendance this year had a little bit deteriorated because of economic instability. It seems they are getting stronger and stronger in the Lord every year as they continue discovering their spiritual gifts and actively use them. I have been listening and watching their video clips, I got so blessed. Some gifted song writers had written or composed songs which were related to their conference theme: “Let us arise and rebuild.” I hope our families, Churches, relationships and character will be rebuilt for the glory of the Lord. They were also four male pastors who were invited to pray for the sick and do counseling. Salia was one of the preachers scheduled to preach at conference but she had a terrible backbone. She used a stick to walk. When my wife noticed that Salia was not at the conference she boarded a bus to see her condition. She promised to attend the conference on the following day despite of her illness. When she came all the ladies joined together in prayer and God performed a miracle. She was able to stand upright and threw away her walking stick. She preached an inspiring sermon. God is at work and we give all glory to Him.
I had Church visitation in July. I took public transport. I boarded three cars before I reached the final destination, Mabobolo. At the Bus Stop I was welcomed by a Deacon. It was around 6 O’clock pm. I asked him how many hours we were going to walk. He said, “Three and half hours.” I suggested to board an ox-cart, unfortunately it was full. An ox-cart is their common mode of transport in that area. We had no other option but to walk. We went through hills and thick forests at night. I asked the Deacon if there were any dangerous animals in that area. He mentioned of elephants which were roaming around the past week. The hand of God was with us. We arrived safely at exactly 9:30 pm. I felt tired. My legs and shoulders were painful because of walking and the backpack on my back. I was again welcomed by pastors, elders and deacons from five Churches. I was quick to go to bed and have enough time to rest. The following morning was Sunday where I met many brothers and sisters from five Churches. I had a wonderful time sharing the Word of God; encouraging them to run our Christian race to the end without shame. I had also midweek services. They came in their great numbers. We had great lessons and discussions. They made two important requests: Drought relief assistance and Tonga Bibles. In some Churches only the pastor has a Bible. “It becomes difficult to preach or teach when the pastor is absent,” they said. Also I had an opportunity to visit some of the families where I had personal interaction with them. The day before I left for another Church visitation they made a love offering for me where I received chickens, pigeons, groundnuts and many others. The following morning on a Saturday I went to Chinego Church. I walked for four and half hours non-stop. This time I was exhausted, but because of my great love for my brothers and sisters, I seemed not to pay much attention to my pain. It was good to see them all and preach to them. We had constructive discussions as far as advancing God’s work in their area. Also they had the same requests, Food aid and Tonga Bibles.
For all those who are interested in supporting Zimbabwe ministry, please make your donations to:
Jill Hartzell. Email: hartzz1@comcast.net
Good Neighbor Network
2445 SW Crestdale Dr
Portland, OR 97225.
In His Service, Alec
