From the email archives
October newsletter 2014
Co-Workers in Christ
Leadership Seminar.
I had Leadership seminar at Saichilaba on the 6th to 10th of October. As usual, we had a day of praying and fasting before the lessons. It isn’t easy to fast in October especially when one abstains from drinking water. October is one of the hottest months of the year. I think this is the time I drink a lot of water. I am glad we made it. In October, I have all the leadership i.e. pastors, elders, deacons and their wives come together for leadership lessons and to discuss ecclesiastical issues. I thank God for giving us boldness and wisdom to come up with inspiring lessons and discussions. The discussions were so constructive. Also I ordained 25 elders and deacons. I issued them Ordination Certificates which were so motivating and encouraging.
Sometime in July, I met Corrie Van Aardt a Missionary in South Africa. She blessed me with 66 English Bibles. I shared them among the 54 leaders who were present at the seminar. Also I distributed reading glasses which were donated by the South Haven Christian Church. Many leaders have eye problems. They had hard time reading Bibles. Reading glasses was a huge solution to their problem. Please know that every gift, be it small or big, has great spiritual and physical impact to your brothers and sisters in Christ here in Zimbabwe.
Revival
We had a Revival at Mabobolo Church as from 23-26 October. It was a fruitful crusade. 3 people surrendered their lives to Christ and were baptized in the name of our Lord. We had many rededications. One man was converted from his denomination, the Seventh Day Adventist, to our Church. We had counseling sessions which helped many brothers and sisters. Many people have different problems in their lives, marriages, Churches and in the communities. I thank God for giving our Counselors wisdom and knowledge to lead the Counselees out of their problems. By carefully and wisely asking guiding questions to the counselee, he/she comes up with a solution to his /her problem. It is true that a counselee is an expert to his or her problem.
Mabobolo is one of the remotest areas in Binga. It is situated in a hilly place. The road is really bad. It is sandy, rocky and in some places it has big pot holes. I can’t imagine driving 20km (about 11miles) for 3 hours. The truck got stuck four times in the sand. We got out of the truck and started to put branches on the road and pushed the truck. At one point we cut down bushes to make a new road. On rocky places we got out of the truck and removed stones. It was, indeed, a struggle to reach the place. No doubt, we were so exhausted!!
The area has poor network too. I had run short of fuel and wanted to call someone from Hwange to send me fuel. I was told to go up a hill and climb a tree and then make a call. Well, it was fun and interesting to do that.
Drought.
We usually experience water crisis in October in most villages of Binga. October and November are the hottest months of the year. Therefore, many dams and wells dry up. Both villagers and animals struggle to get water. People travel long distances to get water from the reliable sources. Some animals, both wild and domestic, die because of shortage of water and grass. Much thanks to Tonga Ministries and International Disaster Emergency Service (IDES) for their continued drought relief to the hungry Churches in Zimbabwe. We will be purchasing and distributing mealie-meal to the Churches as soon as my Visa Debit Card is sorted out, hopefully this week.
Water project.
I apologize to all those who are interested in water project. I have been unable to go to Siadindi to see the progress. Communication is a little bit difficult because of poor network. I have been unable to contact the Chairperson for updates. But all I know is that they are struggling to get water for the project. I will be going to Siadindi this month and spend some days monitering the project. God has not yet provided with the funds we requested for the project. I am sure He will do it at the right time.
All those who are directing their support to Tonga Ministries, Jill Hartzell and Charles Kamilos may continue to do so. All streams pour into one ocean.
Alec.
P/s. I am sorry all attachments failed. Will try again tomorrow.
