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January 07, 2009
Zimbabwe Mission Update II
On Sunday we had a barbecue. It went very well. I even marinated chicken ( Huko) and
steak ( I don't know this in Shona). The electricity went out so we
all sat around the fire and told stories, laughed and ate. It was
great!! (and no one got sick!! ) We also ate potatoes, Sadza, Cova, and
other vegetables. It has been really nice to see Jonnah, James, Oripa,
and everyone just laughing and having a good time. We have really
become good friends. They now consider us (you as well ) family.
Sunday I gave the sermon. Matt will speak next Sunday. I spoke using
the 23rd Psalm. It was about thanking God and remembering that He is
with us all the time, guiding us and shepherding us. I also gave them
the banner and told them that just as God was with me during my walk,
He is also with them during their walk of life here. They were so
happy to see the banner and were greatly encouraged. They thanked us
for doing the walk and you for the banner.
The problems here are great!! Tendai has told us that the schools
are supposed to open on the 13th of January, But the teachers are not
going to report to work. They are striking. They need more income. He
is supposed to get about 1200.00 US dollars per month, However, about
7 months ago the banks started only allowing the people to withdraw 10.00
US dollars per month. They are not able to survive on this. Most of
the stores here now take US dollars, But the prices are 2 to 3 times
higher than at home. There is more and more starvation here and almost
all of the hospitals have closed down. Cholera is still a threat here,
but the water that we are drinking here is Cholera free because it is
drawn from the borehole (well).
Today we are going to meet and pray with the elders and deacons.
tomorrow we will meet with the youth. Kaity and Abigail have been
doing great here with the children. They have been teaching Bible
stories and songs and they have also learned a lot about the people
here as well as about themselves. Matt has been doing a wonderful job
leading worship and teaching songs, but even more he has been
fantastic during our sessions with the elders and deacons and praying
for healing. I have been greatly impressed with all of them.
The first aid supplies have come in handy. We have helped Tracy. It
appears that on Christmas day she cut her hand preparing meat and it
got very infected. The doctor lanced the wound and we have given her
some triple antibiotic ointment and bandages. She is healing well now.
Also Christina had a cut on her foot so we also did the same with her
and she is doing much better now. Their was a boy around 8 or 9 yrs
old came to us for prayer for his foot. He cut it as well. I prayed
with him and bandaged his wound as well. I think he will be coming by
today so I can look at it some more. I have become a Doctor of sorts.
Posted by Bill at January 7, 2009 11:19 AM