MISSIONS: ZIMBABWE 2008
June 19 through July 6

TRIP ITENIRARY

As promised, here is the itinerary for the 17-day mission, for you to follow the team's activities with your prayers. Please pray for all aspects of the mission, it's success, and the safety of the team members ... and keep praying, until they return safely on July 6.

Team Members: George Bragg, Larry Broughton, Pastor Steve Phillips, Missionary Robert Reese

Thursday, June 19: Depart CCF Parking Lot 3:00 am, Leave LAX 6:00 am. Arrive New York 2:40 pm. Depart New York 5:30 pm 

Friday, June 20: Arrive Johannesburg, South Africa 5:00 pm. Spend the night at a local hotel.

 Saturday, June 21: Depart Johannesburg 11:35 am. Arrive Bulawayo, Zimbabwe 12:55 pm.
Check into Travellers Inn. Meet Gerald Mangena in Bulawayo regarding Ebenezer Agriculture School later in pm.

Sunday, June 22: Worship with Bulawayo Makokaba Church of Christ in am.
Visit Khaya Elihle Orphanage and local Christian business people in pm.
Meet Ray Motsi, pastor of Bulawayo Baptist Church, and worship with his congregation in the evening.

 Monday, June 23-Thursday, June 26: Meet with various local Christian church, mission and business leaders.

 Friday, June 27: COUNTRY ELECTIONS! Stay out of harms way.
Hopefully, visit and have dinner with Paul and Charlie McCay (two very helpful Christian business men) and their families in the evening.

 Saturday, June 28: Visit Cornelious Moyo and the Avery's Bulawayo Orphan Program in am.

Tour the Old Folks farm with the Kaliyatis followed by dinner with them in the evening.

Sunday, June 29: Worship with Emmanuel Mwale and the Nkulumane congregation in the am.

Visit with associates of the Bulawayo Theological College in the pm.

 Monday, June 30: Larry Broughton returns home. He will arrive LAX July 1 at 10:55 am!

Steve, George and Robert travel to Gwandavale (Zimb) to participate in the Church Pastors and Leaders Bible School.
The Bible School will last through July 4th.

 Friday, July 4: Return to Bulawayo late in the afternoon. Prepare for return trip.

 Saturday, July 5: Leave Bulawayo airport 1:15 pm. Arrive Johannesburg 3:41 pm.
Leave Johannesburg 6:00 pm. Arrive Washington DC/Dulles 6:00 am Sunday.
Sunday, July 6: Leave Washington Dulles 8:28 am. Arrive LAX 10:55 am!

(From George Bragg)
During our first week in Bulawayo, we will be meeting with local Christian pastors, educators, mission leaders and business people. Since this will be the final week leading up to the presidential runoff election on June 27th, we will need to keep a rather low profile during the entire week. The current government is brutally punishing people for voting against the president in the first election, and is doing everything it can to keep the opposition from winning the upcoming election. Sixty-six opposition leaders have been killed during the last two months, and thousands of people have been driven from their homes to keep them from voting next week.

The president has even stated that should the opposition win, he will not turn over the government to him. It appears that his military leaders and police are preparing for martial law and a military coup should the election go against them. Do pray for a peaceful resolution to this growing political and economic crisis.

During our second week we will be teaching at a Pastors and Church Leaders Bible School in one of the more remote areas of Zimbabwe. This is an annual leadership Bible School, so we are doing whatever can be done to help men and women attend the school during this very difficult year. It is our thought that it will take the government at least a week to announce the election results ... so there should be a period of relative peace for at least a few days following the election. We would appreciate your prayers for the people of Zimbabwe, and for those preparing to attend the Bible School and for our mission team.

Note: Zimbabwe time is 11 hours ahead of us, so as of this writing, it is Wednesday morning.

Godspeed!  
Thursday, June 19, 3:00 am at Creekside 
 A few unexpected "cheerleaders" came to the Creekside parking lot in the wee hours of the morning to encourage the team departing for Zimbabwe.  Elder Chuck Puckett prayed for the team, and they were on their way in high spirits. We will forward any reports from them as soon as received, though they may be few.

Pastor Steve's prayer request was simple - please pray for God's power to be manifest through us to be useful as His servants.

Can't tell by their faces that it's 3 AM.

Everyone is tired, but their plane arrived in NY on schedule despite a long delay in boarding the plane at LAX. They managed to get aisle seats, one behind the other, so they were able to converse en route, which is probably why they're so tired. :^) No problems with their luggage so far. They'll be taking off for Johannesburg, S.A. around 9:30 pm our time.

Please let everyone know that we made it to South Africa. We all are very tired and are about to go to bed. Early in the morning we are off to Zimbabwe.
So far... so good.

Sunday, June 22:
Late Breaking News from Zimbabwe - Sun, 6/22
Please read the news that broke this morning, as it only emphasizes the need for deliberate prayer on behalf of the Zimbabwe Mission and Team Members, George Bragg, Larry Broughton, Steve Phillips and Robert Reese. They have not been able to communicate via email since entering the country, but we continue to pray, trusting that God is overseeing the mission and providing for their safety. Keep praying ...

Zimbabwe: Opposition Pulls Out of Election

http://allafrica.com/stories/200806220001.html

22 June 2008
Posted to the Web 22 June 2008
Oppostion leader Morgan Tsvangirai has pulled out of Zimbabwe's presidential run-off election. In broadcasts monitored in South Africa, Tsvangirai described the election campaign as a "violent illegitimate sham of an election process."

He appealed for the African Union and the United Nations to act to prevent "genocide" in the country.   Tsvangirai made the announcement in Harare Sunday after extensive debate within his Movement for Democratic Change. It came against the backdrop of rising violence and intimidation in the buildup to the election, scheduled to be held on June 27. Dozens of activists have been killed, hundreds injured, and thousands forced from their homes. 

Militia organised by President Robert Mugabe's ruling Zanu PF are responsible for most of the violence, with army and police officers either participating or turning a blind eye to attacks on opposition supporters. 

Tsvangirai has been detained repeatedly while campaigning. His party secretary-general, Tendai Biti, has been charged with treason and remanded in custody until after election day. State media have denied publicity to the opposition.
Tsvangirai won the first round of the presidential election on March 29, but the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission said he did not draw the majority to avoid a run-off.

From Larry Broughton via his wife, Suzanne.
Sunday, June 22

I just got off the phone with Larry. He sounded well and told me to assure everyone that they are safe. He hadn't had confirmation of Tsvangirai pulling out. He was glad to hear it and said that most people view it as a good move. They think the opposition party has already won and that the pull out was better for the country.

Today they met with a pastor named Ray [pastor of Bulawayo Baptist Church] who had been imprisoned a few times by Mugabe. Larry said it was inspiring to hear his story.

They also visited an orphanage that had about 75 children affected by AIDS--either by losing a parent or being infected themselves--and they [were] encouraged to see the efforts made to support themselves through cattle and farming.

They met with Gerald, who was their tour guide last year, and were excited to learn more about the agricultural farm training program he was working with.

Larry is still having headaches, so could everyone pray he can find some relief from those? They are a little better, but still are bothering him.

He sounded inspired and happy. He thinks they will get to an internet cafe tomorrow...so hopefully we'll hear more soon!

Thanks,  Suz

From George Bragg
June 23: 

The local internet is very slow so I will keep this short.

We had a great day yesterday visiting: Makakoba Church of Christ; also Bufudi James Mpofu, who is the headmaster of Petra School; then Khaya Elihle orphanage in the afternoon; and later Raymond Motsi, one of the leading church pastors in terms of speaking up against the actions of the government, in the evening. We found the people optimistic and upbeat despite the horrible challenges the country is facing.

The worship service in the morning included people from seven other local churches. There must have been over 400 people in the service. Steve greeted them on behalf of Creekside, and Robert preached. The entire service lasted 2 1/2 hours.

This morning we visited Petra Christian School. It is one of the most beautiful campuses I have ever seen. It is amazing that it is doing so well in the midst of the current situation. Steve spoke to all the faculty and staff. In total, the school has over 650 students.

As you probably have noticed, the opposition withdrew from the election yesterday. Everyone is nervous about what happens next, but at the moment everything seems rather calm in Bulawayo.

We are all doing well and are amazed at the spirit of the local people.

God bless...

George

June 25, 2008: From George 

The election are going ahead, even though the Opposition has withdrawn. Apparently, Mugabe wants to appear to have an election, even if he is the only candidate.

As a result of the decision to go ahead with the election the local police in Gwandavale have told the local church that we cannot hold the Bible School in their area. We now are attempting to shift the Bible School to Bulawayo. It is quite likely that this will be approved by the Bulawayo police department. We should know later today.

In many respects having the Bible School in Bulawayo is a better option, particularly in view of the current political situation.

We all are okay and enjoying the trip.

God bless...

George

06/25/2008

Dear Creekside,

Pastor Steve called this morning and the Mission Team in Zimbabwe has a request of you:

1. Please FAST for the election in Zimbabwe. It will still be held as planned.
The fast will be this Friday, June 27. During the time of the election, please
fast from Breakfast and Lunch this Friday. You can eat dinner on Thursday
and Friday.

Please reply to this email if you will commit to fasting during this timeframe for the
election and the people of Zimbabwe.

2. Please pray for the following:
Police have closed the Bible School that our team was going to lead in the rural
area because "no gatherings can take place near an election pole for 7 days prior
or following". Thus, they need a new location to hold the Bible School. They have
asked the Police in Bulawayo for a new location.

Please ask God to open up a new venue in the city of Bulawayo for the Bible School to be held while our
team is there.

There is great uncertainty in the people. They have closed all schools and most businesses and shops
are closing until after the election.

Ask God for continued safety in the absence of violence.
The team believes that this is a spiritual battle now taking place in Zimbabwe.
Mugabe has said "Only God can remove him from power". He is baptizing people in
his political party - giving them "new life" - this is his campaign slogan.

Pray that God would remove him from power.

Pray that the church in Zimbabwe will come together and shine the light of Christ
and that God will bring an awakening and revival.

Pastor Steve says that please do not worry about them. Where they are, in Bulawayo, is safe and peaceful. They are not having any problems.

6/28/08
Linjani! [How are you? - Ndebele greeting]

As you've probably heard, the election went peacefully here in Bulawayo, though some in the outlaying areas were forced to vote, and even assigned their place in the line outside the polling tent. We are encouraged by the solidarity of the surrounding South African nations rejecting the legitimacy of the election. Also the statements from the UN Security Councils and the AU along the same lines.

We had a very informative meeting with the McCays, and followed up with a morning meeting at Paul's house on Friday. He's a third generation pioneer in Rhodesia [now Zimbabwe], and it was interesting to hear his perspective (from displaced white landowners -- his family farm of 200,000 acres was seized in 1999). He's also a real life big game hunter, and his trophy room of mounted kills was quite impressive.

We also met with Elijah, who is a police officer enrolled in the Zimbabwe School of Theology training for chaplaincy. With him was Dumiso, who manages the grocery store in town. These young men had a very interesting perspective on the state of the church in Zimbabwe and the challenges they are facing in terms of changing culture. The western influence here in the city is accelerated, and the smaller churches are having to adapt.

Today we have just finished meeting with Cornelius who directs the orphan program. My heart broke as we visited a woman whose husband died of AIDS, she has the disease, is caring for her 4 children, 2 grandchildren, and 2 children belonging to her brother who died of AIDS. The father of one of her grandchildren died of AIDS, and now her
daughter is HIV positive. The need is overwhelming. It is very difficult to see, knowing this scenario, and worse, is occurring in thousands of families within this one city. We were encouraged to spend time with one of the orphans who is quite accomplished in school, is brilliant in fact, and though he lives alone at age 19, is doing well and shows great promise after 7 years in Cornelius' program. He wants to go to Harvard next year, has the grades for it, and I believe he will.

It appears we will now be back at Gwandavale for the Bible School, so back to the original plan. Prayer works!

grace to you,

Steve
 
 ..... and heeeeere's George's perspective! (Wow, two in one day - how blessed we are!) Keep praying ...

The election came and went. The opposition urged their people not to participate in the election since there was no way that it could be considered fair and open. Therefore, in Bulawayo there was almost no one at the voting booths. The city was virtually closed down.

Never the less, we had a very productive day. We spent the morning with Paul McCay in his home. Paul and family date back to the 1890's when his grandfather settled in what is now Zimbabwe. His family story was like listening to the history of the entire area. As you know Paul has been extremely helpful to us in terms of arranging money transfers in our Zim mission effort.

In the afternoon we met with two old friends of Robert. One managing a large grocery store chain in Bulawayo and the other is a policeman attending Bulawayo Bible School. We met at the coffee shop you will remember as the one we visited in past years. It was about the only business open in town.

Since we were fasting during the election day, it was hard drinking coffee and not having a donut. However, we did buy some for later when our fast ended.

I just found out that Steve is writing you as well...
This morning we visited the local orphan program managed by the Avery's.

Must go for now.

God bless...

George

6/30/08
Quick note since we've got to leave in a bit to get Larry to the airport. Things went very well at Nkulamane yesterday. I preached, and the service was three and a half hours long (dont jump to conclusions--my part was only 45 minutes!)/ All of us had a chance to speak, 4 singing groups from the congregation sang, the worship was absolutely exuberant --with the preschool kids singing, the primaries, the youth, and the women singing groups blessing us. This is how it happens every Sunday -- truly a family style worship for all ages -- our 415 crowd would love it. We have video we're anxious to show.

The meeting with the execs from the Theological College was great -- some good networking for future shared ministry.

The Pastors School is now set for West Sommerton in Bulawayo, starting Tuesday. However, some of the people from the rural areas are here already. This morning we were able to greet Issac, Jamison, MB, and about 10 others. It was a time of joyous reunion. More are coming in throughout the day.

Weather is much colder today due to wind, but sunny. The city is peaceful and resuming some semblance of normality. There is a campaign going on urging those opposing the govt to wear red until change comes -- a cap, shirt, scarf, whatever. Needless to say, there's lots of red! It feels like being at Angel stadium.

Keep on praying -- God is at work here.

grace,

Steve Phillips

Itinerary for Monday, 6/30:  Larry Broughton is on his way home; he will arrive LAX  Tues July 1 at 10:55 am.  Steve, George and Robert prepare to participate in Z Church Pastors and Leaders Bible School in West Sommerton, Bulawayo which begins on Tuesday.  The Bible School lasts through Friday, July 4.  [This is a change of venue from what was thought yesterday.]

7/02/08
Update from Larry Broughton at home now:  

 As you heard, I arrived home this afternoon from a smooth (no lost luggage or passports), but rather long (20+ hour) plane/airport journey. I felt guilty leaving Robert, Steve and George behind, but I think they were relieved to have me go so they could be free from my wise cracks and incessant teasing.

I just got off the phone with Mary Bragg a few minutes ago to let her know how things were going, and that everyone on our team is safe. I am looking forward to filling everyone in on what we learned on this amazing trip during this historic time in Zimbabwe and southern Africa. I'll put together a short (but very roughly edited) video we can show at the church services in a couple of weeks, and then work on a more informative presentation that we can share at a "Zimbabwe Night" sometime soon.
I think we have identified some amazing self-sustaining programs and missions that would be worthy for Creekside to consider supporting through prayer, training, internship placement, and seed capital through donations and sponsorships. We were hoping to meet with the President of World Missions on Monday, but were were unable to do so. As you know, all NGOs who provide any aid to the Zim people were kicked out of the country a couple of weeks ago as the "ruling" Zanu- PF said they were there serving the opposition party and selling votes--in actuality, for many in the country, it was only through aid organizations like World Missions that they were getting any food at all.

We've got a lot of stories to share, but we'll put our heads together to find the most suitable way to distill our thoughts and communicate them to those who have been supporting the mission, and anyone else who might be interested. We were blessed during the trip that Bulawayo was mostly safe without the violence seen in the rural areas, or in Harrare. So there is no reason to be overly concerned about the safety of Robert, Steve, and George. They are being smart about there actions.

I did get to see Isaac and Jameson, and some of the other rural pastors on Monday before my flight out of the country. Jameson was in good spirits, but seemed a bit worn down, and visibly older than last year. The fire that burned his home since our last visit has taken a toll on him emotionally and physically. As it turns out, his leg and back were badly burned while he was trapped in the fire and could not get out of his home (a simple mud and thatch hut). Once the thatch roof caught fire, it began to collapse on him blocking the door. Miraculously, there was a break in the flames and he was able to get out with only the trousers he was wearing. He lost everything else. So, the donation we will be giving him this week will go a long way in helping him rebuild his home and acquire some basic supplies and personal items.

By the way, I was glad to see that there has been a lot of media coverage about Mugabe and the "election" in recent weeks. It's great to see that, but it seems to be too little, too late for many. The population of the country has dropped to 9 million (from 12 M), with many crossing into neighboring countries, and an unknown number who have been murdered and or mission. However, we witnessed first hand how God is using people in Zimbabwe for great things; and many people have chosen to be the hands of Jesus by feeding and clothing the orphans, HIV/AIDS victims, the destitute, and the elderly. It is inspiring.

Thanks so much for organizing the prayer team and the fast during the election. Most locals were blown away to hear that several thousands of miles away there were people praying for them...they really are grateful.

I am going to try to get on my California body clock, so I am going to go to bed.
all the best,

Larry

7/02/08
update from Pastor Steve

Larry has filled you in on most of what is happening. We are into our second day of the school at West Sommerton, and the turnout is fantastic, with about 40 key leaders and pastors from all 7 districts. Though about the same in size as the Gwandavale school last year, this is a much broader cross-section of ZCF, with many more pastors and key leaders involved. They are in very good spirits -- amazing joy and peace in Christ. The love of Jesus truly radiates from their hearts and faces. The response to our teaching has been good. Yesterday, we had very lively Q & A occur in the midst of my teaching about covenant, as several theological issues were stimulated. George is really connecting well in his series on Psalms, and of course, Robert is the masterful Khumalo.

They've been feeding us well with sadza, beef, and lots of vegies. We moved into different accomodations at Travelers [Inn] last night -- the house to the side -- as a large group of 17 from Arkansas came in last night. They are from the school Bobby [Reese] attended, and the group is being led by Bobby's former roommate at college. They are also being facilitated by ACTS [travel agency].

I came into town this morning to confirm the flights for George and me, so I must sign off and get back to the school for my teaching segment. God is amazing and at work in big ways in Zim!

grace,

Steve

7/5/2008
I am using Steve's account. Mine has not worked well at all. We just dropped Robert off at the car rental place in Bulawayo and are now waiting to leave for the airport in a couple of hours. The Bible School was very good. New people came each day. We estimate that there were 70 people all together at the school. Considering the situation here we felt that this was an excellent turnout.

I hope you all had a good 4th of July. Being here in a virtual dictatorship... gives one a much greater appreciation for our own freedom. Hopefully, all will go well with our flights and we should be home about 11:00 am tomorrow. Thanks for all of your support and prayers.
God bless... George

Itinerary for Saturday, 7/5: Steve, George and Robert all traveling home (!!!) George and Steve will leave Bulawayo at 1:15 pm, Arrive Johannesburg at 3:41pm; Leave Jo'burg. at 6 pm; Arrive Washington DC/Dulles at 6 am, Sunday.     Thanking and praising God for all that's transpired during this mission trip and anticipating their safe return to their loved ones.

7/6/08
Itinerary:  Leave Washington Dulles 8:28 am; arrive LAX 10:55 am!
Praising God for their safe return and all the prayre warriors - keeping praying till they touch down!

7/6/08  From George, today at 3:15 pm:

“We arrived at LAX on time and I actually got to our home about an hour ago.  Our return flights were uneventful and very long. But Steve and I are safely home. After over 35 hours since getting a good night's sleep on Friday night I am about to take a nap”.

Mission accomplished.  However, I'm confident that you will keep praying for someone or something.  It's an amazing thought - that the God of the universe has given us the awesome privilege and authority of cooperating with Him in the accomplishment of His purposes on Earth through prayer.  That's an important principle to remember when we corporately intercede on behalf of others.  It also has profound relevance to our personal lives, as well as to our family and loved ones.               Mary Cliff

Zimbabwe
June 18-July 17, 2008
by Robert Reese

My first impression of Zimbabwe came a couple of hours before I arrived there. On a bus at the Johannesburg (South Africa) airport, as we passengers were being ferried out to our small plane for the daily flight to Bulawayo, I spotted a pastor whom I knew from our time as missionaries in Bulawayo.  He looked much older than I expected and had a worried expression. When I approached him, his reaction was to tell me how brave I was to be going to Zimbabwe at such a time.  He said his own family had been begging him not to return.  When I asked why, he glanced over his shoulder to see who might be listening and said that the government had begun targeting church leaders with violent reprisals in the same way they had been targeting the opposition party.  What had he been doing that drew the attention of the authorities in such a negative way?  He had been helping widows and orphans who were adversely affected by the political situation and the worsening economic collapse.

This was the first time I had heard such accusations against the government, but my month in Zimbabwe confirmed that the current government perceives most of its own people as enemies of the state.  And certainly foreigners may come under suspicion for little actual reason.  For example, for the whole month I was in Zimbabwe, all foreign organizations that distribute food, medicine, and other aid had been shut down. We had made an appointment to visit World Vision, but discovered that all their offices were closed and staff sent on leave. Their vehicles were locked up in gated compounds. The reason was similar to what caused the government to harass a peaceful pastor -- they assumed such groups swayed rural folks to vote against the government. Clearly, the ruling party was very angry with everyone for the fact that they lost the March 29 election, and they intended to make the people pay.
How did this affect short-term missions? After all, I was in Zimbabwe to take part in a Bible school for rural pastors. As another example, a group of 19 Americans arrived only a few days after my group (Larry Broughton, George Bragg, and Pastor Steve Phillips) from Creekside Christian Fellowship in California. As a large group, they took an hour and a half to clear immigration and customs and then got in a huge overland vehicle to go to their lodge in town, which happened to be where we were staying. Unknown to them, agents of Zimbabwe’s Central Intelligence Organization (CIO) followed them there and again the next day, when they visited an orphanage. That evening I saw their vehicle back at the lodge.  The CIO agents had ordered the Zimbabwean guide and American group leader to report on their activities at CIO headquarters in Bulawayo the next day.  There, they were asked what the group intended to do while in Zimbabwe.   When they told them their mission was to visit churches and orphanages, they were refused permission to do that.  Since the Americans had stated on their entry applications that they were on holiday, that is what they had to do.  Reluctantly, the group shifted from being a short-term mission to being tourists.

As a smaller group, our team of three leaders from Creekside and myself fortunately escaped the notice of the authorities.  However, our plans were also affected by the fact that Zimbabwe was gearing up for a June 27 run-off election for president. Before our arrival, Zimbabwean church leaders had already postponed the Bible school one week, so it would not happen during the week of the election. But the police in whose district the school was scheduled to take place refused permission for the event, stating that for one week after an election no such meeting should happen close to a polling booth.  The Zimbabwean church leaders resourcefully changed the location of the school to Bulawayo and again applied for police permission.

When permission had not been granted by Monday, the day we hoped to begin, and with rural pastors already arriving for the school, the organizers postponed the opening to Tuesday. Even though police permission was never granted, the school went ahead, and attendance grew each day to a total of 70 church leaders. God graciously allowed us to fulfill our mission of encouraging and equipping these rural pastors from seven districts, as well as the urban leaders who could attend.  As usually happens, the Zimbabwean Christians also encouraged us, as they gave reports of planting new churches in their districts.  One district that had dwindled down to four churches had grown to seven congregations since last year. despite the incredibly harsh economic situation.

Probably, the rate of inflation and economic collapse in Zimbabwe is now reaching unprecedented proportions in world history.  Some analysts have said that inflation is now over 2 million percent per annum.  For example, when I first arrived I purchased a soft drink for Z$1.8 billion, but the same drink a month later cost Z$95 billion. The exchange rate for US$1 when I arrived was Z$5.8 billion, and when I left the rate had hit Z$75 billion. The highest bill available was a Z$50 billion note; now there is a note for Z$100 billion. Most prices were being quoted in trillions by the time I left.

What is driving this inflation, and how do people survive?  Certainly, government policy is to blame.  Hyperinflation dates to when the government started handing out large cash payments to war veterans of the civil war that led to independence and then followed that by seizing large commercial farms for distribution to government supporters. We were still living in Zimbabwe at that time about 8 years ago.  But an additional factor this year is the failed political process of presidential elections. Most analysts believe that the opposition leader won the presidential election on March 29 by a clear majority, but the government delayed announcing the results for a month and then declared that no candidate had over 50% of the vote -- hence, the run-off election during our visit.

Following a violent government crackdown on his party, the opposition leader withdrew from the run-off, only days before the June 27 election. This development completely demoralized many people who had hoped for an end to the current regime.  At a Christian school we visited on June 23, Pastor Steve Phillips of Creekside delivered such a powerful address on withstanding tyranny as Christians that a number of teachers were openly crying. They know what life under a dictator is like and had thought it was about to end.  But they received comfort from Scripture, as Steve told how Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego remained faithful to God, even while operating under a calloused dictator. By the end of that day, the government ordered the school to close, until the week after the election.

On June 27 we woke up to find the streets littered with red papers, thrown there by the opposition. They instructed people not to vote that day, but to wear red in protest. The color red connotes soccer’s red card, which the referee shows a player who has fouled so seriously that he or she must leave the game for good.  Not only did we see about half the people on the streets of Bulawayo wearing red, but we also saw no one at polling booths, except the police guarding the booths. Yet, that night government television reported a high turnout to reelect the president by a landslide.

Following the election fiasco, inflation spiked upwards at an increasing rate. As I am writing this, the inflation is so severe that the government can no longer print money fast enough to keep up.  So, how do people cope?  This is extremely hard to say, but there seems to be a few answers.  Many now have relatives living outside Zimbabwe, as lots of young people have fled the country. These relatives send foreign currency back to keep their families alive.  Many others visit neighboring countries regularly to buy and sell, bringing back scarce basic commodities.  Many exchange currency or barter goods, and most of these activities are deemed illegal, but no one cares, as it is a means of survival. As inflation grows, so does the hardship, and hunger hits hard.  Surely, it cannot go on much longer, and we ask you to pray for a new and fairer government for Zimbabwe.

What never ceases to amaze me is how the Zimbabweans cope with adversity. Particularly, Christians are able to draw on reserves that others do not have, using the strength that God provides in order to continue serving Him and bringing the good news of freedom in Christ to those who are burdened beyond belief.  So in the midst of a horrible situation, churches are being planted and hope lives on, because of the Savior Jesus Christ.  What a privilege it was for our group to stand shoulder to shoulder with men and women of faith, sharing, even if only a little, the struggle they are enduring so gracefully.  And for us, what a lesson about what real faith means!