In the evening we spent time at a lake visiting with students Ephraim impacted in his ministry at the University. I am now learning how much Ephraim has impacted this country in his ministry. The students he taught are now in influential positions in the Zimbabwean government and private sector.
On Sunday we all went our separate ways to different churches. Jenn stayed on the Zimbabwe Christian College campus and taught children's church at Harare Church of Christ. Joel went to the church I preached at on Friday in Budiriro, Ephraim went to Greencroft Church of Christ, and I preached at Kuwadzana Church of Christ. It was a great Sunday and we all had positive responses, and one new believer came to Christ! I am still unable to upload pictures, so I will have to describe the location I preached. It is a new church plant, and they are working on their first church building. They currently have the foundation finished, but need to buy the materials. The materials to finish the building will cost the people at least 30,000. I was amazed at the sacrificial giving of the people raising over $500 dollars for the building above and beyond the regular offering (this amount is even more amazing after I found out that most families do not make more than $150 a month per income).
I preached under a covering without walls, that was just tall enough for me to fit under, I am the "Murungu Mukuru" The big white man. There were just over 250 packed into this small shelter. I continue to gain encouragement from the vitality of the Zimbabwean worship services. Everyone is dancing and laughing, while they are praising the Lord. I am working on my dance moves, but am not so good! Jenn is the one who is really making progress when it comes to dancing.
Today, we left in the morning (7am), to head for southern Zimbabwe (Chiredzi). We made several stops along the way, but the scenery was amazing. The African country side filled all of us with awe. We stopped by Ephraim's elementary school and were able to provide them with school supplies and soccer balls. The highlight of the trip was visiting Ephraim's village. We were welcomed by the entire village of people dancing and singing and children chasing our truck. We could hardly get out of the truck because so many people wanted to greet us and shake our hands. They had waited for us the entire day, and had almost lost hope of our coming. They said when they saw us their hearts were renewed, and they were encouraged.
I believe we were the ones who were blessed most through the visit. It was a great experience! After the people greeted us, we were introduced and they introduced us to Ephraim's family. We were able to meet his mother, great aunt, uncle and many members of his extended family. Joel gave a great sermon to the people from Luke 15, calling them to be found in the love of their father in heaven. After the greetings and speaking, we shared tea, and gave them supplies we brought. The villagers loved the digital camera. I probably took a picture of each one of them at least 2 times. I would take the picture, then they would want to look at it. Every time they saw themselves in the picture, they would break into laughter.
The people were so filled with joy, even though they have nothing. The best trait of the Zimbabwean people is their smile. Even through the tough times, they are smiling! They never stop, and it was truly a blessing to me.
The night ended with us giving rides to Ephraim's family who had walked miles to see us. I rode in the back of the truck with Joel and Jenn while the sun was setting. It was a breathtaking view, that was un-capturable on the camera. All I could do was stare and dream. I now know why these people have so much joy.
It is currently 1am, and I need to get to bed. Tomorrow we are preaching at the local high schools and then we are helping in the baptisms of 70 students! Keep us in your prayers, and keep the people of Zimbabwe in your prayers.
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Derek your tale was bringing me close to tears(joyful ones, and then the picture in my mind of you practicing your dance moves-LOL. This trip will inspire you for years to come. Thank you for sharing the inspiration. Love Shana