THINGS IN ZIM!

I live in a country that you are hearing a lot about right now.

It is odd to me, how many people are emailing asking about the situation in Zimbabwe… for most of the time that I have been living here people couldn’t pronounce the name, or didn’t even know where it was; to be honest for the past couple of years, a few of my friends have even told me that I live in South Africa!! But now, Zim is getting international attention because of it’s political situation… the result of 27 years of Robert Mugabe’s reign.

What you are reading and seeing is true. People have been tortured, people have been beaten and people have died. My heart hurts at the way people have been removed forcefully from their homes, how they have seen their family members hurt…even their children.

What might be the biggest tragedy is that the news is not reporting the whole story.

The real story is that in spite of the immense difficulties, and increasing violence, that people have not given up hope. That there is a remnant in Zimbabwe, that remembers where REAL hope comes from. They know that it doesn’t come from politics, that is doesn’t come from foreign aid and outside opinions… that it comes from the only truth that ever existed.

There is a remnant of God’s faithful, obedient and loving children who continue to seek God’s face, they continue to praise Him, and most importantly they continue to ask Him to forgive even the people that kill those they love.

I firmly believe that the only solution for Zimbabwe is found in 2 Chronicles 7:14. It is a promise from God to His people and it says,

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

That is a promise, from the Lord of Lords and the Prince of Peace. It stands firmer than any promise from any president, or even from the candidate who is being called “the man of peace” (Morgan Tsvangiri). The answer to Zimbabwe’s current “crisis” as the news calls it, will not be found in a politician, it will not be found in a global dialogue. It will be found when those of us, the remnant that remains, start to act as if we believe this promise.

This week I was blessed to be a part of a lot of prayer meetings. I believe that even though things seem to be bad here, that they are not nearly as bad as they could have been. I believe that although there is talk around the globe that Zimbabwe is facing a war, that the real battle begun a long time ago, and that it will be won by the remnant that is fighting on their knees.

I acknowledge and appreciate that there are people all around the world that are praying for Zimbabwe now. Please don’t stop. Your prayers are making a difference and you are making an impact!

We are standing strong, one the promises of the Lord.

I will ask for one specific prayer request, as you know, the focus of my work in Zimbabwe has been with the kids who live on the street. One of the things that is
happening in Zim right now is that a youth militia is rising up. It is rumored that some of the boys that I work with, whom we have not seen recently, may be involved. Whether they have joined up by force or on their own accord, I am not sure, not does it matter. These are boys that are very special, they are loved more than they know and the trauma that they could be experiencing could be devastating. Please pray for them. Pray that they remember who they belong to and that He loves them very much. Pray that the get home safely. Pray that few children are impacted and that Zimbabwe will humble itself, seek God’s face and turn from it’s wicked ways quickly.
Gigi

Immigration and such

Some times I wonder what I am doing in Zimbabwe...

I was supposed to go to immigration today. But reports are that it is not safe to go to town.... so I won't. I spoke with the man who is processing my work permit on the phone.

He sounded so happy to hear from me, that I really expected a miracle! (I know we are all praying for one).

What he said is, "You know that NGO's are suspended from working in this country."
I said, "Yes, sir. I have heard that, but you know I am expecting this permit miraculously."
He said, "Well, let me call downstairs."
"Are you still there?"
I said, "Yes, I am"
He said, "Well, they haven't closed your file. When the work can continue we will process your application and you will get a response."

Ugh, so no answer yet... but more time to keep praying!

I am still here, and we are still waiting for miracles. Your prayers are making a difference, as bad as it is, it is better than it could be.

Please keep praying for peace. The kind of peace that comes from God... the kind that doesn't make sense to our minds. The kind I have right now :-)

Gi

P.S. Taps and I sat at the piano today and praised God with all our hearts. That is what we do. We acknowledge who HE is and what HE can do, and we trust in that while we wait and see.

Back in Harare…

I made it safely back to Harare Saturday afternoon. I left Vic Falls on the train Thursday night. Friday morning I was in Bulawayo for the day.

God is so faithful, I had an amazing meeting with an artist couple who will be doing some workshops with our kids in September. They are really talented and committed to seeing positive changes in Zimbabwe.

As I walked through town in Bulawayo I found myself in the middle of the one things I am told to avoid in Zimbabwe. Walking through town I noticed an increased police presence, but because I hadn’t received any notification from the embassy about any concerns, I went about my business.

As I walked down the street, a bus passed by full of kids shouting Zanu-PF slogans. As I kept walking the presidential motorcade drove by. Then I noticed a lot more police and soldiers and before I knew it I was surrounded by people wearing Zanu-PF t-shirts and stickers. I was directly in the middle of a RALLY!!

I didn't panic, I know that I am protected by the power of an amazing God. As I walked with the people in their t-shirts, I prayed for peace and quickly ducked into a shop.

I went about my day, got on the train and continued on to Harare. God is so good.

Please pray for Zimbabwe. Pray for Zimbabweans. Pray for peace. Pray for God's solution, which is not always easy to see or understand.

I love you all, I am safe.

Back in Harare

I am in Harare.

I am safe.

News is that MDC candidate pulled out of race due to violence.

I am safe.

I will be in touch.

Please pray for this nation and it's people.

God is in control.

Love

Love is just too good for words.

I have been sick in bed since Saturday afternoon when we took Peter to the airport... I think it was a sickness that has been in the making for a while, because I was really not feeling well in Harare, but then we were so busy with Action and Glen was here and the Peter was here so I didn't have time to be sick and I was happy to have people from the States here, but as soon as we dropped Peter off I felt it hit me.

Ugh, 4 days in bed is enough to make anyone depressed.

My neighbors took such good care of me, checking on me, bringing me water and trying to make me eat, even though I couldn't keep anything down. I felt very loved.

Especially when I texted Lori and she called immediately. We spent some time on the phone so that I could cry and she prayed and already my spirits were lifted.

After that I had a few days of being in bed with just the Word. It is impossible to surround yourself in the Word and not feel loved!

Love is amazing. It changes everything!!

We are safe...

Hi All,
I just wanted to let you know that I am safe. I am writing from Livingstone, Zambia where I will do some outreaches with Jimmy and Bethany (the new missionaries to Zambia) and Peter, who is here for a week or so.

I know that Zimbabwe is really in the headlines again, but I just wanted to let you all know that I am safe. I will be back in Zimbabwe in a couple of days, and I did not leave for fear of violence or of any threat to my safety. They are having a run-off for the elections and things are heated, there is violence and people are in a hieghtened state of emotion right now, BUT I want to ensure you that I have not felt any danger!

In fact, it is just the opposite, last night Peter spent the night at my house in Mkhosana, as he had just flew in and we were not crossing the border until today.
I cooked sadza and we ate dinner with Bheki and spent the evening playing cards with the kids in my neighborhood. Everything is as normal!

We stopped in Monde yesterday to see Mr Mpala and Mr Who and were happy to have us visit!!

I love and miss you!

Regina