Sunday, June 29, 2008

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

3 comments:

cc26 said...

I am praying with a weaping heart for your boys, Gi. And, for your home. For your neighbors. For your government. For you.

I love you!

Shebecomes said...

I was serving in the same area as you are in Zimbabwe through a small non-profit, but was forced to leave last year. Leaving was one of the hardest things I've ever done, and I keep the people close to my heart. It is encouraging to read your updates and know you have been able to stay and continue in your ministry. You and the people of Zimbabwe are in my prayers, as well as many many others. God Bless!
-Rebecca

Anonymous said...

I spent a summer living in Zimbabwe in Chidamoyo and spent alot of time in Vic Falls. I found your blog through another and just wanted you to know that although I don't know you; I feel like I know a part of your heart. I am praying for you and have forwarded your blog to so many friends I have working across the world with street children. God knows and God sees. May he richly bless your work and the people of Zimbabwe. If you're interested check out www.glueboys.com ... it's just taste of what we do! Thanks for allowing me to read your blog!