New Team Member: Ramona Beam

The newest team member of the Zimbabwe Evangelism Team, Ramona Beam was privileged to see God at work in the villages of the re-settlement area of Mberengwa in Southern Zimbabwe. She joined the volunteer team from First Baptist Church, Bryan Texas in going village to village sharing the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, leading discipleship classes for new believers, and helping to start a new church in this dry, mountainous region. Ramona has this to say about her time in Mberengwa:

"For five days, the team, along with missionaries from the Zimbabwe Evangelism Team walked from village to village, stopping in homes and sharing testimonies and the Creation to Christ story. In spite of rugged conditions, sleeping in school classrooms and with no electricity or running water, we were so blessed to be able to work in this area to start a new church.



I am reminded of one widow lady in particular, who had been left with four children to raise, and who had a somewhat bitter outlook on her life. Being a widow myself, I was privileged to share encouragement with her and let her know that Jesus Christ could be her sustainer during the hard and lonely times. I must admit to being somewhat disappointed when she responded that she had heard what I said and appreciated the encouragement, but was not ready to decide at this time.



Imagine my excitement when, that very afternoon, this same lady came to the new believers’ class, and joyfully exclaimed, “I have decided!” Praise God for His working in the hearts of those who hear the Good News!



Friday was our last day in Mberengwa. We were scheduled to leave right after breakfast to return to the city, but Isaac, the national pastor who was heading up the work, asked that we make one more visit to Village 10-C. This village was down a dirt track, in a remote area far away from the school and the other surrounding villages.



I’m so thankful we went! When we arrived, we found not one but two small villages, one on either side of a mountain. So, our team split up, and the group I was with went to one side. There we found Mrs. M. We knew from the first moment that this lady was special. Her enthusiasm was so contagious, and her joy was evident to all. It didn’t take long to discover that she was already a believer, and so much in love with her Lord.



When one of our team asked her if she had shared Jesus Christ with her friends and family, we were met with a blank look, and she replied, “No, I never thought of doing that. Can I do that?” Of course we told her yes, that she could and she should.

She said, “You must come with me!” She then took us to a neighbor’s home, where a young man prayed to receive Jesus Christ into his heart when he heard the story. Praise God for this lady, who now will be an evangelist in her village.

Praise God for the new church that met the following Sunday at the school, with 67 people in attendance!"