A New Vision for the Baptist Leaders in Zimbabwe

Missionary Gregg Fort invited 15 key pastors and leaders of the Baptist Convention of Zimbabwe to a retreat where they were introduced to the church planting training that we attended earlier this year. Fort shared a basic overview of the training and then spent time casting vision for reaching the 10 million lost people in Zimbabwe. He stressed that EVERY person in Zimbabwe needs to be able to hear the gospel in their own language, in a way they will understand completely, and be given an opportunity to respond. Highlighted was the importance of implementing strategy which liberates the gospel through empowering EVERY new believer to become not only a disciple of Jesus Christ, but an evangelist and disciple of others as well. None of this can be done effectively unless fervent and strategic praying is made a vital part of the overall church planting strategy. After that, Fort shared with the group how large the gap was between the number of saved and the number of lost in Zimbabwe and that if we continued to do things the same way in the future, that very few new believers or churches would be added to the kingdom of God. An examination of the scriptures is vital to identify the difference between church culture and tradition and God’s Way of doing things. When we do things our way we fail, but if we do things God’s way we will be amazed at the way God works through us to achieve His Kingdom plans and purposes.

Such questions as “What is church?”, “Who can lead a church?”, and “How do churches naturally multiply?” were asked of the participants and they sought answers from the scriptures. They discovered that: • “pastoral leadership is a spiritual gift and that this is what qualifies a man to lead a church”. Then this spiritual gift may be “trained and refined” through various ways which do not necessarily require a seminary education. • “Baptism should be done as soon after salvation as possible.” • “That the one who baptizes does not have to be an ordained minister.” • “We must be willing to train and release all believers to be evangelists and disciple makers.” The pastors expressed their desire to “repent”, to change their minds and their ways of doing things for the kingdom of God. They desired to begin to do things God’s way. They were keenly desirous of building God’s kingdom instead of their own. They expressed their grief that they had been doing “business as usual” for way too long. It was like a spiritual revival as the men vocalized changes they saw that needed to be made. One thought which was expressed over and over as well was the need to learn to love others the way God wants them to. Fort also shared with the group that a healthy church is one in which insiders perform all the functions of the church. (e.g. Baptism, Lord’s Supper, preaching, giving, evangelism, discipleship, etc.) Those present were all too keenly aware that this is not how they had been operating. They were convicted that our convention has way too many “fellowship groups” which are overseen by a mother church and its pastor. (Some pastors oversee multiple fellowships.) They decided then and there that their first order of business would be to make targeted plans to help the fellowships become healthy churches, no longer dependent on the mother church. Pray for the leaders of our convention that they will not lose the conviction they felt as they met together and that they will work together to make helpful changes in the way evangelism, discipleship, and church planting are done in Zimbabwe. Pray that we will be able to calendar a time in 2016 where we can gather many more pastors and lay-leaders to participate in a week long church planting training meeting. Pray that this training would radically change the way we think and work in Zimbabwe so that everyone in the country will have an opportunity to hear the gospel in their own language, in a way they will understand and that they will be given a chance to respond and then be discipled so they in turn may bring others into the Kingdom of God.

Taking the Gospel to villages of elderly in Zimbabwe.

Mazwi is a resettlement area where people who formerly lived in a squatter camp have been given a small plot of land, and enough building materials to build a 2-room cinderblock house.

It is a large area and home to thousands of people, many of them elderly. There is no electricity or running water in Mazwi, no schools, no shops, really not much of anything. Residents have to travel up to 20k just to buy basics like mealie meal and cooking oil. Ramona, IMB missionary in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe is very excited about developments in the Mazwi area. Several months ago she went recently with an IMB Nehemiah team to a Thursday morning gathering in a very remote community.

They went with two national young men who were going to translate for the team. “As we were waiting for people to gather, I overheard a conversation between one of the translators and a member of the Nehemiah team. He was telling her about how God had laid Mazwi on his heart, and how much he would like to see people there come to Christ. Well, obviously that was a God moment, so I joined the conversation.” Ramona says she only had about a minute to share before the meeting began, but she tried to encourage the young man to continue to be involved in the training of church members in evangelism and discipleship. “I figured I'd have a chance to continue the conversation afterwards. But God had another plan. He translated while one of the girls on the team shared her story, but then when she finished and sat down, he remained standing in the front. As he began to speak, I pretty much just sat there in amazement. There he was telling them everything I was planning to tell him after the meeting! God had certainly prepared his heart, and as he spoke, it was so evident that God was giving him the words to speak. And the best thing of all was that he was telling them in their heart language much better than I could have done!”

Ramona reports that as the months have gone by, “Samson continues to show a heart for evangelism, and it’s apparent that he has a true anointing from the Lord on his life. He is eager to complete the church planting training, and take it to more and more of the people of Mazwi.” “We are still meeting on Thursday mornings with the original group. Most are elderly women. Often when we go, we are asked to go and pray for someone who is sick, and in one case recently to pray with a family who had just lost a loved one. Just this past week we arrived to find that one of the ladies who lives just by the church meeting place was very ill, and they were waiting for the ambulance to come and take her to hospital. We went to pray with her, and then continued to pray as we watched the ambulance come and take her away.” “So far, they are in eager agreement that they need to share their story and share the Gospel with their friends and neighbors, but we have not yet seen the fruit. This past Thursday we challenged the people yet again, asking them if they were willing for their neighbors and family members to spend eternity in hell, or were they going to tell them about Jesus.” Considering that most of the residents are elderly time is certainly short for most of these residents. Ramona asks that you, “Please pray for them to be convicted that they must share their faith—now. It’s not enough just to say “amen” when Samson challenges them to go, but they need to actually go. Pray that Samson, Maria, Noma, and I would know how to proceed—stay with this group a little longer, or start looking for a new group.” Please pray for the people of Mazwi, that they will catch the vision and, like the apostle Paul, feel compelled to share the gospel with their neighbors and friends, and that new churches will form all over the Mazwi area. “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (I Corinthians 9:16b)

Famine of Hearing God's Word

“Behold days are coming,” declares the Lord God, “when I will send a famine on the land. Not a famine for bread or a thirst for water, but rather for hearing the words of the Lord.” Amos 8:11. The fastest growing “church” in Zimbabwe is a blend of African Traditional Religion and well known stories from the Old Testament. No scriptures are ever read or studied. In fact, members are not allowed to own a Bible or have one in their home. They must listen and obey their leaders – who call themselves prophets.

A Baptist Church member who used to be a prophet in this “church” testified that the only reason he wanted to be a prophet was to make money when he made prophecies for people. He openly admitted that his “prophecies” were fabricated lies that people wanted to hear and were willing to pay for. When he heard the true gospel preached he was convicted of his selfishness, repented, and is now a lay-leader who guides people to the Truth. Recently team member Gregg Fort had an opportunity to speak with some who follow this religion. They had become dis-satisfied and hungry for the Truth found only in God’s Word. Pray that the “famine” caused by the absence of God’s Word will cause these deceived people to Hunger and Thirst for the Truth. Pray that this “famine” will end in an abundant harvest for the kingdom of God.

Farming God's Way

Brett Barnhill of Reclaimed Ministries and volunteer Jesse Carver from Mississippi have spent this week in Zimbabwe to assist us in teaching widows in Mkoba township how to plant their gardens in a way that is based on biblical principles. While “zero tillage” was developed in Texas during years of drought, the idea has been expanded here in Africa. The basic principles of Farming God’s Way are: 1. Plant after the first heavy rain of the rainy season. 2. Plant In a standard/uniform manner.

3. No wastage – no plowing, no burning. Use the grass in the field for mulch to cover the plants and hold in the moisture. This will eventually disintegrate and add to the soil. Holes are dug a specific distance apart along straight rows. Fertilizer, seeds, and water are measured out for each hole.

4. Do your work and reap the harvest with great joy. Take pride in your work. Share what you have learned with others. Use it as a witnessing opportunity to others.

About 30 women participated in the three day workshop. In the morning they were taught the basic principles. In the afternoon the women put what they learned into practice as they prepared an experimental plot on the grounds of Mkoba Baptist Church. The women formed partnership groups based on the neighborhoods in which they lived so they could help one another. This helps build support and encouragement groups for the widows. Carver said he was amazed at how well received he and Barnhill were by the women. “They were respectful, listened, took good notes, they were humble learners and willing to try something new.”

Barnhill noted, “These women are already living out their faith in their community. This is just one more way they can reach out to their neighbors. We have encouraged them to share their seeds and their produce.” Next year Barnhill hopes to return to do a followup training where other important issues such as crop rotation and dealing with diseases and insects will be discussed. Pray for these women that God would take the seeds and fertilizer they have been given to produce an abundant harvest so the widows can take care of themselves and their children, and even have some left over to share with their neighbors. Pray that the women would be faithful to share what they have learned with their neighbors. Pray for their lost neighbors as well, that God’s Holy Spirit will be at work in them to bring about an abundant kingdom harvest.

Impending Drought

Last year was not a great year for rain for Zimbabwe. It apparently was not a great rain year for Angola and Zambia either as their rain feeds into the upper Zambezi River which flows down to Zimbabwe where it makes the stunning Victoria Falls.

About May or June the rain waters reach the Victoria Falls and it will look something like the first picture. Due to poor rains the Zambezi River is running far below normal capacity and second picture shows what the Victoria Falls currently look like.

After going over the falls, the Zambezi River continues through some gorges then becomes part of Lake Kariba. A large portion of our electricity in Zimbabwe is generated by the power station on the dam at the eastern end of Lake Kariba. Because the water level is so low, the generators are only working on 1/2 their capacity. (Our other major power source is currently not working at full capacity either as it is undergoing a three year re-furbishment plan.) SO - we are experiencing major power cuts once again. Even though the rains were few last year, some people were able to grow crops. In most cases, their stocks are now depleted and people don't have money to buy food in the shops. We have been told by weather experts to prepare for another cycle of drought years. Of course it won't only be the crops, but the livestock and the people who will suffer. This is not a pleasant thought at all. Pray that God would find a way to provide for His own living in Zimbabwe.

Farewell to Mark, Angie and Luke Byler

The true measure of faith is rarely realized in calm seas where the sailing is smooth. The strength of the anchor rarely tested in sheltered harbors. However faith in difficult circumstances and a firm anchor during tumultuous times; these are true treasures indeed. Imagine your power being off for more hours than on. Ice trays melt; drinks go to room temperature. Freezers defrost and food spoils. Imagine water not coming through pipes when you open the faucet and having to carry buckets of water to bathe and flush toilets. Imagine needing a quiet and restful day, yet constantly having people coming to your door, each with great needs which they expect you to meet. Imagine having to drive 50 miles over very bad roads; dusty, potholed, and barely wide enough for two lanes to get to the nearest grocery store, to meet with friends in town, to eat out, or just to have a break from your routine. Imagine trying to run a hospital where government funds, drugs and equipment fail to materialize and becoming reliant on generous donors to supply funds with which you must scrounge to resource scarce supplies. Then imagine doing it all alone. Are you there?

Since 1994, Mark and Angie Byler have served as long term volunteers at Sanyati Baptist Hospital. Mark is a doctor and Angie is a nurse. Their son Luke, just graduated from Rift Valley Academy in Kenya. Their faith is genuine, their joy in serving the Lord is unmistakable, their impact on their community is eternal. They have loved, served, taken care of volunteers as well as patients, have lived a life of interruptions, have done without, and yet their faith in our Lord lies anchored in Christ. Their lives serve as an example to each of us to be faithful and obedient to Christ – no matter where we are or what our circumstances. They can teach us that CHRIST HIMSELF is the true treasure for which we should be seeking and He is worthy of any sacrifice. Mark and Angie – we love you. You have blessed our lives. You will be greatly missed. Maita zvakanaka! (Well Done!) Fambai naMwari! (Go with God!) Submitted by Gregg Fort

Sanyati Makeover Completion Celebration

Just as many different groups of people played an important role in helping Nehemiah rebuild the wall around Jerusalem, so many different groups of people played a role in the refurbishing of Sanyati Baptist Hospital. This is how missionary Barry Robinson introduced the makeover celebration service in the chapel at Sanyati Baptist Hospital.

Representatives from the Baptist Convention of Zimbabwe, the IMB, BGR, volunteers, as well as local community leaders and people joined the hospital staff in the celebration service.

Dr. Mark Byler, long term volunteer at the hospital, shared that in 2007 Zimbabwe was in dire straits and this had a huge impact on the services the hospital was able to provide. There were food shortages, drug shortages, and the plumbing to the hospital had disintegrated so that there was rarely running water at the hospital. In addition to this, electricity shortages caused the power at the hospital to be off more than it was on. Dr. Byler wondered if they could even continue to keep the hospital open. He began praying about what to do.

Within a week he received an email from Mark Hatfield, the BGR (Baptist Global Response) representative for Africa, asking if they could help the hospital in any way: water, drug supplies, or needs of HIV+ patients. Mark said, “I am ashamed to say I didn’t know anything about BGR, but I knew Mark Hatfield.” That was enough for him to say,” Yes!” Soon after that, Hatfield made a trip to Sanyati Baptist Hospital to see the needs firsthand. He was shocked by what he saw. The hospital was empty because there was no running water. Many of the windows were cracked or broken. Ceiling boards were caving in and falling down, the electricity was off and there were limited medicines in the hospital. Hatfield shared that the first BGR project which began immediately was to completely revamp the water system so that there would be a steady supply of potable water to the hospital. They also provided funds with which medicines could be sourced and purchased.

But the needs Hatfield saw he realized could not be met by BGR alone. In 2008 he had the chance to meet with a select group of men in Tennessee. These men thought it would be good to have a five year refurbishment plan to give the hospital a complete “makeover”. Soon after that these men came to Zimbabwe to tour the hospital themselves and develop the plan. Pastor Peter Sierson was instrumental in the plan and became the stateside contact person for volunteer groups desiring to take part in the makeover. He helped match group skills with jobs that needed to be done. (To learn more about the events of the Makeover and see its progress check out these previous blogs: 9-5-2010; 5-20-2011; 11-25-2012; 9-10-2012; 8-26-2013; and 8-5-2014) The makeover began in earnest in 2011. For the past five years over 600 volunteers have sacrificed their money and vacation time to spend time working at the hospital. Some of the projects which have taken place in the overall makeover are: new roofing over the massive hospital complex, painting inside and outside, new electrical wiring with the installing of solar panels for use when the electricity is off, carpentry work and the installing of metal cabinets. Registered Nurse Gora stated that before the makeover there was a lot of disease in the hospital because the staff could not wash their hands and they did not have clean drinking water.

We are so much better off now and there is not a spread of disease now as there was then. She also mentioned that while most of the Sanyati area remains in “darkness” that the hospital is in the “light”. Now the doctors can operate whenever they need to, especially in cases of emergency. The electricity also helps us use the machines to sterilized equipment and run the lab as well as keep the incubators going for our premature babies. It has also helped us have improved communication and keep our medicines requiring refrigeration from spoiling. Mrs. Dhliwayo, a pastor’s wife and community leader shared how many of the volunteer teams also participated in evangelism and discipleship in the community around Sanyati. They shared meals with the folks at Sanyati.

She challenged those from the local community to learn from the volunteers who had come. We need to be sharing the gospel, we need to be discipling. We also need to have pride and take care of our hospital so that it will remain in good condition for a long time. There are many things each of us can do to help keep it up and it doesn’t cost anything to sweep! We want our children to have the opportunity to be treated here. We should not expect money for our work, we need to do it for God, just like the volunteers did. When the five year plan for the makeover was first presented and Hatfield saw the amount of money that would be needed and number of volunteers and man hours it would require, he said in his heart he wasn’t sure we could accomplish the task. “I was right,” said Hatfield, “we couldn’t. But God was able.” Volunteer representative Coy Webb closed by saying how valuable each volunteer team had been. Each had done different jobs, and money trickled in for building supplies from many places.

Many were faithful to do the job God called them to do and with His help the task was completed. This building is a testimony to His greatness! “We are here today to celebrate not what the volunteers have done, but what God has done. We have a mighty God.”

The Next Generation

As a newlywed, my (Donna Fort) first trip to Zimbabwe

was filled with sights and sounds that were seared on my mind.

Seeing Harare from the overlook,

hearing the roar of Victoria Falls, seeing the herds of elephants coming in to drink at the waterholes.

One of the most memorable events though was when my mother-in-law, Dr. Wana Ann Fort, took me on a tour of the Sanyati Baptist Hospital. Meeting the people who ministered to so many in Jesus’ name was awe-inspiring. At that time, I never dreamed that one day I would be giving my own daughter-in-law a tour of Sanyati Baptist Hospital!

Recently, our son Jason and his wife came back for a visit to Zimbabwe. The first thing on Shay’s list of things to see and do was to visit the hospital and some of the patients. First we went to the maternity ward where we admired the newborn babies and Shay prayed over them.

Then we went to the children’s ward. Shay gave each child a piece of candy and some colouring pages with colours.

Finally, we went to the home where expectant mother’s who are due soon stay near the hospital. Shay enjoyed passing out small gifts and tracts, sharing scripture and praying for each new mother and child, for the children in the ward, and for the expectant mother’s to have a safe delivery. What a special time! How blessed we are to see a new generation of godly children rising up to minister in the kingdom of God.

Heal the Sick, Preach the Gospel

“And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.” Matthew 4:23 The Medical and Veterinary Teams from Trinity Baptist Church of Lake Charles, LA traveled to the village of Nenyunga in Tongaland, (western Zimbabwe just south of the Zambezi River). Dr. Mark Byler from Sanyati Baptist Hospital joined in ministering with the medical team. Other local folks also helped with translation and other support work. This is the third trip to Zimbabwe for these teams. Veterinary ministry: Rusty Sittig, who assisted veterinarian Kyle Hebert, shared, “We weren’t sure what to expect the first day. We had been told there probably wasn’t much cattle in Tongaland. But when we arrived at the designated spot the first day it looked like all the cows in Zimbabwe were there! We treated over 1500 cows the first day!” Dr. Hebert added, “Altogether we treated 5754 cows with vitamin injections and dewormed them. We also treated some with pneumonia and I did surgery on one cow with a prolapsed uterus.” Medical ministry: The medical team was made up of three doctors: Dr.Mark Byler from Sanyati, Dr. Richard Landry and Dr. Barry Newton. Assisting them were nurses Mike Reed, Debbie Comeaux and Lynda Riche. Starr Livingstone also assisted Dr. Newton. The driver of the vehicle which transported the volunteers, Shumba, was the first to undergo minor surgery on the first day! He had a lipoma growing on his back shoulder which Dr. Newton was able to remove. Finally being free of this, he could not contain his joy and he said he couldn’t wait to get home to surprise his wife! Starr, the surgeon’s assistant grew up as a missionary kid in Nigeria and Liberia. (Her parents were with SIM). But the extreme poverty and destitution she encountered in Tongaland was shocking to her. She said, “Several men took their shoes off so the doctor could examine their feet and in some cases perform minor surgery. When they did this I saw that their socks were like rags. These were the fortunate ones though, many of the patients we saw did not have any shoes. I just kept thinking of that verse in the Bible – ‘the first shall be last and the last shall be first’. (Matthew 20:27) These are the poorest of the poor, they have so little. Their gracious and thankful attitudes, though they have so little, was quite humbling.” Starr also commented, “Even though many of us on this team have known each other casually through the church, our team really came together in an amazing way and God worked mightily through us.” She was thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this team. Vonceil Sittig and Harlie Sittig assisted Mandi Jordan, the Pharmacist. Mandi said her most memorable moment was when she gave one family medicine to treat their young child for an ear infection. The mother especially showed her deep gratitude by clapping her hands together and then putting her hand over her heart. It was a very touching moment. Dr. Barry Newton was also touched by the gratitude expressed by those being treated. He said, “In the story of the ten lepers in the Bible, Jesus’ experience was that only 1 out of 10 of those healed came back to say thank you. But here it is more like 9 out of 10! It really surprised me when one patient brought me a bag of corn!” Considering what a poor harvest year this has been for Tongaland, that bag of corn was a precious gift indeed! Amy Kerwin, who worked triage and registration for the medical team, shared how shocked she was at how desperate people are to get medical care and how hard it is to come by in rural Zimbabwe. “In the U.S. we really take for granted the availability of doctors and medicines. People in Zimbabwe do desperate things to get medical care! Some of the patients who came to our clinic walked for several days to get there, then waited patiently for up to three days to be seen, sleeping outside under trees overnight.” Logan Bath and Jamie Waterman were the youngest members of the team. Their job was to help keep the lines in order and help people get where they needed to go – to get to the right doctor, to find the pharmacy, etc. Jamie, a university student, said his highlight was being able to spend time with the children and play games with them. At first the kids were afraid because many of them had never seen a white person before, but eventually they opened up and enjoyed themselves. During the 4 ½ days in which the team held clinic, 1379 patients, and did 27 minor surgical procedures. Dr. Newton said one of the most difficult things for him was the patients who needed major surgery that he was unable to help. He was able to remove some small tumors and growths. Drs. Byler and Landry saw a wide variety of patients. One patient was an 8 month old albino baby. The mother was given sunscreen for her baby and taught the importance of putting it on her baby every day to protect him from the sun. Another lady brought her child which was severely malnourished as was evidenced by kwashiorkor. Hernias, back problems, ulcers, cysts and many other needs were seen to. Dr. Landry mentioned he hoped next time they could bring an eye doctor and a dentist as the needs in these areas were great and they were not able to meet them. One of the saddest cases they dealt with was a young child who had been abused and was very sick with herpes. One of the most unusual cases seen was a Norwegian man who happened to be hunting up along the Zambezi River. He had been charged by an elephant and had backed rapidly into a thorn bush. He had quite a number of deep puncture wounds and scrapes. He came back the day after he was treated to thank the doctors and bring them some elephant meat from his trophy! Pastor Steve said one of the things which shocked him was that the business center and shops to the Nenyunga village and clinic is 12 miles away. Everyone has to walk to get there. . . to buy food, to mail a letter, to do anything! Pastors Steve James and Greg Bath had opportunities to meet with chiefs and local community leaders, they were able to share Christ with the Norwegian hunter as well and remind him that God had spared his life. They also shared the gospel through translators to groups of patients who came to the clinic for treatment. One day, they were able to do ministry in the local school. All the school children in the school were assembled to listen to the visitors. The story of Zaccheus was shared and the gospel was shared. Thirty-five children prayed to receive Christ. Afterwards, each child was presented with three exercise books (similar to a spiral notebook) in which they could write their school work. On Sunday, they met with local Baptists and others who came together at the local school for a worship service. During the week, a total of 1075 people prayed to receive Christ through the veterinary, medical, and outreach ministries. SANYATI: One team member mentioned, “On our final morning in Tongaland our devotional reading was from Psalm 121, ‘My help comes from the Lord. . . He will not allow your foot to slip. . . The sun will not smite you by day nor the moon by night.” That day we packed up after spending the morning doing clinic, then headed toward Sanyati. The road was in disrepair and it took a long time to travel in our large overland vehicle. After dark we came to a rocky river crossing where the bridge had been washed out during the rainy season. The driver of our vehicle was quite concerned about crossing the riverbed with all of us in the vehicle so he requested that we get out and walk. It was very dark, with no lights anywhere. Our flashlights were packed in our bags. But just as we began to get out of the vehicle the bright full moon began to rise over us and we could see how to cross the river. God reminded me of the words from Psalm 121 once again as I walked across the riverbed knowing He was with me.” When they finally arrived at Sanyati, they celebrated Dr. Mark Byler's birthday with Red Velvet cake and Lemon Squares. Amy Kerwin, said her highlight was actually getting to Sanyati and walking around the Baptist Hospital there, seeing it for the first time after hearing about it for so many years.

Construction Team Talks about their Experience in Zimbabwe

The Construction team from Trinity Baptist Church in Lake Charles, LA was primarily made up of seasoned volunteers. They have worked from sunup to sundown doing whatever needed to be done. No job was too small or beneath their notice. This was, however, the first trip for Marcus Boudreaux. He found out about the need and, “I knew immediately that I had to go. And I was amazed at how efficient the crew was! I know that God allowed us to work faster and better over here.” When asked how God had spoken to him during his time in Zimbabwe Marcus commented, “I realized that I serve the creator of the universe, not just south Louisiana. I am in awe of the world and people God has created. The people of Africa are much closer to my heart now. I see how strongly the people love God here even though they have very few luxuries. They even seem to be stronger Christians than I am myself.” Marcus shared special music for us on Sunday morning at Gweru Baptist Church.

Brennan Freeland, Jordan Lyons, and Wilson Borosvskis are on their second overseas volunteer trip. “Getting to know my fellow team members and experiencing the camaraderie that is drawing us closer together,” was one of the highlights of Wilson’s time. “Some funny memories with the team will stick as well – such as getting on the underground in London going the wrong direction and all of us cramming into a kombie (van).” Wilson, the grandson of missionaries to Brazil, has had a longing to do something for the kingdom of God. “I’m not really good at meeting strangers and evangelizing, but I knew that God would be able to use the gifts he blessed me with on this mission trip.” When asked what he would tell others who were planning on going on a mission trip Wilson replied, “Pray! Pray! Pray! Also ask others to be praying for you. Be sure to prepare to give your testimony and a gospel witness as well. . . this is important for every Christian where ever they are.”

Brennan shared a touching moment that happened for him near the end of the time in Zimbabwe. “Sunday morning I had been reading my Bible and when I finished I put my pen in the Bible and then closed it. A few minutes later I was looking for the note my son had written me. I eventually found the note and the pen between the same two pages of Isaiah. As I reached for the note a scripture jumped out at me: ‘They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities; the devastations of many generations.’ (Isaiah 61:4 ESV) As I read this verse my eyes filled with tears to know that God knows me! He ordained this trip even before I knew I would be involved in it. He is able to use this group of ordinary guys to fulfill His works. It is truly an honor to serve such a magnificent God.” “Being away from technology has helped me hear God more clearly,” said Jordan. “He has shown me that I need to be more humble and that there is a lot more going on in this world that in my small circle with my needs and wants. I need to be thankful for what God has given me and not take for granted his blessings. When I get home I need to slow down and enjoy the things in life and not just watch time pass by.”

Several team members, including Jud Waldmeier, who is on his fourth mission trip, expressed how surprised they were to find Zimbabwe such a beautiful country. Jud also expressed, “Even though I was halfway around the world, I felt like I was meant to be here to hear a word from God specifically for me, delivered by missionary Gregg Fort on Sunday morning. His words rang true in my life in many ways.” Todd Honeycutt has been on 6 mission trips outside the U.S., four of which have been to Zimbabwe. His greatest challenge was the missionary lady who kept trying to serve him salad. He is apparently “allergic” to healthy food. His advice is bring lots of peanut butter! (Right Todd, like you really need peanut butter instead of the steak and potatoes and chicken and rice!) But seriously, he advises those who might be interested in going on a mission trip to make sure to, “be prepared both physically and spiritually. One needs to be flexible as plans often change. You can’t get uptight about that. It is also important that you stay plugged into the team – don’t be a loner.” He also mentioned that, “Being in Zimbabwe reminds me to thank God for the things I have such as health, my family, my church family and countless other blessings He has given me.”

“Knowing God is in control,” says Robert Bonvillain, “and knowing I can relax and do the work I came to do without being anxious if things don’t go as planned helps a lot. Time is in abundance in Zimbabwe. We have learned not to be in a hurry and just chill out and leave things in God’s hands.” One of the best things about coming back to work in Zimbabwe each year according to Robert and other team members is renewing acquaintances with nationals and missionaries. “These friends seem more like family to us.”

John Davis, contractor by trade, organized the work and assigned different jobs to various people. He said that it is always great to see a task completed – it gives a sense of accomplishment. When asked what advice he would give to someone considering going on a mission trip John stressed that they should, “jump in with both feet. Don’t doubt what God can do. . . Our God takes care of ALL things from beginning to end, from long before we start the trip and well after its over.” He also shared that God had been speaking into his life that, “missions is a calling that requires a more permanent commitment.”

Greg Bath, missions pastor of Trinity Baptist, came with the construction team and commented, “The most incredible part of this experience has been watching this team of men grow and bond together.” When we are building a team and preparing the team for ministry we tell them, “No matter what your skill level, God will use it and stretch you past anything you can imagine. . . if you are willing to say yes!”

Volunteer Construction Team Faces Challenges

The ten members of the construction team from Trinity Baptist Church in Lake Charles, LA have faced un-anticipated challenges in Zimbabwe as they have attempted to put a new roof on the library at the Baptist Seminary in Gweru. The first challenge was that the sheet metal roofing material which had been ordered from Harare (about 3 ½ hours away) was delivered two days late. So in the meantime they decided to replace and paint some rotten fascia boards.

Greg Bath, one of the team members, went into Gweru to get the lumber and supplies needed to do the job. He went to ALL FOUR building supply companies in town and was not able to get the material he was looking for. He managed to find some lumber, not really the right kind, but they made it work. . . When the roofing material was delivered it was discovered that the screws to fasten the roofing material to the rafters had not been shipped along with the material. . . So another two days delay before the screws arrived! Fortunately, they had brought some screws with them so they were able to get started. . .

After getting instructions from John, the team divided up to do their assigned jobs.

Brennan and Todd began measuring and marking where each metal sheet needed to be laid.

Then the men on the ground worked together to get the sheets up onto the roof.

Up on the roof, the other men moved the sheet metal and set it in place according to where the lines had been marked.

The new fascia boards on the porch outside the library were also fitted with new roofing.

Marcus is seen here fitting the screws into the roofing to hold it in place.

When the roof was complete Gregg Fort and Greg Bath did an inspection tour to see how nice the new roof looks!

Despite the delays and doing more than they came to do at the seminary, this fast and efficient team finished earlier than they anticipated.

They used their last days to do some maintenance and painting at Gweru Baptist Church as well.

Of course, break times were an important time of each day!

During one break time, Robert Bonvillain, the team leader said, “You couldn’t get these men to stand up in front of people to preach the gospel, but they are all gifted men who are willing to do what they can for God.” When the tabernacle of the LORD was constructed, God gave special giftings, skills, and creative minds to Bezalel and his assistant Oholiab to enable them to do the building and craftsmanship God desired. (Exodus 31:1-6) We are thankful for Robert and his team who have used their God given gifts and abilities for His glory here in Zimbabwe in the repairs done at our Baptist Seminary and at Gweru Baptist Church.

Bo Foreman shared that this was his third trip to Africa. He said, "I always have high expectations for getting things accomplished, but God always exceeds those expectations. He amazes me each trip. . . and removing me from the busy American lifestyle allows me to be still and quiet while I am here. I can hear him more clearly and see his hand at work through our team. God truly blesses my soul every time I put my time and talents to use for His Glory." More testimonies from the team will be posted in the next blog!