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!

Sunday School Teachers Workshop

Sunday School teachers from five churches in the Gweru Baptist Association recently came together for a workshop. The children’s teachers met together, the superintendent’s met together, and the teachers of youth, young adult, and adults met in another group. Donna Fort facilitated the latter group.

During the first session we discussed the original two reasons for which Sunday School came into being: 1) to win the lost and bring them into the church, 2) to teach God’s Word to Christians and help them become mature in their faith, leading them to actively engage in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible Study, witnessing, discipling others and fellowshipping with other believers. As part of the workshop, teachers were asked to share their testimony briefly with their partners.

Then they were encouraged to write down all the names of people they could think of who were lost so they could begin praying for them and look for opportunities to witness to them.

The teachers were encouraged to take one Sunday School class and teach a lesson on evangelism and then begin to hold their class members accountable for witnessing. In the second session Donna taught a lesson where “class members” were engaged in active participation and discussion. (This is different from the typical lecture style that many Sunday School teachers here use.) Participants had an opportunity to discover truths for themselves and then think of ways they could apply those truths in their own lives. It was a lively and at times humorous discussion and the teachers seemed very keen to try this “new” teaching method in their classes.