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!