The John Ivins Worship Band from Richmond, VA, paid their
second visit to Bulawayo in October. Last year in December, the band came to
lead worship for the annual youth camp at Bulawayo Baptist Church, so this most
recent visit helped them to solidify and build on relationships that were begun
at the camp.
During a whirlwind two weeks, the band was able to help with
several ministries, by leading worship at Bulawayo Baptist, sharing with the
youth and young adult ministries, the twice weekly soup kitchen, and in several
area high schools.
One of the highlights of their visit was an afternoon block
party and braai (barbeque) on the street in front of the church, where the band
played (and I, Ramona Beam, got the opportunity, once again, to sit in with
them on keyboard). Several local choirs
and dance groups also had an opportunity to share.
There were jumping castles
for the kids, candy floss (cotton candy), and hamburgers for all of the more
than 400 people who came out for the Saturday afternoon fun. It proved to be
very effective as an outreach to the neighborhoods around the church. The
pastor of the church has declared that this was the “first annual” block party,
so hopefully we can convince the Ivins Band to return again next year for round
two. Please pray for the church as follow-up is done during the coming weeks
with those who came who are not members of the church.
The following week, the band was asked to come and share
music and a devotion at the bi-weekly soup kitchen at the church.
That morning,
as we arrived, a man met us as we were getting out of the car, asking for help
as folks often do. He approached one of the band members specifically, but I
sort of brushed him off and we went on inside. After the band started playing,
I was just sort of roaming around, taking pictures, helping to serve tea, and
all that. I noticed that this same guy was there, and he was really into the
music, even getting up and dancing around. I just felt a really strong sense
that I needed to go and talk to him.
As he told me part of his story (his name is Malcolm), I
found out that he was raised in a foster home, and his foster parents were
missionaries. I also found that he knew lots of things about the Bible, so I
just bluntly asked him, “Have you ever accepted Jesus as your Savior?” His
answer was, “No, but I would like to.” Well, how easy is that?!?
So I was able to share the Gospel with him, and as I shared,
I noticed that the guy sitting next to him was listening, very intently. At the
end, both of them accepted Christ. I was able to talk more, about baptism, and
the need to share what Jesus has done for them with family and friends. As I
watched Malcolm the rest of the day, I could see a new joy on his face. And I
did notice that he was talking to other guys around him, sharing his new faith
with them. Praise God!!
One of the most helpful aspects of the band’s ministry for my
strategy was time spent at the Bulawayo street market, playing music, and
visiting with some of the vegetable and curio vendors. This area has become a
significant outreach for the church, with a specific ministry to a group of
widows who work there. The band’s music and sharing will help serve as an
introduction for me to begin further ministry with these widows and others at
the street market, through Bible study, holistic ministries, and just loving on
them.
One of the band members said about this most recent visit,
“Our first time in Bulawayo was limited to leading the youth camp. Though we
did a few other things, that was our focus. This time has been so much richer,
because we not only were able to build on relationships and friendships started
last December, but we have seen deeper insights into the lives and culture of
the people of Bulawayo.”
