Isaiah 60:1 Arise and shine for your light has come and the glory of the Lord rises upon you!
Psalm 2:8 Ask of me and I will give you the nations for your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for your possessions.
In April, I (Jean) and four national leaders left for a week of revival meetings in Mbizo Zimbabwe. What should have taken 14 hours became 21 hours as we were delayed at the border for 7 hours due to a crazy technicality with the vehicle. Miraculously, we were finally permitted entrance to Zimbabwe. After arriving at our host church we were given a few instructions : 1) No political talk. 2) No mentioning the name of leaders in any way that could be construed as negative. 3) No negative talk about how things are or were. We were told if we abide by these rules that we would have no problems and we would be in no danger at all.
Only three years ago, life in Zimbabwe was horrendous. Political unrest and violence caused millions to flee. Uncontrollable inflation and corruption devastated a previously prosperous economy. There was no food, water, or electricity. Due to the total breakdown of civil services and basic sanitation, cholera was killing thousands of people.
When I asked some of the church leaders how they made it through the most difficult of times they said, “We just survived. I don’t know how, but we survived. We Zimbabweans, we are survivors It was by the grace of God we survived.” Those words penetrated deep into my heart as I was told testimony after testimony of the goodness and grace of God during the most difficult of times. They were not complaining, but they were sharing how God had been faithful. We were greatly blessed and humbled by the love and generosity of our hosts.
We came with a message of hope, bringing the good news of the Kingdom of God to a nation that has suffered beyond measure. The power and the love of God were demonstrated each and every night at the tent revival. Over 50 people gave their hearts to Jesus during the meetings, and many others were healed and delivered from evil spirits. The Spirit of God was poured out on a dry and thirsty land. Hope was brought to the hopeless and freedom to those who were bound. For this reason, Jesus died and rose again. What a joy to daily lay our lives down and see His resurrection power manifest!
As I reflect on the past week in Zimbabwe, I find myself very overwhelmed by the goodness and faithfulness of our God. Would you please join us in praying for Southern Africa and specifically for the nation of Zimbabwe? Let’s believe God for restoration of all that the enemy has stolen…Africa (Zimbabwe:) will rise up and be called blessed! We are so grateful for your prayers and monthly support! Indeed His glorious African bride is arising from the ashes of poverty, HIV/disease and the depravity of sin. Thank you again for making this outreach and so much else possible!
