news from zimbabwe

BEITBRIDGE
The good news is that Christ is working. I have been able to meet brothers and sisters from across the country. It was a blessing to be at CBM Zimbabwe Northern Conference

in early August last year and the Southern Bible Weekend in the second weekend of October and the last weekend of November I was in Chivi blessed to be with Bro. Lovemore Zivanai and the members of the area in Christ. Also Bro. Museba and his sister wife from Masvingo graced the activities.
Bro. Joshua Pakali

BULAWAYO
At school I did Agriculture and I managed to get a “B” after my GEC ordinary level. At school I did many projects like chicken-rearing, rabbit -rearing and even bee-keeping. So I have sent you this five paged paper with some notes on how to rear goats on communal land. I got them from my project notes from school and some I did while I was working in Botswana. I hope this will help you and those who are keeping goats in Africa, Please let me know if you received my first information on poultry production. Very soon I will send you “Rabbit Production”. My brother, I have a question on the issue of Ex. 23:8. Please explain to me about bribes in an African context. Could you please explain Daniel 7. I know the fourth beast is Rome but please explain about the little horn and the Ancient of Days.
Bro. Dzingai Sumburera
Comment: We have now printed out these interesting papers on animal husbandry and copies can be obtained direct from Bro Dzingai. c/o CBM, Box 5125, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

CHEGUTU
Thank you very much for the Shona Bible Basics that you sent me; it is going a long way and will be quite useful because right now I have students whom I am helping to do Shona lessons. I have had a discussion, which I must say has been interesting with Stan, a friend of my cousin’s brother. He asked me about my religion and I gave him details of what we believe and preach and how we conduct our services and our correspondence courses. He did not understand what happens when we die, the devil, evil spirits and demons. After our talk, Stan then asked me if I had done studies with some college or university to have such knowledge. When I said no he could not believe it. He went on to say that the answers I had given him were some of the difficult answers to questions that had proved difficult to lecturers at the college he attends. Stan is a student at the University of Zimbabwe and he is doing Computer Science and Business Management. He is now an interested person who wants to start on the 40 lesson Course. Meanwhile I had a look at the bulletins of the Gospel Publicity League that you sent to my wife. It is quite amazing to read of so much activity in the Middle East.
Bro. Richard Phiri

I was baptized a couple of years ago and I have always enjoyed Gospel News. It is quite amazing how the nations are re-arming when the Bible in Proverbs 29:25 indicates that man’s fear will be his snare. These nations have fear of each other so much that they spy on each other to know of the advancements of military intelligence hence the re-arming. What does the Bible say to those who have faith in God? The same verse says that whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. I have been having terrible chest pains and a cough since August and I am receiving treatment now and hope, with your prayers and the medication that I am receiving I will be alright soon. I look forward to more information on current world affairs as the coming of our Lord draws near.
Sis. Hlezipi Phiri

CHIPINGE
To see Christ foreshadowed in the lives and circumstances of men like Melchizedek and David is not to suggest that “The Anointed” is simply another in a succession of great  figures in Israel’s history. There were many in that long history who were anointed as kings, prophets and priests but this “Anointed” would have unique status above all others: “Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows” (Psalm 45:7).
God had told Moses that He would raise up a prophet “like unto thee, and will put my words in His mouth” (Deuteronomy 18:18). But Christ would speak with an authority that not even Moses could command. The apostle Peter declared that, “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power” (Acts 10:38). On a sabbath day 1500 years after Moses, Jesus stood up in the synagogue at Nazareth and read from the prophecy of Isaiah, “The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:16-19 quoting Isaiah 62:1,2).
However reluctantly, his fellow Galileans in Nazareth, and later in Capernaum were forced to concede that here was a man who spoke as if the Scriptures had been written with him in mind: “And he began to say unto them, ‘This day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears’. And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded our of his mouth--- And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power” (Luke 2:21,22,32).The Jews were not mistaken in their expectation that their “Messiah” – “The Anointed” - would be their king. Their understanding was, however, incomplete. With the benefit of hindsight, it is possible to see that the Old Testament contains a wealth of detail concerning the Messiah, coming as a prophet, he would “preach good tidings, proclaiming ‘liberty to the captives” (Isaiah 61:1) not those in subjection to the Romans, but those under the domination of sin. At this, his first appearing, he would not be accepted by his fellow Jews. As a result, “the acceptable year of the Lord” would quickly give way to the day of vengeance of our God (Isaiah 61:2). As a priest, he would offer a unique sacrifice – himself - reconciling both Jews and Gentiles to God.
Jesus is now in heaven at the right hand of God and will soon return to the earth as Israel’s king. Sadly, with hundreds of Old Testament passages to draw upon, the Jews of Christ’s day had formed a picture of the Anointed One which could not accommodate their Messiah even when he came to them.
Bro Moses Dhlakama.

CHISAPE
The books you are sending help a lot in making us become spiritually self-sufficient. We should go into all the world and share the good news of the gospel. How did our turbulent world get to this point? Where are we heading? Have you ever asked such questions? Many feel somewhat lost when they look at the world scene. Realities such as warfare, disease and crime leave people wondering what the future holds. Government leaders offer little hope. However a reliable explanation of the distressing days is available from God in His Word. The Bible helps us to see where we are in the storm of time. It shows us that we are in “the last days” of the present system of things (2 Tim. 3:1). Consider, for example, the answer Jesus gave to some questions raised by his disciples. Three days before Jesus died they asked him, “What will be the signs of your presence and of the conclusion of this system of things?” (Matt.24:3). In reply Jesus told of specific world events and situations that would clearly show that this ungodly system has entered the last days. Things have become worse and not better. Actually this is a strong indication that God’s Kingdom is about to be established.
Bro. Edwin and Sis. Shumirai Katandika

I was so glad when I received the Oct-Dec copy of Gospel News. The articles written by my brothers and sisters are so good, encouraging, informative and comforting in our wilderness journey to the Kingdom of God. When the magazine arrived I was discussing “Where Women have no Doctor” with my wife, Sister Joyce. I thank CAT and the Hesperian Foundation for these medical books and “How to Grow a Balanced Diet”. I am always using these books and they are so helpful in our day-to-day living in my family. God bless. What shall I give back to the Almighty God for me to do likewise to other brothers and sisters. I salute you for the goats project which is a good start up as an agriculturist. 1) They can be housed easily, 2) They are tolerant of most animal diseases, 3) They produce good meat, 4) Their droppings are good for garden and field manure. Sure it is true that it is better to give a man a fishing rod and teach him to catch fish for a long time, than giving him a fish which is consumed in one day. My place is well for these animals. I am requesting these books published by CAT: “Wrested Scriptures” and “A Mighty Flame, Love in the Bible” by Mary Eyre, published by the Caribbean Pioneer.
Bro. Stanford Kunzha

Thank you for Gospel News and the book on Job. I enjoy reading the articles written by brethren and sisters worldwide. It is a long time since we had any writing contact but we are connected in Jesus and we always will be. Since my return from Harare God has looked after me marvellously; and four days after arriving back here I got a parcel of books. It was a great moment when I received them.
Sis Joyce Maugente

GURUVE
We must be faithful believers and work together like ants to build the church of God. We are now in the last days and must not be like the Pharisees and Sadducees who had hard hearts.
Do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come to wake up from slumber because our salvation is nearer now than when we believed.
The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light. Let us behave decently as in the daytime, not in orgies or drunkenness, not in sexual debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy (Rom 13:11-14),
Sis Loveness Ngunga

 
GUTU
Thank you very much for sending the information I requested on how to grow jatiopha plants. I read with much pleasure as the leaflets are very easy to read. I have so far planted some and hope that it will pay me some dividends in the near future. I also received with much pleasure the parcels of Shona Bible Basics. The first parcel I distributed to a school. They were very happy to receive them and are requesting more copies as you will see from the enclosed letter.
Bro. Tarirai Raphael Nyandoro

HARARE
The choice we make determines our eternal destiny. One leads to everlasting life and the other to condemnation. Abram was called to leave his country, his people and his home and go to the land to which God would direct him (Gen.12:1). It is hard to leave your friends, nice house and some of your family to go to a place you have never been to before, but Abram made a choice which determind his eternal destiny by following God’s command to leave Ur. He left as the Lord told him and he went with Lot, Gen.12:4-5. Abram’s choice was good because he believed in God. As he was to enter Egypt he said to his wife Sarai, “I know what a beautiful woman you are.” He said this because he was afraid that he would be killed by the Egyptians and they would take his wife. That is why he said he was the brother of Sarai. The Egyptians treated him well for the sake of his wife and he acquired cattle, sheep, male and female donkeys, menservants and women servants and camels (Gen.12:10-17).
Abram and Lot separated (Gen.13:5-13), Abram told Lot to choose first the land he wanted to have. Lot chose to pitch his tent near Sodom (Gen.13:5-13). “The Lord said to Abram, after that Lot had parted from him, Lift up your eyes from where you are and look north and south,
east and west. All the land you see I will give you and your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone can count the dust then your offspring can be counted.” (vs14-16). When Sodom was attacked and Lot was taken, Abraham rounded up his men and went after the king who had taken Lot and his goods and he recovered them (Gen.14:1-21). The choice is ours, brothers and sisters, to choose light or darkness.
Bro. James Zvitete

KARIBA
After reading well part of the Da Vinci Code my mind realized the English proverb, “Many cooks spoil the pot” and this is part of a novel. This type of confusion happened to the 2nd Thessalonians ch.2:3, “Don’t let anyone deceive you”, Paul warned his beloved. I am very much encouraged by Rom.1:8, nothing more than such words. The mind of man is like a computer. Whatever you feed it, it reflects that. I wish all my best to please God though I may fail in some areas, as Paul said, 1 Thess.4:1-12. When Paul was on his way to Jerusalem in Acts 21:12 what a wonderful courage he showed those with him, v.14.
Bro. David Mhondiwa

KARIBA
Very soon now, God’s kingdom in the hands of Jesus Christ, will destroy the wicked world and provide a great deliverance for those accounted upright and blameless (Proverbs 2:21,22: Daniel 2:44). All of God’s enemies will then perish, and those who love him will be as when the sun goes forth in its mightiness (Judges 5:31).Let us prove to be among the lovers of God by applying what we have learned from the scriptures.
The fundamental truth demonstrated over and over in the book of Judges is this: Obedience to God leads to rich blessings, disobedience to dire consequences (Deuteronomy 11:26-28). How vital it is that we become “obedient from the heart” to the revealed will of God (Romans 6:17; 1 John 2:17).
Bro Davison Mupariwa

KWE KWE
Christ, the spotless lamb of God, was about to present himself as a sin offering, that he would thus bring to an end the system of types and ceremonies. As he ate the Passover with his disciples he instituted in their place the service which was to be the memorial of his sacrifice. The national festival of the Jews was to pass away forever. The service which Christ established was to be observed by his followers in all lands and through all ages. The ordinance of the Lord’s supper was given to commemorate the great deliverance wrought out as the result of the death of Christ, till he shall come the second time in power and glory, this is to be celebrate. (1 Cor.11:23-26; Luke 22:16-18).
Bro. Raphael Mutoma

The offerings presented to the Lord were to be without blemish. These offerings represented Christ and from this it is evident that Jesus himself was free from physical deformity. He was the lamb without blemish and without spot (1 Pet.1:19). His physical structure was not marred by any defect. His body was strong and healthy throughout his lifetime. He was an example of what God designed all humanity to be through obedience to His laws. God had promised to give the firstborn to save the sinner. This gift was to be acknowledged in every household. Christ has power to save the world, if they will have him.
Bro. Melusi Ndlovu

MUTARE
Some brothers or sisters don’t gain partners but remain single. This is sometimes a cause for concern but it can be turned to good and the unmarried brother or sister is often a needed and valued member of an ecclesia. Marriage is but a parable of the greater time to come. The ecclesia is the mother, or bearer, of the children of God, who will ultimately be manifested as the sons of Diety. The devotion and love of brothers and sisters like Paul, Epaphras, Onesimus, Mary, Martha, Timothy, Luke, and Tychicus, is an example to every one of us. Their expression of love for Christ enthralled the whole ecclesia without being concentrated on a mortal partner. Paul said, “I am jealous over you with godly jealousy, for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you a chaste virgin to Christ” (2 Cor.11:2).
Bro. Gilber Tevere

TRIANGLE
I am writing to tell you that I was recently transferred by my work from *Triangle Estates to Zimbabwe Sugar Association - 20 km. from Triangle to the transferred place. I acknowledge receipt of the book “Where Women have no Doctor”. There have been several applications for the 40 lessons which will be dealt with by Bro. Gordon Ackeroyd. It is amazing and encouraging that there are more brothers and sisters accepting the Truth in Eastern Europe. May God bless them. Where I am now living is reminiscent of Sodom, where I am vexed amidst so many people in error and non-brethren. God willing the seed will germinate in truth and grow and produce fruits.
*Triangle Estates are cane sugar growing estates.
Bro. Kuvarega Mavuvo

ZVISHAVANE
I am very thankful for the work you are doing. The times we are living in are very dangerous as most people are drifting away from the Truth. Wherever you travel people are very much concerned with money issues which cannot give them a hope for the furure. My brethren, as much as time allows, let us keep on proclaiming the good news to all throughout the world. We are living under hardships but all in all we depend on the land. I am of the opinion that “until He comes whose right it is” we can temporarily depend on the land’s produce, if well tilled it, but all this needs the technical know-how. Brother Marcus, kindly I ask you to send me the book, “How to Grow a Balanced Diet”. It is my hope that this book will be of use not to me alone but to all with me here.
Bro. Sibangani Maka