news from zimbabwe

BANKET

When God is directing your life you will have no time for trivialities. This does not mean that you should treat small things as unimportant, but it does imply that you must conform to the guidelines of love, patience, kindness, forgiveness, goodness and self-control that are God-given and Divinely inspired. Then you will view every happening in your life in the light of this broader context. In the spiritual life there is no room for pettiness or narrowness of outlook. To hold a grudge against a person, to refuse to forgive, to find pleasure and satisfaction in the downfall of another, are a few of the symptoms that reveal an immature spirit that is reflected in a narrow, mean and shallow attitude that can have no part in God’s plan for your life.

If you are sincerely striving to live by the will of God something of the greatness of our Divine Father will be captured in your spirit and be reflected in your outlook and attitude. You will be able to differentiate between what is important and unimportant and develop the perception that will enable you to appreciate the small things of life without allowing them to deviate you from the big. As you live to the glory of God, even the apparently small things, take on a special significance.
Bro. David Banda Yelulani

BEITBRIDGE

A man’s steps are directed by the LORD. In his heart a man plans his course but the LORD determines his steps. The things I ask God, O Lord, do not refuse me before I sleep. Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me my daily bread, the spirit of truth. I believe there is a proper time and procedure for every matter though my misery weighs heavily upon me and I know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose. The universe, the sky. the sun, moon and stars and the clouds and rain, the earth, creation, form and movement, declare God’s glory; and I despise myself and repent. I enjoy sowing the seeds of truth and as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is the Lord’s Word.

Despite being in isolation I should think, God willing, in due course, with some contacts getting serious to know the Truth, an ecclesia will be established. Some of the contacts are on the Bible course and are sounding very interested, and it has become a way of life for them that, during the day when they are on their own, they talk together, and discuss their studies. When I am at home, they join me and we spend our time together with the Word of the Lord, and I try my best to answer their questions from Scripture, as it is written.

Baptism of Bro. Witness Majechain May 2003 in Lake Kariba

My prayer is to see the contacts blossom and be baptised in the spirit of Truth, like my Brother Witness Majecha’s baptism; was to my joy he has sanctified his wife, baptised in 2006, while his children also are growing up in the Truth. Since Brother Witness Majecha’s baptism in 2003 in Lake Kariba; the Kariba ecclesia has been blessed by God adding brothers and sisters.

Times are evil of course; the good news is that I am welcome to speak the Truth in spite of opposition in some places. With the help of God an ecclesia will be established here in the course of time. Here I miss fellowship with my brothers and sisters desperately, and leave all in the hands of God – may He bless them all.
Bro. Joshua Pakali

CHIBOWE (near Rimbi)

Let God ease your burden, “You answered me when I called to you, with your strength you strengthen me” (Psalm 138:3).

How do you cope in a crisis situation? When urgent action is required and you reach the point of despair because of your feeling of inadequacy, what do you do, and how do you deal with the situation? There are those who struggle blindly on, relying on their own resources. Very often their efforts are to no avail and they fail miserably. There are others who feel that the whole situation is beyond them and, overwhelmed by the circumstance, they sink into a slough of hopeless desperation. As a follower of Christ you have the assurance that the living Lord is with you in every facet of your life. In good times and in bad times he is your constant companion, guide and mentor. No matter where you are and whatever the circumstance may be, Jesus is at your side awaiting your cry for help. In your difficulties turn to Christ and let him direct and strengthen you. You will experience the lifting of the burden of worry as the Lord takes over and lightens your load.

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills; from whence cometh my help? My help cometh from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1,2).

Where do you seek help? Is upward the last place you look? Do you search out relatives, friends, neighbours, anyone who can help you – anyone but God? When those helping hands fail you, do you become discouraged and depressed? God did not mean it to be that way (Psalm 121:1,2). My help comes from the One who made this earth, from the One who made the heavens: where else could there be help so great? Since you have the best help available, why look around for inadequate substitutes? In God you have more help than you could ever need, so just seek Him and ask for it and it will be given you.
Sis. Chioniso Sainah

CHISHUMBA

I am writing to let you know that I am still alive and kicking and marching forward in the Truth at Chishumba ecclesia, and I still need to receive Gospel News regularly.

It is time to make our choice final – to follow Christ with all our heart, soul and mind – or go to eternal death. Bro. Thompson Changata

CHISHUMBA

Moses was speaking to the whole assembly of the Israelites in Deuteronomy 30:11-20 when he made to them the offer of life or death. He says in verse 19: “I call heaven and earth this day to be witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life so that you and your children may live”. He goes on to say in verse 20: “And that you may love the Lord your God, listen and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life”. Moses told them to choose and Joshua told them the same in Joshua 24:1-27. Verse 15: “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourself this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the river, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord”. Here Joshua chose to serve the Lord.

The Teacher says in Proverbs 8:10 “Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold”. Lot in Genesis 13:11 chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan. We read in Luke 10 of Martha’s complaint to the Lord Jesus about her sister Mary leaving all the work to her.. In verse 42 the Lord Jesus said, “But only one thing is needed: Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her”.

As in Deuteronomy 30:11-20 and Joshua 24:1-27 God has today given us the offer of life or death through His son, the author of life. What is our choice? “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord”, that is what we have chosen.
Bro. Norman and Sis. Grace Kamutikaoma

CHIVI

The Israelites had been protected from the different plagues, but the greatest mercy ever shown the Israelite people came in their crossing the Red Sea. It has been calculated that the passage was twelve kilo meters across; imagine what a crossing that was for two or three million people!

God’s people would have been in Canaan in about eleven days had they been obedient. Well over a million deaths took place in the wilderness; all who were above twenty years of age at the time they left Egypt. What a cemetery the wilderness became. We learn from the New Testament that this was because of unbelief (Hebrews 3:17-19) it was not until forty years had passed that those who were left entered the promised land. Because of unbelief today, many will not enter the Kingdom to come – those who don’t have faith in the sacrifice of Jesus. The Israelites with the pillar of fire to give them light did not have to stop at any time because they couldn’t see the way. They didn’t have to stop because of danger. Had Israel been obedient, the Lord would have driven seven nations out of the land of Canaan in a matter of days. Think how happy the Israelites would have been – but they wanted to go back to Egypt. We must learn lessons from their experiences.
Bro. Isaac Ngara Vheremu

GWANDA

I was admitted to hospital last month, and am now taking T.B. tablets. I was not well when Brother and Sister Moore were in Bulawayo when I went there. I was taken to hospital by ambulance and I was in a serious condition. I thank God for His mercy, because I didn’t even know whether I would come through the illness. But by God’s power and blessing I am now at home, though I have a problem walking: I cannot walk more than 500m, as my feet are painful. I pray for the Lord’s help.
Sis Sibongile Moyo

HARARE

Let us go back towards the end of the Lord Jesus’ life. He is with his disciples in the upper room. Here is his final accomplishment of his duty on earth.

I will quote the incident from the two Gospels (KJV) (Mark 14:22-24) “And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and break it, and gave to them (his disciples), and said, Take, eat: this is my body”. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, “This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.” Yet he was there in the flesh.

What did this mean? What was its significance? By this act the Lord Jesus Christ pledged himself before God, before angels and before mankind, that he would not stop short of dying for the world. He showed that he was faithful “even unto death.” Just as he had been faithful in life, he determined to complete God’s plan for his sacrificial death in his mind, will and being. He was showing his disciples and the world as a whole that he was going one step further: he was going to be faithful “even unto death.”

When we take a look at the Gospel of Matthew it says: “And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink ye all of it” (Matt.26:27), and when they took the cup, they drank to that pledge as well. They were made partakers in the same pledge as their Master, and likewise pledged themselves. “My blood of the New Testament.” From that time onwards the Lord’s followers have been taking the cup and pledging themselves.

And when we read from early writers like Hippolytus of Rome (2nd Century), he tells us that five of the disciples were crucified, just as Jesus was; others died by the spear and sword, and three died natural deaths, but after enduring torture. So it meant for them just what it meant for their Lord, “My blood of the new testament.” This further shows us the degree of faithfulness to which they pledged themselves that night, with, of course, the exception of Judas Iscariot.

When we read the Apostle Paul’s letters we discover; “Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin” (Hebrews 12:4). They were expected to resist “even unto death”. Again in the book of Revelation, to the church in Smyrna the Lord Jesus commanded; ‘Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Rev.2:10).

Brothers and Sisters, always remember that when breaking bread and taking the Lord’s cup, you are pledging yourselves “ – “Even unto death.”
Bro. Ernest Leboho

Our new hall has its own box address: CBM, PO Box 8180, Harare. We put our hope in God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment (1 Tim.6:17). Maybe God has a plan for us as he did for the Israelites when they left Egypt.

Thank you for your support of uplifting us to know more about the Word of God. When we read our Bible daily we gain more experience, and by this we know how God wishes us to live. Even during these days of world problems we, as Christ’s followers, know the end of every matter. Christ shall come – there is the end of every matter.

The Bible tells us (2 Chronicles 15:2-7), where the prophet speaks to Asa: “The Lord is with you when you are with Him. If you seek him he will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. For a long time Israel was without the true God, without a priest to teach them and without the law. But in their distress they turned to the Lord, the God of Israel and sought him, and he was found by them. In those days it was not safe to travel, for all the inhabitants of the lands were in great turmoil. One nation was being crushed by another and one city by another because God was troubling them with every kind of distress. But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded”. This message applies also to us as we walk towards God’s Kingdom – we experience many problems, but we must be strong in our faith. We read of wars in the daily news; food problems in most parts of the world; health problems world-wide. Who beside God can solve these things? Let’s draw near to Jesus now; the signs of his coming are evident, although those still in darkness cannot see them.
Bro. Israel Mutunduwe

KADOMA

We are now living in rural areas but still using the same address.
Bro. Lovemore and Sis. Noma Tungaza

It is said, ‘birds of a feather flock together’. How does this statement affect us as Christians? Let us listen and learn a great deal from the words of
Hymn 268:

“Brethren let us walk together, in the bonds of love and peace”
Let us help each other on the way/road
Then let each esteem his brother better than himself to be
Happy are we when in this we all agree.”

These words are so inspiring that they erase ideas of selfishness and selfish ambition. “Two are better than one; when one falls, the other will lift him up.” “Those who live selfishly will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21 and verses 22-26 to cap it all).

Hymn 268, then, is a great read and exhortation if we care to listen to it and follow its instructions, see Philippians 2:1-5, verse 4 in particular, “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also the interests of others” – Hymn 268. We hope the coming of Christ can no longer be delayed to right all the wrongs in the world we live in.

Messages do fly between people, some through mail and some through tele- and cell-phones and the ever-advancing technologies which have given birth to the internet. And the greatest message it carries is not given the publicity it deserves. What is that greatest message? Of course I mean the Bible message which is only available through the greatest book of all time – the BIBLE ITSELF. If only every man and woman would use and follow this book, then the world we live in would never be as it is. It would be a better place to live. Let us then be frantic in our efforts to pass on messages from the Bible, compared with which the aforementioned man-made gadgets do not last. Thank you for Gospel News, I enjoy it very much and it is a means of learning, and further expanding our knowledge horizon since it carries the ideas of so many brothers and sisters. When I was reading some of the articles, I came across the free dictionary/thesaurus which you are giving. I would be most grateful if I could receive it also; it will also benefit my wife and children. My sons are doing the Christadelphian Sunday School course and I feel they would love, and benefit from the dictionary.

Being in isolation, I would appreciate it if you could send me more material for preaching – info that you have not sent me before. I thank you in advance and hope the request will meet your usual support.

It is so encouraging to us younger ones when we have such dedicated elders in the Lord’s vineyard like you. May you continue to be such and do not hesitate to send more literature which we always receive with gratitude. I have just been mourning my father, who passed away in Mozambique. We tried in vain to repatriate the body to Zimbabwe but did not manage due to non-co-operation on the part of his employer. He was finally buried in Mozambique. We did not manage to go as I do not have a passport.

I am missing brothers and sisters at the Chegutu meeting since we are now in isolation in Kadoma where we are trying to preach the gospel, God willing we hope to start up a new ecclesia.
Bro. Itai P. Tembo

Comment: We send our loving sympathy in the falling asleep of your father, God be with you all.MH

KARIBA

God is very wonderful in that He created the heavens and the earth. On the first day He formed the light so that there was separation between light and darkness. Water followed, and the dry land – the waters were gathered together and called seas. He also, from the earth, caused vegetation to grow, plants yielding seed and fruit trees bearing fruit with its own seed. He created evening and morning. He also created living creatures and finally He made man (Gen. 1:1-26).

God first created all the sources needful for man, whom He created last: He balanced His creation so that every component would benefit from the others. As His children, God wants us to make even and true balances, for if we make false balances we will be open to punishment. Proverbs 11.1: “But a just weight is his delight”. We should ‘weigh’ ourselves by the scale of the Bible to see if we have the acceptable ‘weight’, or way of life, required by the Lord (Proverbs 16:11; 20:10). When we are baptised we are not immediately granted salvation, but we should be able to avoid temptations which come our way. We know that Jesus, after his baptism, was full of the Spirit and he was led into the wilderness to be tried. In all his temptations Jesus relied on the Scriptures, saying “It is written …” Matthew 4:4-10) This confirms that our Bible is the scale by which we can balance our actions to please God.

We must make right decisions or sacrifices so that we have the correct balance as we walk in God’s ways, always weighing our actions against the guidance of Scripture.
Bro. Emmanuel Mhondiwa

Thank you for sending me information to remind me what I should look for – betterment of my life, and signs of the times. This is the time like those of Noah, when men are busy only with the things of this present life; getting more money and materials that lead to pride. The poor and hungry are making underhand deals seeking to improve their conditions. Others are preaching in our Shona language ‘Mari is Mwari’ meaning ‘God is Money.’ The lack of Truth is blinding both the old and young because of life’s problems. Jesus warned in Matthew 24:11-12, “Many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold”.
Bro. David Mhondiwa

KARIBA

Bringing laud and praise to God is something that needs to be on a much higher level. First of all this requires gratitude. We could not praise God if we were not truly thankful. Secondly we must adore God – we must laud and praise Him in adoration of His omnipotence, magnitude and majesty. Thirdly if we wish to show esteem for Him, we must also profess this praise around others – we cannot always only praise God in private. That is not the praise of God.

The Psalmist often speaks of praise. I think in particular of the following verse, “Praise the Lord, O my soul and forget not all his benefits”. How quickly we forget everything the Lord has done for us. I am reminded of the people of Israel. They beheld tremendous miracles, had walked through the Red Sea, had witnessed the defeat of the Egyptians and a few days later they had already forgotten all of this. They complained that there was not enough to drink, not enough to eat. Suddenly all the difficulties, suffering, oppression, care and sorrow they had endured in Egypt was as though it had never happened. They had forgotten about all the miracles they had experienced. We human beings are very forgetful. For this reason let us always think about the good that God has done to us and praise Him – let us count our many blessings – let us endeavour to maintain this fundamental tone of thankfulness and be thankful praisers of God.
Bro. Witness Majecha

KWE KWE

Jesus of Nazareth, the true Messiah, whose hands and feet were pierced, was brought like a lamb to the slaughter, and was a man of sorrows. He shall come the second time in the clouds of heaven and with the trump of the archangel; he will stand upon the Mount of Olives. He shall be King over all the earth. The groaning and lamentations of creation shall cease and songs of praise and thanksgiving shall be heard. When Jesus comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels, the dead believers will be raised. Universal peace will ultimately prevail. This is the day which all believers should long and hope for – “And then shall they see the son of man coming in the clouds with power and great glory”. The long-continued rule of evil will be broken. Christ will reign for ever and ever (Rev.1:7; 1Thess. 4:16-18; Rev. 11:15).
Bro. Melusi Ndlovu

MATABISA

Our small ecclesia in Zimbabwe is growing spiritually, and the Sunday School especially is doing well. We are still spearheading for the number to increase. We will continue to preach the word and do our best to continue. We are already distributing reading materials to readers, students and schoolchildren with reliable information concerning the Kingdom of God. Please continue supplying us with relevant material.
Bro. David Ngwenya

MT. DARWIN

Keep on watching for the time has come for our Lord Jesus to appear. How do we know? By the signs of the times, death, so many sicknesses and false religions. Let’s be wise builders, not foolish (Luke 6:48-49). We must be like the seed which fell on good soil and produced crops (Luke 8:8). No-one knows the day or hour when the Son of Man is coming, so we must be alert and not be led astray, or like others who sleep. We must watch and be self-controlled (1Thess.5:6-8).

Thank you for Gospel News which encourages me to uphold the Truth. Sorry it has been a long time since you heard from me. The problem is that my health is not so good, because I have lost the sight in my right eye and it is very painful. So I can now only use my left eye. When it is windy I don’t go outside the room because it will be impossible for me to see or raise my head. So I’m asking for some shades. But what I know is that God will do something for me, because He is the best helper.
Sis. Esther Chigiji

MUTARE

Thank you so much for sending me Gospel News with the article which I wrote. Thank you too for the other literature you enclosed.
Bro. Gilbert Tevere

MVURWI

Thank you for your help with the word of God, which you give us regularly. Please keep it up. I want to tell brothers and sisters to keep on praying. “Every word that men shall speak they shall give account of in the day of judgement”. Jesus will come to every one of us. There will be signs in the last days in the sun and the moon. This generation shall not pass away till Jesus comes, then the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Some of the virgins took insufficient oil for their lamps – let us not sleep as others. We watch the signs for the second coming and we pray for Jesus to return. Take heed to yourselves.
Bro. Nobert Kachasu

RIMBI

In God there are no poor but there are great riches. In God real treasure lies not in what can be seen but what cannot be seen. Jesus told us to put our treasure in heaven not on earth where there are rust and robbers; so let us put our treasure in what cannot be seen. I pray that God can help all brothers and sisters to know the way to pass through so that when Christ rules with his might we shall say, “Oh! See the Son of God”.
Bro. Dzingai Sumburera

RUWA

Thank you very much for the Bible you sent me. I am now happy enjoying my daily Bible readings again. Yes, Sis. Ruth and Bro. Steve Moore came to Harare on 10th August 2007 and wanted to meet me on 11th August but I did not get the information about them in time as I received the letter about ten days later when they had already returned home. I am a good shoe repairer (a cobbler) which helps me when I have enough tools and materials, but after the fire destroyed my house I lost everything. I have just started to buy bits and pieces that I may gain my skill again although it may take me some time to be fully equipped.
Bro.Maxwell Mlakah

Centre Sister Esther Chigiji

TRIANGLE

I was happy to receive the updates about Israel, I am now the newly appointed Secretary for Triangle Ecclesia. Many thanks to you for the NIV Bible with references and a dictionary. God bless C.A.T. Please keep sending me Gospel News. The brothers and sisters in Triangle are thankful and in full support of the missionary work you do for us Zimbabweans. Brother, the world is full of problems – the Lord cannot come soon enough.
Bro. Kuvarega Mavuvo