Life in Zimbabwe - 2 Cor 5:14-15

Hello all. We are in the most beautiful accommodation in Zimbabwe I think the Lord could find. We are in a home where some Australian doctors I think own it and they come several times a year to visit places and help in the country and in the meantime people like us are able to use it. We are blessed with a beautiful garden in which to sit and relax and a cook/cleaner so far more than we thought and so give thanks for everyday!

Since our travel Jim and I have got full on head colds so are going through the tissues. The first day here I was blessed to be invited to the first international womens conference here in Zimbabwe. It was very interesting and we are learning alot about the churches here in Africa and the challenges that they are facing. The speaker posed some very interesting questions on doctrinal issues that I am still questioning and spoke to her at the time on. But it is one issue here amongst others, is false doctrine, but then who is to say we have it right? If you fight and quarrel then you are still of the world. It is all about Christ cruicified and other things just seek to distract us from the truth and purpose of His love and forgiveness.

The next day we spent time with a contact given to us previously which was really wonderful and learnt a bit of what goes on here. We were blessed as they showed us around town and gave us some insights.

Then yesterday we were picked up and taken to their church which we really enjoyed. The Lord gave some words of knowledge for healing and opportunity to present them, so was blessed to be able to pray for some people. We then were invited back to their place for lunch which was just wonderful and we spent time more talking on various issues which was just great.

Something the Lord has showed us and we are praying into are some of the strongholds over peoples lives here and would ask that you would pray with us to see things change in these arenas. Such as fear, despair, hopelessness - a no way out thinking & succumbing to it, death, worry & anxiety and also disunity. None of these things are of the Lord but looking at some of the history in this place is understandable why these things are so strong but nothing is impossible for the Lord and pray that His love would break through into each situation where people struggle in these areas. Alot of these things we believe are buried deep within peoples hearts and things are covered over as things are changing. Please pray protection over particularly me as I become aware of these things that I don't pick them up or carry them as my own.

There are no definite plans at this stage ahead. This afternoon we are praying for a neighbour who saw us praying for a lady who came asking for help and so wants us to pray for her. Tomorrow we are going to Dave's house and joining in on some teaching on the prophetic that he is teaching some pastors and then Wednesday meeting with a lady who helps with the settling of children into homes. Something people are very good at here is helping those in need as there are opportunities everywhere, whether it be a soup kitchen, or orphanages or whatever.

2 Cor 5:14-15
"For the love of Christ compels us because we judge thus; that if Christ died for us, then all died and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves but for Him who died for them and rose again".

Something we are learning and asked for impartation in Botswana for, was the African way of preaching and teaching, it is really an art form that is wonderful. We so enjoy the preaching in these nations. :)

Much love to all - Jim and Sarah

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