We’re here in Zimbabwe! We arrived in Bulawayo two weeks ago, Tuesday, after many hours of travel. We overnighted by bus from Jo-berg to Bulawayo, across country, border and sandy brushland. My whole squad traveled together on that bus; that was fun and reminiscent of our departure from the U.S. to South Africa. It always feels right to be living in community with those people. They truly are my family.
Zimbabwe is very different from SA. The landscape couldn’t look more unlike J-bay and Nelspruit. It is dry here (tres secheresse), largely due to the severe drought we are in here. Pray for rain! It misted a titch today, but nothing significant, so prayers are very welcome for that.
My new home is Burkes Paradise. When we pulled into the dusty, desert-like city of Bulawayo, I was almost sure that Paradise was going to be false advertising. I couldn’t have been more wrong. This hostel is stunning. It feels like something out of Pride and Prejudice.
I keep somewhat eagerly anticipating tenting in the dirt, squatty potties and bucket showers, but God has had other plans thus far. His are SO much better than mine. This host home is the biggest blessing. Adam and Vicki are the owners of the hostel, and are my team’s ministry partners for the month. They are some of the kindest, most devoted Christ followers I have ever met. By the second day of ministry, I felt as though I had known them my whole life (thank you Lord!).
Our schedule has been packed since our arrival. We start our days of ministry at 6:50AM, and by the time we get home at the end of the day I struggle to recall all the things we did. Even though I am physically tired before 9 PM each night, my spirit is full of life and my heart has renewed joy here.
This country is in a drought in many ways. Running water is in short supply here, and many people are without it. Electricity is also a rarity, and most homes in the city don’t have any. If they get electricity it is at unhelpful times (i.e. the middle of the night when everyone is sleeping).
Their economy is also struggling. There have been many poor decisions made, which have caused a substantial decline in their economic power. Zimbabwe used to have their own currency, but due to poor management it devalued so much that they moved to using USD instead. They hoped this would boost their system; however, additional poor decisions inspired them to introduce bond notes into the system. As they continued to print bond notes, they ended up devaluing the US dollar in Zimbabwe. It has lost so much value that now a generic tub of ice cream can cost up to 110 US dollars.
Even still, these people are some of the kindest I have met. They are warm, welcoming, and self-sacrificing. They love their country! They stay here because they love it. Even though they could leave, they don’t. They are at times discouraged and frustrated with the status of things, but yet they strive on. I admire them for their loyalty.
Their faith is also inspiring. As we have partnered up with several people throughout this week, and have interacted with the community, I have met many Holy Spirit filled individuals. God is in Zimbabwe. We get to preach in schools here. We get to go to hospitals and disabled homes and pray for the patients. We have even gone into the Police Department and done devotions with some of the officers. Wow! Can you even imagine if America did that!? There are so many things we can learn from the Zimbabwean people, and the Zimbabwean church.
I am soaking it all in. I also ask for your prayers for this country and these people. My team has done a lot of evangelism since our arrival, and that will continue to be a theme for us in Zim. My hope is that we bring encouragement to the people. That whether or not they know Christ or come to know Him through those conversations, that they feel seen and loved. Pray for the hearts of the people. Pray for the drought and lack of electricity. Pray for their government.
Thank you for your continued love and support, as my team presses into the middle/end of our second month of ministry. We have gotten into a rhythm of life with one another, and are each starting to grow in cool ways. This month we are working on learning and practicing our spiritual gifts. I am proud of my sisters for the ways they are stepping out in faith. They have been listening to the Holy Spirit, and are not letting tiredness or lies of the enemy stop them. Pray that continues for us!
Today is a much needed sabbath day. My plan is to take a nap soon, as I am still getting over a cold, have a headache and have been trying not to be chronically tired for the past week. If you want to pray for that as well, I would appreciate it. Thank you!
With love and joy,
Liesl
P.S. Photos to come. Nothing would upload today.
