Zimbabwe Members Cope Under Adverse Conditions

by André van Belkum

From Feb. 17 to 23 I visited members and other individuals interested in the teachings of the United Church of God in Zimbabwe. Mike and Primrose Mukarati, who supervise our office in Zimbabwe, accompanied me throughout the trip.

After arriving in the capital, Harare, we traveled to the town of Kariba where we have a number of members. I stayed at the Mukaratis' home, which overlooks Lake Kariba, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. There we held a Bible study and also baptized Sikhathele Sawona. Incidentally, Mike Mukarati works for Lake Croc, which is the largest crocodile farm in the world.

The next day we departed for Bulawayo, located in the southwestern area of the country. Along the way we stopped off to visit various members and other interested people. One such person was Marshall Takaindisa, who teaches English at a high school in an outlying area.

It is so encouraging to observe to what extent our literature, the truth of God we teach, helps and encourages people.

In his letter requesting a visit, Marshall wrote: "Thank you for the first four lessons in the 12-lesson Bible Study Course. They have really been helpful, especially 'Why Does God Allow Suffering?' I am physically disabled [he has muscular dystrophy, and is in a wheelchair] and that course helped me to reconcile the concept of a loving God with suffering.

"I had always had questions on how a loving God could allow so much misery and suffering in the world. Your books have helped me in my growth as a Christian, especially the way you explain the fundamental teachings of the Bible, and have been very impressed by your faithfulness to God's Word."

We spent a number of profitable hours in discussion with Marshall.

Our literature is making a huge difference in the lives of many people.

Our journey ended in Bulawayo, where we held a Bible study the afternoon of Friday, Feb. 22, at the home of Stephen and Vetina Tshabalala, long-standing members who have faithfully served over many years. On the Sabbath we held a service with 19 people in attendance. I returned to South Africa later that afternoon.

Life for the average Zimbabwean has become full of hardships and daily challenges. The rate of inflation rose to 100,580 percent in January this year, and economists predict that the rate of inflation will continue to increase in the months ahead. The highest denomination is a 10 million dollar note, which will hardly buy a loaf of bread.

Food prices have been among the highest contributors to inflation. The price of bread increased by 100 percent in the week I was there. Food stores stock very few, if any, basic food items such as bread, milk, cheese, cooking oil, sugar, meat, cheese and so on.

However, because of their firm beliefs in the teachings of the Church about what the Bible says regarding the future Kingdom of God, our members are rooted in and focused on the good news of a better world tomorrow. Yes, they are struggling and facing hardships now, but there is hope beyond the present situation. The sermon tapes and literature from the Church are there as a constant reminder of a better life for all.

I witnessed this hope, this desire, this anticipation among our members in sharp contrast to others I spoke to who were not privileged to have this knowledge. The members in Zimbabwe appreciate your prayers for them. UN