Look what I got to do!

Ministry day with Greendale & Msasa congregations in Zimbabwe

When we arrived at the Kingdom Hall to prepare for the ministry, the friends were already signing before our bus could park. What a wonderful sight and beautiful sound. We learned that the friends practiced 4-5 hours each Sunday for the past year!  What love they showed - especially as one sister cried as she sang "He Will Call."  

Got to work with Elizabeth in service. She is part of the Shona congregation so I had a mini language course while we went from door to door.  Her oldest daughter says that this is "her" month because not only will she turn 15, but she will also be getting baptized at the convention this weekend.  Notice the gift she had for me - African cloth. What's special is she had a skirt made for herself with the same fabric so that we can be sure to see each other again at the convention. So sweet!!!!

The ministry here is very fruitful. One older sister said she recently placed 700 magazines in a single month. Her husband has difficulty walking.  So he will sit in the boot (trunk) of his car and has been known to place 40 mags an hour - right out of the back of his car.

Anyone remember that WT study article about the difference between secular and divine education. It showed in a series of pictures how we can choose to live our lives. I remember that it seemed to layout my life over time. I had experienced almost everyone of this pictures in my professional and personal life.  Except this one - until now!  Goosebumps

To make sure we made it back to the hall for the afternoon lunch and program, the brother brought his jeep around for us.  Problem was there were 9 of us and only one jeep.  Or at least I thought it was a problem until Violet hopped into the boot.  Not wanting to miss out in having the fullest African experience, I hopped in after her. Picture proof soon to come thanks to Byron!

Evening with friends

Over 400 friends gathered at the Cresta Lodge for a special dinner and entertainment. At our table, we had the privilege of getting to know some friends a little better. Next to Stacy was Brother Teacher Chewera. He has 22 bible studies. He begged Stacy to come visit his family in their home. Promised to catch fish for us.

Next to me were Eric and Jane Hitz. They were interviewed during the program. They served as special pioneers in Zimbabwe during the war years. Later, they were sent to Gilead. Then off to Nigeria, back to Zimbabwe and now have been serving in Switzerland in the German, English, and soon Arabic language groups. Best advice: Never ask for a change of assignment. Wait in Jehovah.  Suggested that we read life story of Bro Lester Davey - a dear missionary brother who encouraged them often (see excerpt of one of his letters to them from 25 yrs ago).