This is the way. . .

Today's bus group was led by Learn and Linda from the Kuwandzana congregation.  Their congregation has 85 publishers, 5 elders, 15 ministerial servants and 23 pioneers.  Unlike the Greendale  congregation territory we enjoyed yesterday where we knocked on gated fences to get people to come out to talk to us, they are often invited into the home to discuss the Bible with the family.  Biggest challenge is that many think Bible is a charm - like idea of paradise, but they want it now!

Learn was born to parents who instilled love for Jehovah in his heart at a young age. He was baptized at 15 yrs of age and has been serving as elder for past 20 yrs. Linda came from a family where her mom was the 2nd of 4 wives.  Her father had 21 children.  She really appreciated what she learned as a teenager and was baptized at age of 17. Although polygamy is still legal in Zimbabwe, JW have upheld the Bible's standard of marriage since 1952.  

But I'm unsure if a dowry is still required - Good thing Dorca had all her contact information on the card she shared with the brother she met on the tour today :-).

Zimbabwe Branch Tour highlights

Welcome, welcome to Bethel

Over 400 delegates!  Imagine the bus parade as we arrived!

Did someone say they wanted to take a picture of me?

Did I mention they do our laundry at the Lodge?

Everywhere we go, the friends are playing music and singing to us. And today was no exception.  Some of the 126 members of the Bethel family welcomed us with song as we arrived.  And after lunch, we enjoyed a wonderful medley of some of my favorite Kingdom songs.  

The Bethel family is made up of 12 nationalities and speak 21 different languages.  Twelve languages groups served by the translation work done from this branch office. In fact, we met many friends from the Harare Chinese congregation - and they are expecting two new ones to be baptized at the convention.  

In 1999, there were only 40 K Halls in Zbw. Since the start of the new arrangement, 433 new K Halls have been built. Currently, there is a need for 96 new K Halls.

So what's life really like in Zimbabwe?

Unemployment is extremely high: 85-90%.  To get by, many people sell goods along the roadside (missed picture of man selling an inflated kiddie pool in middle of busy street).  Also, many homes can have 15-20 people living inside. As one can imagine, Isaiah's prophecy of building houses and having occupancy is very appealing.

Interestingly, despite these unfavorable conditions, the crime rate is very low. Common people do not have access to guns and the police are very hard on criminals. They walk around in plain clothes to keep the streets safe.  Kind of like Clark Kent.

--- A striking example of the haves and have-nots ----

Assembly Hall Tour highlights

Open air assembly hall constructed in 2006.  First (and only) assembly hall in Zbw.  Property sits on 10 acres and was originally projected to take 24 months to complete. Was done in only 15 months despite sharp economic declines at the time.  Difficult to obtain building materials locally - even food needed to feed the volunteer workers was scarce. Witnessed the meaning of Ps 127:1 - Unless Jehovah builds, in vain builders work hard.

One fun fact I enjoyed was about the mound separating the auditorium (which seats 3,000) and the parking lot. This came about by just as they were preparing to haul away excess dirt when a brother recommended this use. Turned out to be an excellent idea as it serves as a sound barrier for the busy nearby highway and minimizes distractions from late arrivals.  Unfortunately, this proved to be much to the dismay of one invited guest who purposely came late so that everyone could see his fancy car!  Oops!

Braai (BBQ) at Casa Kadiki

Enjoyed a fantastic African BBQ at the lodge thanks to our gracious hosts. Such wonderful accommodations that Keving couldn't keep it to himself. He invited a few of his "cousins" over for dinner. Mind you, we are guests ourselves. After he extended the invite, he thought he should at least ask "Auntie Mel" if it would be ok. "Sure, as long as I can put the charge to your Uncle Stacy's room", she said.  

Well, since the friends were already on their way, what were we to do?  Nothing but have a great time. "Auntie Mel" was thrilled to be able to have a full house for dinner.  She was all over us - "Can I get you anything at all," "You need some more," "Have you tried this yet?"  Topped off dinner of salads, pap (which we've had several times - like very thick grits), and all kinds of normal meat options, with apple pie a la mode. And not only did Kevin's friends come, but they invited others to come along as well. And then they didn't want to leave!  And quite frankly, we don't either.