Day 2 at Guanda in a village called Dema (Friday, June 21)

It’s all about new beginnings and what others can do to help. Today the new beginnings was a ribbon cutting for the Dema Church of Christ building that was to be built on land donated by a member of their church and an announcement about a water well and the funds to make it happen was what others can do to help and both are now happening and will definitely be new beginnings for that village.

We were up and out by 6 am headed to a village in Zimbabwe called Dema. The roads to Dema were just dirt, rocky roads and it took about an hour and a half to get there. The sunrise while traveling there was beautiful.

The day was a day that was very special and monumental for that village and community. We witnessed a ribbon cutting of a new church of Christ there and land that was donated for it from one of the community leaders. We taught about 75 children from toddlers to 11 years, taught ladies classes, and the men taught men’s classes and Will and some other guys taught the youth. It was so awesome to be a part of that special day for the village of Dema. Three women started that church in that area in 1982 by just teaching children on Saturdays and this church has grown to include the children of children those women taught and chiefs of the village so now they are finally getting a church bldg and Partners for Africa is helping along with putting a well for water since they go to the river there to get water. We were part of the all day celebration by all of our teaching that we were doing. It was joy to see the ladies in the ladies class singing and smiling and the smiles on the children’s faces as they were listening to lessons from the Bible and getting to make crafts that they were to take with them. It was inspiring to watch and to see how just a few people can change a village just by teaching God’s word. That community needed water to provide for them physically and has for a long time plus they need that church for it will provide for them spiritually. What an awesome day it was and to travel to Zimbabwe to witness and be a part of the day was truly a blessing for me.

Will Myhan explained the day well in a post he made on Facebook:

“Today, I had the privilege of sitting under a tent with over 220 people who came to hear the Gospel in rural Zimbabwe. A generous family donated some of their land for a church, enabling community activities to share the message of Jesus Christ.

At the end of the day, two women were asked to stand and be recognized. I can imagine their hearts filled with joy and excitement as they saw the tent overflowing with people. They must have smiled as they watched over 70 children sit under a tree for three hours, eagerly listening to scripture. These women witnessed their God-blessed dreams coming true, as 30 men learned how to better share the message of Jesus and lead others.

All of this was possible because of these two women who dedicated their lives to spreading the message of Jesus. They are pillars of this church, having taken up the challenge to teach and lead others to Jesus. It started with them and now to see where things are is a testament to their faithfulness to God. Their impact has already changed eternity for countless people and will continue for many years.

I am thrilled that these dear women experienced this moment today. The world is vast, filled with people we may never meet, but today, I sat in the presence of giants who deserve great honor.”

Romans 10:15: As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Zimbabwe - 2 Day Travel and Day 1

We are all God’s people and He loves us all. We are to help each other since we are told from the scriptures to LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Last summer when I went on a mission trip to Zimbabwe I experienced so much love and service to others and I gained love right back. I know the people were appreciative of our help. But, when I visited a rural high school I realized that they were learning computer out of a book. So this year, along with my mission to help others and feed children and families physically, spiritually, and educationally I left the US on Tuesday, June 18 and traveled 2 days (3 flights - around 18 or so hours) before arriving in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

After grocery shopping to get water and snacks and food for the house we had a meeting together to receive our specific duties and what we were to do each day while here. We made sandwiches and cut out crafts for the children in the village we were going to the next day. After the long flights, we settled in for the night because the next day we hit the road running and were to be up and ready to go at 6 am to travel to the Guanda area and a village called Dema. I am so glad to be here and so thankful to all who made Computers4Zimbabwe possible for the children. I will teach in the rural high school beginning on Monday with the computers so many helped to purchase.

Family Reunion

Do you remember family reunions? Maybe a better question is, have you ever been to a family reunion? I remember as a kid it seemed like every year we would go to family reunions. My mother’s people met on the banks of Yellow Creek, and it seemed my dad’s people met near the South Harpeth River. My memories of these events involved a lot of people. Some I knew well and some I did not, but they were connected to me. There was usually lots of food, and most people would find something to do. That might be sitting around talking or, for us kids, some kind of game.

It makes me think about heaven. The song “God’s Family” kind of does the same thing for me. What a reunion there will be in heaven! To see again some of those who are most dear to us in this life. To meet those we have never met before but who are a part of our family, the family of Christ. To meet those who were instrumental in me having the faith I have. But ultimately to be in the presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Revelation 21).

I do not believe there will be fried chicken, deviled eggs, and Coke in heaven like at those reunions, but Revelation 22:1-3 does say there will be a river of the water of life and the tree of life bearing twelve kinds of fruit. It seems we will not be involved in frivolous activities but in the greatest of activities, and that is serving God. What a beautiful thought of serving God in His presence!

I realize for some reunions have fallen out of favor. That is why I asked at the beginning of this article if you had even been to one. The family reunion that will occur in heaven after the day of judgment is one that you will not want to miss. I can promise you that. To enjoy that reunion, you must be prepared and ready. Are you a part of the family that is on its way home?