It's Friday night. I'm just back from eating out. I got into my truck, drove on good roads to a nice Mexican restaurant, paid a reasonable price for great food, and now here I sit here in my comfortable living room with a full stomach.
I'm not feeling guilty, but friends in Zimbabwe are on my mind, and I mentally compare conditions... knowing my experiences of the day, and imagining theirs. I don't want to forget the images and feelings from my trip. I don't want to let my heart become cold and hardened to the trials the brethren there endure.
Yes, they're accustom to some of those things... it's a part of their daily lives... for some, the difficulties are all they've ever known. And, some of the things we would list as an awful experience, is to them quite normal and not even an inconvenience.
But, searching for scraps of food, and going to bed hungry, isn't something worthy of Christian brothers and sisters. Our Savior went to the cross for them, no less than for us. Our obedient acceptance of Him makes us family... God's children. As God's children, citizens of His Kingdom, our compassion should know no boundaries of oceans or seas or lines in the sand drawn by politics or armies.
I'm frustrated when individuals attempt to lessen the impact of God's children in need by claiming "hunger" is only a relative term, or that they can hunt for roots and berries and nuts and leaves to eat in the absence of real food, or that some foodstuff may not be the best in nutrition so we should not support those supplying it. I'm frustrated when discussions regarding the feeding of desperate Christians are deflected to questioning whether their native preachers should be supported for their labors. I'm frustrated when an honest report of possible problems with distribution is answered with silence rather than inquiry and investigation. I'm frustrated when new avenues of providing food are ignored, and support for the methods is even discouraged.
The absolute best I can do is to do what I can. At the same time, I can pray that those in need are supplied... and be an agent of God's in answering that prayer by sharing whatever He has given me... both the goods of this world, and the good news of redemption.
Mac I share your frustration with some. On the other hand, I cannot tell you of the number of calls we have received about this need. We are waiting on the bank account we are setting up. We have to follow rules, but it should only be a few more days and things will be in order to start cashing the checks and wiring the money. We have almost enough for two tons of meal, which translates into 40 families being feed for a month. Along with the wore you sent, we are on our way of making a real difference in the lives of some hungry brethren. Our efforts have awaken some to the need in Zimbabwe, but it has also raised questions by those who have helped in times past. If it causes us all to be held accountable for our actions and how we do the Lord's work, so be it. That is a good thing. Everything we do should be transparent, for all to view. We have nothing to hide. We have no excuses to make and I would hope others will say the same.
Mac, Don't be too discouraged. Don't let a few bad apples sour your attitude. I am proud of you and the work you are doing. Your sacrifice is only known completely by the Lord, and I know that is the way you want it.
You're right, Mike, I can't let myself be discouraged... and to candid, the frustrations are being more than greatly overcome by those who are doing the work, by those who are sharing their love, and by those who are speading the word about the means and methods available to supply precious souls in such need. Thanks again, my brother.
...and if what we do we do for the praises of men, we'll surely reap the reward, albeit fleeting as the day... how I do what I do helps me avoid looking in the wrong direction and seeking what isn't mine...
Mac, we have a Mozambique young man continuing his studies with Dave after the Big study. Tonight he told us he got a call from his good buddy in Moz to come back, he was mised. Arao replied, "I can't. I'm still eating." Sadly, Moz is not far behind Zim but at least it isn't the leaders creating the hardships. I so appreciate your love for your brethren. You encourage me too.
Mac, I'm so touched and inspired by all of your work. I truly appreciate you and the others that are working with you to help our brothers and sisters. I wish I could do more than just wire money. One day, I'd like to go meet our family over there. But, we've all got to do what we can at this point in our lives. It's easy for me to forget sometimes that if I get so involved with trying to help others that I neglect the needs of my own family, this is sin. Lord willing, one day, though... one day...
Andra, we're all just doing what we can... what our situations allow and the things with which the Lord provides. Certainly, our first responsibility is to our own family, and that can not be neglected. Sometimes, all we can do is to spread the Gospel to those with whom we have contact, and sometimes it's telling Christian friends about of the needs of others. And, someday... one day... we'll all meet those brothers and sisters... one Glorious day....
OK, for any who are reading this blog, I have a plan. The food delivered last month to the 20 Tsholotsho bush churches has been expended, so there is a need to replenish and get them another month closer to their harvest.
I have a $2,000 check in my hand. I'm serious... (waving check in air). The money was owed to me, and I've received payment. That amount will purchase 4 tons of mealie-meal, plus some vegetables. Four tons is 400 bags at 10 KG each, and each bag will provide for an adult for 2-3 weeks.
What is lacking is the fuel to deliver this food. A bakkie doesn't run on faith alone, ya know. Four tons, at one ton per bakkie-load is four trips. Each trip to purchase and deliver the meal requires about $100 USD in diesel. That's $400 needed for fuel.
Anybody want to join the effort and help with the fuel cost? (I will pay the wire fee to transfer the funds to Zim.) If you'd rather contact me directly, email me at payne_mac at yahoo.com.
I will request an accounting of how much was delivered to which congregation in the Tsholotsho area, and how many hungry souls are being fed. I'll share that information via email to any who participate.
This is a one-time project... sadly, no one else owes me any money. But, we can work together to feed faithful Christians who are in desperate need. I've been there, I've seen the need, and I've experienced their tearful joy of receiving the gifts.
If your congregation wants to be involved in this particular effort, but would prefer to send directly to the man in Zimbabwe who will be purchasing the fuel and meal, ask them to contact me.
If not through this particular effort, please consider the great need, and your duty before God, and send to those brethren one way or another. They need your prayers, and they need your love.
Thanks, Mike. I'm just putting my money where my mouth is. There is such immediacy to the need that we must act quickly on this. I don't care if the funds come in increments of $1 or $40, we just need to do it. If someone else who's been involved wants to collect the fuel money, pay the wire fee, and take responsiblity for getting the funds to the relief of Tsholotsho immediately, I'll be happy to send that $2K to them. The glory is not ours, but to God alone.
OK, I've been handed $100 each by two people, with another person pledging $100 tomorrow... we gettin' there...!!! Another $100, and I'm on my way to Western Union, and 4 tons of meal is on it's way to the Tscholotsho faithful...!!! Father, bless caring hearts!
Hey... we're THERE..! The $400 fuel money is confirmed, so I'll get the wire transfer out today and make all the necessary contacts so it'll be picked up, and families will start getting FOOD..!! Bless those who responded... my heart is melted.
The day is coming to a close here. The Lord planned it that way.
I'm thinking of the several ways faithful Christians in Zimbabwe can be helped, and commend all who are sending gifts to those desperate brethren. Whether you're sending the flat-rate boxes, or working through messengers such as Les Maydell or Dave Beckley or Open Hearts-Helping Hands or some other route, you are providing for Christians and laying up treasures in heaven. None of these men are working for their own glory or gain, but surely God does not ignore their love and labors... nor will He ignore your own.
One of the benefits of using the flat-rate boxes is that multiple items can be sent, and those receiving the gifts can know of the sender. Down-sides of the boxes includes the expense, not much food can be delivered that way, and it's virtually impossible for Zim brethren to send a "thank you" note to the sender. I had several in Zim express grave concern that their notes to the USA were being discarded by the Zim postal service. In fact, while in Bulawayo, I mailed several letters and cards to the USA, and none have been delivered. I conclude from that experience that the brethren's concerns are justified. Mike and Carl returned with stacks of thank-you notes the brethren there asked to be mailed once we got home. If you have sent to the needs of those brethren by using the flat-rate boxes, but have not heard back from them, please do not be disheartened or discontinue your efforts. They desperately need your love.
I don't know the details of the other methods of delivery, but I do know that a part of the "Open Hearts-Helping Hands" project is to include notes from those who receive the food that the funds purchase and deliver. The notes will then be collected by the ones making the deliveries, and then bulk-mailed in Botswanna to assure delivery. This allows the giver to know who has received their assistance, and perhaps more importantly, provides those who receive it a way to know that their expressions of gratitude are being sent.
The other thing about the flat-rate boxes was regarding the cost and the amount of food that can be contained in one of those packages. I've picked up the blank boxes from the post office, since I intend to mail some items myself, and those boxes will not hold much in the way of food. So, for about $40, plus the cost of the contents, food for a family for maybe a week can be sent. Whereas, with "Open Hearts-Helping Hands", I know that same amount ($40) will buy and deliver enough staple food for the family for an entire month... plus you will know exactly who received that food, and they will know who you are.
Perhaps there's the "best of both worlds" plan that would include not only sending via Dave or Les or "Open Hearts-Helping Hands" or some other messenger for the basic food stuffs, but also sending boxes of non-food items via the flat-rate USPS boxes. I do know all they receive is greatly appreciated, but I also know that the mealie-meal staple is vital for holding starvation at bay. Trust me, that wolf is howling at their door this very minute, and if a family there is given a choice between a box of goodies or a month's supply of meal, you know which they will choose.
One more thing I need to mention... before I left Bulawayo, the sisters there asked me to relay a request. For those who are sending items via the boxes, if you include any toiletries or soap items, please put those items in zip-lock bags. After spending weeks together in a small, tightly-closed box, even bags of rice were coming out smelling like soap! :-) or maybe :-b
May the Great God of Heaven bless all who send to the needs of faithful brothers and sisters where ever they may be. I encourage any who have suggestions to provide comments and share those ideas with the rest of us who are trying to help the helpless as best we can.
Thanks for the thoughts my brother. I know you have joined me in leaving a part of your heart in Africa. God will not forget his people, not the hungry ones and not the ones who help them.
I'm up early again. Not at 2:30, but still earlier than my pre-Zimbabwe days. It's around 5:30, the neighborhood is just beginning to come to life with lighted windows beginning to appear and the first sounds of vehicles being started by those who must be at work by 6:00. I'm just in from having a cup of tea with my thoughts on my patio in the cool stillness of the still-dark Georgia Fall dawn. Of course, my thoughts are drawn to Zimbabwe.
I'd just read a blog from a Zimbabwean lady who talked about the Zimbabwe ability to "make a plan" and how that ability has enabled those of that nation to continue in spite of the difficult circumstances brought on by the evil forces of their nation's greedy, power-hungry leaders.
It's true. I think of how Brewer and Linette, and Solo and Charity, and Israel and Precious and Margaret and Peter and Stanley and the other faithful Christians with whom I became familiar manage to "soldier on" day after day in spite of the situations they face. How easy it would be to sit down in despair, head in hands, weakened by the constant denial of relief and hope for change, and simply give up on themselves, on their faith, and on God. It seems akin to someone falling overboard in the middle of the ocean and being left behind. As the sun rises and sets each day, they know the direction to swim, and day after day they struggle on against the waves and the odds when it would be so easy to give up and allow themselves to sink beneath the waves in an untimely demise. But somehow, they find hope out of hopelessness... and that hope is their faith in God. Not that tomorrow He will magically remove the hunger and pain and suffering and uncertainty, but that His glory is unquenceable and heaven awaits those who persevere in righteousness.
Here in Georgia, gasoline is in extremely short supply. Yesterday afternoon, in the town where I live, I believe the last available source ran out, and there's now none available. I note the "credit crunch" that has devastated the markets and is threatening to bring on a full-blown economic depression. Without doubt, the mutual funds that were the major source of my modest retirement funding has lost the majority of its value. Another stock that I held in hopes of providing some income has lost 90% of its value due to incompetent management decisions. Being retired, and without employment, the viability of my financial future is questionable. Well, "oh bother", as Pigglette would say.
An email I received yesterday from a preacher in Zimbabwe told of another Christian brother deep in the bush country who was looking to sell his plough so he could buy food for himself and his family. He realized planting time will soon arrive, and without his plough, there'd be no crop for him this year even if the rains are favorable. If no relief is found, he'll sell the plough, and plant a portion of his field with what little he can using only a hoe. His plan isn't a good one, but hunger and starvation and watching his family waste away can trigger decisions based on immediate needs. He's simply determined to do what he has to in order to survive another day.
As I contemplate my own future, I realize how blessed I am. More than I can explain here, but I just spent almost a month in Africa without a nickel's worth of health insurance. We landed safely in Zimbabwe on a plane with an obviously faulty, very dangerous tire. On the way to the airport to pick us up, the steering arm on Brewer's truck failed, leaving him with no steering. This happened in his neighborhood, so he wasn't traveling fast, but it could have waited and failed later as we forged through the night at highway speeds to deliver mealie-meal to bush brethren. I could go on and on, explaining how I've been so blessed and cared for, but I'll leave you to consider your own.
I've no idea who might still be reading this blog, but with thanksgiving to God, I'll "make a plan" rather than dwelling on ugly possibilities. He's granted me far more wishes than I deserve, and whether I gain or lose the whole world, I know His care for my soul will continue if I don't fail Him.
I'm still reading this blog. But I don't think any comment I can make here will amount to anything. I guess we're just going have to do lunch. And it might have to be bolgna sandwiches at the house these days :) Glad your home!
Lauren, your comments are always worthwhile. Yes, lunch sounds nice... and I just returned from the grocery store with... what else, but bologna... and peanut butter, of course... staples of life! I have to admit I'm very glad to be home... I've really missed my friends at Lanier, and ya'll made Wednesday evening the best "homecoming" ever! :-) (by-the-way, when are ya gonna update your blog??? curious minds want to know!) p.s. I went to Walmart today, and just wandered around in awe... a store, with real items, that people can actually afford to buy... WOW!
oops... you DID update! Sorry I missed hearing your Dad, but then, family life is perfect around my house... no squabbles, discontent, or complaints here... snicker...
Mac, has anyone ever told you that you write so eloquently??? I am just to the point where I can try and catch up on emails, blogs, and other stuff. I appreciate you so much! I just need you to know that! :)
Thank you for your comments and the details your sidekick wrote on my blog. I'm not exactly positive who is who so I'll leave it at that. I know many many were so very thankful for your efforts. May our hearts continue to be soft, helping where we can.
Last Sunday, Sept 28, Carl "Mac" McMurray and I attended a congregation in Bulawayo for the final time before we left Zimbabwe. I taught the Bible class, and Mac preached the lesson. We met other Christians who spoke of the great needs there. That had become a "common thread" among almost all our conversations with Zim brethren. Those needs aren't trivial... they concern the basic needs of life. Please pray that God will provide... and while you consider these matters, read James 2:14-16 and 1 John 3:16-18.
We spent the afternoon with final packing and distribution of the clothes we'd carried into Zim. We would leave with little more than the clothes we were wearing. It was a small contribution, but it gave us pleasure to leave those things behind.
My waist size is 34, but because I'd asked for donations of size 32 pants from my brethren at the Lanier congregation, and because the congregation had "come through" with so many clothes for me to take, there was no room left for my own... so, I'd managed to get by wearing the size 32 pants while in Zim. I'll have to admit I'm glad to be home and back into my old comfortable 34's.
Brewer and his wife Linette fixed a grand supper for us Sunday night from their meager provisions... and afterwards, as we rose and prepared to return to Solomon and Charity's house where we'd been staying, someone began singing "If We Never Meet Again"... ho boy! That did it! We were all boo hooing. Even now, as I think of it and of those faithful, beloved brethren so far away, tears still well up.
Monday morning we were up early, and at the airport by 7:30 to clear security for the 9:30 flight. The group that went with us were finally convinced to not linger, and I was glad... such good byes are tough enough without extending the pain.
We finally arrived in Johannesburg, went immediately to a resturant in the airport, and ordered their biggest hamburgers and chips (french fries). Afterwards, I found a shop with Snickers bars... what a treat!
The flight to Dulles was uneventful, but I managed to lose my cell phone at Dulles somewhere between preparing to deplane and getting through customs. I'm blaming pure carelessness on my part.
Back to Atlanta, where Jeff Harward picked me up. I'd really missed Jeff and all the brethren at Lanier. Because of a delay leaving Dulles, Jeff had to wait a couple hours... and because I had no cell phone, I couldn't contact him to let him know. But, he was kind enough to patiently wait without complaint.
Wednesday night Bible study was such a wonderful reunion with my brethren here. I'm so fortunate to be surrounded with such caring.
Hopefully, I'll be able to pull together a slide and video presentation, and offer it one Sunday afternoon very soon.
After almost a month on Africa time, I knew I'd been gone too long when I first walked into my kitchen, and had to pause for a moment to remember which drawer held the silverware. My body clock is beginning to readjust, but I still find myself waking up at 2:30 in the mornings. My digestive system is slowly acclimating to American food once again. But, I've begun to watch some of the video I recorded of my African brethren, and find that I miss them very much. I hope they are well.
Now that I'm back home, I look around and consider the conveniences I so easily take for granted. On the one hand, I'm ashamed that it took such a trip to make me fully appreciate the comforts of life here, and on the other, I'm grateful for being allowed to experience the loss of those things and find that life and faith go on with or without them.
I wish I were a wordsmith, a writer, capable of expressing all that I experienced, all that I learned, and help others to have a better appreciation of God's blessing... which aren't in the conveniences, but in the comfort of having a God who loves as only He can. Zimbabwe showed me that.
