From Aaron:
We received this note from a Zimbabwean pastor a few weeks ago. After receiving his approval, we are posting his message. Those of us on the IDOPZ Lead Team sincerely hope that it will generate discussion which will remain civil and not hostile. Already amongst our team, this note has generated considerable debate. Also know that we are using a pseudonym as we have in most stories. Thank you for contributing your input through our Comments at the bottom of the page.

Everything that you say on your webpage is true. But I think that in the midst of the darkness you have overlooked the light.

At this time in Zimbabwe we have an openness to the Gospel that is unique and encouraging. I am aware that the situation is making people turn to Him at this time, but what a privilege it is to be here working for Him in the fields.

We have a government that is basically pro-church. The churches have a freedom to preach the gospel anywhere that must be the envy of Christians in most nations. (I acknowledge that if the church gets involved in politics it gets wacked - helps us keep our focus!). The church here, with its many weaknesses, corruptionsand disunity, is noticeably getting stronger and stronger. The group we have been ministering to - the Tonga people - have moved out of their classification as a least reached people group in the last few years. That is Good News.

We have a government that abhors abortion and homosexuality and actively promotes ‘family’. The incidence of AIDS is significantly dropping.

I fear that a new government will swing to the West, adopt its culture to get its money and aid. We will then have to put up with the scenario we have in South Africa, increasing crime, increasing AIDS, increasing tolerance of gross sin, accompanied by a slow but inevitable closing of the doors to gospel.

When you pray please pray with God’s heart and not human understanding. Wealth, comfort and stability are not our goals. The situation has opened the doors for us that we have never had before. Pray that the church will be so empowered by God’s Spirit that our witness will be such that His name will be glorified, His Kingdom will come and that His will will be done in Zimbabwe. Pray for the Manifest Presence of God in our midst so that those that cannot afford doctors will be healed, that those that have no food will find their jars and bowls never empty, that those who have sought solace with the demonic will be released to the glory of His name.

Matthew James, Pastor