Never in my wildest dream did I imagine the I would be a part of this great group of people representing Savannah Christian Church in Zimbabwe, Africa!
From the time of gathering at SAV, from one flight to the other, and then finally to reach our destination in Harare Airport – the team has been cohesive and all about the same goal. Any you say what is that? To give God glory and magnify the name of Jesus. I am ever thankful for Heather’s temperament when dealing with the challenges we faced in Savannah airport as well as at Dulles Airport with regard to baggage and them arriving safely and at the same time as we did. I expected to be welcomed in Harare, but the huge smile on Denford’s face could be seen for miles as we approached. Thanks to the generous giving of family and friends, we were able to fill eleven large luggage bags with supplies for African Development Mission and truly believe that all will be blessings to the receivers.
As for the people here….
I am not sure that I have the words to best describe them. I am certain that I will still be finding adjectives to describe their open, loving and giving spirits. We have only encountered love…the love of Christ here! We have work to do here, yes, however it has not felt like a moment of work thus far.
We we honored to go on Home Visits yesterday. And man oh man! How these people have blessed my socks off!!! There are many stories to tell, but the one that will remain indelibly in my mind and heart is when I met Mhimbi, a girl of 15 years of age, who is now living in a home with a tremendous woman of God with many other orphans. She came to the house at age 12 from what the GoGo (Zimbabwean for Grandmother) there described as a terrible area which she was certainly not assured to come out of. But by the grace of God, not only is she able to go into the area and minister to the people, she is able to bring some of the children out. The children are then schooled and taken good care of. Mhimbi sat next to me while we visited there and held my hand. Tears come to my eyes now as I type these words to you. She showed me pictures of herself when she was “rescued”. I didn’t realize that I had this much more capacity in heart to love! I love my family and children, but this is different and certainly the compassion that we speak of so freely at SCC. The GoGo is a woman who God is working through mightily. This woman, at the age of 61 has traded her retirement monies, wealth from properties along with her time that she should be resting in life. She lives in not more than a 6ftx6ft room so that the home and building on her property could house the children she is able take in. Our team was able to meet another young girl who came at the same time as Mhimbi and a young boy who is dead and mute. How big a heart GoGo must have. I…and each of my team mates who visited there are humbled beyond imagination.
As we get to know each other, me and my team members will continue to grow in the Lord and do our very best to do all that God will direct us to do.
Strength and honor,
Kathleen Bailey
Stoping to pray for your mission! I can tell from your words you are being blessed as much as you are blessing. I pray hearts will be ready to except God’s call to come to Him, that you will be able to encourage Christians there and you will stay well to do your service. Much love from SCCEC
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your team…..Your compassion and willingness to travel a great distance and spend your time helping others is what I believe makes Jesus smile. Compassion for others……your actions speak! God bless you and we pray for you safety while there and on your trip home.
Serving him,
Scott
Kathleen – This was soo amazing to read! I am so proud of you and my other brothers and sisters in Christ who are on this trip. You are truly being the hands and feet of Christ. I pray for your kind heart and continued blessings! Love in Christ, Elaine