We have only been in Zimbabwe for 2 days now and have already met so many wonderful people! Day 1 of the conference was an incredible experience. Following the conference Pastor Denford took a group of us to a farm about 2 miles away to 2 of his church members’ homes. We pulled up to the home, which was among about 20 other 1 room residences. We saw large groups of kids playing, full grown and baby chickens running around, and women washing clothes in large soap sud filled buckets. A young woman walked past us carrying a 5 gallon bucket filled to the brim with water on top of her head. She was balancing it with maybe 3 fingertips like it was nothing – amazing!
The first home we went to was that of a young man named Tongi. Tongi had been at the conference that morning, engaged in both men’s sessions. He introduced us to about about 10 people, every one of which gave us a handshake, a hug and a huge beautiful African smile. “Gogo” Grandma, proudly introduced us to her new precious little grandbaby she had tied behind her back with a towel.
We all sat down and shared some laughs and then Laura shared a passage from the bible with everyone and told the group why these verses stay close to her heart. When we asked Tongi how we could pray for his family, I really admired the love and concern in his eyes and in his response. He told us that there have been some disagreements recently and he wants us to pray for unity among his family members. His father has also been very sick for some time and is loosing his eyesight and hearing. His prayer though, besides total healing is for his father to come to know and love and believe in our Heavenly Father someday. We gathered around, laid hands and prayed for him, and for the entire family.
As we were leaving, Tongi came up to Nick and told him, “Thank you all for praying for my father today, I will remember that forever.” Tongi’s faith really glorified God in those few moments and I know that God will move in their family.
Christine Powell
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