April 22, 2008
Today is the Pennsylvania Democratic primary elections and conditions could not be more different from those in Zimbabwe. Here, we should have the primary results within 24 hours and would be angered if that did not happen. Attempts to influence our vote by any method would be intolerable. We would certainly not expect any repercussions arising from the voting choice that we made. Presidential and parliamentary elections took place in Zimbabwe on March 29. Parliamentary results were released that removed the ruling party of ZANU-PF and demonstrated the desire of the people of Zimbabwe for a change of government. Results of the presidential election have yet to be released despite the fact that ballots were counted at the 9,000 polling stations and the tabulated results were publicly displayed at each station within 12 hours.
The Mugabe government has dictated the actions of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to have an opportunity to manipulate the election results. The Zimbabwe High Court is stacked with pro-Mugabe judges and deflects any legal challenges. The Mugabe government has unleashed Operation Mavhoterapapi (Who Did You Vote) by the police and military on rural areas that had formerly been Mugabe strongholds that voted for the opposition. It’s very difficult to obtain reliable numbers on beatings, deaths, displacements, etc. since journalists are monitored by the state. A shipment of munitions from China was turned back at a South African port thanks to the intervention of union members in that country. International food aid distribution is being politicized and only provided to members of ZANU-PF. For additional details on the situation go to www.zimbabwesituation.com or search “zimbabwe” on Google.
Chris and I continue to wait for some degree of normalcy in the country so that another application can be made to the Ministry of Immigration for a Temporary Employment Permit. An email was received five days ago from the Regional Administrator for Southern Africa (BICWM) who is resident in Zimbabwe. He consulted with Bishop Danisa Ndlovu and opined that they do not expect the present unrest to continue and that we should not be discouraged. Chris and I agree and we will reassess the conditions at the beginning of June. During the next five weeks we will continue to tie up loose ends here in Pennsylvania and try to emulate Abraham (Hebrews 11:8). The difference is that we think we know where God wants us to go. What we don’t know is the time. God is in control no matter how bleak events appear from our perspective. Please keep the people of Zimbabwe, and us, in your prayers.
Make it count,
Steve and Chris
October 21, 2007
One of my favorite songs that we sing too infrequently is “Ancient Words” by Michael W. Smith. The “words” that the song refers to are from the Bible which we acknowledge as God’s special revelation to us about Himself. Holy words long preserved/for our walk in this world/they resound with Gods own heart./O let the ancient words impart. Ancient words ever true/changing me and changing you/we have come with open hearts/O let the ancient words impart. This song has a tremendous message if we allow God’s Word to speak to us. The key is that we be willing to listen to the voice of God through the Holy Spirit. Some of the words are nice to hear and I like what they say to me. John 3:16, I John 1:9, Phillipians 4:13, and many others are great words of assurance. But then there are the other words that make me feel uncomfortable and that I really don’t like to think about. Matthew 6:19-21 makes me ask myself where I am accumulating wealth? James 2:15-17 raises the issue of how I respond when other believers are in need? Matthew 5:39 forces me to think about how I will respond if I am every confronted with violence? Matthew 28:18-20 compels me to ask myself what I am doing to help make disciples? Revelation 3:16 forces me to examine myself and make an assessment of whether I am hot or cold. I must admit that there are some of these “words” that I wish God had not given us. But the fact remains that He did and my preferences have no bearing on reality.
On October 2, 2006, just over one year ago, Charles Roberts IV barricaded himself inside an Amish schoolhouse at a place called Nickel Mines. Five Amish girls between the ages of 7 and 13 were killed. Five other girls were injured. Roberts then committed suicide. Donald Kraybill, Steven Nolt, and David Weaver-Zercher have written a book entitled Amish Grace that describes the events of that day and the following months. The Amish community responded according to the biblical guidelines in which they professed belief. They were severely challenged to put their faith into action. Read about how they responded to this tragedy. I have to wonder if I could do the same?
God has been richly blessing our family in so many ways this year. After looking for a house for almost two years, Joy and Jeremy finally purchased a lovely home after the original buyer was not able to follow through with financing. Hope is settled in with a delightful family in Lancaster doing a program called Immerge that will help prepare her to work with Muslims. God provided two Christian individuals to fill our positions at Greencastle Family Practice. Some friends that we have known for more than ten years will also be starting an assignment in Zimbabwe during January 2008. We could go on and on. Suffice it to acknowledge that God is in control and that it is exciting to watch.
Make it count,
Steve and Chris Newcomer
October 2007
Dear Friends,
It is with great excitement and trepidation that Chris and I are able to share with you that we hope to return to Zimbabwe in January of 2008. For the past three to four years, as Joy and Hope have become more independent, we have been investigating options for further missions service. It has been a matter of pursuing possibilities and allowing God to open or close doors as He sees fit. While visiting Zimbabwe in March this year Bishop Danisa Ndlovu asked if we would consider coming to fill a position at Ekuphileni Bible Institute. EBI, located in Mtshabezi Mission, is a school whose purpose is to train pastors for the Brethren in Christ Church in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe Brethren In Christ Church and Brethren In Christ World Missions have been attempting to fill this position for almost two years. The reasons for our excitement should be obvious.
The reasons for our trepidation may need some explanation. Zimbabwe has become one of the worst countries in which to live. Inflation is estimated at anywhere from 7,000-25,000%. Life expectancy is the lowest in the world as 34-37. It is estimated that there are 3,000-3,500 deaths per week due to AIDS, malnutrition, and lack of health care. 80-90% of the work force is unemployed. 10 years ago the exchange rate was Z$10:US$1. Today the exchange rate is Z$400,000: US$1. Due to government mandated price controls there is no fuel, corn meal, sugar, cooking oil or meat available except on the black market. The lack of foreign currency has brought about the collapse of national electricity supplies, urban water supplies, health care and education. It is estimated that 1/4 of the population has left the country in search of meaningful employment elsewhere. The effects of AIDS are also painfully obvious in the lives of children and the extended family.
We will be serving under the auspices of Brethren in Christ World Missions but will be working at the invitation of the Zimbabwe Brethren in Christ Church. Assignment is contingent upon obtaining a Temporary Employment Permit from the Ministry of Immigration in Zimbabwe. The initial permit will be for a three year period but we anticipate extending our service beyond the initial term. We have felt especially privileged to serve in Zimbabwe since that was the "birthplace" of Brethren in Christ foreign missions. Today, there are more BIC members in Zimbabwe than in all of North America. That's pretty impressive for a country that is only the size of the state of Montana. The church in Zimbabwe continues to grow rapidly in spite of horrendous economic conditions. We sincerely covet your support in the days ahead.
Make it count,
Steve and Chris Newcomer