To Zimbabwe with Love

How it All Began

     The following meditations are dedicated to the people of Zimbabwe, and any country afflicted with hunger, civil unrest, government oppression, poverty and HIV/AIDS. Permission is given by the author to freely distribute these meditations throughout Zimbabwe. Non-Zimbabwean readers are encouraged to make a financial donation to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) towards food relief for Zimbabweans at http://www.thehungersite.com. According to this website, an estimated 6.7 million Zimbabweans may die from starvation during 2003. Your generosity can save many lives.

     Introduction: How it all began

     Sometimes God speaks to us through unexpected email messages from friends in far away places. In June of 2002, I was blessed with such a message from a dedicated Christian physician living in Zimbabwe. Conditions there were declining and those who could leave the country were doing so. Starvation was their main problem. Zimbabwe was facing one of the worst food deficits the world has yet to experience. Added to this was a sobering 35–50% HIV infection rate, a corrupt government, increasing lawlessness and violence, all spelling a recipe for disaster.

     Knowing that I had written other devotional material, she asked if I would prayerfully write, "some encouraging words about God's love for Zimbabwe and her people." She would then distribute these meditations via email, nationally to Christians in Zimbabwe and to colleagues throughout Africa.”

     With some trepidation, I agreed to her request and suggested the meditations be titled: "To Zimbabwe with Love." Many of these reflections are now available at http://www.soulfoodministry.org/docs/English/ZimLoveIntro.htm to increase global awareness of the overwhelming needs of Zimbabwe and other countries experiencing the agony of starvation, HIV/AIDS, violence and injustice.

     It is my prayer that each reader will be moved to pray for Zimbabwe and her courageous people, and work for urgently needed relief and change, for their condition is desperate. Some Zimbabweans only eat one meal weekly. Encourage your religious and secular leaders to do something! May God bless you with hope and courage in the days ahead in your efforts.

Written by Rev. Dr. Sandy Bochonok
http://soulfoodministry.org
April 3, 2003