The situation is Zimbabwe is simply unimaginable for us in the US. The economy is an absolute joke even though Zim. is rich in natural resource. Unemployment is around 70%! In the height of the Great Depression during the 20s and 30s, it got no worse that 30% unemployment. Inflation is out of control. Currently, a can of coke costs One BILLION dollars (Zim dollars)! The political system is an absolute sham and the people live under the abuse and fear of a horrific dictator. It's like they experience the terror of 9/11 everyday. Here is a link to an article Rick Hein passed on to me that sheds light on the situation: http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/06/23/zimbabwe.main/index.html?eref=rss_topstories
As a part of the Newfrontiers family of churches, we have relationship with churches there. Mbonisi Malaba has been with us and spoken at our church. He's become a friend of mine an others. Recently he sent these prayer requests to Alex and Maria Kerford that I would like to pass on you.
1. Please pray that there'd be peace and that there'd be God's protection over the churches in the rural areas particularly.
2. Evangelistic breakthrough: We're planning a major outreach into the rural areas for mid-July. We'll be having a healing evangelist from India by the name of Ram Babu with us who'll be preaching the gospel and praying for the sick. We can only go ahead with this if things are relatively safe, so please pray for safety for him in particular and our plans in general. Please pray for a real demonstration of the kingdom.
3. Please pray for leadership wisdom and courage for us to respond appropriately to what's happening.
4. Please pray for our time away in Brighton. Please pray that the churches would feel secure, even with leaders away, and please pray for me as I'm speaking in 3 churches and helping with a Brighton seminar.
