25 February 2009
The people of Zimbabwe are broken hearted.
This is the message from a new coalition of Christian groups, including Tearfund, urging the UK church to pray for Zimbabwe.
Called Love Zim, the coalition aims to increase active support for Zimbabwe and Zimbabweans, especially amongst UK churches and Christians.
The campaign kicked off on Valentines Day, with a lively rally in Trafalgar square.
This is being followed with a month of prayer and fasting. During this month, it is hoped the coalition will develop a vision of exactly how Love Zim can bring hope to the people of Zimbabwe.
Seven-year-old Sinikie cradles her brother Simba, 3. Photo: Marcus Perkins/Tearfund
‘Prayer has been an integral part of Tearfund’s response to the crisis in Zimbabwe and we’re excited to be part of this new initiative. Apart from the practical needs, most Zimbabweans need their hearts to be healed. Please join us as we pray,’ says Tearfund’s Karyn Beattie.
The campaign was launched in response to a call from the Archbishop of York, Dr John Setamnu, to pray for Zimbabwe and a call from Archbishop Desmond Tutu to pray and fast for Zimbabwe.
Essential prayer
Love Zim was launched as a new unity government was sworn in and so much seems to rest on the success of this government.
But political violence is increasing, not decreasing, following the formation of the unity government. Morgan Tsvangirai was inaugurated as Prime Minister on 11 February this year.
However, there is still a lot of unresolved tension in communities across the country. Disagreements among the leaders of the new government are fueling this tension.
The facts, such as hyperinflation, food shortages, lack of adequate health services and a cholera outbreak don’t even begin to describe the desperate struggle that life has become in Zimbabwe.
Two years ago, the leader of one of Tearfund’s partners in Zimbabwe said, ‘Our prayer is that the people of Zimbabwe can live in a free country and can speak openly without fear. We want children to have access to education and to have three meals a day.
Human dignity
‘We would like the dignity of human life to be respected. And for the diaspora to be able to return home to be reunited with their families. We want to be able to debate without fighting or killing in the election process.’
Asked if his dream of a new Zimbabwe was possible, he replied, ‘We are hopeful. Our God is there and he is hearing the cry of his people. And no levels of oppression can stand in the way of God freeing them.’
Along with Tearfund, members of the coalition include Tearfund partner the Council of Zimbabwean Christian Leaders UK, the African and Caribbean Alliance and the Evangelical Alliance UK.
Love Zim stands in solidarity with the Save Zimbabwe Now campaign.