Life in Zimbabwe sounds more like a crazy film plot than real life. A very tragic film.
Political nightmare
The presidential run-off election in June was not free or fair. The president’s men are running a campaign of terror and intimidation across the country, rounding up young people and forcing them to join their militia. Families have been traumatised and live in fear. Phones are tapped and people who raise the suspicions of the government are followed, intimidated and beaten, in some cases killed.
Failed harvests
To compound the tragedy, harvests have failed. The UN is warning that as many as 5 million people could need help by early 2009. But Robert Mugabe has banned foreign aid agencies from working in rural areas. Growing hyperinflation means that the food which is available is too expensive for the average Zimbabwean.
‘Everything is confusing and tragic and unknown’, says the director of one of Tearfund’s partners in Zimbabwe. ‘The final outcome will have to come from a sovereign work of God, which will come from people praying. We’re in a battle. Only spiritual warfare and intercession will see the enemy out of the way, will see evil overcome.’
Politically, Zimbabwe is facing two options. One is to form a government of national unity, where the two main parties would share power.
Transitional authority
The second, and more favourable option according to the Zimbabwe Christian Alliance (ZCA), is to form a transitional authority. This authority would ideally pave the way for a truth and justice forum to bring healing to the country. It should also oversee the writing of a new constitution under which new elections would eventually be held. The ZCA has released a statement in favour of this approach.
As the news from Zimbabwe seems to get ever bleaker, do not grow weary in praying. Our church-based partners in Zimbabwe are seeing answers to prayer. They have managed to stay safe and continue to help the most vulnerable in their communities. Christians there know we are praying for them and feel encouraged.
Please pray
Please pray that pressure will continue to be brought against President Mbeki of South Africa to ensure that the mediation talks being held are successful. Pray that he will be impartial.
Pray that a transitional authority will be formed, and the right people will get a place on it. Pray that members of the ZCA or other Christian leaders will be chosen to sit on this committee, as a neutral third party.
Pray that much stronger sanctions will be brought against Mr Mugabe and his generals, and pray that the current ban on aid agencies’ operations will be lifted. Pray that agencies will be able to reach those most in need with food, and that they will be able to do so without being intimidated or threatened.
Praise God that he is answering our partners’ prayers, and also that they have remained safe. Pray for their ongoing wisdom and safety and pray that they will continue to find the strength to keep going.
Pray that the church in Zimbabwe and our Christian partners will play their God-given role of bringing healing, truth and justice to their scarred country.
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