Deeper Still Missions | Missionary Training | Ministry Mentoring
  • Who
  • What
    • Research
    • Vision
    • Strategy
    • Tactics
    • Execution
  • Support
  • Contact
  • Donkey Stable
  • Missionary Stories

Celebration in the Bush

12/11/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Report from Africa

Derembwe, Zimbabwe

We rode up to a new building completed recently in the remote bush of Zimbabwe. Dusty roads and landscape were littered with children, gogos (Zulu for grandmothers) and adult leaders from the villages. They were in small groups nestled under every sliver of shade they could find.

Children stared at the seldom seen white men riding in the car. Everyone was dressed in their finest! Water was boiling for the community gathering. Sudza (ground corn) would soon be added and cooked for the celebration lunch.

A prayer of thanks was given and the ribbon cut from the front door. Hundreds of people crammed into every available space in the small church. The community representative for the chief sat first along with councilmen and elders from various groups of the Shona tribe. They sat in special seats of honor. A special ribbon was pinned to their clothing to signify their distinctive status.

Women served water, tea or other items and showed deep respect to those leaders. They got on their knees and bowed in esteem. I realized I was watching centuries of tradition at that moment. I also noticed that several hundred more people stood outside. Some were at the open windows while others stood at the open doors.

Worship began with gusto! There was clapping, dancing and a deafening sound of music. Everyone in the room sang and danced except the counsel and key leaders although you could see them move to the music at times.

I sat at the front as an honored guest. Dancers moved with ceaseless energy and dripping sweat. The worship went on for four hours. These young African dancers moved with uncanny exactness. Their precision would rival any professional dance group from anywhere in the world.

One particular elder captured my eye. This stately man exhibited the face and skull of an experienced warrior. His deep set eyes, like those of an eagle, were embedded in a chiseled face with high cheek bones and a magnificent chin. His humble posture, huge stature and frame spoke volumes of wisdom, strength and resolve.

Once several hours of celebration had passed, I stood before this daunting and excited crowd to open God’s Word. I had no words personally. The Holy Spirit spoke to their hearts, minds and souls. It was a challenge for each of us to look at Jesus . . . intently.

The deplorable poverty and circumstances struck my heart and drew me close to the orphaned children. There were several hundred of them. But it was clear that God touched them.They had seen a physical victory happen in their midst. This church/community center for Youth with a Vision . . . brought a deep sense of pride and excitement.

My heart soared in gratitude for Pastor Bonface. God gave him a vision to feed, clothe and give spiritual guidance to over a thousand orphans in five different areas in this crippled country. He announced at this gathering an additional vision to the crowd. Next comes a medical clinic for the people of the remote village of Derembwe.

The least of these are never forgotten by our Lord! I wish you had been with me.
 
Danny Sartin
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Picture

    Danny Sartin

    Four decade veteran of youth ministry in churches, Youth For Christ and now is the Founder and Executive Director of Deeper Still Missions. Danny and his wife Cathy spend most of their time mentoring missionaries in Africa, Europe, Central America and North America. Future opportunities include South America and the Asia Pacific area.

    Archives

    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    November 2011
    July 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010
    June 2010
    May 2010
    April 2010
    March 2010
    February 2010
    January 2010
    December 2009
    November 2009
    October 2009
    September 2009
    August 2009
    July 2009
    June 2009
    May 2009
    April 2009
    March 2009
    February 2009
    January 2009

    Categories

    All
    Bible Nuggets
    Kingdom Leadership
    Life Nuggets
    Missionary Stories Areaone
    Missionary Stories Europe
    Missionary Stories Greece
    Missionary Stories Honduras
    Missionary Stories South Africa
    Missionary Stories Swaziland
    Missionary Stories Zambia
    Prayer
    Spiritual Safari
    Stable Talk

    RSS Feed

ORGANIZATION
Who We Are
What We Do
Research
Vision
Strategy
Tactics
Execution
Support
Contact
Donkey Stable
Missionary Stories

    Contact Us

Submit
Website by TechLifeLine Designs
  • Who
  • What
    • Research
    • Vision
    • Strategy
    • Tactics
    • Execution
  • Support
  • Contact
  • Donkey Stable
  • Missionary Stories