This was a day 19 years in the making and it didn’t disappoint one bit. I believe t
hat this would have been the highlight of Dad’s trip and I am not sure, personally, if it wasn’t mine too. It not only closed a chapter in the reconciliation of TEAM and the E.C., but it re-established our personal relationships with many good old friends. The event was held at the new Evangelical Church of Zimbabwe Ministry Centre, in Waterfalls, where folks were coming from all over the country and every district of the E.C. Church’s divisions. A massive “events tent” was set up and m
usic was already starting as we drove in to the property. Such a warm welcome was encountered as formal Shona greetings were ignored for much more personal hugs. 19 years had added a few grey hair and some pounds, here and there, but it was such a blessing to be encountering so many we had not had contact with. Outside the tent we were greeted by Bishop Nyamhondoro, Isaac Soda, Maneto Gweshe, Isaiah Chisweti and many others. As we entered the tent the Cranborne fellowship m
usic team had the early crowd already warmed up and it just continued to build. We were ushered to the front, where there was a “head table” for the various leaders and where Dad and Bishop Nyamhondoro sat together. The many greetings, prayers, songs and introductions continued for quite some time. The music was a true highlight, as they really had
the tent rocking and, by then, the overflow crowd dancing as only can be appreciated in Africa. We could see that the 800 rented chairs were all full and many more sitting and standing out the sides and back of the open tent ... between 1000-1200, by some accounts.
hat this would have been the highlight of Dad’s trip and I am not sure, personally, if it wasn’t mine too. It not only closed a chapter in the reconciliation of TEAM and the E.C., but it re-established our personal relationships with many good old friends. The event was held at the new Evangelical Church of Zimbabwe Ministry Centre, in Waterfalls, where folks were coming from all over the country and every district of the E.C. Church’s divisions. A massive “events tent” was set up and m
usic was already starting as we drove in to the property. Such a warm welcome was encountered as formal Shona greetings were ignored for much more personal hugs. 19 years had added a few grey hair and some pounds, here and there, but it was such a blessing to be encountering so many we had not had contact with. Outside the tent we were greeted by Bishop Nyamhondoro, Isaac Soda, Maneto Gweshe, Isaiah Chisweti and many others. As we entered the tent the Cranborne fellowship m
usic team had the early crowd already warmed up and it just continued to build. We were ushered to the front, where there was a “head table” for the various leaders and where Dad and Bishop Nyamhondoro sat together. The many greetings, prayers, songs and introductions continued for quite some time. The music was a true highlight, as they really had
the tent rocking and, by then, the overflow crowd dancing as only can be appreciated in Africa. We could see that the 800 rented chairs were all full and many more sitting and standing out the sides and back of the open tent ... between 1000-1200, by some accounts. Throughout the entire event they had all the speeches translated to either English or Shona, depending on the speaker’s preference. Dad was asked to bring a word of encouragement and greetings and was visibly a moving and emotional moment for him. For those that new the history of Mom and Dad’s final years in Zimbabwe and the difficulties with the church, this was an unexpected blessing to be able to have full restoration of fellowship and to have them treat Dad with such love and humility. It was 
beyond what he could have imagined and could have hoped for. Lynn Everswick was asked to bring the message and did a wonderful job encouraging and challenging the faithful who have endured so much through the years of collapsing economy and infrastructure in Zimbabwe. The culmination of the 4 hour service was a teary eyed rendition of “God be with you till we meet again”. The Church leaders stood together at the front, while the entire congregation linked hands throughout the tent and they asked Dad to join the leaders to complete this symbol of reconciliation and unity. It proved even harder to contain one’s emotions; as such a poignant moment gave closure to the past and an unbelievable day. I was doing my best to maintain composure until I looked out to the front row, where Judy Everswick was balling her eyes out. It was such a blessing from the Lord to be a part of the Holy Spirits demonstration of healing and reconciliation ... if only Mom (Dorothy Strom) had been able to still be here to witness this.
beyond what he could have imagined and could have hoped for. Lynn Everswick was asked to bring the message and did a wonderful job encouraging and challenging the faithful who have endured so much through the years of collapsing economy and infrastructure in Zimbabwe. The culmination of the 4 hour service was a teary eyed rendition of “God be with you till we meet again”. The Church leaders stood together at the front, while the entire congregation linked hands throughout the tent and they asked Dad to join the leaders to complete this symbol of reconciliation and unity. It proved even harder to contain one’s emotions; as such a poignant moment gave closure to the past and an unbelievable day. I was doing my best to maintain composure until I looked out to the front row, where Judy Everswick was balling her eyes out. It was such a blessing from the Lord to be a part of the Holy Spirits demonstration of healing and reconciliation ... if only Mom (Dorothy Strom) had been able to still be here to witness this.At the conclusion of the service, we were able to greet so many f
olks who had traveled significant distance in such hard economic times. It was astounding how many had come to this event. Then the TEAM folks were invited to have lunch with the extended leadership and committees that were at the service (they weren't able to feed the whole crowd). To further demonstrate their servant hearts, they asked us all to sit at the large table, while most of them took seats around the perimeter, a gesture that did not go unnoticed and, in this setting, was a huge act of humility. What a humbling experience to be fed so extravagantly by the folk who are experiencing such shortages in Zimbabwe that even basic maize and flour are running out. The abundant Sadza and chicken were so tasty and it blessed our hearts to share together.
olks who had traveled significant distance in such hard economic times. It was astounding how many had come to this event. Then the TEAM folks were invited to have lunch with the extended leadership and committees that were at the service (they weren't able to feed the whole crowd). To further demonstrate their servant hearts, they asked us all to sit at the large table, while most of them took seats around the perimeter, a gesture that did not go unnoticed and, in this setting, was a huge act of humility. What a humbling experience to be fed so extravagantly by the folk who are experiencing such shortages in Zimbabwe that even basic maize and flour are running out. The abundant Sadza and chicken were so tasty and it blessed our hearts to share together.BRIEF DOWNTIME
A bit of “downtime” on Monday allowed us to get a bit of laundry done and catch up on email. It also enabled us to make final arrangements for our trips to Kapfunde and Karanda, as well as contact a few friends that we still wanted to see. However, we quickly learned how challenging it was to make a phone call or get on the internet, to communicate with anyone. The best option, although still “hit and miss”, is using a cell phone. For those who have been away for a while, it is amusing to see the widespread use of cell phones, yet the dysfunction i
n most other areas. Tuesday brought numerous visits from old friends who heard we were around. First was Bishop Mark Sukulao, who is the Methodist (UK) Bishop in Harare. Mark had gone to EBC in Chinhoyi and was an EC pastor that I had a close friendship with and have stayed in regular contact with through the years. Mark has endured great stress through the recent politically charged years as he has been a strong voice against the suffering and oppression that Zimbabwe and the people are living through. At the height of the violence he was being thre
atened and wouldn’t sleep in the same place each night. We also had a visit from Margaret Bumhira, who actually just lives up the road in Marlborough, with one of her sons. Three of her boys are in the Chicago area and she does make trips from time to time, to see them. It was such a blessing to be able to see so many, both because of the Sunday Celebration service as well as a result of our travels, and it all made the experience so complete for Dad.
A bit of “downtime” on Monday allowed us to get a bit of laundry done and catch up on email. It also enabled us to make final arrangements for our trips to Kapfunde and Karanda, as well as contact a few friends that we still wanted to see. However, we quickly learned how challenging it was to make a phone call or get on the internet, to communicate with anyone. The best option, although still “hit and miss”, is using a cell phone. For those who have been away for a while, it is amusing to see the widespread use of cell phones, yet the dysfunction i
n most other areas. Tuesday brought numerous visits from old friends who heard we were around. First was Bishop Mark Sukulao, who is the Methodist (UK) Bishop in Harare. Mark had gone to EBC in Chinhoyi and was an EC pastor that I had a close friendship with and have stayed in regular contact with through the years. Mark has endured great stress through the recent politically charged years as he has been a strong voice against the suffering and oppression that Zimbabwe and the people are living through. At the height of the violence he was being thre
atened and wouldn’t sleep in the same place each night. We also had a visit from Margaret Bumhira, who actually just lives up the road in Marlborough, with one of her sons. Three of her boys are in the Chicago area and she does make trips from time to time, to see them. It was such a blessing to be able to see so many, both because of the Sunday Celebration service as well as a result of our travels, and it all made the experience so complete for Dad. HTC and HATFIELD
That afternoo
n we made a brief stop in at the Harare Theological College (HTC), as we had not seen the new facility. The new term was starting that evening so there was plenty of activity and commotion. The facility definitely is tailored to the focus of an urban and commuter student, and the 70 students have come from every walk of life and occupation, making great sacrifices to be in these classes and to travel to the college each day. Some are taking courses for Ministry enhancement in their lay roles at a church, and others as their preparation for a degree and full time Ministry. When we were done looking around HTC, a boyhood friend of mine, Rob Franklin, still living and working in the country asked if Dad and I wanted to make a trip over to Hatfield to see the old “Plot” and look around our old neighbourhood. We jumped at the chance as we didn’t know if we would have another opportunity. Many changes have happened in Hatfield and most of them aren’t for the positive. It has been one of the areas that have suffered from infrastructure neglect the most, with power and water outages more than most places. The streets in Hatfield were some of the worst potholed ones we saw in Harare. It appeared as though some homes had tried to fill the holes in front of their areas with plain dirt, but that day’s rain was already making a mess of that small attempt. We were favourably impressed with the condition and upkeep of the old “plot” (
that had been the first location of the Harare Theological College, after it left Chinhoyi, in the 1990’s & early 2000’s), that was sold to the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (Canada) as their college facility. Some of the buildings had been changed, at some point (could have been done during the HTC era) but most of them seemed unchanged since the ‘80’s ... Dad could have almost walked into his old office without missing a beat. Even some of the original office signage was still the same as 30 years ago. We did notice that the “old cottage” had a completely new roof. Not just the roofing, but the entire structure, so it had a bit different feel than what was always some of the warmest memories as a child.
That afternoo
n we made a brief stop in at the Harare Theological College (HTC), as we had not seen the new facility. The new term was starting that evening so there was plenty of activity and commotion. The facility definitely is tailored to the focus of an urban and commuter student, and the 70 students have come from every walk of life and occupation, making great sacrifices to be in these classes and to travel to the college each day. Some are taking courses for Ministry enhancement in their lay roles at a church, and others as their preparation for a degree and full time Ministry. When we were done looking around HTC, a boyhood friend of mine, Rob Franklin, still living and working in the country asked if Dad and I wanted to make a trip over to Hatfield to see the old “Plot” and look around our old neighbourhood. We jumped at the chance as we didn’t know if we would have another opportunity. Many changes have happened in Hatfield and most of them aren’t for the positive. It has been one of the areas that have suffered from infrastructure neglect the most, with power and water outages more than most places. The streets in Hatfield were some of the worst potholed ones we saw in Harare. It appeared as though some homes had tried to fill the holes in front of their areas with plain dirt, but that day’s rain was already making a mess of that small attempt. We were favourably impressed with the condition and upkeep of the old “plot” (
that had been the first location of the Harare Theological College, after it left Chinhoyi, in the 1990’s & early 2000’s), that was sold to the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (Canada) as their college facility. Some of the buildings had been changed, at some point (could have been done during the HTC era) but most of them seemed unchanged since the ‘80’s ... Dad could have almost walked into his old office without missing a beat. Even some of the original office signage was still the same as 30 years ago. We did notice that the “old cottage” had a completely new roof. Not just the roofing, but the entire structure, so it had a bit different feel than what was always some of the warmest memories as a child.
nice staff
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