Rebuilding homes in Chiweshe

Sean Mullens came to speak at OBF on Sunday 1st March when he shared the news about the villagers being able to rebuild their homes and passed on thanks for the support given during this traumatic time. 

Sean and Debbie Mullens (from Zimbabwe) were introduced to Orchard Baptist Fellowship through our 'Mission Matters' group several years ago. We have been developing even closer links with them over the last year. In that time, Sean and Debbie have visited OBF on several occasions and Sean has led services. They work for the 'River of Life Church' which is based in Harare although they are also responsible for 6 other churches in the surrounding area. One of these is in the region of Chiweshe (about 90 minutes drive from Harare).

OBF have been supporting, in particular, the church in Baradzamwa (in Chiweshe). The members of this church, who are mostly poor farmers, had to flee for their lives in May 2008 when most of their homes were raised to the ground and their Maize crop (5 tonnes) was stolen. They were driven out by the local militia who are young men that have been heavily influenced by the Mugabe government and carry out their instructions. The church was seen as anti-goverment because they believed God (not Mugabe) was the solution to the countries problems. The church members spent 4-5 months sleeping on the floor in the church in Harare. It was at the end of this period (last August) that OBF began to send food pallets to help them out, due to the well publicised food shortages in the country. We have continued to send regular food pallets since then (at least 1 per month) and have commited as a church to continue to do this for the near future. In addition to the food pallets,  OBF sent some Christmas presents out to them. The cost of doing this is around £200 per month and sometimes the parcels have to be sent via South Africa to ensure their safe arrival in Baradzamwa.

The Pastor of the church in Baradzamwa, his family and church members have now returned to their homes and are rebuilding them again. The militia have returned, but this time the pastor shared his faith in Jesus and his food with them. Twelve members of the militia have now become Christians and now attend their church.

Sean Mullens came to speak at OBF on Sunday 1st March when he shared the news about the villagers being able to rebuild their homes and passed on thanks for the support given during this traumatic time.