VIM Mission Trip to Zimbabwe

Three weeks from today (Wednesday, July 22), I am scheduled to leave for a Volunteers in Mission trip to Zimbabwe.

It is with Compassionate Consultation Initiative-Zimbabwe, which is committed "to share the love of Jesus Christ in ways that make a Christian difference through participating in a mission opportunity." It will be led by the Rev. Dr. Kennedy Mukwindidza, a pastor from Zimbabwe who is the Executive Director of CCIP-Zimbabwe and serves as a pastor in the Kansas West Conference.

I am excited about this opportunity. I have had an interest in this part of the world ever since a group called "Ambassadors Quartet" toured the United States in 1959-60. They were from what was then called Southern Rhodesia, and their appearance at the Arlington Methodist Church was a significant moment in my life.

I had the privilege of visiting Zimbabwe in January 2007 with the General Commission on Communications. Ever since I returned, I have been working to find ways of building relationships between our two parts of the world, especially between the Hutchinson District of the Kansas West Conference and the Mutare District of the Zimbabwe East Conference. A highlight thus far has been our district clergy Christmas offering in December 2008 forthe pastors of the Mutare District.

During our time in Zimbabwe, we will work on the Skills Training Center that has been under construction for some years. It is located near Mutare. We are also scheduled to visit Africa University and the Fairfield Childrens Home.

The trip begins with a flight out of Kansas City on Wednesday, July 22. Our route takes us from there to Washington, DC, and then to Johannesburg, South Africa--via Dakar, Senegal. The final leg of the journey is from Johanesburg to Harare. We rest and recover there for a day or so. Then, it is on to Mutare.

I expect to worship with the Streamview United Methodist Church near Mutare on Sunday, July 26. It will be their "Harvest Thanksgiving Sunday." Our work project begins on Monday, July 27. Our visit to Africa University and the Fairchildrens Home is set for Wednesday, July 29.

On Friday, July 31, and Saturday, August 1, I will take part in a Zimbabwe United Methodist Summit at Africa University. This meeting will bring together Annual Conferences, agencies, and organizations working in Zimbabwe. The goal is to develop a coordinated effort to be as effective as possible.

Sunday, August 2, will be a celebration of the life and work of Bishop Ralph Dodge, whose leadership made a profound difference in the life of the church and nation that is now Zimbabwe. The journey home begins Monday, August 3, and concludes Tuesday, August 4.

There is much to be done! I deeply appreciate any and all prayers of support and encouragement in this venture!