Sad Doomsday

This is the other half of ‘Happy Doomsday’.

Zim has had an eventful week. A three-day stay-away was planned beginning Monday the 14’th Jan 2018, as a ‘peaceful’ protest action against the government-mandated increase in the fuel price. It quickly stopped being fully peaceful. Roads were blocked with rocks to stop commuters going to work, and people were assaulted for trying to work. In retaliation, many who were staying at home or putting up the barricades were beaten up by army/police/thugs/X (possibly all the above, depending on who you listen to). As the days went by more and more stories tricked out about those brutalised, shot or forced from their homes.

You can find more details about the human rights violations, violence and government involvement by reading some of the news from the last week. Incredibly disheartening, and for those of us who know folks in the worst-affected areas the lack of communication has added an extra dimension of worry and uncertainty.

Please pray for Zimbabwe, specifically for those affected directly by the violence and those trying to help. There are calls for anyone with medical expertise to help treat the victims, and various churches are collecting blankets, medicines and food for those displaced. Pray for all the organisers (apolitical, concerned citizens) who are helping coordinate efforts and setting up collection points in their homes. I’m worried these attempts to help will get them in trouble, so pray as well for protection and an end to the violence.

How can you help? In addition to prayer, I know many who are working in one way or another towards helping, and would appreciate the assistance. If you’re in Zim, get hold of me and I’ll tell you where to drop blankets and food (or just bring it round to us). Ecocash can be sent to many churches (ask if yours is involved), but I know One Church has been leading some of the efforts. Follow the hashtag #hararehelps and see what’s being done and what is still needed.

If you’re in a different country, you can still contribute finances. There is a gofundme campaign running (https://www.gofundme.com/aid-for-zimbabwe) and I can try and find out how best to get forex into the country and to where it will be useful.

The internet block seems to have been removed for now, and for many life can go back to normal. That is the privilege we have, but it is not the same for all. This next week promises to be unstable, and we may see another outburst of violent action. But even if the suburbs stay quiet and the shops stay open, help is needed for those injured and away from home. I’m hoping we can keep this in mind, spurring one another towards love and good deeds (Heb 10:24) and encouraging one another.

I got to lead a bible study this weekend on Hebrews 12. Hard as it is we are called to endure hardship as discipline, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. Consider him who endured… says Paul. Strengthen your feeble arms and stay on the path (see Prov 4:20-end). Make every effort to live in peace and be holy. Keep your eyes on Jesus.

“I remember what the Lord did;
    I remember the miracles you did long ago.
¹² I think about all the things you did
    and consider your deeds” – Psalm 77: 11

“Why, my soul, are you downcast?
    Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
    for I will yet praise him,
    my Savior and my God.” – Psalm 42:11

“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” – Jeremiah 32:17

We look to what God has done. To how Jesus endured. To the Kingdom being built, that cannot be shaken. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33