The month of February was a very sad month for our Mission people, and for all of us who are concerned for their welfare. The Rev B. B. Dube, minister at Zenka, one of our two younger ministers, passed away on 5th February, after some months of pain and discomfort.
In December 1990, in addressing his congregation, Mr Dube told them that it might be the last time he would be with them as he was very ill. Mr Dube was attending the doctor in Bulawayo. On Monday of Bulawayo Communion he went to see David Ndlovu who was very ill in hospital. He said to David, ‘Ndlovu, you are ill but I will be away before you.’ As one of the Mission staff wrote, ‘The Lord was preparing him for going’.
The funeral was held in Bulawayo on February 9th. There was a large gathering of people in the church. The Rev P. Mzamo spoke on, ‘Therefore there remaineth a rest for the people of God.’ Mr Dube was buried in Athlone Cemetery, Bulawayo, where his remains lie until the Resurrection morning. Mr Dube left a widow and seven of a family to mourn his loss, as well as a large congregation, brother ministers, Mission staff and friends.
A week after the passing of the Rev B. B. Dube, our young ambulance driver Zenzo Mpofu, was returning to Mbuma after delivering a patient at Bulawayo hospital when he fell asleep at the wheel. The ambulance went off the road for about 500 yards and crashed into a tree. A nurse was travelling with Zenzo and she escaped unhurt but Zenzo received a severe head injury. One of our Mission staff, Mr Mziya, was travelling some distance behind the ambulance. He saw what had happened and took Zenzo to Inyathi hospital which was quite near. Zenzo was then transferred to Bulawayo where after a few days he was discharged, but after spending a few days with relatives he became violently ill and died in hospital.
Zenzo was a most likeable, and pleasant young man. He was the son of Mr Charles Mpofu and great-grandson of John Mpofu who was sent by the late Rev John Radasi to Nkai in 1923 and opened up the work where we now have Nkai, Zenka, Mbuma and several other preaching stations.
Zenzo received many loving admonitions to seek the Saviour and many prayers were offered up on his behalf. We would hope that during the week he was spared, some of these admonitions were brought to his mind and that he was enabled to flee to Christ.
Last week a young Form Two pupil at the John Tallach School, Ingwenya, was taking part in a race when he collapsed and died. Needless to say this was a great shock to the whole community. ‘Be ye also ready . . . .’
J.N.