Visit to Zimbabwe
It was most interesting to hear something of Donald and Christine MacDonald’s impressions of Zimbabwe, where they spent six months recently. They describe Bulawayo as having a gracious, colonial air about it with wide, tree-lined streets. They remarked on how beautifully kept the roads were, and of how quiet they were in contrast with Nairobi’s busy traffic.
The first few days were spent at Bulawayo Communion where the services were taken by the Rev P. Mzamo and the Rev A. B. Ndebele. There were two new members received and one person received for baptism. They were greatly impressed with the beautiful singing, the large congregation singing in perfect harmony.
At Mbuma they were welcomed by Sister Anne Zekveld and Sister Margaret MacAskill. Sister Jessie Coote was spending a few days in Bulawayo. Donald was asked to take worship night and morning with the patients and staff in the hospital, and to visit the patients when possible. It was arranged that Christine would help in the hospital and that Donald would spend the weekdays in the Bulawayo office attending to financial matters.
On his return to Bulawayo on the first occasion, he and David Ndlovu had a sick man with them for part of the journey. The old man said he had been affected by the deaths he had seen in the hospital. He acknowledged that he was a sinner, given to drink and gambling. He felt that he had wasted his life and was useless. They spoke to him of the thief on the Cross and of how the Saviour had not rejected him but had promised him Glory.
The weeks passed quickly and they left Mbuma for Bulawayo, saying goodbye with reluctance to the kind friends at Mbuma. Christine had enjoyed her work in the hospital immensely, and Donald became very attached to some of the patients. On their first afternoon in Bulawayo they went to visit Thembiso Children’s Home, where Donald said there were sixty lovely children ranging in age from babies to sixteen year olds. They were all apparently very happy and the little ones very excited at having visitors. Also linked to Thembiso is the Reformed Bookroom which seems to be selling an encouraging number of Bibles and sound literature.
During their last few days they visited Zvishavane, about a hundred miles east of Bulawayo where the Rev Z. Mazvabo ministers to his numerous congregations. They are Shona people, whereas most of our people are Matabele. They were very kindly received and taken to see some of the preaching stations.
They spent their last weekend at Ingwenya, where the pupils had been on holiday during their previous visit. Their time in Zimbabwe was a pleasant experience, but as they boarded the plane for Kenya, Donald and Christine were looking forward with anticipation to resuming their work at Sengera.
Memories of old Ma Dube
In recent weeks an elderly lady known as Ma Dube who lived in the Mbuma vicinity passed away. She had been a church member for many years. In her walk, life and conversation she testified that she was one who adorned the Gospel of the Grace of God.
In later times due to the infirmities of old age she was unable to attend God’s House but her desire was to be in Zion’s Gates. During the War years she continued attending church services although exposed to much danger. On one occasion, she wrote a letter to Mr D. Ndlovu expressing how she missed not getting to church but yet the Word she said, was sweeter to her than honey from the comb. She always conveyed her greetings to the hospital staff and when it was convenient for them they would visit her in her home where they received a warm welcome. She would recall her earlier days when she used to hear the late Rev James Fraser preach and would also speak with interest of recent services heard.
Although so frail it was arranged that she should attend the Communion services at Mbuma. She was accommodated at the hospital during these days, and it was obvious that this period was an oasis in the desert.
At home she lived in very poor circumstances with no comfort whatever, but she had a very contented spirit. She often liked to quote from Matthew chapter five, the Beatitudes, for she was poor in spirit and trusted in the One ‘who though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor that ye through His poverty might be made rich.’ II Cor. 8: 9.
There were a number of grandchildren who would sit quietly while worship was held. It gave her a measure of joy when her daughter, who many years before had been a nurse at the hospital, was received as a communicant in the Zenka congregation. ‘The memory of the just is blessed.’
Margaret Maturure’s Wheel-chair
Some of the friends in Scotland would have seen pictures of Margaret Maturure in her wheel-chair. She came to the John Tallach School from the Jairos Jiri Centre for the handicapped. The Centre had been opened by an African, and run successfully. It was named after him. Margaret was severely handicapped and could not move without a wheel-chair or without help of others. She had a bright, sunny disposition and was soon a great favourite with the Staff and with her fellow-pupils. Eventually Margaret made her way to Harare University and graduated with a Social Science degree. While on holiday from University, she often assisted in the School Library at Ingwenya. Latterly, she taught for a short time in the School. While at home in Bulawayo, Margaret always attended our Church in Bulawayo. She was collected by car by one of the staff. It was a great surprise to everyone when Margaret announced that she intended to get married. The man she married was a worker at Jairos Jiri and was himself handicapped, but not so severely as Margaret. The Mission Staff assisted with the arrangements, and rejoiced with her in her happiness. Sad to relate, when eventually the time came for her first child to be born, news came that Margaret died in child-birth. Her little daughter, however, survived.
Earlier the John Tallach Staff had began to think of buying Margaret an electric wheel-chair which would make her so much more independent. Kind friends in Canada and at home collected subscriptions for the wheel-chair and it was ordered. It had not, however, been delivered at the time of Margaret’s death. The question arose as to what was to be done with the chair and it was decided that it should be given to Margaret’s brother who was equally handicapped. Being highly intelligent like his late sister Margaret, he holds a responsible post at the Jairos Jiri Centre. His letter expresses his thankfulness for the gift of the electric wheel-chair which he has received. It will be very gratifying to those who gave money towards its purchase. It should also be mentioned that there is a surplus in the amount donated for the chair. It is hoped to invest this amount in a Trust for the little girl left without a mother. The letter from Sabbath Maturure, addressed to Mr R. Campbell, General Treasurer, is as follows:—
Dear Brother Campbell,
I write to thank you a million times for the greatest and most expensive gift I have ever received in all my life. I would like to draw your attention to the fact that I never in all my lifetime ever thought that one day in life I would ever be able to move around on my own without the help of someone. However, I have always believed in the Holy Scriptures and in Luke Chapter 1: 37 we are told by the word of God nothing shall be impossible. I am so pleased that God is working through you to bring hope to me and all my family. You really have made my life very comfortable and my work much easier.
As you probably know, my job involves moving up and down all over the Centre both night and day. Someone has to help me to carry on my work because my own hands are very weak and cannot straighten. My bones have been fragile since my birth and to get a wheelchair that will help me to move on my own is almost as good as growing new legs. Language or words cannot tell how thankful I am to you for the help you have given me. I will live to thank you in all my life and will always pray that the Lord may continue to bless you in whatever you do. Above all I pray that God, the eternal Father, may give you everlasting life in His holy kingdom.
I must not forget to thank you again for all the support you rendered to my beloved sister, the late Margaret Maturure from the early days of her schooling up to the end of her earthly life. In this world of very serious financial hardships, it is really very difficult to find such a loving brother as you are.
Once again, may the love and blessing of our Lord Jesus Christ rest upon you now and forever. Please remember to keep on praying for us all. We love and appreciate all your prayers and please continue to support us in everywhere you possibly can.
Your help will always be highly appreciated.
All my love in the name of Jesus Christ.
Brother Sabbath Sibanda Maturure.
J.N.