Rev J B Jardine
Congregational News: Nyaki. The Nyaki communion season took place at the end of June. People were able to gather from the neighbouring congregations of Mbuma and Zenka. Several non-Free Presbyterian teachers attended from the local school and community, and two men who travelled a distance from Manomano. Free Bibles were distributed to those at the communion who required them, and to the teaching staff at the school.
The elders, now becoming very elderly, desire a Home Missionary or Catechist to be settled among them to assist them in their labours. At the moment, the elders must travel some distance to supply the outlying preaching stations. There is reason to be thankful to the Most High for the grace and strength given to them so far to fulfil their duties; however, without assistance from elsewhere in the Presbytery, the future of the Lord’s cause in this area looks uncertain.
Zenka. The Zenka congregation, with its five preaching stations, is supplied by the local elders and Mr W Nkomo, home missionary. The major challenge in these areas is the poor condition of the roads, which means that transport costs can be excessive at times. The two communions held here during the year were well attended by the local and neighbouring congregations.
Mbuma. The communion seasons at Mbuma continue to be well attended and, at recent communions, the capacity of the church has been increased by erecting a tent extension. The elders and others are kept busy supplying the outlying preaching stations Sabbath by Sabbath.
Although several young men attend the services at Mbuma, the community at large is affected by the misuse of drugs of all sorts. We pray that the Lord would remember them in mercy and bring them under the gospel. Bible distribution continues wherever it is needed.
Bulawayo. Several young men have begun attending the Bulawayo congregation and appear to show a genuine interest in the Word of the Lord. This has proven a great encouragement to Rev S Khumalo.
Ingwenya. Although the Ingwenya congregation has become smaller in recent years, the last few months have seen several new faces at the services and requests have been made for Bibles. Services at Inyathi have been suspended due to a lack of manpower. At Insiza, ill health and challenging driving conditions sometimes hinder services taking place.
General points: As in the home Church, the availability of suitable men to cover all the preaching stations is becoming problematic throughout the Mission. Our Dutch friends have donated several pews to Zimbabwe,
which are being distributed among the various congregations as needed. The congregations are thankful for this generous donation.
Young people brought up in the Church often have to travel away from the means of grace to find employment. This remains a grave concern to the Church in Zimbabwe.
Harvest. The harvest has been gathered, but the yields have been variable due to uneven rainfall distribution and soil conditions.