Zimbabwe

The crumbling walls of an ancient fort-like structure, known as the Great Zimbabwe, bear silent testimony to the magnitude of Zimbabwe’s power centuries ago. Ancient national kingdoms united large regions under their control for many years. England was first granted permission for mining, and later for governing the area under the British South Africa Company. Later, it became the colony of Southern Rodesia before it declared its independence in 1965, too early in England’s estimation, as well in the opinions of many of its inhabitants. The struggle continued until 1980. And a few years later many looked to Zimbabwe’s first president, Mugabe, as beginning a new era. A new era did begin with him, but unfortunately for the country, it was one which brought corruption, discontent, and mismanagement, devastating both the country and its economy for forty years. Although Mugabe was eventually forced to resign, the country has found little relief.

Zimbabwe is perhaps best known to the secular world for sharing the great Victoria Falls with Zambia. This country, just larger than Montana, is also home to many natural beauties and exotic wildlife. English, Shona, and Ndebele are official languages most widely spoken among the almost fifteen million people who call this country their home.

To the Christian world, however, Zimbabwe is remembered as one of the countries in which David Livingston and other early missionaries bestowed much labor. While they did not live to see much of the fruit they so earnestly labored for, many who followed in their footsteps have reaped the benefits. Satan does not give up any territory easily: when he cannot stop the Gospel, he often pollutes it. It is not surprising, therefore, that although over eight-five percent claim Christianity, very few of those are truly born again. The false security that the name of Christianity brings has deceived many who are entirely unaware of their own need.

Missionaries in Zimbabwe: