Track and Field Zimbabwe Trip: June 16th-30, 2012

Pictures taken in Zimbabwe

J.Z. Moyo is a boarding school known for its academics and sports. It is also located somewhere near the middle of nowhere, Zimbabwe. The 15 hour drive took us through beautiful African landscape, down bumpy dirt roads, past numerous police stops and was delayed by broken vans. We arrived late, exhausted, and wondering why we ever left Harare where we had been doing ministry for the past week. It reminded me of a question I had been asked, and wrestled with myself: Why do we need to spend time and money to do ministry somewhere so far away? Though I have story after story to answer that question with how God used our team in Zimbabwe, I experience two truths at JZM which I will never forget: Gods ways are above our ways and God rewards our faith and obedience. We had a full day of activities at the school: career guidance, sports instruction, soccer match, forming relationships, and dancing to marimba. Lastly, that night the students heard a Gospel presentation. The best way that I can explain what happened next was that God moved in hearts to respond in the greatest act of Gods grace that I have even witnessed. Hundreds of students in the room stood to publically acknowledge their need and desire for a Savior. After speaking, we had the opportunity to pray with these students individually through their tears, for faith, encouragement, futures, families, friendships, and for their new or recommitted relationship with their Savior, Jesus. One of our AIA-Zim staff, Chris, challenged us to consider how saying yes to Gods call that day, no matter where it took us, impacted eternity. God displayed Romans 8:28 to us, but even more-so Romans 10:14-15. If we are the only Christians that ever go to JZM, the small cost of time and money will never compare to the reward of changed lives. Praise God that with the door now open, the AIA-Zim staff can go back to JZM to follow up and encourage the students in their faith. The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field. Luke 10:2
Left: Speaking at JZM

Thank you for your continual faith in this journey with me. I am so blessed that for the past 11 months, AIA has been my only occupation and likewise, I have learned so many lessons about trusting God for my only income coming from faithful ministry partners like yourself. As my internship comes to an end, I still have some significant needs before CRUs fiscal year ends on August 1st. My staff account is currently short $2000 which is needed to pay for all of the travel and medical expenses that I have acquired in order to go on this trip. Many of you have blessed me so much over this past year and I am forever thankful! As I transition into a new chapter, would you consider giving a final gift to help me balance my account? Please visit www.give.cru.org/give/0640250

Right: Our US team with 2 teachers from JZM

Above: Myself with the ladies I discipled on the trip and with the amazing Zimbabwean AIA/Life Ministries staff (Juliet, Chris, EZ, Taffy, Josh) Right: Myself and the AIA team with students and teachers in various communities we visited