31 August 2001
To the Friends and Supporters of Botswana Zimbabwe Christian Mission:
I bring you greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. On behalf of Richard and Debbie Lee, I want to thank each one of you for your interest in and support of the Lord's work in Matebeleland, Zimbabwe. It is because of you that churches have been planted and nurtured, lives have been grown in the Lord and compassionate help has been given to those who were hungry, homeless and orphaned.
As you are well aware, the political situation in Zimbabwe has been deteriorating for some time. because of the political decisions that have been made by the government, widespread hardship has overflowed the land. The availability of fuel, food and manufactured items is so low as to make it difficult to live and operate. Hostility toward whites in rural areas by the "war veterans" is a constant threat and concern.
And yet - congregations still need help as they grow and build places of worship, they still need assistance with famine relief projects, there remain AIDS orphans to be assimilated into church families (as soon as a way can be found to do so without the "war veterans" seizing the funds needed for food, clothing and school fees for the children!).
In the midst of crisis, with need all around them, the Lees are being forced to curtail some of their work. Partially, it is true, this is due to the political realities in Zimbabwe right now; in other cases, however, it is because there has been a shortfall of funds over the last six months or so. Perhaps the current economic downturn has had something to do with this. In light of the need, I asked the Lees for permission to do something which I have never done before-contact those interested in their work and simply apprise them of the situation and ask for their earnest prayers and support. If you can increase your monthly giving or perhaps send a special offering, it would help the work in Zimbabwe during this difficult time.
May God's richest blessings be yours as you serve Him in your local congregations and around the world.
Chairman of the Board Botswana-Zimbabwe Christian Mission