26 February 2001
Greetings from the Lees and the Christians in Zimbabwe. It is very difficult for me to write this newsletter in view of all that has been going on in this country. It would e easy to be negative as there has been so much going on here. it would also be easy to be positive, as good things have also been going on. Oh, for the wisdom to strike a balance! to go back to the beginning of the troubles in Zimbabwe: there was a meeting held in a village not too far from here where we live. It was a political meeting where the politicos and so called war vets planned their strategies. Someone who was sympathetic to us attended this meeting and reported back to us that we must not be concerned, we would be left alone -- not molested in any way and that we were acceptable because we did good amongst the people.
When all the whites were told to evacuate their homes and take refuge in the city, we were told not to go as the people would protect us. I regret to say that we did go into the city for a few days to calm the fears of others who were worried about us, but nothing ever happened to us or our home [this was over the Easter period]. We have subsequently been told that the politicos and their cronies believe the hand of God was over us and our property and, to this day, we have not been molested or threatened in any way. We believe the Hand of God is indeed over us and were sorry we did not demonstrate our faith in this protection more positively; but then, even Abraham had a lapse of faith when he felt threatened by the people of Gerar (Genesis 20:1) Sorry, Lord!
Nearly all the white owned farms in Filabusi have either been invaded or designated for acquisition without compensation by the government. Ours, and two others, have not. We know that ours was not for no reason other than we believe God has protected us and this is where He wants us to further His kingdom!! Thank you, Lord!
Fuel has been very short, difficult and expensive to get. Our ministry depends totally on travel as our churches are all scattered over a wide area. Binga is a round trip of over 600 miles, so we are unable to go there very often these days. Also, my truck "old good and faithful", has now done over 400,000 kms and not reliable to do any long trips in. It is more in the garage these days than on the road. We will have to have a reliable vehicle to continue with our work -- especially as we do so much traveling. Fortunately, the phone has been working quite well lately and we have been able to keep in touch with the churches that way. Andrew Binga, the Chairman of the Church of Christ Committee in Binga, phoned me just last night and reported that all was well with the Christians and the churches in Binga. I really don't know why I worry about them like I do; after all, who is in charge? -- the Holy Spirit or me?? I am so glad that it is the Holy Spirit.
Last year the department of Immigration took away my Zimbabwe passport. They said I was not entitled to have one because I had been out of the country between 1981 and 1989 (part of that time I was in Bible school in the UK and US). Since then Debbie and I have been under threat of deportation. We have carried on a running battle with them since then. On Sunday we collected our mail from Filabusi and there was a letter from Immigration to say we had been granted permanent residence. What a relief and an answer to prayer!! PTL!!
As you can well imagine, these goings on have put quite a strain on us, although we know and believe the Lord has everything under control and nothing occurs but that He allows it. Still, we feel the strain and stress and sometimes it overwhelms us. Please pray for us and our ministry here.
In Filabusi and Nswazi, church planting and building goes on a pace. At Nswazi we now have two buildings completed -- one at Makoba and one at Badhua. These consist of a hall where services are held; a school room where Sunday school, sewing classes and choir practices are held; and a toilet block. At Avoca we have a building going up which should be finished before the rains begin in November and, with nearly ten congregations in the area of Godlwayo, we still have a busy time putting up buildings. PLT for that!! Please continue to pray for the Christians here in Zimbabwe. With the Lord's leading and protecting, the Christians have overcome all the hardships and are doing incredibly well. Jesus is still in control
Debbie's Bible / sewing classes continue to go on even though she can't be at them often -- especially with the fuel situation right now. She supplies them with fabric and sewing materials that they request and need. Once the fuel crisis is over she will be going to visit them all again. They are very widespread, so it takes a week and lots of traveling to visit each one. That you for those of you who have sent sewing materials; they need never ends, so we ask that anything you might have in the way of sewing stuff would be greatly accepted and appreciated.
We also have a great need for more sewing machines, which are so scarce and very expensive and not very available, but do come in time to time. The lady who works at the singer shop is very kind to let me know when they do come in, in case I am ready to buy.
As Christmas nears, once again we would ask that you please go through your cupboards and dig out all those old clothes you no longer need or wear and post them off to us for the folks in Binga and the villages here where our churches are. Kids' clothes are greatly needed. We can't tell you how these people appreciate anything you send them! Please address the boxes to the Botswana Zimbabwe Christian Mission and put from the church that is sending it. Also put "old clothes, no value" on the box. As a Christian organization we can receive old clothing at no import duty.
Thank you for your love, prayers, support, and faithfulness. We know that it is because of your prayers that we are able to continue here in Filabusi. How wonderful to be part of God's plans and family!
Home is where the heart is! It was great to be over in England with Gayle, but good to be home again. Gayle has found a small flat and that's why I went over to help her move. Although it is a furnished flat, some of the windows needed curtains and we had to get linen, crockery and cutlery, plus some odds and ends that she needed. but she is now settled and so much happier. It is a comfortable flat and in a secure area.
Gayle is doing extremely well at college, plus working 2 days a week at different jobs. During the summer break she worked very hard at a rehab (drugs) centre, some days from 10 am to 7 pm, plus the job at Argos all day Saturday. She has passed all her tests and exams with distinctions and merits. Her report for the year was marked "Excellent" and the tutors are very happy with her. Richard and I find it hard to believe that this is our "little girl". She will be 21 and is a beautiful young lady and, like all parents, we are so proud of her.
Gayle will finish college in May and plans to go to university in September of 2001 to do a degree in nursing. She wants to specialize in either maternity or theatre. The degree is a four-year course. She would have been in England 3 years by September 2001 and, because she holds a British passport and is a British citizen, this enables here to get a grant of sorts. Also, because she will be a mature student, there are lots of benefits. God is so good. We could never have afforded to send her to a university. We help her every month with the rent and living, which is a strain on us, but as parents we all do what we can for our children -- especially where education and their future is concerned! God has and will provide for his children.
Gayle will apply soon to 5 universities and should know by the end of January where she has been accepted and maybe have a choice to which one she will go to. Please continue to pray that Gayle will find a church where she can worship and fellowship with other Christians. She loves the Lord and remains faithful to Him. But, as you know, we all need that bond with other Christians and Satan never misses an opportunity to keep us from that!
Gayle, Richard and I thank you for your love, prayers, faithfulness, and support towards Gayle's time in the UK. We sure love and appreciate each one of you. She would love to hear from you and needs lots of encouragement. Even though she is doing very well, she is a long way from home and concerned over the situation here and still gets very homesick.
Her E:Mail address is: makaphela@exite.com
Her address is:
71 Frizley Gardens
Frizinghall
Bradford, BD 9 4LZ
England, UK
The Lees: Richard, Debbie, and Gayle
Field Address Forwarding Agent Richard & Debbie Lee Vivian M. Ottinger Box 144 708 Blossom Hill Road, #233 Filabusi, Zimbabwe, Africa Los Gatos, CA 95032