Tuesday 18 February 2020

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Greetings from British Columbia Canada.  Thought it past due time for me to update evryone on what is haappening in my life.  It is indeed a stange feeling living in two vastly different countries.  Just to show the contrast I have a picture of the weather when I left Zimbabwe in December and then in Canada in January.  Howwever, the vast differences are not limited to the weather.  Canada is such a land of abundance while Zimbabwe is a land of great need.  The reality is that the eonomic situation in Zimbabwe is on a constant decline.

I am fortunate to be a Canadian citizen and it is humbling, indeed, to have opportunities to assist those less fortunate who struggle even to provide the necessities of live for their families. I am reminded that it is truly in giving that we receive.  It is good to be back on Canadian soil; but I do miss Africa and family (adopted) and friends there.

I was blessed beyond measure to have my sister Laurie join me at PACC for a month (November -December) and she certainly was a tremendous help to me with marking papers and whatever else I asked her to do.  It was great to just have her company, enjoy daily walks and introduce her to my way of life there and to have her meet my colleagues and friends.  Inserted below is a picture of the two of us with one of my classes.

In our economic struggles, we are often times without ZESA (which is the acronim for Electricity).  The locals say it stands for' Zimbabwe Electricity Seldom Available'). That is a reality as electricity is avilable for only a few hours at night. During the day when we have no electricity and no fuel to run a generator our college cook manages to make meals for our students by cooking outside. The picture below shows Puparai cooking the noon meal.




Since returning to Canada I have had opportunities to share stories from Zimbabwe with a couple of local churches here in British columbia who are supportive of our college.  I am thankful for all who support us in so many ways.  Thank you!

March 1st is missions day at our church and I will have a display set up and have opportunity to share with many of our congregation the work and the needs of my adopted country.

February 22nd I will leave for a brief trip to Kenya where I will be attending an APTEA (Association for Pentecostal Theological Education in Africa) conference. I have been privileged to facilitate teacher training with that orgnization over the past three years or so and am looking forward to the conference and the opportunity to meet with others throughout the African Continent who are doing the same thing.

Our college enrollment is increasing inspite of the difficult economic times. We have students from Mozambique and Namibia as well as from Zimbabwe. These students are hungry to learn more of the Word of God as they either enter into ministry for the first time or enrich the ministries they are already engaged in.  It is indeed a privilege to be able to journey with them as they prepare to face life with all its ups and downs.

I am busy packing and preparing for our conference in Kenya and will update again on my return at month's end. 

Thank you for all your prayers.  May you continue to be blessed.
Marj