ZIMBABWE  REPORT

 "Zimbabwe is a song which, once heard, is never
forgotten; a mood to suit the needs of any soul, any
time; a spell that binds all those who know her."

We're Home!!  And we are extremely grateful to all of you who prayed for the success of our apostolic journey into Zimbabwe!  It was truly an amazing experience for Ps. Dallas and I, one we will never forget, as even now there is something that pulls at our hearts for this forgotten nation and the beautiful people that we fell in love with there.  Somehow, I knew before I left that this would be a life changing mission for Ps. Dallas and myself....one that would have far reaching implications for the both of us....and friends, we were not disappointed!

I shared with you before we left, that Zimbabwe is an international hotspot, a nation in desperate crisis.  It's almost hard to believe, as the visitor's first impression is of genuine goodwill, the warm friendship that permeates the country, and the beauty that is its inheritance.  Harare, the capital city where we spent most of our time, has been described as "The Pearl of Africa", but the city is more like a diamond - sparkling, glamorous, and many faceted. It was difficult at times to look past all the outward beauty and remember the plight of these loving and gracious people.  However, the statistics tell the story.....

•  85% Unemployment.

•  An inflation rate of over 700%.

•  3000 people dying every week from AIDS.

•  1.8 million orphans....many families are now headed by children as both parents are dead.

•  Medical treatment is now beyond the reach of the majority as the expense is prohibitive.

•  People are starving as the food supply is only enough for 1/4 of the population.

•  Industry is now performing at only 30% of its capacity.  Agriculture at only 30-40%.

•  1000's of University students leaving school because they have no funds.  Others remaining, but literally starving and sleeping in abandoned cars.

•  and on and on

Consider this...it costs a person in Zimbabwe about 13 million Zimbabwe dollars to fill his gas tank!  That's the equivalent of $130 American, almost 2 1/2 times what petrol costs us here in South Africa!  To put that in perspective, a teacher makes 12 million Zim dollars per month!  It costs more to fill your car with gas than a teacher makes in a month!

THE CONFERENCE

 " It's like a chariot of fire lighting up the whole place as we go

- Apostle Alexander Chisango on the impact of the conference

 " Our focus is no longer 'how can we do church', our focus is how can we disciple the Nation. " 

- Apostle Alexander Chisango

" The ribs of the enemy are breaking! "

- Apostle Alexander Chisango

" When was the last time we saw a white man in the townships? "

- Apostle Alexander Chisango

Apostle Chisango's vision was to take the conference to the people, so  instead of a few days in one place, we moved from place to place and did 25 events in 12 days!!  Most events lasted 3 to 6 hours!  We usually did at least two everyday.  9am to 1pm in the morning, then 2pm to 5pm in the afternoon....then occasionally we would hurry off to some evening venue like the night Ps. Dallas and I prophesied to 29 leaders for another 3 1/2 hours!!  It was both stretching and exhausting, but also fantastic and exhilarating!  I have never been so tired at night when I crawled into bed.  Ps. Dallas returned home after 8 days, so I did the final four days by myself....whew! What an experience!  The uniqueness of the conference consisted in the fact that Apostle Chisango designed it to impact every area of crisis in the nation.  We were addressing the issues of poverty, AIDS, orphans, youth, nutrition, empowerment and transformation as well as others.  The conference was different than anything we have ever done before in that it was impacting the leadership of the nation, both natural and spiritual.  Let me explain....by the 2nd day, the mayors office called to ask where she could attend one of the meetings.  After a few days, a Senator from the ruling party was also attending.  Before the two weeks were over, we heard from the Minister of National Security, the Secretary General of the Ruling Party, the Governor of Harare Province, the Commissioner of Police, the Provincial Governor, the Provincial Administrator, the National Coordinator for HIV/AIDS, The Minister of Health, and the City Council Medical Director.  Perhaps the most important connection for Ps. Dallas and myself was the night we met with Morgan Tsvangirai, the leader of Zimbabwe's opposition Movement for Democratic Change.  Tsvangirai is born again and we were able to pray for him and for the nation as we sat in his office surrounded by guards and high walls.  He graciously invited us to visit him any time we returned to Zimbabwe.  Friends, this was definitely a new level for us.  It was obvious from the start that Ps. Dallas and I were flowing in a totally new dimension as an apostle/prophet team.  We really were not ministering on a church level, but found ourselves ministering on a city/nation dimension!  It was exciting, but sobering at the same time.  On the day I left, Apostle Chisango phoned me in the airport to tell me that that very day, he  had been contacted by both the ruling party and the opposition party asking if he will meet with them and show them how to meet the needs of the people!!  Apostle Chisango is truly a 21st century Joseph appointed to bring the wisdom of God to his nation.  One day during the meetings he turned to Ps Dallas and I and said " if this model breaks through, it will have a global testimony! "  Friends, I believe that with all my heart!

Finally, I must say a few words about the people themselves.  Never have I met a more gentle and gracious people.  Oppressed and ravaged by poverty and sickness, yet still full of hope, trusting that God will hear their cries.  Those of you who attended the Global Conference in Walla Walla will remember the night I tried to answer the question that Ps. Bob Grimm asked of us leaders....What is God saying to the earth?  I answered that night with a three -fold response from Ex. ch. 3.....here's what I heard in my spirit:

Beloved Zimbabwe, the Lord has heard your cries and you are not forgotten. 

 " Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee:  and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out; and I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame.  At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth...."        Zephaniah 3:19-20

A personal highlight for me was hearing testimony after testimony of people who were being healed of HIV/AIDS.  Yes, you heard me right, the people are being healed!  We saw and talked with many who shared how they were on their death beds, days away from dying, when they were miraculously touched by the power of God and gloriously healed.  Many are now beginning to get re-tested to confirm what is clearly evident to all!  Could it be possible that while millions world wide are suffering with this deadly virus that God is building a testimony in Zimbabwe?  Is that what Zeph. 3 is prophesying?  " I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame. " 

Dear Friends, thank you for sowing seed to break open this nation.  I watched Apostle Chisango lay hands on your seed and pray for breakthroughs in your lives.  It was powerful.  I know that Ps. Dallas and I want to continue to minister in Zimbabwe but we will need your help.  Already Ps. Dallas is planning a Prophetic Worship and Activation Conference in June and I want to disciple the leaders of the nation in September.  Will those of you who are standing with us continue to pray and seek the Lord for how you can help?  We will keep you posted as our plans develop.  May God richly bless all of you and may you have a very Happy Easter!!

Apostle Steve 

•  Read more about Apostle Chisango at:

http://www.changemakers.net/journal/01august/cohen.cfm

http://www.ashoka.org/fellows/viewprofile3.cfm?reid=96951

Apostle Chisango prays over your seed

Asking the question; How many have lost a loved one?

Apostle Steve ministering to the children

The passion of the people

Apostle Chisango pays for gas

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Apostle Chisango prays over your seed