Dear Praying Friends,
Monday, July 30, is election day in Zimbabwe. For the first time since becoming a country in 1980, Zimbabweans will be able to mark a presidential election ballot without the name Robert Mugabe. In anticipation of this historic election I asked Arthur Nhau, LTLA director in Chinhoyi, and Jonathan Govero, Navigator staff in the capital Harare and friend of LTLA, the following questions:
How are the Zimbabwean people feeling about this election? How are you feeling?
- Arthur - "People are anxious. I am at peace as God is on the throne and will not be caught unaware whatever the result."
- Jonathan - "Feelings are mixed. There is a sense of hope that the election may take us into a better era with a new government. There is also a sense of fear that the long standing ruling party may steal the election as in years past. People are unsure what to expect."
What should be the priorities of the elected president?
- Arthur - "Elimination of corruption and establishing investor confidence leading to job creation."
- Jonathan - "Improving the economy to create jobs (unemployment is around 95%) and dealing with the cash crisis. Also improving health services, returning the rule of law, dealing equitably with the land reform issue [where land was taken away from productive white farmers] and dealing with justice service efficiencies."
What hopes do you have for Zimbabwe?
- Arthur - "To have investor confidence and have our own stable currency so that the banking system operates normally."
- Jonathan - "I positively hope that the next administration is likely to be used of God to steer the nation in the right path, it won't be easy but they will start addressing the critical issues. I have hope that God will save Zimbabwe. He is the God of this nation. My hope is in God.
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How do you think the election results will impact your daily lives? How about your ability to minister the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
- Arthur - "Things have been at a standstill as people have been waiting a long time for positive change in our nation. They are ready to get on with their lives. After the election and things return to normal we will be able to share the Gospel freely without suspicion that we are political operatives."
- Jonathan - "The election results will have a positive impact in my view. There has been freedom of movement and people are going through normal day to day activities leading up to this election. The results will not affect the preaching of the Gospel in any negative way. The Church has found its voice to speak and influence national politics on this election."
What scripture passages are you praying over these days as it relates to the election?
- Arthur - The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord. Like the rives of water; He turns is wherever He pleases. Proverbs 21:1 If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it. Jeremiah 18:7-10
- Jeremiah 18:7,8 reminds me of Nineveh that they took heed of the warning from Jonah and repented so God relented [Jonah 3:10]. God is so true to His Word.
- Jeremiah 18:9,10 is my prayer for our own nation that God would build us up especially as we head toward the elections and that we would shun evil and obey Him. He is faithful to His Word. He will reconsider the good He has intended for our nation if we don't shun evil and obey Him.
- Jonathan - Pray for the peace of Jerusalem . "May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels." For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, "Peace be within you." For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity. Psalm 122:6-9
- I have been praying for peace over Zimbabwe. For justice, prosperity and transformation of people's hearts. The past political campaigns have been bloody and violent. This campaign has been relatively peaceful and better for which I am thankful to the Lord.
What prayer requests do you have before and after the election?
- Arthur - "For peace to prevail before, during and after the election."
- Jonathan - Pray for peaceful, free and fair elections. Pray for a God-fearing President as well as God-fearing Ministers of Parliament. Then after the election, pray for unity, peace and prosperity of the Zimbabwe economy where there are jobs and affordable health care. Pray for wisdom for the new President to lead this devastated nation. Pray for transformation of people's hearts as the Church proclaims Christ. Pray for believers to look to God and not to political leaders for real transformation of their lives.
Thank you for praying to our Sovereign God on behalf of Zimbabwe during these important days as a nation!
Mike Sulc
Life to Life Africa
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