Opportunity - LTLA Update - May 2024

Greeting Friends,   Thomas Gilbert, Life to Life Ministry President, traveled to visit the work of Life to Life Africa in Zimbabwe last month, so I have asked him to share a report from his trip in this update. Here is his report:   The best way I can succinctly describe the trip is “opportunity!” In Colossians 4:2 we read, “Pray that God would open a door for the word…” and Paul in 1 Corinthians 16:9 states, “a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries." Our ministry perspective is when issues arise, it is an opportunity to minister. Here are three quotes representing opportunities amongst challenges: “We need you here at our university. These students have all this newfound freedom and the decisions they make are pivotal. Pressure to succeed, anxiety, depression, drug abuse, and sexual immorality and religious cults, are forces that are wrecking our young people. They need Christ focused leadership during this pivotal time in their lives from someone they know and trust.”  - Dean of Students for Manicaland State University While visiting Simba and Pamela in Mutare, we went and visited with some University officials. We were blown away by the Dean’s enthusiasm for the student’s need for a real relationship with Christ. Praise God for this support from the Dean and open access to students. Please continue to pray with us for Simba and Pamela as they adjust to a new city. Pray for students interested in growing and a Christ-minded friendship or two to encourage them.

Simba and Pamela. A view along the road to one of the universities in Mutare.

“To be honest, I can’t see myself doing anything other than ministry.” - Arthur, Life To Life Zimbabwe Country Director We have strong leadership! An absolute must for ministry to succeed. I praise God for Arthur, Simba, Zviko, Shelton, and the many team members who have strong walks with God are committed to serving Him. Ministry leaders “have a target on their backs." I’m trying my best to pray daily for Arthur and his family, who are facing spiritual “adversaries." “The drought is bad. Many people will suffer (food will become scarce). It’s possibly even life-threatening.” - Shelton, Life to Life Chinhoyi Community Team Leader Although the hardship is sad, we Christians are always grateful to help meet a real need. This difficult situation can help the community take seriously the sustainable farming training we provide. Help is sometimes in the form of immediate relief. Yet, we want to find ways to help with long-term development in mind so people can provide the basics for their families. Pray for wisdom as we seek to help people develop.

Shelton sharing with the Community Team on stages of help: “relief, rehabilitation, and development”.

Brandon is an orphan who has been around the ministry a long time. His story is typical. Young and energetic, he scraps around for some kind of job here or there from anyone willing to hire him. He told me he once worked on a construction crew for two months and he never got paid. I’ve known Brandon a long time, despite his smile, he’s quite disheartened. I found out his wife is expecting and he faces the challenges of providing. A small blessing was that a neighbor happened to send baby clothes with me, a perfect gift for Brandon.

Thomas with Brandon. (The phone in his hand was also a gift - Thomas' old one, as Brandon didn’t have one.)

There are real needs and opportunities in Zimbabwe, both physical and spiritual. The situation is tough. There’s now a drought on top of an already dead economy. May we all come to depend on God for our “daily bread”. Thank you for helping the people of Zimbabwe. I am grateful to Thomas for his many trips where he enthusiastically shares his love for God and people.   Mike Sulc Life to Life Africa