Well Done, Good & Faithful Servants

Over the past few months the LTLA extended family has lost some dear saints in the Lord. We grieve the loss of their physical presence with us but we rejoice that they are at home with the Lord. In the midst of these fearful days, it is a great comfort to know Christ has prepared a glorious place for those who trust in Him. (John 14:1-2) 

In August Gregg Reisinger, father-in-law to Rebecca (Shimkus), joined the church triumphant after battling Covid-19. He was a good steward of horses and cattle, two of God's creatures that he loved. His horse farm was one of the largest in the state of Iowa, where he raised more than 1700 American Paint Horses, American Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds. He had a kind listening ear and was ready to provide expert advice in horsemanship as well as life lessons he learned in his 75 years. 

You will be receiving a letter that details the impact that Gogo (Grandmother) Annie had in Chinhoyi after being discipled through Life to Life Africa. She passed away in September in her mid sixties due to heart trouble. I look forward to meeting her in heaven. 

On October 3 (my father's birthday) my mother, Kay Sulc, passed away at the age of 91. She served in ministry with my father from the time they finished at Columbia Bible College until they retired from 20 years as missionaries in Brazil and 18 years in pastoral ministry in the US. Her cheerful disposition and perseverance after suffering a brain aneurysm 23 years ago then a year later losing her husband speaks to her deep faith in God and His sustaining grace. She deeply impacted my life and I look forward to introducing you to her in heaven. 

Lastly, I would like to honor Rex Rector who launched the construction work of the Life to Life Africa Community Center. He and his wife Debbie spent three months in Chinhoyi in early 2012. They were joined for a month by their son Caleb and his wife Rebekah. Rex went to be with his Lord on November 5 after suffering a stroke. Rex literally laid the foundation of a building where young men are now residing and getting training in ministry. In that building children have heard the good news of Jesus and widows gather to be trained in sewing. It has housed several teams from the US who have traveled to co-labor with the LTLA team. Needless to say Life to Life Africa is grateful for the contribution made by Rex Rector and his family. Our thoughts and prayers for God's comfort are with Debbie and her family as they grieve his loss.

In memory of "Uncle" Rex, Arthur Nhau, LTLA Director in Chinhoyi, has put together the following thoughts and photos: 

 

This verse sums up the love and kindness we all experienced when Uncle Rex and his family visited us in 2012: "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them." Hebrews 6:10 (NIV) 

 Uncle Rex came to Chinhoyi to a bushy area that was to become our ministry centre and began laying the foundation to what would be the flats [apartments] that have accommodated many, including university students from neigboring Chinhoyi University of Technology.

 

Uncle Rex recruited a lot of guys who were unemployed due to the economic hardships we were going through at that moment and brought joy to many. 

 

 

After the completion of the flats, we started using them for ministry meetings and training, as well as accommodating college students of which some went on to commit their life in serving the Lord. (Zviko, in light blue T-shirt in the photo below, is ministering with Life to Life and using his Accounting degree to steward the ministry finances.) 

 

 

MEMORIES 

• I worked with Uncle Rex and enjoyed his experience that he imparted on us. He was a very humble man who left the comfort of his country to be with us here.  - Cecil 
• I hosted them at my house and they were the kindest and most humble people I have met. They could have stayed in a hotel.He also helped by taking the responsibility of paying fees for Prince, as I was looking after him.  - T Shambare 
• After my husband died, he left our house not finished and Uncle Rex and Auntie Debbie helped me finish it. I will forever be grateful.  - Gogo Mildred 
• When my parents died and I thought that was the end of life not knowing that God would send his servants from far away to assist me in a way that I never dreamt. Uncle Rex helped me to make the decision of having Christ as my personal Savior and he also sent me to school and I graduated and now I am married and have a child, a life I never dreamt of.  - Prince 
•  He came at a time when our country was really struggling economically and I was able to be employed during a difficult time which made things better for me.  - Sifelani 
• I can’t say much but after years of sleeping on the floor, uncle Rex bought me a bed, not even my relatives could do that but only a brother in Christ. Uncle Rex also led me Christ, and now I have a relationship with Jesus as my Lord.  - Willard 
• The short time we had together, Uncle Rex taught me about parenting and how to balance ministry and family, he blessed us with a car to generate income and support our ministry.  - Arthur & Mildred 

 

 

Like these faithful servants, "let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." (Hebrews 12:1) 

Mike Sulc 

Life to Life Africa

 

 

Still Trusting God

 

"It has been good to reconnect in person with those to whom we have been ministering," reported Arthur Nhau, LTLA Director in Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe. "They continue to place their trust in God even though their difficult lives have become more challenging with the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown for much of this year. We are grateful that the authorities are allowing more movement which has enabled us to visit more people this past month." The LTLA team re-initiated going out two-by-two visiting people in the community. Here are reports of some of those visits, with accompanying photos: 

 

LTLA team members Tsungai (far left) and Jane (far right) with Moud (middle)

 

Moud Pasi is a widow who was not able to have children so she lives alone in a one room house built for the poor. Despite also having a skin condition she continues to have a smile on her face. Tsungai & Jane noticed her smile when they arrived before she put on her mask. They were encouraged that Moud continues to trust in God and is thankful for His presence in her life. 

 

LTLA team member Tatenda (on left in photo) with Mr Mukuwo (on right in photo)

 

LTLA team members Tatenda and Shelton have been visiting with Mr Mukuwo who attended our Men of Hope meetings before they were suspended in late March. He struggles with mixing animistic beliefs and Christianity but seems to be understanding the Gospel more clearly in his conversations with Tatenda and Shelton. Please join us in asking God to open Mr. Mukuwo's heart so he will respond to the Good News of Jesus Christ. (Acts 16:14) 

 

Here are two other widows whom the LTLA team visited: 

 

Namwasa Zimera

Donnie Khoma (L) and daughter Veria (R)

 

Namwasa Zimera is an 82 year old widow who has no family members watching after her. To survive she works in people's fields or does odd jobs in exchange for food. LTLA team member, Diana, noticed that Namwasa is looking weaker physically due to all the manual work she is doing but Namwasa praises God for keeping her alive and providing for her. 

Donnie Khoma (on left in second photo above) is a 58 year old widow who was diagnosed with HIV 24 years ago and then with TB 10 years ago. In 2015 she was diagnosed with cervical cancer so had her uterus removed. She lost her first born daughter in 2018 and now is left to care for her remaining daughter, Veria (on right in photo), who has downs syndrome. LTLA team member, Diana, reports that despite Donnie's day-to-day struggles she is maintaining her faith in God. 

 Thank you for supporting Life to Life Africa in prayer and finances as the Good News of Jesus Christ is shared in word to care for spiritual needs and in deed to care for physical needs!! 

 

Mike Sulc 

Life to Life Africa 

 

Back to School

 

Students in grade 7 as well as those in their fourth and sixth year of high school in Zimbabwe reported to school on Monday for the first time since March 27. However, not all teachers have reported back because the largest teachers union is demanding that salaries be increased to keep up with the 900% inflation that has occurred in Zimbabwe since March. You can read about the challenges facing Zimbabweans as their country tries to re-open after the extended COVID-19 lockdown here. 

The article mentions teachers who have been providing private lessons for their students out of their homes. LTLA also will help some primary and secondary school students in our care with these private lessons so that they can develop at their grade level and prepare for important exams. We ask you to pray specifically for LTLA Director Arthur Nhau's son, Donnell, as well as Godswill Banda, Ngoni Gotora and Tito Zuze who are in grade 7. They will be taking important exams in all their subjects that will determine the type of high school and subjects they will study going forward. These exams are very stressful in a normal year so you can imagine how stressful these exams will be this year when they have had very little instruction. 

 

Left to right: Donnell, Godswill, Ngoni, and Tito.

 

Universities and polytechnics will re-open their campuses in October. Polytechnics were able to complete their first term before the COVID-19 lockdown in late March, so they are planning to complete the remaining two terms for 2020 by the end of February 2021. LTLA is supporting three students at polytechnic institutions: Simba Mangore & Ruvimbo Makumbirofa at Harare Polytechnic as well as Richard Nguluve at Kwekwe Polytechnic. 

Universities have expected students to continue their learning remotely from home and are bringing them back to complete exams for the interrupted semester by the end of October. Lazarus Dumukwa & Vimbai Kandirigu, two LTLA supported students, are experiencing this at Midlands State University. After completing those semester exams, they will remain there until mid-December to begin the second semester of 2020. They will then return home for remote learning until mid-March at which time they will take final examinations back on campus. 

Two other LTLA supported students, Ngoni Gamunorwa & Natalie Nhau (Arthur's niece), were set to start their college career in August at local Chinhoyi University of Technology. They will receive orientation and lectures on campus from October 5-24, then engage in remote learning until they take exams back on campus, most likely after the Christmas break--a challenging way to begin your college education. 2020 is certainly teaching these students to be flexible, among other character qualities. Would you pray for Simba, Ruvimbo, Richard, Lazarus, Vimbai, Ngoni and Natalie as they persevere in preparing for how God is calling them to serve in this world? They have all been discipled in Christ through LTLA. Pray they would allow God to minister through them to their peers on campus. 

 

(L to R) Ngoni, Ruvimbo, Lazarus, Vimbai, Richard, Natalie & Simba.

 

 

Investing in the next generation of laborers for God's Kingdom, 

 

Mike Sulc 

Life to Life Africa 

 

 

"I am Willing to Wait"

"Anna is willing to wait 10 years until her youngest sister is finished with high school before she attends college." Ron Shimkus shared this in his July 2010 LTLA report. At that time Anna was 20 years old and had been the head of household for her three younger sisters since she was 17 years old, when her mother passed away. 

 

Anna & Prestege (back) Ruvimbo & Vimbai (front) in 2010 (from the Ron Shimkus newsletter).

 

It has been ten years and I am delighted to report that Anna just completed her first year of a two year diploma in Child Safeguarding, Protection and Care at Catholic University of Zimbabwe, which is near her home in Harare. It is an appropriate degree for someone who has a big heart for children and a lot of experience caring for them. While caring for her younger sisters, Anna worked in the LTLA Critical Care Center for preschool orphans and then launched the LTLA weekly Bible study for primary and secondary children out of her home. Since then she married Clarence Tungunu who is a Presbyterian pastor, and they have a three year old daughter, Iana. I am also happy to report that Anna is 4 months pregnant. She asks for prayers that her high blood pressure would not adversely affect her pregnancy. 

 

Anna, Iana & Clarence Tungunu at LTLA Community Center while attending Ottilia's wedding in March 2020.

 

Here is a report on Clarence & Anna's ministry efforts: 

 

 "We serve at the Lovemore House of Study (LHS) of the Presbyterian Church of Zimbabwe in the Cranborne section of the capital city, Harare. On 28 July, 2019, we launched a church plant at LHS. It is with great joy to report that the congregation continues to persevere in the midst of the COVID-19 lockdown which has restricted our ability to gather for worship since March of this year. We are using WhatsApp and Facebook platforms to hold our services and are meeting in homes for smaller gatherings with those who are not able to participate in those online platforms. Pray for us as we meet the spiritual needs of those to whom we minister in these very restrictive and challenging days." 

 

Members of the Lovemore House of Study church plant.

 

"With Anna's heart to minister to children we launched an outreach to the children in our neighborhood who happen to be children of police officers and of soldiers as there is a Zimbabwe Republic Police camp as well as a Zimbabwe Army barracks nearby. We were conducting a weekly Bible study along with other fun activities for the children but like everything else those activities have been suspended during this pandemic. We eagerly desire to restart this outreach once we are given freedom by the government to do so." 

 

Anna with neighborhood children during one of their activities.

 

"In response to needs in our community during the pandemic we have undertaken two initiatives. We have identified a group of homeless people living by the Mukivisi River and have provided them with food as well as ministering to their spiritual needs. The other initiative is making facemasks because the goverment has declared that not wearing a mask in public is a crime. So we have been making reusable cloth facemasks and distributing them to our vulnerable community." 

 

LHS church plant members with the food supplies for the homeless.

LHS church plant members making facemasks.

 

 "Finally we are also utilizing our property at LHS to grow cabbages and tomatoes as a way to help fund our ministry efforts. We desire to add poultry production and be able to provide employment opportunities as well as commercial agricultural skills through a training program. Pray with us as we seek to establish this Vegetable & Poultry Farming Training Centre." 

 

Tomatoes growing at LHS.

Cabbages growing at LHS.

 

What a joy to share how God is working through Clarence and Anna, fruit of the LTLA ministry! 

Mike Sulc 

Life to Life Africa

"We Can Grow Food for 100 Families!"

"We did it! We give praise to God for helping us grow food to feed 100 families!" Stella exclaimed this to Shelton after the LTLA team distributed 100 bundles of rape (a leaf vegetable rich in vitamin A) along with the purchased corn meal and sugar beans. This was the first time we have grown the food we distribute to the families we serve. It cost $15 total for inputs in growing the rape bundles as compared to purchasing cabbages at $1 a piece. The added bonus is that the plants will continue growing leaves for future distributions.

Shelton, an LTLA team member who was trained a year ago as a trainer in sustainable farming methods, has led the effort to establish vegetable production at our Community Center. During the COVID-19 lockdown the LTLA team have gathered in small groups to encourage one another in the Lord through Bible study, scripture memory and prayer as well as establishing vegetable beds. One day recently while walking by one of these small groups working at our Community Center, an agriculture professor at nearby Chinhoyi University of Technology took notice of our efforts and was very impressed. She would like to walk her students over for a field trip when the university re-opens after the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. It is our desire to hold training sessions for people in the community on the sustainable farming methods we are applying. During these sessions they will learn of the Biblical foundation for these methods.

LTLA team members harvesting rape leaves.

 

LTLA team members distributing rape bundles to families we serve.

The photos above show the team in action collecting and distributing the rape bundles. In the first picture you will also notice the brick wall along our back property line which was recently constructed. A wall was also constructed at the front of the additional property we purchased last year. We are praying that the wall will deter theft of our vegetable production. Most of our corn harvest was stolen in April.

Richard is mixing mortar while Tinotenda is supplying bricks for the builders in the wall construction. Richard and Tinotenda are fruit of our youth Bible studies. We employed them for the wall construction. Richard completed his first term of technical college in March and is waiting to return once schools re-open from COVID-19 closure. Tinotenda passed exams so hopes to begin technical college next year.

 Join us in thanking God for blessing the efforts of the LTLA team in growing vegetables to help feed the 100 families we serve. Pray that our vegetable production operation will draw people into a relationship with our Creator through his Son, Jesus Christ. Pray also for Zimbabwe as local transmission cases for COVID-19 have increased significantly in the last two weeks and the government is renewing restrictions which include a 6pm-6am curfew. The opposition party has also called for a protest on July 31 so there is heavy police presence to enforce the COVID-19 restrictions as well as to stop anti-government demonstrations. Pray for peace and just governance in Zimbabwe.


Praising and Trusting God our Father,
Mike Sulc
Life to Life Africa

In Arthur's Words

Below is an update from Arthur Nhau, LTLA Director in Zimbabwe:

Greetings LTLA Friends, The past months have been challenging the world over due to the Corona virus, with many lives lost. We wonder how many of the deceased had a relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We continue learning to focus on the character of God rather than the circumstances that surround us. It is our heart's desire that the world turn to the Creator of heaven and earth who is the Healer of all diseases. (Psalm 103:3)

As a team we are now meeting in groups of five due to the Corona virus concerns. While these team members are together at the LTLA Community Center they are strengthening one another as they spend time in God's word, and they are working in the vegetable gardens as well. We continue to encourage one another through social media platforms like WhatsApp. It is encouraging to see the team challenging one another in scripture memory and we are grateful that everyone is healthy.

Prestege pulling a wheelbarrow with shovels after working with composting.

Mr. Lungu adjusting the fence around the vegetable garden while other team members hoe in the garden.

One of our team members, Ottilia, tied the knot with her sweetheart, Norman, in March. They are still residing in Chinhoyi so we still have the opportunity to serve alongside Ottilia. We pray that God will continue to bless them. May a Priscilla and Aquila emerge from their union in marriage. (1 Corinthians 16:19)

Ottilia & Norman on their wedding day.

 

I am in constant touch with they guys I have discipled from Chinhoyi University of Technology while they are away since the universities have been closed since late March. I am also in touch with those who have graduated in years past. Pray with me that the devil will not distract them with idols of this world (phones, internet & social media) and rob them of their communion with God. Do pray for Forward, Abraham, Munya, Paddington and Justice that they continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I continue to pour into the guys on our staff team (Simba, Shelton, Zviko and Tatenda) We pray that the young men they are discipling will change the world for Jesus.

(L to R) Zviko, Simba, Arthur, Tatenda (standing), and Shelton enjoying pizza in Arthur's backyard recently.

As a nation we continue to experience hyperinflation, with prices for basic commodities soaring each day while these basic essentials are missing from the shelves. Most people lost a lot of their maize (corn) harvest to thieves because of the hardships. There is growing political instability in our country. We pray for God-fearing leaders.

As a family we continue to be encouraged in the Lord. God willing, our son, Donnell, will write his primary school final exam this year and we are adjusting to the new normal of homeschooling while schools are closed. We pray God will give our leaders wisdom on how to move forward in the wake of this pandemic as there is much confusion regarding the regulations. Joshua 24:15 has now become a life verse for us “ ...But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."

Mildred doing hopscotch while Arthur, Daisy & Donnell watch.
Families have been restricted to their homes unless they are going to the markets for food.

Arthur jumping rope while Mildred and Donnell swing the rope and Daisy waits her turn.
They have had a lot of good family time in the midst of this pandemic.

 
We continue to pray for the end of racism and injustice around the world. During this lockdown period one thing that we have kept reflecting on is what really matters the most is Jesus Christ. When we have him in our lives then we will be filled with love and not hate. We look forward to the beautiful picture painted in Revelation 7:9-10: " I looked again, i saw a huge crowd, too huge to count. Everyone was there -- all nations and tribes, all races and languages. And they were standing, dressed in white robes and waving palm branches, standing before the Throne and the Lamb and heartily singing: Salvation to our God on his Throne! Salvation to the Lamb!" (The Message)

May God continue to protect you and keep you well. We are grateful for your prayers and support.


Together in His vineyard,
Arthur and Mildred Nhau

COVID-19 Lockdown Effects

Dear LTLA Friends,

COVID-19 has arrived in Chinhoyi, with one case reported officially. The person lives in the neighborhood next to LTLA Director, Arthur Nhau. We are grateful that so far the virus has not spread any more, but covet your prayers for continued protection. Thankfully LTLA team member, Shelton, has recovered from a bout with malaria, which has affected many in Zimbabwe and further complicates the fight with COVID-19 as symptoms can be similar.

There had been some easing of the lockdown in the last two weeks, but it appears that authorities may increase security forces in town to enforce restrictions, as more people are moving around. The latest cases in the country (48 total) have come from people in a forced 21 day quarantine after returning from South Africa, which has the most cases on the continent (17,000). There are many Zimbabweans returning from South Africa where they have lost jobs due to the lockdown there. The Zimbabwe government is trying to stop the virus from entering the country because the medical system cannot handle a surge of cases.

The lockdown restrictions have created desperation among many whose only income is street vending, which has been outlawed. A 17 year-old boy known to the ministry was shot dead when caught breaking into a rich neighborhood home, presumably looking for food or money. As reported last month, harvested corn was stolen from the families we serve, depriving them of several months of food supply. This past Wednesday we were able to resume food distributions for these families (see photos below) . Usually we stop food distributions for 3-4 months after the corn harvest, but in the current situation we will maintain them to assist those in need during this crisis.

Family members lining up for food distribution.

Zviko checking temperatures, a government requirement. No one had a fever.

Diana providing hand sanitizer before family members receive a large bag of corn meal, a cabbage & a small bag of sugar beans.

Jane & Letwin providing sugar beans. It has been quite some time since we have been able to provide beans. Arthur & Shelton were able to harvest 2 tonnes last month from their farming project with a nearby farmer.

During my last trip to Chinhoyi, I was able to enjoy meals at Mildred Nhau's restaurant (see photos below). Mildred employed 4 young women at her restaurant, two whom were being impacted spiritually by the ministry and she was looking forward to investing spiritually into the other two. She has had to close the restaurant during the lockdown so these four young ladies have lost that source of income. Restaurants are slowly re-opening for "take away" business but Mildred is monitoring the feasibility of doing so with limited customers and a landlord who will expect rent payment. Though there has been talk, the Zimbabwe government has not provided small businesses with stimulus money. Such help is very unlikely. Please pray for Mildred as she discerns when she can re-open her restaurant, which would provide jobs for these four young ladies.


 

LTLA team members eating lunch at Mildred's restaurant. (Near table L to R: Arthur, Mildred and Prestege).

Customers ordering food from Michelle (wearing hair net), one of the 4 young ladies Mildred employs. Michelle is fruit of the LTLA Chosen Generation group (ministry to young adult orphans). She was serving as the restaurant manager.

We are excited to report that during this lockdown Gogo Mildred, an LTLA team leader, has turned ministry efforts to her neighbors. In her words here is what happened: "First I met with Shelly. I shared the bridge illustration (Gospel illustration) and she received Jesus Christ! Then another day I met with Bernadette and Ashley. I used spiritual survey questions with them. I observed that Ashley had received Jesus Christ but Bernadette had not, so I did the bridge illustration with her and she received Jesus! I have followed up with them by doing a quiet time lesson and now I am doing lessons on assurrance in salvation, forgiveness, answered prayer, victory over sin and guidance. Shamiso, another neighbor whom I have been discipling, has joined me in these lessons."

(L to R) Gogo Mildred with Shelly and Bernadette doing discipleship lessons on her front porch.

Join us in praying for Gogo Mildred as she disciples Shelly, Benadette, Ashley and Shamiso. Pray that evangelism and discipleship will occur among other LTLA team members with their neighbors. May they follow Gogo Mildred's example and see a fruitful harvest during these fearful and troubling days.


Rejoicing in the Lord's salvation,
Mike Sulc
Life to Life Africa