by Barbara Julian
Instead, by speaking the truth in love, let’s grow in every way into Christ, who is the head. The whole body grows from him, as it is joined and held together by all the supporting ligaments. The body makes itself grow in that it builds itself up with love as each one does its part. Ephesians 4:15-16
“So live in Christ Jesus the Lord in the same way as you received him. Be rooted and built up in him, be established in faith, and overflow with thanksgiving just as you were taught.” Colossians 2:6-7
Devotion
That the Holy Spirit is guiding the presence of Community in Zimbabwe is so clear with 20:20 hindsight. An active civil war in the 1980s upended the original plan to go to Zimbabwe. Yet, there was a great need in Zimbabwe after its own internal struggles. The Holy Spirit was working through the United Methodist connection and in the courageous hearts of one District Superintendent, Mary Masamba, and her husband, Remember, to reach out with hospitality and hope of mutual benefit of help. Community UMC responded.
The first volunteers arrived to build a church in Moponagwe, Zimbabwe, 28 years ago. A young man, Lincoln Nyamasura, was curious as to what these white folks were there for and what they would do, since colonialism was still a heavy presence in Africa. Barefoot, he walked 20 kilometers each way, for several days, observing. When welcomed and treated with lovingkindness by those who had come to work, the observer offered help, was included, and became a friend. Over the years, Lincoln has been a part of each trip and has become an essential leader for each mission group. He is a faithful, loving, grateful “forever” brother in Christ. The Masambas are retired now, yet still offer spiritual and physical hospitality for mission teams.
I see this true story as a way to describe the way the Holy Spirit forms Christ’s body (the church) from people in every corner of the earth whose hearts and minds are open and willing to be changed by living differently. He reworks the awful things like wars and uprisings and strikes and drought and skepticism and… and with the roots of our trust in Christ, the abiding in us of His Spirit, and the “yes” response we live to his love, we become seeds. We grow hope, light, and love for each other. Being like Jesus, our head, is not abstract; this fruit is alive today. We are the church—in lived hospitality, fellowship, mutuality and presence. It is the stuff of unity and rootedness across oceans and borders. These active Christ-centered connections are visible to others and empowered by the Holy Spirit. They reveal Jesus’ nature and grow deep roots. Thanks be to God!
Prayer
O Gracious and Ever-Loving Lord, be with this team as they are alive in you and willing to be used as seeds for future harvests. We are grateful for what your Spirit is doing in Zimbabwe and through each ZIMVIM missioner, past, present, and future. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
