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Zimbabweans Exude Hospitality and Grace

BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe — I met many inspirational people in Zimbabwe and Zambia during a recent trip in search of African art. The art will be part of the Our Family exhibition to be displayed here at next year’s Mennonite World Conference Assembly Gathered.

Among those I met are Ronald Lizwe and Su Moyo. They live with their two children and two orphan sisters they have taken into their family at Emthunzini Wethemba House, a home for ex-street children in Bulawayo. Up to 52 children at a time also live in the compound.

The house staff consists of the director and Ronald. There are occasional volunteers but the children generally take care of themselves, doing everything from the cleaning, baking and cooking to leading daily Bible studies. One would think this a recipe for disaster. However, Ronald¹s firm, friendly and compassionate manner envelopes the place. And the children are remarkable.

Ronald, a member of the Brethren in Christ Church of Zimbabwe, brings the same enthusiasm and friendliness to his other job for the next year. He chairs the committee planning a Global Youth Summit which will precede Africa 2003, next year’s MWC assembly. The summit will provide a forum for young people to discuss their dreams and visions for Mennonite and BIC churches around the world.

Su runs a dressmaking shop within the building that houses the offices and bookstore of Zimbabwe’s Brethren in Christ conference. She exudes the hospitality, gentleness and good humor that is so typical of Bulawayo’s citizens.

I hope members of Mennonite World Conference-affiliated churches take the opportunity to attend the global assembly next year in Bulawayo so that they can experience the warmth and kindness of our Zimbabwean brothers and sisters. It would be a terrible shame and mistake if people stay away from next year’s assembly because they fear for their safety. Brothers and sisters wait with open arms to embrace us in Christ’s love in one of Africa’s most pleasant and gracious cities.

Mennonite World Conference release from a report by Ray Dirks, Mennonite Heritage Centre Gallery, Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada)