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Woza! Come to Zimbabwe

STRASBOURG, France — Mennonite World Conference executive officers, meeting in Fresno, California (USA) March 28-31, once again affirmed holding Assembly Gathered in Bulawayo in August. They based their decision on a thorough assessment of the current situation in Zimbabwe by senior staff and the continuing firm invitation of the host Brethren in Christ Church in Zimbabwe.

The officers agreed to hold open alternative sites near Honeydew, northwest of Johannesburg, South Africa, because difficulties in Zimbabwe continue. A site for Assembly Gathered can be held until late May, and sites for smaller meetings such as the General Council or the Youth Summit can be held through July.

In the unlikely event that it becomes clear after May 31 that no meetings can be held in Zimbabwe, MWC will cancel Assembly Gathered and switch the smaller meetings to South Africa. Assembly registrants could be observers and participate in worship services at these meetings.

MTS Travel and MWC have already determined that lodging and transportation for a significant number of observers could be arranged on fairly short notice.

Every effort would be made to arrange sightseeing visits in southern Africa and to have some people make a "solidarity" visit with brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe if the Assembly could not take place in Bulawayo.

MWC strongly encourages people to continue planning to come to Zimbabwe, realizing that there is some financial risk should a late change be required.

The MWC Web site (http://www.mwc-cmm.org/MWC/assembly.html) will carry updates, and information will be mailed to registrants no later than June.

"Woza! Come to Zimbabwe. God has something here for you!" continues to be relevant and Ethel Sibanda, chair of the local Assembly Prayer Committee says, "God has already blessed this assembly."