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World Assembly: Africa 2003 |
Stories Distributed Internationally by Mennonite World Conference
PRESS RELEASE Thieves Rob Young Americans BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe — Five members of a short-term service program for youth were robbed on a street near a downtown market during the Mennonite World Conference assembly. The midafternoon attack, on August 13, provided an opportunity for the youth to live out the assembly theme, "Sharing gifts in suffering and in joy." "People have gone out of their way to help us," said Joanna Goins of Broadway, Virginia (USA). The youth estimated there might have been up to 10 thieves, who appeared to be teenagers. In a few seconds, they grabbed bags carried by five of the six group members. They got away with two passports, two sets of plane tickets, five cameras, travelers checks, credit cards, about $250 cash and other items. "I felt someone bump me, and he grabbed my bag and my shoulder ... and said something like, 'I'll kill you,' " said Karla Martin of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (USA). The thieves pointed knives at Martin and Peter Sensenig of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The knives were weapons called "shanks" — pieces of metal sharpened to a dull point. Group members said Zimbabwean witnesses were helpful after the robbery. "People surrounded us, took us to the police station and took care of us," said Ben Wideman of Claremont, Ontario (Canada). "People stopped to pray for us," said Sensenig. "It's only possessions," Martin said. "Our lives are fine. My Bible was stolen, so I'm hoping they'll use it." The six North Americans, ranging in age from 20 to 27, were part of a service team sponsored by Eastern Mennonite Missions of Salunga, Pennsylvania (USA). They were taking part in the MWC assembly before going to Swaziland to work with families affected by AIDS. Mennonite World Conference release by Paul Schrag for Meetinghouse |
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