idea magazine

UK Christians called to take part in a vision of change for Zimbabwe’s farmers

Christian leaders are calling on the UK to take part in a global day of prayer for Zimbabwe, mobilizing its people to fight poverty through growing food and feeding themselves on a sustainable basis.

Love Zim - a UK network of churches and organisations which seeks to link the British church with its counterparts in Zimbabwe - is challenging all believers to intercede for the African nation on the day of prayer, September 26, 2010.

The day of prayer will start at sunrise in New Zealand and end at sunset in Hawaii.

Qobo Mayisa, who coordinates the Council of Zimbabwe Christian Leaders, explains that "everyone who has a heart for Zimbabwe is invited to participate in three different ways: Pray for the people, fast for the country, and donate money to the nation. By raising awareness and being actively involved in helping the country's future, we can be united through prayer for the same cause." He states that "the project will not only bring change to Zimbabwe, but will demonstrate God's almighty power in this world."

Categorized as one of the landlocked developing countries (LLDC), Zimbabwe's 11 million people have struggled with poverty and malnutrition. As the nation faces difficulties, Trumpet Call, a partnership between the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe and Foundations for Farming, has developed a programme to meet the needs of the country. Being concerned about the current issue of land degradation which diminishes the amount of fertile soil, they aim to equip local churches with simple agricultural principles to feed Zimbabwe.

Over the 2009/2010 farming season, 100 church leaders are invited to participate in a training programme that teaches theological as well as practical agricultural principles. Starting in the capital Harare, the knowledge will be passed on to rural communities of the country by responsible church leaders.

Additionally, a three day 'Champion's Conference' will be held in September in order to communicate the vision and equip even more individuals with practical farming techniques.

By operating on a sustainable basis, the nation's employment rate could be raised and five million people could be fed within the next five years. "Africa can feed itself" is one of the leading slogans for the campaign. Apart from that, more money will be available for proper education and healthcare which then equips even more people to find jobs.

"To reach the goal, Zimbabwe depends on radical faith and worldwide support," says Mayisa.