NEWSLETTER from JIM and LISA BACON

GWERU CHRISTIAN CHURCH

APRIL 1998

At the approach of Easter, as we meditate on the hope that comes from ouiRisen Lord, we cannot but feel thankful that God has ultimate control over scountry beset by economic problems. Zimbabwe is in the throes of a lanereform programme which cannot bring prosperity to its people. There is thedrastic drop in the value of the Zimbabwe dollar caused by payments to theformer freedom fighters resulting in high inflation. We see the result ofthese upheavels as we work with those that are at the bottom of the ladder -the poor who in the middle of this situation, are vunerable and marginalized,and whose only hope is Jesus. Jim preaches the Good News of salvation, withemphasis on practical Christianity. It is hard for them to understand ancanticipate the joyous prospect of eternal life with God, when the main concernis where will the next plate of food will come from or who will pay thebills.

Despite the gloomy picture, our little congregation continues to grow. Themany children are being replaced by adults and teenagers with a thirst for theLord. Only last Sunday, four were baptised, Jim preached on baptism and fivemore came forward - four men and a woman - to confess Christ.The nature of our church has altered; it is now almost entirely indigenous.'Rice Christians' are disappearing, and are being replaced by a more soliccore of believers, who freely participate in our services. The time of prayeiis open and spontaneous, usually five or six people pray, in Shona or English.Our worship service is in both languages. The younger people attendincsecondary schools feel more comfortable with the English language, while th€older ones still prefer to speak Shona.

Our mid week Bible study is still popular, with mainly teenage participants.In Zimbabwe, 30?o of the population is under 18,and 75?o under 30. We see ouirole as teachers to these teenagers as vital, in order to build up this nev>generation of people left orphanned by the Aids pendemic.

Our self- help group still meet on Tuesdays; although it has failed to turrinto an income generating project, however it has provided the women witl*training, with fellowship and the ability to do things for themselves. 'Kidsfor Christ' continues to meet once a week and numbers vary from twenty tcfifty children.We meet with other pastors in the area, and support each other's work. OrSaturday Jim attended the ordination of the Presbyterian Pastor, whilst Liscwas at a Christian Seminar elsewere. A couple of Saturdays back, the Baptistminister married our daughter, at his church. The 'Ministers' fraternal'spend a lot of time together praying for the City of Gweru, for Zimbabwe, ancfor each other's needs, whilst respecting each other's views.

Yes Vanessa, our daughter married a young farmer, and they now live some 50kmsfrom here. Paul is a Christian (Jim baptised him) and has very high moral

standards. When we visited them last week, we were pleased to see that theyare settling in well together. Of course we miss our daughter!! Paul andVanessa bring some farm labourers to our service on Sundays, and Jim baptisedfour of them. Paul, who speaks fluent Shona, is at times Jim's interpreter,and has started teaching these labourers, using a Shona Bible. Paul wouldlike to have Jim come and preach to his workers once a month, and has plans toerect a building for this purpose. This will mean that the Word of God wouldbe preached in an area rife with heathenism, ancestral worship, decadence, andindegenous cults.

Our support through Steve and Linda Whitmer comes to an end, as our third yearcloses. The members ot" Liweru Uhristian Church would like us to continue withour ministry. We have plans to hand over the pastorship eventually to one ofthe two students we have at College. We also have plans for church planting.We are thinking of starting one in the English speaking coloured area (mixed

and the other close to our son-in-law's farm (as mentioned earlier).

We thank \hose who are already supporting us. We hope that others who arereading thVs letter might give us their consideration. From all of you wewould ask for your prayers. With the major part of our support going (US$50G),our whole ^ork is in jeopardy. We have stepped out in faith and bought ahouse he^, and would ask you, to prayerfully consider giving us your financialbackirm< however small.

We are aware that many newsletters sent to friends and supporters makereference to lack, or need of finances. We beg your forgiveness, if we arerepeating ourselves. We know that God has the final say in all our undertakingsand that He will provide faithfully, if we are faithful to Him. We think ofyou as partners in building His Kingdom. Should you wish to visit Zimbabwe,we would love to show you our field of work, and be your hosts.

Yours in Christ,

Jim and Bacon

Home Address: 8 Bradley Street, Windsor Park, Gweru. Tel (54) 23438Postal Address: P.O. Box 6018, Gweru, Zimbabwe

Our US Agent is now: Christ Chursh Fellowship, P.O.Box 11538,Cincinnati, OH 45211 (Cheques made to CCF).Street Address: 6781 Harrison Ave, Suite B, Cincinnati, OH 45247.Tel; 1-513-598-1982 FAX 1-513-598-4743

Our UK Agent is; Mrs Gill Allardice, c/o Springdale College, 54 Weoley ParkRoad, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 6RB, England. (Cheques made to James Bacon)

c. Us f

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fwbooth@juno.com, fsellers@telepath.com, 106127.1244@compuserve.com,geline@planter.demon.co.uk, GNRichards@aol.com, edwards@mics.net,coc-erdington@charis.co.uk, hulsey@zebra.uem.mz. ides@netusa1.net, So-jdpenn2@juno.com, jackhaun@aol.com, jbanner@adamsco.co.uk, ^ccfjeffc@juno.com, Jritt@juno.com, 101535.315@compuserve.com,75024.3624@compuserve.com, 104604.3571@compuserve.com,joecod@ix.netcom.com, j.marshall@newman.ac.uk, ccfjfk@juno.com,PaulReyman@XC.Org, silveymotors@juno.com, kspurgin@juno.com,vfc1@juno.com, KevinYates@aol.com, khaste@servos.com,LDaily007@juno.com, 101362.3556@compuserve.com, Donnleach@aoi.com,l\/larcial<ayThomson@compuserve.com, mb2lb3@aol.com,martivan@harare.iafrica.com, 106004.3541 ©Compuserve.com,nmichael@zebra.uem.mz, msimpson4@juno.com, mlb-tib@juno.com,rhundley@missionservices.org, blmorris@global.co.za,100735.2163@compuserve.com, ppenn@cincybible.edu, Emailpeter@aol.com,xeniarobinsons@juno.com, tri_city@juno.com, rsscys@aol.com,graceaus@aol.com, RogerEdrington@classic.msn.com,103540.1332@compuserve.com, micohunt@lm.net.au, royalc@erinet.com,101630.1447@compuserve.com, 100675.473@compuserve.com,t.ellis@lancaster.ac.uk, FoustT@compuserve.com, ccfbarry@juno.com,WJWalls@aol.com, christco@pci.co.zw

^rom: Dan &Theresa McArthur <viginnfa@hararp iafrica.com>Subject: Bacon's July 1998 Newsletter T

JULY LETTER

As every place, where God's people are, has its own unique setting and workin which God gives opportunity to His people to make Himself known; webelieve He is doing the same with us in Gweru. It is no coincidence that weare in the centre of the country, and we believe it is significant for whatGod has in store for us.

Whilst retaining that strong spirit of independance which is inherent inChristian Churches, we confirm that the various parts of the Body of Christmust utilize their combined resources in order to win souls for the Kingdom.The 'Global March for Jesus' was a good example, when many members of ourcongregation joined a thousand other evangelicals on 30th May proclaimingChrist's Lordship in the city of Gweru. It was good to see young and oldalike march for Jesus In a strong spirit of fellowship.Likewise the National Day of Prayer for the Nation of Zimbabwe, held on 25thMay(Africa Day) was also well supported by our people. Our members joinedin prayer for Repentance, Reconciliation & Revival, after an hour and a halfprayer session, an elderly Shona lady, Mrs Phiri remarked, " It was good! Icould really feel the prescence of God". These events have a powerfulimpact in the lives and faith of our people,

We continue to meet once monthly with other pastors for breakfast and prayerfor our city and nation. Four times a year we have a combined eveningservice held in our local theatre. We are grateful to the Lord for theopportunity we have had in our community, to be a constant reminder of theliving God, and to glorify His precious name.

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The self-help scheme had slowed down as money for fabric became short andour machines were badly in need of attention. A few stalwarts came everyweek, and once the winter is over, the group will grow again. The children'sgroup - Kids for Christ - still meet on Friday afternoons. It is currentlyled by Vivien Chlkonye, young Christian who is doing a very good job. Thechildren display a good knowledge of the Bible, and we love to watch theirmusical 'specials' at our worship services.. Vivien is one of the group ofhighly motivated teens who currently meet on Saturdays mornings for BibleStudy. The work with these youths Is so rewarding and we begin to see Inthem some potential leaders.Winter this year has not been so harsh, but with the drastic drop In theZimbabwean dollar the poor have become poorer and we are again buying maizemeal to feed the 'hardship' cases. This is in addition to the usual callsfor help with the rents, hospital fees, bus fare etc.. This Is not a call onyour charity. God has blessed us and we are blessing those less fortunate.It is not always money that the poor ask; our people just require our timefor prayer or counsel with them. One lady, Stella, a domestic servant, saidshe was having bad dreams. So we went to her little house and prayed in eachroom with her. The following Sunday she greeted us with a smile and told usthat "it was like living In a new house". Whether it was psychological, orshe was under spiritual attack, we were there for her. We are continuallygiving out Bibles, thanks to those of you who have sent us second hand ones.The simple gesture of sending used Bibles which for many from affluentsociety seem negligible, may in Africa be used to save and nurture a soulfor Christ. Jim's sermons emphasize the need to know and study the Bible,the importance of a daily time of prayer, obedience to God and His words,and a better life for now and hereafter. Better life now is not hard to

justify with these people living In a country destroyed by drunkeness andHIV/AIDS. Things are so bad now that there was no population growth In 1997.Our student, Dinki Sumalli, at Zimbabwe Christian College entered his thirdand final year. This young man has justified our confidence in him. Hismarks have been excellent. He is a first class preacher and an effectivewitness for Christ. The Church will benefit from his services In the future.As Is the case with many in the ministry, there are times when we do not seeany progress in our work, and we feel rather depressed and desolate. It Isat times like these that we are so grateful to you when we receive lettersor notes of encouragement. Even so, God has been so good and faithful to us.In spite of a national economic crisis, which is severely affecting the poorof our community, we are experiencing God's provision and an increase Inthe Harvest. At present we are focusing on implementing a leadershipprogramme. Please join us In prayer as we wait on the Lord for His leading.We also are praying for a site for a new church building, and a van or truckfor transporting the people to various church activities, etc.Thank you again for being our friends and partners in our ministry, May Godrichly bless you. Yours in Christ.Jim and Lisa Bacon

AGENTS. 1.Christ Church Fellowship, 6781 Harrison Av, Suite B, Cincinnati,OH 45247 USA or P.O. Box 11538, Cincinnati, OH 45211 USA (Please specifyJ.Bacon Mission)

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2. c/o Gill Allardice, Springdale College, 54 Weoley Park Rd, Selly Oak,Birmingham B29 6RB, England. (Cheques made to J.Bacon)Dan and Theresa

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Dan & Theresa McArt, 02:58 PM 10/19/98, <Autofrwd>Bacons Newsletter Oc

>To: Altman, Ben and Karen Pennington, Bill DeLaughter, Bob Wetzel, BobWetzel, Captain, Cecil Ross, Charles Greshem, Chris Sewell, Al Hammond, DanYamell, Daryl Donovan, Didi Bacon, GordanCline, Graham Richards, HazelWilson, IDES, Jack and Peggy, James Banner, Jeff Crabtree, Jerry Sweitzer,Jill Shaw

>From: Dan & Theresa McArthur<visionfa@harare.lafrica.com>C >Subject: Bacons Newsletter Octj8>

>

>Jacarandas are blooming. It is summertime and the temperature is buildingto sweltering point. We are praying that God blesses this land with goodrains,as we really need a bumper harvest this year. Despite the array ofcolours around us, things are gloomy here. The decline of the Zim dollar,increased government expenditure, land acquisition, and the war in theCongo, herald misery and hopelessness for the people we are ministering to.There is poverty, hunger, illness, and much hardship. We feel so helpless inthe face of such tragedy, and the words of Peter and John to the paralyticin Acts 4:3-6 come to mind. We cannot alleviate their physical misery, butwe offer comfort 'in the Name of Jesus".

>Attendance on Sundays has declined a little at Gweru Christian Church.However, at a recent survey done on membership, we show an increase! Some ofour members are having to work on Sundays when they take any available jobto provide for their families. As the Aids pandemic takes a firm grip onthe country, more of our people seem to be going to the rural areas toattend funerals of family and relatives. In the Shona culture, it is veryimportant that family members be present and remain with the bereaved formany days.>Our two college students, Dinki and Stuart, did a good job during theAugust holidays. They preached every Sunday of that month. The them was onthe seven churches of the Book of Revelation. We see growth in them, andboth are dedicated to work for the Lord. Jim's preaching has been on theChristian family life, and on what complete obedience to God means. Weconstantly emphasise on the need for regular prayer and personal quiet timeand on the study of God's Word. Prayer is foremost in our ministry now, andwe experience dramatic answers. Two of our very sick ladies on the brink ofdeath have made remari^able recoveries. The congregation have witnessed thesehealings and their faith in our Lord is being continually re-enforced.Unlike some Christian workers who woric day and night, doing things that Godhas never asked them to do, we believe there are times when we need to 'bestill before the Lord" and wait for His leading and His direction. The focusof our work is more on being there for people, to give a word of comfort, tohold their hands in time of distress, to weep with them when times are hardand laugh with them when the sun shines in their life.

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Dan & Theresa McArt, 02:58 PM 10/19/98, <Autofrwd>Bacons Newsletter Oc

>Our co-workers in Gweru, Dan and Theresa McArthur, had to return to USduring September. Theresa caught 'tick fever* and despite medication wasstill very ill. (Please make this a matter of prayer). Jim is looking afterthe feeding programme in Silobela, a drought hit area in Matabeleland. Thereare 7 churches there, under the guidance of pastor Mpofu. Pray for thesepeople, as there is a lot of starvation. To date five children have died ofmalnutrition.

>We have been blessed with a gift of a computer, which will enable us tocommunicate with our friends and supporters more often. We are at presentawaiting for an e-mail to be installed in our office. We shall let you knowour address as soon as we get it>Lastly, on a sad note, Lisa's father who resides inAustralia, is very ill,and her brother has supplied her with the air fare to come and visit herdad. Jim and Lisa are leaving for Australia on 26 October for a month. Weare leaving our congregation in the hands of our two college students andtwolocal pastors from the Churches of Christ in Gweru. this will thereforebe a testing time when the future leadership in the church will have toprove itself. Please pray that allwill be wellwhile Jim and Lisa are awayfor the month of Novemeber.

>Stop press; We are encouraged to know that we have received a substantialdonation fi*om England for the purchase of new English and Shona bibles.Praise the Lord!!

>We thank you for giving us your support and encouragement. We praise andthank God for people like you. May He richly bless you as you are ablessing to us.>Yours in Christ,>

>Jim and Lisa Bacon

>Adress:8 Bradley St, Windsor Park, Gweru, Zimbabwe Tel (54) 23438>Agents: Christ Church Fellowship, 6781 Hamson Ave, Suite B, Cincinnati.OH 45247 - Tel (513) 598-1982. Cheques made to CCF for Jim Bacon Mission.>LIK - Mrs Gill Allardice, c/0 Springdale College, 54 Weoley Prk Rd, Selly Oak,>Birmingham B29 6RB. - Cheques made to J. Bacon.>

Dan and Theresa

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J. BACON MISSION, 04:18 PM 12/21/98, Christmas 98

"Charles & Ruth Gresham" <ad15988@kcc.edu>,"Cecil Ross" <cross61 @juno.com>,"Catherine Randabel" <kat@ilnet.net.au>,"Brigitte & Percy Blackburn" <PBBXXX@ALPHALINK.com.au>,"Bob and Bonnie Wetzel" <wetzel@esr.edu>,"Annick Peril Kennedy" <akennedy@qcfo.com.au>,"Billingham Peter" <emailpeter@aol.com>

-Subject-Cbdstmas 98Date; Mon, 21 Decl998^ 8:51 +0200X-lVl^ler Microsoft Outlook Express 4.71.1712.3X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.71.1712.3

Dear family and friends,.

LOOKING BACK TO 1998.

To the life of the Gweru Christian Church during the past yearTo the enthusiasm of the "Kids for Christ" as they sing to the LordTo the eagerness of the teens, as they learn to pray togetherTo the diligence of the ladies of the Self-Help Scheme, as they toilfor familiesTo the expectations of the old men when given two ducks to start a businessTo the sorrow of those who have lost loved ones through illness and deprivationTo the despair of the mothers as they see their children hungryand coldTo the HOPE of those who have repented and accepted Christ as their Saviour.

LOOKING FORWARD .... TO 1999

To continuing growth of those dear people of the Gweru ChurchTo the young people being fed physically and spirituallyTo teaching these Christians hungry for the WordTo a prayer ministry for the sick, poor, and hurting

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J. BACON MISSION, 04:18 PM 12/21/98, Christmas 98

To starting a special fund for the purchase of a plot for a church building

LOOKING INWARD ATOURSELVES.....and prayingFor personal growth and for compassionFor inner strength to continue to minister cross-culturallyFor a more Christ-like approach towards ourfellowmen

LOOKING UPWARD.... TO GOD Thanking HimFor sending His Son to save us from our sinsFor people like you who care for us and give us support and encouragementFor our God who supplies all our needs, and much more,For the privilege of serving Him in Gweru, Zimbabwe, Africa.

MAYTHE GOD OF YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND TOMORROW RICHLY BLESS YOUTHIS CHRISTMAS TIDE.

Jim and Lisa Bacon

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