August 12

Sunday.. We travelled almost 4 hours to church. We arrived at 9:45 am and service was at 10. The UCC church had a breakfast set up for us.. Cake, muffins, juice, tea and chicken.. A wonderful reception.. This was youth Sunday. The church is in the middle of building a sanctuary, so they showed us around and we worshipped beside the church which will be fellowship hall.. It was covered but open air.. It was a beautiful day and the air was perfect. The worship began with the youth singing, drumming and marching around the church before they entered. When I asked them about their song they said their song was about keeping the devil out! The youth led a very exciting worship.. 4 scriptures,then a youth sharing about a scripture, between everything, prayers, announcements, scripture readings, sermons, their was dancing, drumming and singing. What a delight. After worship their was a meal for us, chicken, rice, maize, kale, and soda and water. After lunch we left and headed back to Harare another 4 hours. Instead of a guest house, Paul and I splurged on a hotel. We treated Rev. Edward and his wife to a dinner at this wonderful hotel which once was the Sheraton ... It was first class! The best thing was the bed and hot shower! Rev. Edward was very generous taking the time to drive us around Zimbabwe we drove over 600 miles together with his wife. Gas is very expensive here double the price in the US.. So Paul and I of course paid for the gas and meals. Rev. Edward is the president of the UCC in Zimbabwe he has served 8 years and his term is up at the end of the year. We were blessed with his knowledge his the 100 UCC churches.. He was well known in the communities we visited and we are truly grateful for his ministry among us..