UCG/KOG Seminar - Harare Province, Zimbabwe -- Victor Kubik

January 12, 2013

I am staying at a reasonably-priced hotel in the center of Harare.  How different from the last time I was in Zimbabwe 9 years ago.  There used to be shortages, high inflation and all the other Zimbabwe horror stories. 

Now, I feel that here in the center of Harare it is peaceful, the US dollar is the official exchange.  You don't have to change any money because you already have the legal exchange on you.  The weather is perfect. It feels like Southern California and there is lots of traffic.  Plenty of fuel at relatively reasonable prices. But, that is not the real story.  Unemployment in the country is 80-90%.  General population is still discouraged.  It's only when you are near the city centre that it looks good.  But, still, Harare has the look of an upscale city.

I enjoyed my Sabbath morning getting ready for the Sabbath service at 10:30 and the Kingdom of God seminar across the street in the very nice meeting room at the main hotel.  The restaurant was most pleasant as it was open and "outside" with weather protection.  I am really enjoying this.

I was the first one in the meeting hall at 10:00 am  The Zimbabwe church members are coming in from all over the country.   We did have 30 for services.  They came from Harare, KweKwe, Gokwe, Kadona and other places. 

One family had a 14 month old son named "Victor" who they say was named after me.  The people were lively and appreciative to all be together and to see one another.  They were well-dressed, all with cell phones, including smart phones and were really up on things.  The United News arrived this week so it was passed out and all seemed to be scouring it.  The people are very tied into what is happening in the Work and to people in the Work.

I spoke first about the Work of God, our media work through television, print and Internet.  I am so thankful for what we are able to do and to have KOG seminars like this to introduce ourselves to the public with a special message. 

Then we had a special event.  I was able to ordain Mabasa Chichaya as deacon and Mike Mukarati as an elder. Now, Zimbabwe has a resident elder.  The congregation was overjoyed about this.  Then I gave my sermon. 

It is so good seeing and talking to these people who have been faithful and have put up with the difficult episodes of the past years.  I have thoroughly enjoyed talking to various people.

For lunch Mabasa Chichaya treated us to lunch at the hotel.  That was very generous of him.  Then we started the KOG seminar shortly after 2:30 pm.  Seven new people showed up.  Two of the couples I talked to found information about us on the Internet.  One, back in August, searched the Internet for "Kingdom of God" and came quickly to our literature.  When they saw ads for the seminar and received an invitation letter from the Mukarati's from the Good News, they were very happy to come....as they found something they were looking for. 

My seminar included a question and answer session where many good questions were asked introduding the audience to other doctrines. It was a great day.

Then I went over to Mike and Primrose's hotel about a block away where we talked awhile about Zimbabwe in general.  The power went off and stayed off. The hotel manager came to our room with a beer can a candle.  Mike Mukrati tells me that the power could be off for many hours, but here it is restored quickly because we are not far from President Mugabe's residence. ....or, one of them. 

Then Mike and I went over to where some of the brethren from outlying areas of Zimbabwe are staying.  The rain is starting to fall hard now.  We chatted with them....they will be leaving  in the morning.  Tomorrow is a day of talking about the area and several baptisms.