Two are better than one
By Mr D Gondongwe

From 11-13th August 2007, the Bulawayo International Church of Christ hosted a marrieds retreat for both the Harare and Bulawayo disciples.  This powerful event was held at the Maleme Dam in the Matopos Hills. A total of 10 couples from Bulawayo and 35 couples from Harare attended the retreat.

The preparations were full of challenges due to scarcity of resources and hardships.  The bus that was supposed to bring the Harare disciples failed to do so at the last minute and as result alternative plans and adjustments had to be made.  Diesel had to be exchanged for fuel and sufficient petrol and private cars had to be found. Many disciples had to sacrifice money and time to enable those who could not afford to travel to come to the retreat. 

Over the retreat weekend, disciples had to make contributions at short notice in order to cover the cost of food and the preparation thereof as well as fuel for the journey home. People gave generously without grumbling.  This event clearly saw the scripture which states that "two are better than one" (Ecclesiastes 4:9) being fulfilled!

Tragedy turns to Victory
By Mr D Gondongwe

On 13th April we received the sad news of the death of our brother Richard Musasa after a long illness.  This tragedy left behind Richard’s widow, Thembi, and their teenage daughter, Bygel, without any means of support and upkeep. Thembi has not faltered in her commitment to God despite the challenge of losing her husband. Bygel is currently studying the Bible with the teen workers.  Not long after Richards's funeral, his brother and sister started coming to church.

On the 10th of July, a couple of months after Richard’s death, his sister Jesse was baptised into Christ. This has been a victory for the family and an encouragement for the church as a whole.