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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 oui

Risen Lord, we cannot but feel thankful that God has ultimate control over s
country beset by economic problems.
Zimbabwe is in the throes of a lane

reform programme which cannot bring prosperity to its people. There is the
drastic drop in the value of the Zimbabwe dollar caused by payments to the
former freedom fighters resulting in high inflation.
We see the result of
these 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, with
emphasis on practical Christianity. It is hard for them to understand anc
anticipate the joyous prospect of eternal life with God, when the main concern
is where will the next plate of food will come from or
who will pay the
bills.

Despite the gloomy picture, our little congregation continues to grow.


The
many children are being replaced by adults and teenagers with a thirst for the
Lord. Only last Sunday, four were baptised, Jim preached on baptism and five
more 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 solic
core of believers, who freely participate in our services. The time of prayei

is open and spontaneous, usually five or six people pray, in Shona or English.
Our worship service is in both languages.
The younger people attendinc
secondary schools feel more comfortable with the
older ones still prefer to speak Shona.

English language, while th

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 oui
role 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;
into an income generating project, however
training, with fellowship and the ability to
for Christ' continues to meet once a week

although it has failed to turr


it has provided the women witl*
do things for themselves. 'Kids
and numbers vary from twenty tc

fifty children.
We meet with other pastors in the area, and support each other's work.
Or
Saturday Jim attended the ordination of the Presbyterian Pastor, whilst Lisc
was at a Christian Seminar elsewere. A couple of Saturdays back, the Baptist
minister married our daughter, at his church.
The 'Ministers' fraternal'
spend a lot of time together praying for the City of Gweru, for Zimbabwe, anc
for each other's needs, whilst respecting each other's views.

Yes Vanessa, our daughter married a young farmer, and they now live some 50kms

from 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 they
are settling in well together. Of course we miss our daughter!!
Paul and
Vanessa bring some farm labourers to our service on Sundays, and Jim baptised
four of them. Paul, who speaks fluent Shona, is at times Jim's interpreter,
and has started teaching these labourers, using a Shona Bible. Paul would

like to have Jim come and preach to his workers once a month, and has plans to
erect a building for this purpose.

This will mean that the Word of God would

be preached in an area rife with heathenism, ancestral worship, decadence, and


indegenous cults.

Our support through Steve and Linda Whitmer comes to an end, as our third year
closes. The members ot" Liweru Uhristian Church would like us to continue with

our ministry. We have plans to hand over the pastorship eventually to one of
the 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 are
reading thVs letter might give us their consideration. From all of you we
would 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 a

house he^, and would ask you, to prayerfully consider giving us your financial
backirm< however small.

We are aware that many newsletters sent to friends and supporters make
reference to lack, or need of finances. We beg your forgiveness, if we are
repeating ourselves. We know that God has the final say in all our undertakings
and that He will provide faithfully, if we are faithful to Him. We think of
you 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) 23438

Postal 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 Park
Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 6RB, England. (Cheques made to James Bacon)

c.

Us

Page 2 of 4
yi^A. ^

/I-

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,


jdpenn2@juno.com, jackhaun@aol.com, jbanner@adamsco.co.uk,

So-

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 work
in which God gives opportunity to His people to make Himself known; we
believe He is doing the same with us in Gweru. It is no coincidence that we
are in the centre of the country, and we believe it is significant for what
God has in store for us.

Whilst retaining that strong spirit of independance which is inherent in


Christian Churches, we confirm that the various parts of the Body of Christ
must 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 our
congregation joined a thousand other evangelicals on 30th May proclaiming
Christ's Lordship in the city of Gweru. It was good to see young and old
alike march for Jesus In a strong spirit of fellowship.
Likewise the National Day of Prayer for the Nation of Zimbabwe, held on 25th
May(Africa Day) was also well supported by our people. Our members joined
in prayer for Repentance, Reconciliation & Revival, after an hour and a half
prayer session, an elderly Shona lady, Mrs Phiri remarked, " It was good! I
could really feel the prescence of God". These events have a powerful
impact in the lives and faith of our people,
We continue to meet once monthly with other pastors for breakfast and prayer
for our city and nation. Four times a year we have a combined evening
service held in our local theatre. We are grateful to the Lord for the
opportunity we have had in our community, to be a constant reminder of the

living God, and to glorify His precious name.


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The self-help scheme had slowed down as money for fabric became short and
our machines were badly in need of attention. A few stalwarts came every
week, and once the winter is over, the group will grow again. The children's
group - Kids for Christ - still meet on Friday afternoons. It is currently
led by Vivien Chlkonye, young Christian who is doing a very good job. The
children display a good knowledge of the Bible, and we love to watch their
musical 'specials' at our worship services.. Vivien is one of the group of
highly motivated teens who currently meet on Saturdays mornings for Bible
Study. The work with these youths Is so rewarding and we begin to see In
them some potential leaders.
Winter this year has not been so harsh, but with the drastic drop In the
Zimbabwean dollar the poor have become poorer and we are again buying maize
meal to feed the 'hardship' cases. This is in addition to the usual calls
for help with the rents, hospital fees, bus fare etc.. This Is not a call on
your 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 time
for prayer or counsel with them. One lady, Stella, a domestic servant, said
she was having bad dreams. So we went to her little house and prayed in each
room with her. The following Sunday she greeted us with a smile and told us
that "it was like living In a new house". Whether it was psychological, or
she was under spiritual attack, we were there for her. We are continually
giving 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 affluent
society seem negligible, may in Africa be used to save and nurture a soul
for 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 and


HIV/AIDS. Things are so bad now that there was no population growth In 1997.
Our student, Dinki Sumalli, at Zimbabwe Christian College entered his third
and final year. This young man has justified our confidence in him. His
marks have been excellent. He is a first class preacher and an effective
witness 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 see
any progress in our work, and we feel rather depressed and desolate. It Is
at times like these that we are so grateful to you when we receive letters
or 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 poor
of our community, we are experiencing God's provision and an increase In
the Harvest. At present we are focusing on implementing a leadership
programme. 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 truck
for transporting the people to various church activities, etc.

Thank you again for being our friends and partners in our ministry, May God
richly 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 specify
J.Bacon Mission)
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Page 4 of 4

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

file://c:\windows\TEMP\eudE260.htmI

7/24/98

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

>To: Altman, Ben and Karen Pennington, Bill DeLaughter, Bob Wetzel, Bob
Wetzel, Captain, Cecil Ross, Charles Greshem, Chris Sewell, Al Hammond, Dan
Yamell, Daryl Donovan, Didi Bacon, GordanCline, Graham Richards, Hazel
Wilson, 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 building


to sweltering point. We are praying that God blesses this land with good
rains,as we really need a bumper harvest this year. Despite the array of
colours around us, things are gloomy here. The decline of the Zim dollar,
increased government expenditure, land acquisition, and the war in the
Congo, herald misery and hopelessness for the people we are ministering to.
There is poverty, hunger, illness, and much hardship. We feel so helpless in
the face of such tragedy, and the words of Peter and John to the paralytic
in Acts 4:3-6 come to mind. We cannot alleviate their physical misery, but
we 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 of
our members are having to work on Sundays when they take any available job
to provide for their families. As the Aids pandemic takes a firm grip on
the country, more of our people seem to be going to the rural areas to
attend funerals of family and relatives. In the Shona culture, it is very
important that family members be present and remain with the bereaved for
many days.
>Our two college students, Dinki and Stuart, did a good job during the
August holidays. They preached every Sunday of that month. The them was on
the seven churches of the Book of Revelation. We see growth in them, and
both are dedicated to work for the Lord. Jim's preaching has been on the
Christian family life, and on what complete obedience to God means. We
constantly emphasise on the need for regular prayer and personal quiet time
and on the study of God's Word. Prayer is foremost in our ministry now, and
we experience dramatic answers. Two of our very sick ladies on the brink of
death have made remari^able recoveries. The congregation have witnessed these
healings and their faith in our Lord is being continually re-enforced.
Unlike some Christian workers who woric day and night, doing things that God
has never asked them to do, we believe there are times when we need to 'be
still before the Lord" and wait for His leading and His direction. The focus
of our work is more on being there for people, to give a word of comfort, to
hold their hands in time of distress, to weep with them when times are hard
and laugh with them when the sun shines in their life.

Printed for Mission Services Association <mission_services@c.

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 US

during September. Theresa caught 'tick fever* and despite medication was
still very ill. (Please make this a matter of prayer). Jim is looking after
the feeding programme in Silobela, a drought hit area in Matabeleland. There
are 7 churches there, under the guidance of pastor Mpofu. Pray for these
people, as there is a lot of starvation. To date five children have died of
malnutrition.

>We have been blessed with a gift of a computer, which will enable us to
communicate with our friends and supporters more often. We are at present
awaiting for an e-mail to be installed in our office. We shall let you know
our address as soon as we get it
>Lastly, on a sad note, Lisa's father who resides in Australia, is very ill,
and her brother has supplied her with the air fare to come and visit her
dad. Jim and Lisa are leaving for Australia on 26 October for a month. We
are leaving our congregation in the hands of our two college students and
twolocal pastors from the Churches of Christ in Gweru. this will therefore
be a testing time when the future leadership in the church will have to
prove itself. Please pray that all will be well while Jim and Lisa are away
for the month of Novemeber.

>Stop press; We are encouraged to know that we have received a substantial


donation 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 and
thank God for people like you. May He richly bless you as you are a
blessing 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

Printed for Mission Services Association <mission_services@c..

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 98

Date; Mon, 21 Decl998^ 8:51 +0200


X-lVl^ler Microsoft Outlook Express 4.71.1712.3
X-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 year
To the enthusiasm of the "Kids for Christ" as they sing to the Lord

To the eagerness of the teens, as they learn to pray together


To the diligence of the ladies of the Self-Help Scheme, as they toilfor families
To the expectations of the old men when given two ducks to start a business
To the sorrow of those who have lost loved ones through illness and deprivation
To the despair of the mothers as they see their children hungryand cold
To 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 Church


To the young people being fed physically and spiritually
To teaching these Christians hungry for the Word
To a prayer ministry for the sick, poor, and hurting

Printed for Mission Services Association <mission_servlces@c...

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 praying
For personal growth and for compassion
For inner strength to continue to minister cross-culturally
For a more Christ-like approach towards ourfellowmen
LOOKING UPWARD.... TO GOD Thanking Him
For sending His Son to save us from our sins
For people like you who care for us and give us support and encouragement
For 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 YOU
THIS CHRISTMAS TIDE.
Jim and Lisa Bacon

Printed for Mission Services Association <mission_services@c..

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