In Zimbabwe Why do Crosslinks associates Keith and Elizabeth Wiseman take God’s Word to Zimbabwe when more people go to church there than in the UK? And what does taking God’s Word mean for them? 

“The challenge is to live the Gospel as well as speak it. For us this means showing compassion to those suffering from hunger and poverty; visiting those sick in body and mind as a result of HIV/AIDS; giving support to put off the old life of corruption and greed; training the young people in our charge servant leadership. Most importantly it means empowering those we work with to live Christian lives through a thorough knowledge of the Bible and trusting God for their ‘daily bread’ through prayer.”  

In Uganda Lucy Hovil works for the Refugee Law Project of Makerere University in Kampala, protecting the rights of refugees from Sudan, DR Congo, Burundi and Rwanda. 

“At work a queue of refugees waits. Perhaps a group of child soldiers, or a woman holding an 18-month-old baby who looks like a newborn because he has AIDS. I talk to people daily who have been raped, abused or had their homes destroyed by those in authority. Christians are called to protect and speak for the weak and disadvantaged. There are other human rights workers, but I can do it with passion and integrity knowing the imperative of the Gospel.” 

In South Africa Camilla Symes reports on the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa. 

“A third of girls of 15 may die before 35. One day my grandchildren may ask me what I did about it. Even if they don't, I know from Matthew 25 that Christ expects me to be involved. Any Christian who does nothing will need to explain their decision to ignore such a massive tragedy. I am no Schindler, I‘m not a medic or even a great example of holy Christianity. But I know that the people dying around me daily need love and care and to hear that they have hope of eternal life and how to get it. These people need to hear and accept the Gospel. And when Christians get involved with helping the needy, this is a witness to rich and poor alike about the message and character of Christ.”   

In Mozambique Peg Cumberland writes 

“God desires his people to reach out to others, not only with the message of salvation but also in the service of their physical needs. My role here is to assist the Niassa Diocese of the Mozambican Anglican church in addressing some of the health needs of this remote and neglected area.” 

For details of Camilla Symes’ work, go to www.barnabastrust.co.za  

Crosslinks magazine October 2005 index