Jesus Project writes open letter to Mr Mugabe
The Jesus Project wrote an open letter to the government and people of Zimbabwe. This open letter (advertisement) was published in two independent newspapers and dealt with issues pertaining to the uncertainty in Zimbabwe.
In the open letter citizens of Zimbabwe are assured of the prayers and involvement of Christians in South Africa. However, news of unprecedented suffering, poverty, starvation and uncertainty have been reported in the South African media and this troubles Christians immensely. The Zimbabwean government is challenged to address these issues and to create an environment where people can safely voice their grievances and queries. Mr Mugabe is reminded of a recent meeting (organized by Christian leaders in his country) where he actually prayed on behalf of the nation. Mr Mugabe is encouraged to continue seeking God in all affairs.
The youth needs to be equipped for their important role in the future. When they see their parents struggling they loose interest and courage. Mr Mugabe is implored to pay particular interest to the youth of his country.
South Africa and Zimbabwe have many shared interests. Mr Mugabe and his government are reminded of this fact and the hope is expressed that better days lie ahead. The president is reminded of the verse in 1 Tim 2:1-3 where government is called upon to create an environment where the Gospel can effectively find its way into the hearts of people. " To govern a nation is a huge responsibility. The mandate to influence the lives of people is a great privilege, one for which God will hold us responsible" says the open letter.
Inquiries Rev Jannie Pelser 083 601 9094
Jesus Projek praat met Mnr Mugabe
Die Jesus Projek het `n poging aangewend om die aandag van Mnr Robert Mugabe, president van die veelbesproke en steeds agteruitgaande Zimbabwe te kry deur die plasing van `n ope brief (groot sigbare advertensies) in twee onafhanklike koerante wat in Zimbabwe verskyn.
Die ope brief (namens die Christen gemeenskap in Suid-Afrika) verseker die regering en Christene in Zimbabwe van die voorbidding en betrokkenheid van gelowiges. Die ope brief maak egter geen geheim daarvan dat Suid-Afrikaners erg bekommerd is oor die lotgevalle van mense op grondvlak nie. Daar word verwys na die gebrek aan voedsel en basiese lewensmiddelle, die onbekostigbaarheid van noodsaaklikhede, die gebrek aan spraakvryheid en voorkoms van intimidasie. Die president word herinner aan die groot verantwoordelikheid om `n volk te regeer en dat God uiteindelik rekenskap sal vra oor die wyse waarop dit plaasgevind het.
Mnr Mugabe word voorts herinner aan die noodsaak om vir die jeug `n positiewe toekoms te skep. Kinders en jongmense wat hul ouers sien swaarkry het min hoop vir die toekoms en soek ander heenkome. So word `n land gedreineer van noodsaaklike mense-materiaal.
Die Jesus Projek maak melding van `n interkerklike geleentheid waar Mnr Mugabe teenwoordig was en namens die mense van Zimbabwe gebid het. Hy word aangemoedig om op die basis voort te bou en God met die land se probleme te vertrou.
Die Zimbabwe regering word laastens gewys op die interafhanklikheid van state in Afrika, veral Suid-Afrika. Die wens word uitgespreek dat `n nuwe dag spoedig sal aanbreek vir Zimbabwe en sy mense. Ten slotte word Mnr Mugabe herinner aan die teks in 1 Tim 2:1-3 waar die regering voor die verantwoordelikheid geplaas word om `n ordelike samelewing daar te stel sodat die Evangelie met vrymoedigheid verkondig kan word.
Navrae Ds Jannie Pelser 083 601 9094