Zimbabwe (MNN) — Food or faith? The ongoing drought in Zimbabwe is testing the beliefs of many Christians, forcing them to confront difficult questions.
The year-long drought in Zimbabwe presents challenges beyond physical needs. Survival is not just a matter of food and water but also a matter of faith. There are three major obstacles hindering the Gospel from reaching many.
Contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data 2024. Photo courtesy of European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery via Wikimedia Commons.
The first challenge stems from the limitations of the church. Melinda Kajilima from Trans World Radio says: “The church at the present moment is going through a difficult time, a hard time.” The difficulty arises from their inability to fully meet the growing needs of the people for water and food. Despite many pastors partnering with the government and various organizations, there has yet to be a sustainable solution.
The second challenge is the doubt that some have about their faith or God’s love during their suffering. As the TWR radio team broadcasts the good news and offers biblical encouragement, they often receive positive feedback.
However, they also hear this complaint from listeners, as Kajilima mentions:
“[They] are excited about what you are giving them, how they are growing in Christ through your broadcast. [Then] they also turn and say, but with this drought I don’t have food on the table. We are listening to the programs, but we still need food to eat!”
As a result of these two issues, a third challenge emerges.
The third challenge is that representatives of other religions exploit the suffering of Zimbabweans to convert them. Kajilima recalls one pastor saying: “I have many, some of my congregants have actually moved out because of some other religions that have come and say, Look, we have this. We have food. And you can, you can have access to the food if you join our religion.” The cause for losing faith is spiritual isolation. While some Christians receive help and encouragement from their churches, those who don’t are left to give up. Kajilima adds:
“[It] is a situation where some Christians will then lose faith. They can’t stand. They will just trade their faith for survival.”
Pray for the TWR team and local churches to be beacons of hope during this time. Pray also for the rain to come, so people can have good harvests and sustainable provisions.
To support TWR, visit their website here.
Header photo courtesy of Global Aid Network.
