I know I’ve only been here for 9 days, and I’ve certainly not traveled the entire country, but I am going to make an assessment based on my encounters and experiences with the locals to date, and that is, Zimbabweans are happy, joyful people and their joyful happy spirit is contagious.

Our team has been blessed to travel to Harare and Victoria Falls and the communities of Tinde, Chinoyi, Muphuirnga, Mvurwi and Chiweshe and without exception our encounters have been inspiring and unique, engaging and memorable.

We’ve met Salvationists along our journey in every community. Shopkeepers, hotel workers, Air Zimbabwe employees and grocery store clerks – all have introduced themselves as being Salvationists – indeed, Soldiers and all have one thing in common – they were happy and joyful.

The Zimbabweans joyful spirit and zest for life is also evident in worship. Today, I had the privilege of sharing in the Cadets spiritual day at General William Booth College in Harare and the guests were The General and Commissioner Silvia Cox. The Call to Worship was Psalm 100 and the words of the scripture came alive as all present entered into worship with hearts of ‘thanksgiving and praise’ all the while lifting ‘joyful songs’ to the Lord.  It was an inspiring experience.

(click link below to see and hear joyful singing.)

African Joy

Reflecting on worship today, I can only imagine what the Easter congress is going to be like in Gweru as more than 10,000 Salvationists gather to praise and worship the Lord in true Zimbabwean style. I’ll keep you posted throughout the weekend.

Thanks again for reading and remember, be joyful and Happy Easter!

Major John Murray, IHQ Communications and Literary Secretary

Traveling is always an adventure. It doesn’t matter where you’re going or what country you are in, the unplanned and unexpected is always just around the corner; and so our morning began.

Nothing that challenging, just low tire pressure – i.e. almost flat, and a need petrol, ‘now’, kind of start to the day. Nice. Good thing everyone on our team has a great sense of humor and simply ‘rolls with the punches.’ It’s all part of the adventure.

Shortly after diverting disaster, we set off for Howard High School and Hospital – significant institutions in The Salvation Army’s Zimbabwean history.  Located 80 kms north of the capital city, Harare, in the Chiweshe district of Zimbabwe, The Salvation Army compounds are important parts of the local community.

The 90 minute drive afforded us opportunity to see the Zimbabwean First Lady’s orphanage, which was built as a gift from the Chinese government. As the area is also host to citrus groves we had a colorful array of orange and yellow as we sped along the motorway.

Arriving at Howard High School was a delight as we were greeted by two single file columns of timbrelists and instrumentalists lined up on either side of the roadway as an honor guard. The groups were not there for us of course – but awaiting the arrival of The Army’s International Leaders who were scheduled to arrive momentarily.

The crowd that turned out to meet The General and Commissioner Silvia Cox was outstanding. The General seemed pleased to return to Howard Hospital, a place where he very much feels at home. It has been a familiar surrounding since the mid-1950’s.
 
Officers, soldiers, Salvationists and friends moved from one location to another on the school property as the General dedicated three new buildings on the grounds. The General’s party and local officials also toured the new hospital site which is looking great and set to officially open in late Fall 2014.  

Today was very busy. The SAVN.TV crew interviewed several people and shot B-roll of the grounds for use in the documentary. The Salvation Army’s Howard ministries, is historic yet relevant only getting stronger. As General Cox said of Howard, ‘it is a beacon of light, hope, and healing.’

We concluded our day by visiting Thomas Mudyiwa, the Chisweshe Headman and his family on their farm.  ‘You kept your promise’ was his greeting, ‘’you came back to see me.’ What a welcome!  He remembered me visiting last August.  It was a joy to reconnect with Thomas and his family once again and to share in prayer in their barnyard before departing.

Finally, thanks to our good friend, Major Kyle Smith for all his efforts over the last few weeks. He left Zimbabwe bound for Los Angeles this afternoon. We’ll miss his energy and spirit on the team but we’ll forge ahead.

That’s all for now.  Thanks for again for reading.

Major John Murray, IHQ Communications and Literary Secretary

My day started with a quiet walk along the Zambezi River. The area is awash in lush, green foliage.  The swift moving water ‘was quiet’, almost welcoming, however, lurking beneath the surface are hundreds of crocodiles and hippos – a very dangerous environment and a unique reminder that things are not always as they appear on the surface.

 

A little further exploration and I saw a dozen or more warthogs grazing, and later in the morning I encountered several baboons running around in the open, more than I have seen in all my Zoo visits combined – and with fours sons I can say that I have visited my fair share of Zoo’s across North America over the past 23 years!

According to local legend, the explorer David Livingston described Victoria Falls, ‘as the most wonderful sight I have witnessed in Africa’ and I would concur. It’s no wonder that it is designated as one of the ‘seven natural wonders of the world’ – the views are breath taking.

As we traversed the Falls Walk, we were absolutely mesmerized by the power and fury of the white, rushing water. As our visit to Victoria Falls coincided with the end of the rainy season, this force of nature was at its best.

We stopped at various lookouts to take photos and to shoot B-roll all the while getting absolutely soaked.  At one point, Alex, one of the SAVN.TV crew, suggested that it was ‘raining up’ and he was absolutely right. We were reminded of the power of nature but also the beauty and complexity of creation.

Chris Tomlin, a Christian recording artist, penned a song that I think is appropriate at the end of this amazing day:

‘Lord of all creation, of water, earth and sky,
The heavens are Your tabernacle,
Glory to the Lord on High,

God of wonders beyond our galaxy, You are holy, holy,
The universe declares your majesty; You are holy, holy,
Lord of heaven and earth,’

Major John Murray, IHQ Communications and Literary Secretary,

This is not a Palm Sunday I’ll ever forget as we were greeted by a brilliant African sunrise, which set the tone for the day.

Our journey this Sunday took us from Harare to the world famous Victoria Falls – one of the ‘Seven Natural Wonders of the World.’ A short one hour flight on Air Zimbabwe in an older 737-200 model and we reached our destination.  The Air Zimbabwe service was very ‘old school’, a throw back to a different era in air travel. It was wonderful.

While we could see the spray from Victoria Falls shooting up into the sky on ‘final approach’, we no sooner touched down and we started the next leg of our journey to the Village of Tinde, located 220 kms west of Victoria Falls in a remote part of the Matebeleland Region of Zimbabwe. The Village is home to a Salvation Army outpost that was started 8 years ago and it was there that SAVN.TV filmed today.

Our bus driver Kenneth was a real champ, as he drove for 3.5 hours and endured a police road check where officials took his licence and inspected it prior to letting us continue on our way. The final 22 kms of the trip was on a dusty, bumpy, unpaved road. I think most motorists would have turned around – but not Kenneth and the SAVN.TV crew!  We arrived at the Outpost to a grand welcome of singing, dancing, drumming and timbrel playing – well worth the drive!

The corps officer, Captain No-Matter Renesu and his wife are circuit pastors. While they are the commanding officers of this special Village Outpost, they actually live 120 kms away thus their commute is significant – but clearly they are doing an important ministry. 

As I reflect on all that has taken place this week, I have been reminded that one of the great strengths of The Salvation Army is our cultural diversity. While the color of our uniforms vary and we often speak different languages, more things unite us than divide us because we worship and serve the same God – whether in London – Toronto – or Tinde, Africa. Also, I am grateful for the service and ministry of the SAVN.TV crew. Not only are they ‘pros’, but they are a very sensitive and talented group that has a knack for finding the ‘right story.’ Thanks guys, for all you’re doing!

Tomorrow we get to see Victoria Falls – which will be a highlight in a different kind of way. I’ll close for now. 

Palm Sunday, Africa 2014, wow – Hosanna to the King!

Major John Murray, IHQ Communications and Literary Secretary

We set out early Saturday morning for the town of Mvurwi, a community of approximately 40,000, 150 kms north of Harare. The countryside is beautiful. Rich red earth coupled with massive fields dotted with trees, grass blowing in the wind and the huge African sky with its endless horizon – it’s all quite amazing. 

The community of Mvurwi has no industry but many bars and is home to the largest HIV population in Zimbabwe. Indeed, government sources suggest that 1/3 of the local population is HIV positive. This figure could be higher.  

We arrive at the corps to film a meeting of an HIV support program. Started as a grassroots initiative. it has become a significant force for good – helping people to secure much-needed drugs, providing home support as well as counseling. We interviewed the founder, Gordon, who is HIV positive and we also visited two clients at their homes with their caregivers. 

The visits were sad but powerful. Team members listened carefully to the stories of those suffering from HIV and it was evident that the disease affects the whole family. A beautiful moment was when Major Kyle Smith and Ricky of the SAVN.TV crew stepped forward, knelt down and held the hands of one of the patients. We concluded our visits with prayer.

We closed our day with a visit to the farm of Benjamin Bofu, a Salvationist and 30-year employee of The Salvation Army. He is a fascinating man with a significant history in the development sector across Africa.  

So there ends Day 5.  A day filled with raw emotion as we witnessed first hand the devastating effects of HIV in one African community. The things we read about at home so far away became crystal clear.

Tomorrow, we’re off to Victoria Falls. Please pray for us as we travel and thanks again for reading.

Major John Murray, IHQ Communications and Literary Secretary

Well, the rains ceased, the clouds parted and the sun came out – just in time to greet The Salvation Army’s International Leaders – General Andre Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox – to ‘their home’ of Zimbabwe – and what a welcome it was!  Following a competition, the Braeside Citadel ‘hosho’ brigade, was selected to play at the Harare airport for the arrival of The Army’s International Leaders.

The group, comprised of 40 musicians who play traditional African instruments, presented several glorious and rhythmic selections in honor of their special visitors. The joyful presentations were brilliantly received by all, including General Cox, who joined in traditional African dancing with one of the brigade members.  The Territorial Band also presented several familiar numbers to the delight of the International and Territorial leaders and passers-by who stopped to share in the colorful and rhythmic celebrations – in true Salvation Army African style. For me, it was very moving when General Cox said ‘it feels like coming home’; I could sense the joy and emotion in his words having visited his childhood home and primary school only the day before.

Today we also visited the General William Booth Training College where we interviewed two cadets of the Heralds of Christ Session for the documentary. Their stories of courage, compassion and hope were inspiring. An interesting moment as I wandered the college grounds was when I came upon a site dedicated by General Arnold Brown – Brenda, my wife’s uncle – when he was the international leader of The Salvation Army. That was a nice familial moment far from home.

Well, we have a busy weekend ahead as tomorrow we are filming in a rural village where many of the population suffer from HIV and Sunday we fly on Air Zimbabwe to film in Victoria Falls. So, I’ll close for now. Thanks for your interest and prayerful support. Have a great weekend and thanks for reading.

Major John Murray, IHQ Communications and Literary Secretary

The sights and sounds of Harare are simply mesmerizing. Traffic clogged roads filled with the sound of car horns of impatient motorists trying to get into the city are a stark contrast to the warm and friendly people we meet everywhere go.  

In addition to the road chaos we are all familiar with, our day took a quick turn for the good when we arrived at Territorial Headquarters and we’re able to share in the World Wide Prayer Meeting. What a privilege to start the day with our colleagues in this way and to share in their warm welcome and embrace. Interestingly, only two weeks ago I shared in the World Wide Prayer Meeting with our International Leaders and delegates participating in the #GlobalConversation in Orlando, Florida. My travels have helped me better understand and appreciate the vast and varied Salvation Army – One Army – that is ours!

A highlight of our trip to THQ was filming the musical rehearsal featuring the traditional Zimbabwean ‘hosho’ rhythm instrument. What a joyful expressions of praise and worship and I couldn’t’ help myself when one of my colleague Officers starts to sway and dance in that familiar African style, I joined right in, much to the delight of our Officers friends and the film crew. I really need to get a ‘hosho’ rhythm instrument to share with my friends in the Bromley Temple band upon my return in a few weeks.

The warm rains started to fall as we set off for the Makonde Division in Chinhoyi about a 90 minute drive from Harare where we interviewed Commissioner Stanslous Mutewera, retired territorial commander of the Zimbabwe Territory and one of a few Zimbabweans who lived in Chinhoyi when General Andre Cox lived in the village as a young boy when his parents were the Regional Commanders. 

The Commissioner was a most engaging interview and storyteller (and I won’t steal any of his thunder here) but it was a most enjoyable experience.  A personal highlight as the afternoon came to a close was when we formed a prayer circle and shared rich moments together as the rain fell upon us and the red clay dirt that is a hallmark of Zimbabwe.

Well, that’s a quick reflection on our first full day in Harare.  Rich in new friendships and experiences. My SAVN.TV friends and I can’t hardly wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Blessings and thanks for reading. Please pray for our team as we share in ministry in Zimbabwe and South Africa over the next 2 weeks.

Major John Murray

The Salvation Army International Communications Secretary

While the flight from London to Johannesburg was long, almost 11 hours, the trip itself was uneventful, exactly that way I like to travel! A short layover in Johannesburg, South Africa and we were up and on our way to Harare, Zimbabwe. In comparison, it was a short flight and upon arrival the immigration process was painless, however customs took much longer than we anticipated due to necessary paperwork and formalities regarding the team’s film equipment. However, throughout the various processes, which were tedious, the officials were warm and engaging and most appreciative of our interaction and informal conversation as we worked together. The end result was a $430 deposit for our goods, which will be returned to us upon departure.

Our van was packed and stacked with people and equipment as we set out for Cresta Lodge – our home away from home – for the next few nights. A couple of briefing meetings including one with local Salvation Army officials, dinner and this day of travel and adventure is almost complete. Tomorrow’s schedule is tight and we’re looking forward to the arrival of The General and Commissioner Silvia Cox on Friday.

Reflecting on our long day – 24 hours door-to-door from IHQ to the Cresta Lodge and I am grateful to God for journeying mercies. I’m also grateful for the SAVN.TV team – for their can-do spirit and for their willingness to engage others in conversation about our purpose for visiting Africa and our ministry here in Zimbabwe. I’m also grateful for the rich conversations I’ve had with fellow global travelers – the uniform still easily opens doors for conversation.

I’ll close for now. It’s been a great start to a wonderful journey and we’re looking forward to all that God has in store in the coming days.

Blessings!

The Salvation Army International Communications Secretary

Major John Murray

 

For many people, the continent of Africa is a distant, far away land; a place where wild animals roam the Great Plains and a place that few will actually visit. Yet, Africa is a land rich in diversity and history intertwined with this richness is the Christian Church. A major denomination across the continent is The Salvation Army.

Today, I set out on a journey with representatives of SAVN.TV – to tell a a story of God’s hope and promise for his people through the lens of The Salvation Army’s International Leaders as they visit their home Zimbabwe.

Over the next 16 days, I will share our collective experiences through this daily blog which will give you, the reader, an intimate look into the life of The Salvation Army’s International leaders while sharing in ministry with Salvationists from across Zimbabwe.

The end result of the SAVN.TV visit to Africa will be a documentary on the life of the Salvation Army’s 20th General which will highlight the vast and varied ministry’s within Zimbabwe and South Africa.

I invite you to come along this journey to witness Africa through my lens and to share in this extraordinary experience. You can start right now by checking out the pics of today’s film shoot with The General at IHQ as well as some candid shots of the group leaving London and bound for Africa!

Major John Murray, IHQ Communications and Literary Secretary

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For more information contact Captain Robyn Bridgeo Robyn.Bridgeo@usw.salvationarmy.org or SAVNtvChaplain@gmail.com