The Highlands Grapevine To know Christ and to make Him known August-September 2016 CONTENTS Page 2

Pete’s Page

Page 3/4

Scripture Union

Page 5

Jesus is coming again (Poem)

Page 6-9

Update from Yolanda (OM)

Page 10-13

Ladies’ Retreat 2016

Page 14

Words to begin the day

Page 15

Old Hymn – new version

Page 16

Thank You letter

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PETE’S PAGE A young lady named Sally relates an experience she had in a seminary class taught by her teacher, Dr. Smith. She says Dr. Smith was known for his elaborate object lessons. One particular day, Sally walked into the seminary and knew they were in for a fun day. On the wall was a big target and on a nearby table were many darts. Dr. Smith told the students to draw a picture of someone they disliked or someone who had made them angry in the past. Then he would allow them to throw darts at the person's picture. Sally's friend drew a picture of a girl who had stolen her boyfriend. Another friend drew a picture of his little brother. Sally drew a picture of a former friend, putting a great deal of detail into her drawing, even drawing pimples on the face. Sally was pleased at the overall effect she had achieved. The class lined up and began throwing darts. Some of the students threw their darts with such force that their targets were ripping apart. Sally looked forward to her turn, but was filled with disappointment when Dr. Smith, because of time limits, asked the students to return to their seats. As Sally sat down, thinking about how angry she was because she didn't have a chance to throw any darts at her target, Dr. Smith began removing the target from the wall. Underneath the target was a picture of Jesus. A complete hush fell over the room as each student viewed the mangled picture of Jesus; holes and jagged marks covered His face and His eyes were pierced. Friends.... "I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me" (Matthew 25:40). Peter

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Scripture Union Zimbabwe is part of an international, interdenominational movement of Christians founded in 1867. We are passionate about Jesus, and seize the opportunity to share his amazing message of hope with the people of Zimbabwe. We have been working with children and young people in both primary and secondary schools with permission of the Ministry of Education. We started mainly in urban areas and boarding schools but are now country wide. Scripture Union is an interdenominational and international Christian movement, working with children, young people and families through the effective use of national school systems and other related strategic alliances. It was started in England in 1867 with God giving the vision to Josiah Spiers at a resort town beach called Llandadno in Wales. He was later joined by many others to help birth this movement which started as Children Special Services Mission. During those years the church thought children would not understand the Word of God but they were expected to come to church, sit still and listen. At Llandadno beach Spiers realized that children were able to understand the Word of God if presented in a way that appealed to children. Scripture Union came to Zimbabwe in the late 1930s but was officially started in 1945 with the first camp being held at Mutambara Mission in Manicaland. Globally, Scripture Union is active in 150 countries. Working with the churches, Scripture Union aims to present children, young people and families with the claims of Jesus Christ and to help them apply Christian principles to all areas of life.

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Our Vision: Children and Young People Living for Christ, Transforming the Nation. Our Mission: To evangelize and Disciple Children and Young People through the Effective use of National School Systems and Related Strategic Alliances. Goals/Objectives:  To aid the Christian Church by offering special services through which the Word of God is presented especially to children, young people and families.  To encourage regular, systematic and thoughtful Bible study and prayer among people of all ages.  To undertake all such activities as to meet social responsibilities as presented by the prevailing social and developmental challenges at any given time by providing a biblically based response.  To do all such acts and things as may be conducive or incidental to the attainment of the aforesaid objectives or any of them.  To develop systems and mechanisms of mobilising resources for carrying out all set objectives in a sustainable way.

RECENT WEDDINGS Glenn & Kate Speight - 25 June 2016 Andrew & Fern Moffitt - 2 July 2016 Brett & Antoinette Hundermark - 27 July 2016 Brad & Leanne Ronald - 3 August 2016 Daniel & Kim Amira - 3 September 2016 Charles & Corinne Orford - 10 September 2016 Dylan & Sarah Mendes - 17 September 2016 Adrian & Claire Carbutt - 20 September 2016 Benjamin & Danielle Nel - 24 September 2016 Sergio & Caroline Franceschi - 24 September 2016

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The theme for our recent Ladies One-day Retreat was “Jesus is Coming Again – Are You Ready?” On looking through my Grapevine papers I found the following poem. I know it’s an oldie, but I think it is very appropriate:

THE NIGHT BEFORE JESUS CAME! ‘Twas the night before Jesus came, and all through the house, No one had been praying, not a soul in the house. Their Bibles were all stuck in the drawers without care In hopes that Jesus would not come there. The children were nestled all snug in their beds, Not once ever kneeling or bowing their heads. And Mom in her kerchief and I in my cap Had just settled down for a long evening nap. When out of the east there arose such a clatter. I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter. Away to the door I flew like flash... Tore open the window and threw up the sash, When what to my wondering eyes should appear, But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here! When a light like the sun sending a ray I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY! The light of His face made me turn my head; It was Jesus of Nazareth alive! Risen from the dead! And though I had mountains of this world’s wealth, I cried when I saw Him, in spite of myself. In the Book of Life He held tight in His hand Was written the name of each saved person. He spoke not a word as He searched for my name: When He said “It’s not here” my head hung in shame. The people whose names had been written in blood, He gathered to take to take to His Father above. With those who were saved, He rose without sound: While those who had rejected Him were left standing around. I fell to my knees just minutes too late I had waited too long, and thus sealed my fate. I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight: Oh, if only I had been ready tonight!

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YOLANDA aka “Yoyo” MUDARIKWA: OM ZIMBABWE MISSIONARY From Highlands Presbyterian Church Psalm 66:1-2.  “Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of His name, make His praise glorious”. A lot has happened since I last did an update, and I am so excited to share this newsletter with you. I began 2016 very well and God has been so faithful to me and my ministry work. OM Field Office: I am now working in the Finance Department of OM Zimbabwe. My day typically involves receipting and taking care of all the support gifts for OM missionaries who are working in and outside Zimbabwe in the mission fields. Some of these OM Missionaries have risked their lives to heed God’s call and are sharing the gospel in war torn zones such as Middle East, Somalia, Chad just to name a few. Failure to receive their support on time can be a threat to their survival in those countries. These are Moslem countries and can be a risk for individuals professing other faiths such as that of our Lord Jesus Christ as the Lord and Saviour. It is my role and responsibility to see to it that missionaries’ support is processed fast and timeously. The office books were recently audited for the year ending 2015 and reported that we have a clean bill in our finances. As a new person still learning it was an achievement to know we did our job well. We respond to 5 or more enquiries every day to people who are interested to hear more about OM or keen to join OM. OM Ship, ‘Logos Hope’ in Africa. The OM ship, ‘Logos Hope’ is in Africa. The Ship sailed into Africa in March arriving first in Madagascar, then Tanzania, Mozambique and now it is visiting several ports in South Africa. The Ship first arrived in South Africa at the Durban port receiving thousands of people who came to tour, buy books and attend several mission conferences and programmes.

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A group of Zimbabwean Pastors posing in front of the Logos Hope Ship Ten Zimbabwean Pastors visit the OM Ship As part of our missions’ mobilization effort, OM Zimbabwe mobilized a team of 10 pastors to visit the ship of which I was privileged to be one. We travelled by bus from Zimbabwe to Durban and it took us three days to arrive at the Durban port. We stayed on board the ship from the 22nd to 31stMarch 2016. In that time, pastors were given roles that exposed them to mission work done on board. Some pastors worked in the engine room where they helped clean and assist engineers. Others participated in the book fair where they helped visitors buy books and also assisted with questions about faith. I was part of what is called the ‘Angels’ team that served, cleaned, tidied and did the laundry on the ship. I also served in the galley where I was involved in baking the bread for the 450 missionaries on board the Ship. Me serving in the Logos Hope Galley

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Ship’s Challenge Team visits Zimbabwe. After our visit to the ship in Durban, it went into dry-dock. Almost 400 of the 450 missionaries serving on-board left the ship and were put in teams going all over Africa to share the Good News. OM Zimbabwe office received a team of 5 missionaries who came from the ship. This team helped us mobilize for missions, visiting churches in places such as Bulawayo, Gweru, Banket, Chinhoyi, Harare and Chegutu. I was privileged to lead the team to a Youth Meeting in Chitungwiza here in Harare. We challenged the youths to get involved in missions; presenting needs and opportunities for them to consider. They were excited, although most of them are still going to school, but they pledged to pray for missionaries who are already serving in the field. We had time to do team-building through games and we taught them how to share the Gospel. We encouraged them to share the Gospel with their families and friends. Highlands Presbyterian Church: My Sending Church. HPC approached myself and my husband, Takunda, to assist in working with the Shona youth at Highlands. We are so excited about this new role and have started meeting them each Saturday to do Bible studies, prayers and other activities. It is also a great opportunity for us to be challenging them about missions. OM Zimbabwe conducted a Youth Mission Camp in the month of April and 5 of these participants came from our Highlands Shona group. Even though the youths are still going to school, some are passionate about missions and desire to be involved in the future. My Family My daughter Michaela is growing so well and she gives us so much joy every day. She is now talking and tells us endless stories all the time . However, because of the economic hardships being experienced in our country, our support has not been adequate. Hence Takunda and I are contemplating starting a small family business so we can boost our

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income. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated and any support you can render. Prayer Points  Pray for us for wisdom as we lead the youth ministry, the OM office work & family plans.  I’m in need of partners to support this great work of our Lord, should you consider partnering me in His Kingdom through monthly or once-off support. A gift of $10, $20 or $50 goes a long way in promoting God’s work.  Please pray for our small family business to take off. We would love to start a trading business Thank you so much for your on-going support and prayers. May God continue to bless you all. Yolanda aka “Yoyo”, Takunda and Michaela Contact Details: Mobile: 077 291 3998/ 073 646 3557 Email: [email protected]

The Will of God never takes you to where the Grace of God will not protect you MEMORIALS Boots Nienaber Patsy Johnson Matthew Taylor Dan Roeloffze Tony Cox Mike Bean Rob Cooke

12 August 2016 23 August 2016 25 August 2016 26 August 2016 8 September 2016 13 September 2016 23 September 2016

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COMBINED HPC/DRC LADIES’ RETREAT ‘LASTING IMPRESSIONS’ KADOMA 1-4 SEPT. 2016 Our combined ladies’ retreat this year was truly awesome! Most of us travelled in style in a 30-seater bus, and at every police roadblock we burst into song with “Amazing Grace’ – the theme of our retreat being “Putting ‘Amazing’ back into Grace’. At every stop we were waived through! ‘Lasting Impressions’ is situated in a lovely peaceful setting surrounded by Msasa trees. Sadly, the area was very, very dry, but after the rains I’m sure it must be quite beautiful. The accommodation was a bit different but very comfortable. Some ladies stayed in the main house which, unfortunately, was some distance from the rest of us, so we could not share with them the fun and laughter among those of us sleeping in the A-frame structure and two tents. It was like going back to boarding school, with 9 of us sharing an A-frame and 4 in the tents. We prayed and laughed , and shared our stories together. The food was delicious and plentiful, served always with a smile. Now I come to the ‘amazing’ part of the retreat – truly God’s Grace came to us through the incredible teaching of our speakers – Craig and Mell Jones. Over the years I am sure we have all heard many gifted speakers, but the message that Craig had for us was – in a word, awesome! I took copious notes, but unfortunately there is not enough space in the Grapevine. So I will just try and give a brief summary. ‘Chased’ by Grace. Even in the Garden of Eden God was looking for Adam and Eve. He said: “Where are you?”. Awesome to think God chose us before creation! (Eph. 1:3-14). Not us who found God but 10

God who found us. For what purpose? That we be “holy and blameless in His sight”. Predestined to be his adopted children. The difference between Grace and Mercy: Grace is getting favour for what we don’t deserve – Mercy is not getting the punishment we do deserve. Mercy gave the Prodigal Son a second chance – Grace gave him a feast. ‘Exposed’ by Grace Grace affects the comfortable and comforts the uncomfortable. We are amazed by Grace when we see how much we need Grace. ‘Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear – and Grace my fear relieved”. ‘Covered’ by Grace “We have peace with God through Christ” (Rom. 5:1) Not will have or may have – we have (present tense). ‘Changed by Grace’ (1 Tim) Here Paul gives his testimony – how he was changed through God’s Grace. ‘Kept’ by Grace. We read the book of Jude. Called – loved – kept. God has His hand on us. He will not let us go. Jesus told His disciples that He would be with them to “the very end of the age!” We are kept by the greatest keeper of them all! In Psalm 23 David didn’t say “when I walk around the valley of death”, he said: “when I walk through the valley... You are with me.” ‘Disturbed’ by Grace a) Grace to Suffer: The world is groaning for us Christians to make a difference in their lives. Our children yearn to see in us God’s glory. How we cope in our struggles is our testimony to unbelievers. 11

b) Grace that’s not fair. (Matt 20) The workers in the vineyard. Was that fair? How do we behave when God gives Grace to someone bad? Remember if they don’t deserve Grace, neither do we! “Putting ‘Amazing’ back into Grace” (Psalm 22) David was angry with God. He was not afraid to cry out: “Where are you God? My God why are you so far from me.” He had reached a dry patch in his spiritual walk. He talked honestly with God – it’s okay to be honest with God. In verse 3 we see that he lifts his eyes away from his troubles and sees God. He looks back and remembers God’s deliverance in the past. In verse 12 he says “You Lord be my strength”.. Psalm 22 is often called the 5th Gospel. All the cries of David were repeated by Jesus in Matthew 27. David cries “God where are You?” God replies “here I am on the Cross!” To see “Amazing Grace” look back to the Cross. A really big thank you to Craig and Mel. Also a big thank you to the praise and worship team who led us in some beautiful new songs and many loved oldies. Special thanks to Ivette Lindup and her son, Kelvin, for the inspiring design on the folders, thanks to Cynthia Oldfield for the notebooks. A big thank you to Peter and Carol Lamb for the chocolates and, of course, to all the beading ladies who worked for many weeks making the beautiful bookmarks. I know I speak for everyone when I say that we returned home refreshed and renewed spiritually, knowing that it was God’s Grace that took us there and God’s Grace that brought us home. (by Mary-Ann)

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WHAT DO YOU TELL YOURSELF EVERY MORNING AS YOU START THE DAY?  Moses would say: "Lord if you don't go with us or before us We ain't going nowhere"  Abraham would say "The Lord will provide."  Jacob would say: "I won't let go of you unless you bless me."  Joshua would say: "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord"  Samuel would say: "Speak Lord for thy servant is listening."  Nehemiah would say: The joy of the Lord is my strength"  David would say: "This is the day that the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it."  Solomon would say: "Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path"  Isaiah would say: "Arise and shine for your glory has come."  Jeremiah would say: "The Lord has plans to prosper me and not to harm me."  Jabez would say: "Oh that you may bless me and extend my horizon."  Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego would say: "We will not bow down to any image but will serve the Lord."  Ezekiel would say: " Any dry bones in my life, live again."  Peter would say: "I will cast my cares upon the Lord for He cares."  Paul would say: "The Lord will supply all my needs and I can do all things through Christ." Adopt your morning statement of faith and speak it and meditate on it daily."

And at the end of the day – Pray!

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Here is a new version just for us who have white hair or no hair at all. For us over middle age (or even those almost there) and all you others, check out this newest version of Jesus Loves Me.

JESUS LOVES ME Jesus loves me, this I know, Though my hair is white as snow Though my sight is growing dim, Still He bids me trust in Him. YES, JESUS LOVES ME.. YES, JESUS LOVES ME.. YES, JESUS LOVES ME FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO. Though my steps are oh, so slow, With my hand in His I'll go On through life, let come what may, He'll be there to lead the way. (CHORUS) When the nights are dark and long, In my heart He puts a song. Telling me in words so clear, "Have no fear, for I am near." (CHORUS) When my work on earth is done, And life's victories have been won. He will take me home above, Then I'll understand His love (CHORUS) I love Jesus, does He know? Have I ever told Him so? Jesus loves to hear me say, That I love Him every day.

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THANK YOU As many of you know, Highlands Presby, together with SOAP, have an on-going mission to help the aged who reside at the Salvation Army Braeside home for the destitute. A number of HPC and other ladies operate a weekly feeding programme there. We recently received the following letter of thanks from a dear little old lady called Martha, whom we have served and loved for many years. “I wish to advise you that I will soon be moving from my Braeside cottage. My daughter wants me to go and live with her. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all most sincerely for all the assistance you have afforded me during my years at Braeside. A mere ‘thank you’ I believe does not even cover the extent of my appreciation. Thank you to all the ladies and gentleman who have the hearts that you have to make the lives of the aged more comfortable in spite of the difficulties faced in our country. May the Lord continue to bless all the people who work to make our lives better. Thank you, you all shall be remembered always. Yours sincerely, Martha

POSITIONS WANTED I have recently downsized to a very small cottage, and will no longer need the services of my gardener, Edmond, or my housemaid, Dadirai. They have been in my employ for 10 years. Edmond is an excellent gardener whose speciality is growing vegetables. He is also a handyman, very good at repairing small electrical problems, painting and woodwork. His wife, Dadirai, works mornings only and keeps my home spotless. They are both extremely honest and reliable. When we go away on holidays leaving them in charge of house and dogs, I am always assured all will be well on our return. They lived on my property with their three young, school going, children, and I would dearly like to find them a position where they can still live together as a family. Please contact Mary-Ann Lobb on 0772731897/883398.

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