Derby ZIMDAY
The Street Saving Saviour
by Micah Shumba
[PR-ZUSDAF 13/04/2013]
The sun rose early Sabbath morning on the 13
th of April 2013 as Zimbabweans from all over the country made their way from far south to the north rendezvous Derby, four months of preparation God had been faithful! we had finally made it to this day. Upon arrival as sister Gwasira beheld and welcomed all the visitors coming, we were reminded of the words spoken by the Psalmist, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Registration went on through the morning with a record attendance of 1036 adults excluding children. The Spirit of God prevailed throughout the entire time of this holy convocation.
The meeting started with a Sabbath school prayer, swung into divine service with musical interludes during the day baptism of sister Margret Msidi and culminated with an evening evangelistic vespers service. As we sang the sweet hour of prayer, the saints tricked to the alter in supplication and piety as a voice spoke softly in prayer petitioning the sick amongst the congregation acknowledging the troubles we face daily, issues, circumstances and humbly asking Gods mercy upon His people. Reflecting on His goodness throughout the past weeks counting their blessings and knowledging that burdens are lifted at Calvary.
The climax of the day came as the children sat on the front pews and listened attentively to a little girl who stole the moment with the story of her pet. With a candid voice bold and confident she narrated her story visually like a parable, exclaiming "very good!" to those that has answered her questions correctly the moral of her story - in times like these we need to acknowledge that we have a living hope and need to prepare ourselves for a better place still to come, where the lion shall feed with the lamb, the fox shall play with the sheep where there will be no more sorrow and no tomorrow. We were taken back by powerful renditions from ABIDE, Sanctified and the Birmingham Choir who blessed us throughout the day with sweet sweet music.
Meet our Keynote speaker Pastor Ningo a man with great sense of humor along with a powerful gift to communicate and keep his audience focused, he transmitted the Gospel with a burning desire to see every believer functioning in the realities of Jesus’ finished work.Three deaths no funeral" complemented the theme of the day "In Times Like These" – subject matter! "
The Street Saving Saviour,
Jairos besought Jesus saying my little daughter lieth at the point of death I pray thee come and lay hands on her that she may be healed and she shall live.
In times like these it’s not just about gory stories it’s not about room without leaving room for hope, when Jesus passed by! there was no funeral.in times of tragedy Loss and misfortune we have a saviour - the service was punctuated with volleys of Amen’s and infrequent Praise-the- Lords, because he who had been naked was said to be wearing clothes and in his right mind. Jesus stopped her Issue of blood she was able to reconnect with her community. Jesus told Jairos not to be afraid and only believe, after the news he commanded the damsel to rise "Talita-khoum she rose as the Street Saving Saviour did his business of redemption.
We are told the world became a stage when Shakespeare passed; each man in some strange actors role was cast!
When Newton passed he saw an apple fall and turned the course of history for us all.
When Watt passed by a singing cattle steam turned the world’s machinery in his dream
When Ellison passed the earth’s darkest night became this splendid with electric light
When Marconi passed every breath of air became a means of speaking everywhere,
When Fleming passed he saw in mushroom moulds the power penicillin holds.
Jonas Salk observed what no one else had seen how polio was conquered by vaccine
But greater life will greet the eye when Jesus of Nazareth passes by.
Focus on the family was the subject of the afternoon programme Dennise Christie (Upper Room Fellowship) approached the subject of communication between the youth and their parents, we established how cultural differences’ disrespect leading to altercations between parents and children are disintegrating the family unit, The youngsters who usually are clustered on the back benches of the dimly light and crowded tabernacle were outspoken and well engaged as the debate went on. In the words of another "Parents need to realise that times have changed and they need to establish ways to communicate with their kids" –the relationship is reciprocal there has to be a balance because it takes two to tango.
The Zimbabwe UK Seventh day Adventist congregation continues to be vibrant in ministry – leading worship, preaching and discussion groups, but the stimulation of working amongst such an international community gives US very real sense of belonging to the universal church, and it is exciting to learn of what God is doing around the world, and in a small way to be a part of that process. In closing, I wish to appeal to the Brethren throughout the British Union Conference to continue in a spirit of devotion and consecration, and thus gain new victories so that when we meet again we may report success and advancement of the gospel as we hasten the soon coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
