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

1. You need to have a web camera and headset with your volume level up.
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For more information contact Captain Robyn Bridgeo Robyn.Bridgeo@usw.salvationarmy.org or SAVNtvChaplain@gmail.com

Ask the Pastor is a Video Chat Bible Study, hosted by SAVN.tv, that gives people who may or may not attend church a safe place where they can ask spiritual questions. Some people either do not have a pastor or are to embarrassed to speak about their concerns. Our purpose is not to argue, debate or judge. We simply want to listen and look at the Bible to see what it says.

SAVN.tv has created a series of 2 minute God Shots (videos) which ask the tough questions of life. These videos are great for conversation starters and will be used in our Bible Study.

Join us if you have questions or need someone to talk with.

Ask the Pastor

Friday Nights @ 10pm (PDT)

 

God never changes, but we do. As we grow up, our understanding of who God is changes. As children, we heard about a God who could do anything! Nothing is impossible for Him. When we think of God, we think, “WOW!” However, the God of “WOW” we grew to know as a child, quickly becomes the God of “WHY” as adolescents. Did God change? No. We did.

We change more during our teen years than any other time in our lives. It is a time of curiosity, confusion and self-discovery. We move from asking lots of questions, to questioning everything and everyone; God included.

When we become young adults, we are seeking independence and leaving home for college or careers. We want our parents resources, but not their permission. Freedom is finally ours and no one can tell us what to do. Not even God. This is the stage where many of us turn away from our childhood faith.

Growing Up with God is all about becoming aware of the changes we experience at each phase of our lives. As we change, our understanding of who we are and who God is will change as well. As we grow physically, we must continue to mature emotionally and spiritually.

Join us as we dig into God’s Word together.

Growing Up with God

Monday Nights @ 8pm (PDT)