July 2026 Mission Report from Simbarshe and Memory Gondo

Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God the Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

This year's winter season was colder than years back; no rain was recorded, and people were suffering from a strong flu. The first week, I harvested some maize. The second week, we received a sad note: my brother broke his leg. The third week, together with the committee members, we held a meeting with Mutare School of Preaching staff. The final week, we hosted a big Sunday fellowship, which was a song for many who attended.

Together with my family, we harvested our maize from the garden near the Odzi River. This year we produced more than years back; with my family, we have enough food to eat for the whole year. The garden is producing hundredfold, and the advantage is plenty of water in the river throughout the whole year. This time baboons didn't get even one corn. People around were surprised to see that not even baboons disturbed my produce. The only challenge I faced is the coming of birds. People in the community liked the way I planted maize and how I harvested in two consecutive times without stopping. It is a challenge, especially repeating the same seed on one portion of land because of pests and worms, but I managed. My garden is protected nicely, especially from cattle, but goats forced themselves inside. I still need to consider a small pignet wire about a meter at the bottom. I wanted to put some cucumbers after maize, but goats are a stumbling block.

My only blood brother, Ricky, was involved in a serious break of the right ankle leg. He stepped from a steep sloping ground, which resulted in the breaking of his leg. He failed to move until people came with a wheelbarrow to carry him home. The X-ray was done, which showed the results. It was bad. The doctor noted that he needs two weeks' plaster and the other one for the whole month; then an iron will be fixed inside the leg. All this needs some money, and my brother is not employed. The condition so far impels me to act, as my mom is crying over her son's healing. Together with my wife, we visited him to see the condition. It is bad. He needs someone to help him, and his wife is doing all the work. I called some relatives to intervene so that we collected some money for his medication. None responded except me and my wife; we gave $50. Our prayer is a quick recovery and fewer expenses for medication.

Mutare School of Preaching staff met with the committee members at Bazel, discussing issues pertaining to the attachment survey. We applied for a student preacher to come and do the work for the whole year as a way of teaching and guiding him in the Lord's work. The church was advised to provide shelter, food, transport, medication, and project. The staff requested a fee to be given to the student, as we agreed with the church to support him with $20 every month. The student preacher will be assigned to visit the clinic, nearby school, funerals, etc., to expand the ministry. The church members advised the school to bring a hardworking man, as they are keen to teach him how to farm in the field. The school will decide; the feedback will come not later than October. November is the final month of his arrival. The school will not give us Bro. Gurupira since he was requested to go to Avondale Church of Christ. He is fluent in English, as it is an English-speaking congregation.

The final week was a blessing. We achieved our goal as a church. We hosted a successful fellowship day. The church at Bazel contributed enough food and drinks. We invited the surrounding congregations: Mupudzi, Chinyamanhanzva, Derembwe, Nyakunu, 12 Miles, Chitakatira, Sakubva, Dangamvura, and Chikanga. Bro. Kamutambo preached about giving, Bro. Siwedi taught Bible study, and Brother Gushure was at the Lord's table. The total amount pledged was $250; the giving was $100. Br. and Sister Chikono $50, Br. and Sister Gwazaza $50, Maruru Church of Christ $30, Br. Mugweni $80, Sister Zimuto $20, Br. and Sister Kamutambo $20. I want to thank all who contributed, as our plan was not in vain. Two church members from Mushunje were present; they walked 20 km to and from.

I want to thank you, brethren, for the support you sent for July, August, and September. May the Almighty God bless you for your concern and love. I thank you.

Yours in Christ,

Simbarashe Gondo