March 24, 2002

Dear Friends,

We are happy to report that Bobbi is doing much better. Thank you for your continued prayers. The three-day hospital treatment for her spine was very successful and she is experiencing much relief from the pain. She will continue with physical therapy.

We have just returned to Harare, Zimbabwe, a country in crisis and a city in depression and despair. There is a prevailing sense of deep mourning as the reality of the result of the presidential election settles in. The police and military presence is everywhere in the city. People wait in long lines all day at the shops hoping for deliveries of corn meal (the main food staple) cooking oil, and sugar. The lack of rain and the occupation of farmland by settlers and farm invaders have greatly reduced the harvest. Violence and intimidation
continue in the rural areas. Inflation and unemployment have risen at staggering rates, 120% and 60%. The numbers of orphans and street children increase daily due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. It is a very dismal picture.

What can we do to help? Our main purpose right now is to provide encouragement and share God’s message of hope. Our prayer is this, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13).

We urge you to continue to pray for the leaders and people of this country.

Have a joyous Easter as we celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In His Service,

Bob and Bobbi

The 2002 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 53