Final Comments on my Zimbabwe Trip
July 19, 2009, 1:07 pm

I have been home for about three weeks.  My home coming was not the most pleasant I have had after a month in the bush.  It has been difficult to get back in the swing of things due to illness and my computer being down for about two weeks.  So please forgive me for the delay.

I left Zimbabwe on June 24, and arrived home the next day, June 25.  It was a difficult flight, more difficult then most from the past.  The last week in Zimbabwe, as you know from the blog, I was in Whange and  Victoria Falls.  While in Whange, I was attacked by Mosquitoes, with over 100 bites.  I was feeling somewhat under the weather before I left, but not too much out of the ordinary.  Our flight from Bulawayo to Johannesburg was on a small local jet service.  The first thing they did before take off was spray the cabin with bug spray.  I also was not able to take my carry on bag with me, so I gave it up for storage under the plane.  This created two problems for me.  First, the spray  set off an asthma attack, and little did I know, until I arrived home, that my camera was stolen out of my carry on luggage that I had to surrender.  Once in Johannesburg, I found the airport pharmacy to purchase a ventilator so I could breath.  Our flight from South Africa to the US was 16 hours.  We landed in Atlanta and I transferred for a flight back to Omaha where Nolleen met me at the Airport.  We spent the night in Omaha, which was a most difficult night.  I had a high fever and was most uncomfortable.  I made an appointment with my doctor, and went straight to his office, by-passing home.  It seems that all my mosquito bites had become infected and I had an upper respiratory infection.  I had a large bite on my right shoulder that was very infected and of great concern to me.  The doctor ran a malaria test on me and prescribed an anti-biotic.  It took nearly a week for the test to come back, which was negative, but it took another round of anti-biotic to get over the skin infection.  I am thankful to be nearly back to myself, after three weeks.  With my camera that was stolen, was all the pictures I took on this trip and the last three trips I made to Zimbabwe.  The camera can be replaced, but the pictures are gone for ever.  The only pictures I have are the ones you see on this blog.

We have visited a large area of Zimbabwe on this trip.  We covered some of the most primitive and remote areas I have ever seen.  We  interviewed the San People, who are decedents of the original bushman.  We visited most of the Tsholotsho area, the Gwanda area and Whange and Vic Falls.  It was one of the most active trips I have ever made to Zimbabwe.  I am sure that my illness at the end of the trip was partially brought on by extreme fatigue.  There was 33 responses to the gospel, of which 31 were baptisms.  I preached more lessons in four week, then I have preached all of last year in the states.  It was a pure delight to work with two young preachers, Solomon Chikomba and Esrael Lunga.  Both of these young men preached and translated for me in the bush.  If you know of any support for these two men, they are in great need and worthy of such support. 

Once I arrived at home, there was a long honey-do list.  Nolleen had a month of challenges, and was ready for me to help her with them.  There was grass to mow, we lost our water, and had to have it worked on by the electrician, and had our sink drain plugged, so I had to literally tear the plumbing apart to clean it out.  So needless to say, it has taken about three weeks for me to start to feel like a human being again.

Thanks to all my faithful readers, those who have supported me with prayers and financial assistance.  May God bless you, as he has blessed me.  I have once again left a little of my heart in Africa. 

Mike Divis

Comment by: Jeanne
June 29, 2009, 7:02 pm

Mike, I am thrilled to know you are safely home now.

I have been following the blog and rejoice that the Lord has blessed your efforts so abundantly.

You have given the brethren spiritual and physical food, as well as great encouragement.

Praise God that so many have put Christ on in baptism.

You have selflessly and lovingly shared the Gospel, benevolence, as well as yourself.  Truly, there is no greater mark of His disciple.

Thank-you!!!

Comment by: Mac
June 25, 2009, 9:41 am

Hey Mike,

Just wanted to say one more time that your efforts are appreciated, not only by the Africans, but by the staff at OH3, the brethren who supplied your travel expenses and fellowshipped in your efforts and by the Lord. You do good work brother. I know you’re excited to be home soon, and I’ll be excited to get your full report.

June 20 blog
June 20, 2009, 4:43 pm

On Tuesday, June 15, we left Bulawayo for Gwanda.  It was about a four hour drive on very rough roads.  We arrived deep in the Bush at the Swinge Church.  I preached on Tuesday upon arriving.  Along with the Swinge church there was the Sapila church, with about 70 people present.  This was an interesting area.  It was near a large dam and many of the brethren worked on a government farm.  We spent the night there, I slept in the front seat of the truck and the others pitched their tents.  After preaching on Wednesday morning for a few hours, we headed back to Bulawayo for a nights rest (though I didn’t rest well), a shower and preparation for our next trip.

On Thursday, June 18, we left Bulawayo for Hwange.  We stopped some 20 KM before Hwange to meet with the Lukosi church.  They are no longer meeting in the school, as they were in Sept, 2008, but were meeting under a tree.  There were about 30 people present for the lessons.  After a two hour lesson, we moved on to Hwange town.  We had a good dinner at a restaurant and proceeded to a social club, where Tenson had booked us two rooms. We were able to watch Egypt beat Italy in soccer.   I had a very sleepless night.

On Friday, we went back to the same restaurant for a nice breakfast.  I preached for a small group of Christians, who were meeting in a coal mine settlement.  The Church was the Makwika assembly with 20 in attendance.  We moved on that afternoon to meet with Sam Mudenda and the brethren at the Tmpumalawgh church with 10 present.  Late that afternoon, we moved on to Victoria Falls.   We met with the two congregations that meet in Vic Falls, Chamabonda church, were Peter Mudenda preaches, and Mosi-a-Tunya church, were Tenson Mangwinyani preaches.  There were 30 in attendance.  We spent the night in a very nice hotel, though once again the sleep came very hard for me; too much thinking about home.

Saturday morning, after our breakfast, we visited the falls.  It is the rainy season, so there was much water and we got soaked.  Then we drove back to Bulawayo, a 5 hour drive. 

Thanks to all who have taken the time to read our blog.  It is nice to hear from you all.  I will not blog again until I arrive home.  I leave here on Wednesday, June 24 and should be home on the 25^th.

In Christ’s service,  Mike Divis

Puff adder on road to Vic Falls

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Mike preaching at Lukosi church

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Mike preaching at Swinge church

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Mkwika church at coal mine settlement

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Mike and Solomon at Vic Falls

Comment by: Al Payne
June 19, 2009, 7:26 am

Mike,

We continue our prayers for your success and safety, all the way home.  That Kapenta and Cornbread looked good.  We appreciate your sacrifice and work.  A special thanks to all those who made food available for that region.  Regards to all on that side.  MacP was thru DFW last weekend and is now in Canada, and on north.  Paul Kelsey had his 80th B-party and many were there, inc. Rex and Suzie.  I was able to talk Africa with positive results.  Perhaps the San would never have heard except you had the time to tell the story.  God be praised.

Comment by: Sis
June 15, 2009, 3:24 pm

Dear Mike,

It was so good to read your updates and the photo's are really cool too!

I am sorry I have not written more but I some how deleted my Internet on my home computer so I can only write to you on Monday's and Thursday's when I am in the office by a computer at work. I need to have someone come and look at my home computer.

I went to see Mindy,Josh, Simon & Libby on Friday and then went to see Doris on Saturday. She is doing good but really misses company, someone to visit with. She asked me to write to you and tell you hi and take good care of yourself, and to come and tell her all about your trip when you get home. Then I went to Mindy & Josh's late Saturday to spend the night and came home yesterday. I drove 989 (Happy)miles in 3 days and I sure can tell it today.

I have a really busy week this week so I will try to write again on Thursday but in the mean time PLEASE take good care of you and be safe. May the glory be to God for your work and your safety.

I love and miss you so very much. I am very proud of you Mike for all that you do in Africa and here at home. Keep up the good work and I will continue to keep you and everyone in my prayers. 
Love Sis

Good Morning America
June 14, 2009, 1:08 pm

Things have been quite interesting this past week. New places and new faces we have seen and I couldn't wait to tell you all about it. So here goes.

SUNDAY/MONDAY - Brewer and I left on Sunday, 6-7-09, to travel to Botswana. There was funds to collect and supplies to purchase. We spent the night in a local lodge and returned home on Monday afternoon. There was no problem getting across the border on the way to Botswana, but returning was a differnt story. The Zim immigration person gave me a hard time. He misread my passport and thought I have been to Zimbabwe three times this year already. He told me I was spending more time in the country then I was spending out of it. I had a hard time with his broken English and thought what is this guy saying. He said I needed a work permit to enter. I knew I was in trouble. I called Brewer and Brewer argued with the man. He told the man that I would not preach, at least until I reached Plum Tree, which is the very first town in Zimbabwe. We later had a good laugh over that one. Brewer has a way with putting people in there place. This border guard was no exception.

TUESDAY - We left for Magabelana in the Tsholotsho area. This church was also joined by Mhlatshwa. There were 120 in attendance and we had 3 responses to the Gospel call. It began raining, which would continue for about 48 hours. The roads turned to slime, but we managed. Tuesday and Wednesday evening were extremely cold. We left this area in the afternoon to head to our next appointment.

WEDNESDAY - We awoke to unusually cold weather. I was chilled to the bone. We met with the Sasedza church along with Nseowini and Sikhumbula churches. There were about 70 present. That afternoon we moved on to Sandawana church. This is a small group of about 20 that attended and one responded to the Gospel. We drove on to the next place that evening.

THURSDAY - We were in Gombalume. This area has a herd of about 200 elephants in it. The elephants have totally destroyed the crops. They have killed about 4 villagers and one cow. Brewer and I went looking for them. They had went deep into the bush and all we saw was their dropings and foot prints. There was one print that was over three feet wide. Brewer told me this must have been a very large male. I was kinda glad we did not meet up with them. The church met for several hours. We had another congregation join us, the Somlotha church, There was 100 in attendance and 11 responses. This was the same area where we preached last year and quite a few responded, so we had to once again fill the cattle drinking trough for the baptisms. We drove on to a very remote area that evening.

FRIDAY - I was were excited to get this day started. I had been told about the original bushman in this area and hoped to meet them. The Gariya church assembled and we had several from the Mtshina church that attended. The Mtshina church is a congregation of San people. There was 140 in attendance and 10 responses for baptisms. We returned home late Friday evening.

THE SAN PEOPLE - We interviewed about five of them, along with the chief headman of that area. The San people are decendants of the orginal bushman. They were nomatic and migrated from Botswana around 1955. The bush has continued to decline over the years with less and less animals to hunt and more and more people who are settling the area. The San people have now begun to leave their nomadic ways and settle in villages. They are extremely poor, have no land or livestock, and must work very hard for the Nhdebele people. They work a whole week for one 10 kg bag of meal. The cheif told me they are nothing more them slaves.

Their children do not attend school, so they herd the cattle and goats for their neighbors. The men do the plowing and harvesting of the crops for their neighbors. This is a group of people who desperately need our help and I have promised them to come home and tell you all about them.

Today and tomorrow are days of rest. It was good to get back to near civilization, have a hot shower, and a warm meal without sand in it.

Until next time. Mike

Photos
June 13, 2009, 2:59 pm

Chief headman and San people

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Mike's interview with the Chief and San people

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San people

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Elephant tracks

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Comment by: Mac
June 9, 2009, 9:50 am

Hey Mr. Mike,

Appreciate the good job you’re doing there on this trip for the Lord, for our brethren, and representing OH3. So great to hear about those who are responding to the gospel of our Lord, and a great relief to hear that the threat of starvation has been pushed back somewhat. Pictures are super so I’m thinking you’ve got Solomon taking them. :-)  You know those that know me. Please give my warmest greetings to them and tell them I wish I could be with you. Thanks again for your efforts brother.

Comment by: Nolleen
June 7, 2009, 7:14 pm

Mike, it was good to here from you and your adventure.  I still haven't heard back about the repairs that are needed on the lawn mower.  It is cool here two days in the 50's with rain.  Saturday night a storm knocked out the electricity so had to call REC to come out.  Mike H. and Ed S. have given sermons and did a good job.  I started my Sr. Team Lead position today(Sunday).  Everyone is doing ok.  Be Safe!

 Love you and miss you, Nolleen

Comment by: Sis
June 6, 2009, 10:01 am

Dear Mike,

I just saw your Blog and I am so happy to hear from you... and all I can say is that I am so very proud of you. I need to read it again and put some thought into my next letter. You are the best little brother. I love you, Sis

Back from the Bush
June 6, 2009, 8:35 am

Good Saturday Morning brethren, it has been a busy week for this preacher.  We spent 5 days and four nights in the bush preaching and delivering Mealie Meal.  On Monday (6-1-09) we spent the morning buying Mealie Meal.  We were able to buy 12.5 Ton of Mealie Meal (1000 – 12.5 kg bags) and had it transported to the Tsholotsho bush area.  There were two hired trucks hauling the meal and the two pickup trucks that hauled us and our bags.  I preached several times each day in the bush, along with Solomon Chikomba and Esrael Lunga, while Mountbatten Brewer delivered Mealie Meal to the Brethren.

Schedule June 1 through June 05

Monday, we left Bulawayo for the Bush, arriving at Zibungululu area at the home of JB Sibanda.  12.5 Ton of Mealie Meal, cabbage and Sugar were off loaded from the trucks by hand.  We proceeded to Dibutibu area where we spent the night.

Tuesday we awoke early to the noise of children preparing for school.  We spent the night at the Dibutibu Secondary School.  The mattress went flat and the school room floor was freezing.  The church that meets at that place is Mlagisa church.  The meeting was also attended by the Sikale, Tamhla and Tshayamthole churches.  There were 180 present and we had three who gave themselves to the Lord and were baptized.

Wednesday, we traveled to the Majabani area.  We met with the Majabani church along with the Mashula church.  There were 80 in attendance and there were four who responded to the Gospel and were baptized.  We left this area around 3 pm and traveled to the Phondo area, arriving around 6 pm.

Thursday, we began preaching at 10 am.  The Phondo church, Jowa church and Mpanedziba church all attended the meeting with about 50 people present, with one response to the Gospel preaching.  The turn out was not as good as expected, due to the Lion that had crossed the road and the people were afraid to come.  There had been reports of a lion that had killed 5 cows, eating one.  The brethren seen the paw print on the road and knew the lion had crossed the road that morning, so many turned back to go home.  This is a very rural area of the bush with not only the lions, but also many elephants, some say as many as 30 were believed to be in this herd.  The elephants have destroyed many of the crops; food that was desperately needed for their families.  We traveled on to Zibungululu area, where we spent the night.

Friday, we awoke, after a cold night in the Bakkie (Brewer’s Truck).  It was a restless night.  I traveled a few kilometers to the church building and met with the Zibungululu church; Susumane church and Wondola church, with 70 present.  While I was speaking to the headman, a little girl came to me.  Her name was Tapalo, and she was 4 years old.  Most of the children cry at the Kewa (Whiteman), but not her.  The Headman asked her where her mother was, and she said her mother was in Botswana.  Later, while we had taken a lunch break, I was sitting in the truck listening to my CD of country music and thinking about home, and what I would preach on in the coming session, the same little girl came up to the truck.  I had the door open, she climbed in and climbed onto my lap.  It was the strangest thing that had ever happened to me.  She was not at all afraid of me.  It made me think of Matt. 19:14, where Jesus said: “Let the little children come unto me.”  So I took the little one by the hand, lead her into the building (Mud Hut) where the brethren were assembling.  She stood by me the whole time I preached and sat on my lap while Solomon preached, falling asleep in my arms.  I preached on Matt. 19:14 and the responsibility we all have in raising children.  I asked the assembly if the child’s mother was there.  The assembly said no, but the father was pointed out to me.  I said I knew the mother was in Botswana, because the child told me so.  Later I discovered from the father that the mother had run off to Botswana with another man, leaving her husband and child.  The child was being raised by her great-grandmother, a very old woman.  My heart ached for the little one.  The old woman told me to bring a beast and I could take the little one to America.  I said I would if I could, but I could not bring her with me.  I helped the great-grandmother from my travel fund, to buy food for her and the family.  Zimbabwe is full of stories like this one.  We cannot help all, but we can help some.  You brethren are making a difference with our assistance through “Open Hearts Helping Hands”.  Please do not forsake them in their hour of need.  We returned to Bulawayo on Friday afternoon, arriving back around 5:30 pm.  We were greeted with a warm shower, hot meal, and the smiling faces of Solomon and Esrael’s families. 

A word about OH3 – Open Hearts Helping Hands.  I cannot say thank you enough to all who have helped to send gifts to buy food.  I did not see one child with an extended belly from hunger.  Granted, I have not traveled to some of the areas where we seen it last time, but I am assured that we have made a huge difference in their lives, by providing food.  The crops are in and should sustain them until about August or September, for the most part.  But I must say there are pockets of need, especially in the areas where the elephants have ravaged the crops.  We may have a few months where the need will be lighter, but hunger is never far away from these people.  May our God bless each American Family who has helped us help those brethren in Zimbabwe.  I wish you could see what I have seen, Thank You, each and every one of you.

To my family and Loved Ones, I miss you more each passing day.  I send my love.  Until next time.

12.5 T of mealie meal on the way to Tsholotsho

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Mealie meal to be distributed to Tsholotsho area

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Boys who helped unload mealie meal

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Sign for school where we held classes

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Mike helps unload mealie meal

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Mike meeting with headman and councillors

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Mike speaking to headman of Majabani area

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Mlagisa church of Christ in Dibutibu area

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Phondo area preaching on 6/4/09

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On the left, 4-year-old that befriended Mike (in Tapalo)

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Lion print crossing road

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Mike eating sweet reeds (sugar cane)

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Mike thinking he is Johnny Cash

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Sadza and Kapenta fish - yuck

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Comment by: Sis
June 6, 2009, 8:25 am

Dear Mike,

It is Saturday morning and I haven't seen anything new on your blog, so I know that you are very busy and working hard. I just wanted to say HI and let you know that I am thinking of you and praying that you are doing well. I hope that you are not having any real trial times and everyone of you are safe. Hope to hear from you soon when you get to a place where you can look at your blog and e-mail. I love you and miss you much. God Bless, Sis

Comment by: Sis
June 4, 2009, 11:04 pm

Dear Mike,

I hope that you are doing well and taking good care of you.
I know that you are probably out in the bush and working very hard to get some food to everyone, but I miss your messages on how you are and how you are doing. I know that you probably can not get to a computer but I can. Soooooo I just wanted to write to you and say I love you and miss you and keep up the good hard work and you will be home soon. I keep you and everyone over there in my prayers many times a day and will continue to do so. Praise God for giving you the guidance, strength and courage to go do what you do. I love you, miss you and hope to hear from you soon. May God bless you and keep you and always be with you!  Love Sis

Comment by: Sis
June 2, 2009, 9:21 pm

Hello Mike,

I hope that you had a good day in your ventures and all is going well for you. Dixie e-mailed me today and said that Jason got to go home today and is doing pretty good. I will keep you posted as to any new news I might get. I thought about you a ga-zillion times today while I was on the road and continue to pray to our Father to keep you safe and help you with your journey. A note to MacP... I have joined in on your prayers and will continue to do so. Thank you MacP for your love and concern for my little brother. I have copied MacP request so you know what I am talking about. "God bless, and I'm seriously praying for your safe travels. (for any others who might read this, please join in with your prayers... it's a tough trip full of trials)" MacP

I will write more tomorrow....I love you Mike and miss you too. Please be safe and know that you are my every thought right now. Love Sis

Comment by: Mac P
June 2, 2009, 8:22 am

Mike,

I'm hoping all continues to be good with the trip.  Good luck getting through those police checkpoints with that Iowa drivers license, again...   :-)

I've sent emails to Brewer, Solo, Tenson, and Peter in hopes of reaching you.  Tenson is trying to assist 6 widows in congregations around Vic Falls.  I've been unable to gain commitments from brethren here to provide support for them.  If you have funds or mealie-meal for a couple months for 4 of these sisters, it would give me more time to search for others willing to help.  Please email me direct, bro.  (payne_mac at yahoo.com)

God bless, and I'm seriously praying for your safe travels.  (for any others who might read this, please join in with your prayers... it's a tough trip full of trials)

MacP

Comment by: Sis
June 2, 2009, 8:15 am

Good Morning Mike,

I hope that your day is filled with all the strength and courage you need today to accomplish all the tasks that you must fill. I will be thinking of you as I am on the road today and will keep you in my prayers. It is cold here today 33 degrees out this morning .... buuurrrrr!! You go get them little brother!!! Please make sure you take your malaria pills and take good care of you. Love Sis

Comment by: Rebe
June 2, 2009, 4:18 am

Good Morning Mike!!

Truck for today (Tuesday) is cancelled so going in to do pulls and build bikes.  Plan on leaving early today so I can get my lawns done and then go mow out at the farm.

Hope your trip to the Bush was a safe one and that all is going well for you.  You are in my thoughts and prayers everyday.  Can't wait for you to get home and tell about your trip.

Rebe

Comment by: Sis
June 1, 2009, 10:31 pm

Dear Mike,

Alayne has been such a great help to me so I can e-mail you each day. For some reason I can not e-mail you from home or my work computer. I think the service we have here in this town is not good. But Alayne made it possible for me to write to you and I Thank her so much for her help.

Now on to the good stuff....How are you doing? Very busy I am sure. You just keep up the good work and take good care of your friends there in Africa. I will keep writing and God will keep you on the right track.

Dixie & Steve wrote me an e-mail today and told me that Jason Divis had to have emergency surgery today at 8:00 am for his shunt in his head. It got clogged up and they had to put a new one in. Dixie wrote me back this evening and said that he is doing fine and will get to go home in a day or so. I think we all need to Thank God for all the looking after He has done for that young man in his life. He has had a lot to go through, but is a tough boy and will do just fine. I will keep you posted on the news I hear from Steve & Dixie OK!

Roger had his splints taken out of his nose today and is doing good as well. He hurts some but will just be fine. 

I just came in the house from my evening walk to find that kitty Milo.
He was out playing and did NOT want to come in the house, but I am very sleepy and want to go to bed... so he lost... and he is now in for the evening.

Joke:
Do you know why it is not good for a 65 year lady to have a baby???? 

Well a 65 yr. old had a baby and did just fine and came home from the hospital in a few days with her new baby son.

One of her friends came over to see her and the new baby and asked can I see the baby. The 65 yr. old said no not now let's have some tea.

So they did and she asked a few minutes later can I see your new son now? No not yet...let's have some more tea...and they did. About 30 minutes later the friend asked... can I now see your new son... and the 65 yr. old said no not until he cries. The friend said..." why not until he cries may I ask?" The 65 yr. old said "well because................. I can't remember where I put him!" hehehe!

I think on that note I will go to bed....I know my jokes are not so good huh! I thought it was funny, maybe because I am getting so old and I can relate????

Please take good care of you Mike and know that I love you and miss you so very much. I will keep you and all of your friends in my prayers each and everyday. And I will pray that you can accomplish all that you need to get done while you are in Africa and then come home safe to us. I love the photo's in your blog and your letters.

May God Bless you and keep you and always be with you.

Love Sis

Comment by: Sis
June 1, 2009, 4:24 pm

Dear Mike,

I have not forgotten about you and think of you a ga-zillion times a day, but for some reason I can not write to you from home. My computer says that I can not send you an e-mail. Silly...but I am at work now so I will write to you every Monday and Thursday when I am in the office for sure. I will continue to try and write to you from home. OK.

Well now how are you doing??? I sure do miss you and I pray that God will keep you and all of His people you are with in His loving hands every moment. I love to read your postings and I love the photo's you share with us. You keep up the good work little brother and I will keep praying. Glory be to God for the blessings we all receive.

This is what I wrote to all the family and friends this past Sunday via e-mail.

Hi everyone,
It is Sunday morning and I am at home just finding time to open my computer and see what cha' all have been up to. I have not had the time to set and chat or even write. So.... today I wanted to say HI and let you know that I am thinking of you even if I have not written to you all. I hope that you all are doing well and lovin' the warmer weather as I am. But it was very cool here the last few days.

This last week or so has been a crazy one for me, but a fun one as well. As you all know I have been getting the yard in shape for a few weeks now and I am just about there and done except the every week stuff one has to do. I do have a few more flowers to plant yet and hope to get that done later today. Yah!!!!

Memorial Day I had to work in Brainerd Minnesota a very long day. I left the house at 7:30 am and got home around 6:30 pm. I had to work a show for the Home Depot Store. Not much fun at all, but I thank God that is over.

Tuesday Roger had surgery on his nose in Fargo ND and did well until he got to the recovery room and then his blood pressure went very high and it took them about 5 hours to get that under control. I thank God that they got it under control as well. He has had a tough week and has not felt very good at all. He is very sleepy most of the time and takes 2-3 naps a day just to get enough energy to get him to the next nap. I hope when he goes back to the doctor on Monday he will start to feel better again. He has to see his colon doctor this next week and the orthopedic doctor on Friday this next week as well. I hope this will all help him to get back on track and feeling like his old self again. I will keep you posted on his progress.

Wednesday my little brother  Mike left for Africa and will be there for about 6 weeks I think he said. I hate to see him go there....there is so much turmoil in that area I worry for his safety. I ask you all if you could keep him in your prayers please. He is such a wonderful man and to go over there and help the people who need his help so much. He has been doing this for many years and to him they are like his family and wants to do everything he can to make their lives better if he can. I admire and respect him for all that he try's to do to make a difference on this earth and to share God's love. I love you Mike!

Wednesday evening Mindy & Josh came to visit and the fun started then when I saw my two little grandchildren. Simon (31/2) & Libby (23 months) they are so cool!!! They got to stay until yesterday (Saturday). We went fishing, on the pontoon, 4 wheeling, planted flowers, went for a walk looking for Milo (my cat), played on the swings, we had to feed the birds some grape jelly, ate a lot of food, colored pictures, and grandma had so much fun. Libby slipped and fell into the lake. Josh was standing right by her and as she went down he grabbed her and caught her before she went all the way in, but she got her arm all wet. She said with that little sweet voice of hers.....
"Oh! Libby Lou fell in the lake....
 Libby Lou got all wet...
Oh! Daddy saved Libby Lou!!!!"
It was way too funny after we all knew she was ok. She would put her real fishing pole with fake worms and no hooks in the water and stand up and say..."I did it Grandma Georgia I did it". Simon loved going fishing, he wanted to fish all night if we would let him. That was way too cool for him. When we went on the pontoon we saw some pelicans, and turtles on the tires of the other peoples docks and the kids liked that as well. We saw a few turtles in the water swimming and a few small fish swimming so that was cool too. It was so good to see Mindy & Josh and the babies I miss them all so very much. Not seeing them for a month or two at a time just kills me. They are growing so fast and are not babies any more even if I still call them my babies. I love them so much and miss them so very much that sometimes I wonder what am I doing. I was very hard for me this time when they had to leave. It is always hard to leave them but this time it really hurt so bad...maybe because I am tired and it has been such a hectic last few weeks huh! When they left Saturday morning I just went to work to keep busy and drove about 260 mile yesterday, but I got a lot of work done.

Milo (my cat) did not want to stay home while the kids were here for the visit. He was gone all during day and came home only at the evening. But when the kids went to bed and Milo came home Milo just wanted me to hold him. Like do I really know how spoiled he is??? But I love my kitty! 

Now today I have to get all my paper work done from yesterday, clean out the car and get it washed, get the rest of the lawn mowed, do some laundry, clean up the house some....do something fun like...... plant some more flowers. YES!!!! I like my flowers yes I do!

So I probably will go for now and write more later. If you don't hear from me for a few days I am OK just busy doing all the things one does in the nice warm weather.....LIKE.....being outside!

I love you all and miss you all and hope that this e-mail finds you all doing well.

May God Bless you and keep you and always be with you!

Love Mom, Sis Georgia

Well Mike I will write to you soon, please be safe and know that I love you and miss you too!

Love Sis

Update, Sunday, May 31
May 31, 2009, 10:52 am

On Sunday, May 31, 2009, I preached for the Nketa 8 Church in Bulawayo Zimbabwe.  Mountbatten Brewer spent the afternoon chasing down Mealie Meal to take with us into the bush tomorrow (Monday).  If all works well, we will purchase around 10 to 12 tons of meal for the brethren. 

Crops are looking good and the brethren have begun to harvest, so maybe the need will slow down and not be as urgent, though we are not out of the woods yet.  Thanks to all who assist us with their gifts.  I will report of the good being done with "Open Hearts Helping Hands." 

May God be praised.

Mike Divis

Mountbatten Brewer and his wife, Linette

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Mountbatten Brewer, Linette, and myself

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Myself preaching at Nketa 8, Bulaway

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The Nketa 8 church in Bulawayo

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Comment by: Rebe
May 30, 2009, 10:09 pm

Howdee Mike!

Just getting home from mowing--got a late start due to being at Target until 12:30 pm. Had 7 lawns to do but ended up picking up a new lawn. Have a couple other lawns on schedule to do while people are on vacation.

Glad to hear you made it safely to your destination with no problems. Sounds like you have a busy schedule ahead of you. Take care and be safe. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Good night

Comment by: Mac P
May 30, 2009, 3:02 pm

Hey Mike, Glad ya made it safely. Tell Brewer, Solo, Linnette, Charity, kids, and all, I send a "Hello." If you and Solo can figure out what parts his pc needs, let me know and I'll try to get them to him. Thanks for keeping us all posted. Enjoy the teeth-chattering, bone jarring rides... but, Oh! is it worth it...! Wish I could be making a trip there this year.

p.s. thanks for the malaria pill tip... good info.

Arrived safely in Zimbabwe
May 30, 2009, 7:07 am

I have safely arrived in Zimbabwe.  The plane left on Friday morning  from Johannesburg to Bulawayo Zimbabwe, after a short flight.  The plane was a small jet that charged me another 510 Rand for the bags, because they were over the limit.  Their limit was on 34 KG for both bags (about 75 pounds).  This additional amount added to about $75 US.

Mountbatten Brewer and Solomon Chikomba met me at the airport.  We arrived at Solomon and Charity's home, where I unloaded the bags and headed for Brewer's for a dinner.  I was greated by many of the brethren.  Brewer has my schedule set.  We are to begin with a week of preaching in Tsholotsho and them on to Gwanda south.  We next are scheduled at Whange, Binga, Vic falls, and then back to Bulawayo.  I did not think I would need Malaria tablets, since they are entering winter. WRONG. So this morning after breakfast, I made a quick trip to the Pharmacy in Bulawayo.  The Malaria tablets were only 60 Rand, about $6 US.  At the Target Pharmacy in the states they are $120 US. 

What a difference.  From now on I will buy them in Zimbabwe.  They are the same tablets I have taken before and they work.

I just sent some pics to post on the blog, but they were lost.  I will try again.  Be patient and I should have them up and running soon. 

Yesterday the internet was done in Zimbabwe.  We are working with an old system, but is the best we have available.  Today we will be looking at getting Solomon's computer fixed or replaced so we can use it for the rest of the month.

Please keep writing me on the blog.  I enjoy your postings.  Thanks to my sis and Rebe for you postings, you were the first ones to write.  I miss you all very much.  Take care.  Mike

Photos
May 29, 2009, 1:45 am

Alan Fox and I (Mike D.)

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Alan and his wife, Sylvia

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Alan at the breakfast table

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Sylvia cooking breakfast

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Comment by: Mac
May 28, 2009, 2:11 pm

Mike,

I’m sure you’re anxious to see and visit with M Brewer again. Please pass my love and concerns on to him, his wife, Solomon and Charity, Esrael and Sibo, all the young’uns and all those who live around there and work together. Our prayers will be with you brother. Mac

Dear Brethren
May 28, 2009, 1:04 pm

After a very long 24 hours of flying, I have arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa.  Our plane left Omaha, Nebraska, nearly on time.  The plane was too heavy so they took two people off the flight.  I was worried it was me that would be asked, since I was a heavy one.  We flew to Atlanta and caught our flight to Dakar and on to Joeburg.  It was a good flight, no bad weather at all, arriving almost an hour early.  We had a 78 mile an hour tail-wind.  Tonight I am staying in the home of Alan Fox and his wife Sylva.  There has a fine curry chicken dinner waiting for me, with all the fixings.  I suspect that will be one of the last good meals I may have for a while.  I leave early tomorrow (Friday) to catch my flight on to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.  The plane will land in the midafternoon.  Mountbatten Brewer has left word with Alan Fox that he will be waiting at the airport in Bulawayo. 

Brewer left Johannesburg yesterday, where he was tending to his niece. 

He has stated that all went well with her surgery.  She has to remain in South Africa for a while longer and I will touch base with Brewer on the details.

Thanks to all of you who have made this trip possible.  I look forward to you all reading the blog and commenting.  I do not have pictures tonight, because it was too late to get them taken, but will see about that tomorrow.

Mike Divis

Comment by: Georgia
May 28, 2009, 11:22 am

Mike,

I forgot to tell you the most important things...

I am soooooo proud of you and all that you are doing in Africa for the people there. You are a really special guy and God has blesses all the people there with you,  your love, and the love of God that you are sharing with them. You keep up the good work little brother because there are not many who have done and are doing what you are doing. I love you, respect you, admire you and your work that you do, and think that you are the best....really the best! Please be safe and I will keep you and all in my prayers. Love Sis

Comment by: Georgia
May 28, 2009, 10:57 am

Good Morning Mike,

I am at work and I hope this e-mail will go through to you. I sent you some e-mails from home but it said they would not go through...why I do not know...so here goes from work.

I miss you so much already and I hope that you are doing well. I hope that your flight was a good one and now you are working hard. Please be safe and you will be home before we know it.

Roger is doing better today after his surgery. I am doing great because...Simon & Libby are here now, grandchildren are sooooooooo great!!! Mindy & Josh got here about 6:00pm last evening and will stay until Sunday am sometime. So we are going on the boat as Simon says. Grandma can we go on the boat???? Yes Simon we will go on the boat....Now Grandma! They already put their fishing polls in the water. Libby too....I did it Grandma Georgia I did it! We are going to have soooooo much fun in the next few days....Yes we are!

Well Bro I must get back to work...Please be safe and know that I love you and miss you so much already. I will write soon....Love Sis

Comment by: Rebe
May 28, 2009, 4:28 am

Mike,

Good Morning! I hope your flight was uneventful and that this message finds you well. Time for me to go to work so I'll get back to you later.

Bags are Packed...
May 26, 2009, 3:05 pm

I am packing the bags today for my ninth trip to Zimbabwe.  I have had a few stressfull days waiting for travel checks for expenses to arrive in the mail.  They arrived today and I was able to collect them at the post office, run to the bank and get the funds in hand so I can leave tomorrow.  That was a close one.

I will drive to Omaha tomorrow morning early (two hours south of where we live in Iowa), to catch my plane to Atlanta, then on to Johannesburg, South Africa.  I will spend Thursday night with Alan Fox and his wife Silva.  Alan preaches in South Africa.  On Friday we catch a South African Airliner to take us to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, where I will spend the next month.  We will mainly work in the Tsholotsho area west of Bulawayo.  This area has been of interest to me for over a dozen years.

Where the Lord's church did not exist in 1986 there are now over 20 churches and hundreds of Christians.  I have never seen anything like this in the US.  It is like stepping back in time and entering the book of Acts.

I have received all the funds I need for the trip.  Thank you brethren, all of you who have assisted us with your kind contribution to our work in Zimbabwe.  May the Lord bless you all.  Keep Nolleen (at home in Iowa) and me in your prayers.

Mike Divis

Zimbabwe Blog
May 17, 2009, 7:35 am

As time for my ninth trip to Zimbabwe quickly approaches, I am busy setting schedules and informing brethren about our trip.  I will leave Omaha, NE on May 27, fly to Atlanta and then on to Johannesburg, South Africa.  I spend the night in Joeburg and then on to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe on May 29.  The tickets are bought and we are now setting up a schedule for while on the ground in Zimbabwe.

Our work in the past has been mainly with Mountbatten Brewer, and so it will be on this trip.  I have deep appreciation for Brewer and his work is of up-most interest to me.  We began a work in the Tsholotsho Area, west of Bulawayo over a dozen years ago.  Where there once was not even a Christian, there is now over 20 churches and hundreds of Christians.  I have never seen anything like this in the U.S.  It is like I have stepped into the pages of the book of Acts.  I see people who will walk upwards of 20 miles to hear me preach.  I often see many people respond to the Gospel call, and have watched as my African brethren baptize their people into Christ.  When have you seen that in the U.S.

Africa, always, helps me refocus on my work when I return home.  I have a renewed commitment to try harder to carry the Gospel to people in Northwest Iowa.  Iowa feels more to me as a missionary work then does Zimbabwe.  What a joy Zimbabwe has been for me.  I long to see my brethrens face again.  I miss them more every passing day.

As I prepare myself for the trip, please pray for me, my family who remains back in the U.S. and for the work we will do in Zimbabwe.

Currently, I still lack about $1700.00 in expense needs for this trip, though I have received commitments for $500 more that I have not received at this writting.  I am confident the Lord will provide, so by faith I will carry on with my plans and work.  I look forward to you reading and commenting on the blog.  Please read often and comment often, it will keep me in touch with home.

Mike Divis