SOUTH AFRICANS CLAIM THEIR DESTINY AGAIN.

Once again the people of South Africa have reclaimed their long lost dream of democracy. There was sounds of jubilation and joy on the streets as the people learnt that the man Jacob Zuma is now the new leader of the ANC party. Zuma won by almost three quarters of votes in the recent ended party congress in Polokwane. The change of leadership is expected to benefit the ordinary black South Africans whom the arrogant Mbeki administration had long forgotten. Mr Jacob Zuma who is not a University graduate like his predecessor Mbeki speaks much of inclusion than isolation. Both critics and supporters alike admit that the party and the country needed salvation.

Millions of black people are more poor now than they were in the apartheid thanks to the Thabo Mbeki government. The man was just basking in the reigns of power without any touch with the people whom he represent. So pathetic to an extent that recently when he visited his mother in the rural areas she told him exactly that people are now destitutes under his leadership. The western styled leader who drinks whisky and smoke cigars was only institutional minded and a politically correct manager. Just before he won Zuma assured the business community that changes will happen but all the institutions will have an input. Zuma who was fired from the government in 2005 has been a veteran party member for over forty years. He was also in prison with the man Nelson Mandela. The ANC party is so divided that even tata uMadiba is concerned.

ANC PARTY AT CROSSROADS.

South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki admitted this week at the beginning of the ANC congress that the party has never been as divided in fifty years. As the country heads for election next year it is clear that most people have lost faith in Mbeki's administration. The man Thabo Mbeki who succeeded Cde Nelson Mandela has not been in touch with the average people. The moment of truth has come and the people are tired. His former Vice President Cde Jacob Zuma is no doubt the people's favorite. Zuma appeals to the majority of poor black South Africans while Mbeki is of a higher business class. Despite Tutu" s self righteous plea the people seem to have made up their minds on the next leader. The Nobel Prize winning Arch Bishop must leave it to the people to decide. If Zuma can do the job who cares about his personal mistakes. He that has no sin must cast the first stone.

Mbeki who is also a good friend of Zimbabwe's President has for a long time taken people for granted thanks to the his father's role in the liberation of the country.

ARE ZIMBABWEAN THEIR WORST ENEMIES?

Its been said that the future of Zimbabwe lies on the Zimbabweans themselves and not anybody else. For a long time we have looked north ,west ,east and south without any help.The sooner we begin engaging in discussing about national issues and stop party politics the better. The average Zimbabweans are not looking for a better party but one that will better them. To a large extent we can eliminate half of our economic problems as a nation if not more than that.We can restore faith to our public institutions. We can restore law and order. We can stop corruption and nepotism. The struggle for Zimbabwe has become a class struggle than anything else.

The rich versus the poor. Then poor are too weak to fight and the rich are using the poor against themselves. The poor are troubled from all ends. The problem now is that all these are black Zimbabweans who fought the evil of the white supremacy side by side. Recently, speaking at the ZANU PF congress Cde R.G. Mugabe admitted that the people whom the government helped empower few years back are now the people who are sabotaging the economy. This political confusion has them stinkingly rich at the expense of the masses.

The President and his lieutenants can speak about Britain all day long and that will not help the average man who has never been out of Zimbabwe or at least seen Tony Blair or Gordon and is a destitute in his own country. Ordinary Zimbabweans are now so poor that apart from affording a decent living they cannot afford a decent burial. Elections must be a means not an end and that is not the case in Zimbabwe.

We are here!

Now more than ever Zimbabwe needs the voices of the ordinary people. Forums of this and other natures must over flood the net. This is just the beginning. It said that media is the fourth government after the Legislature, and Parliament and the Executive. Our Parliament needs to be accountable and so does our Local government etc. We must put pressure on these and other institutions. I am happy to say by and large that the beginning was small as you all know and still is but the vision is bigger and broader. Maya Angelou the great African American poet once said, "I know why the caged birds sing"

Liberating our media will be the first step towards democracy. We must not do what we blame the Zimbabwe's mainstream media for doing. If you open your eyes and ears you will see pretenders online. He who pays the piper call for the tune. What amount of money will pay us for being ourselves? While we are waiting for the world to change we need to role our sleeves and start working. The people cannot be silenced otherwise we are brewing chaos.

Change is here.

As I looked at the window this morning all I saw was white. I mean it was so white that my eyes were blinded for a moment. My eight month old jovial son Themba enjoyed the moment. No one likes the outdoor life more than does this little man. Its his first snow season. It soon dawned on me that winter is here and here to stay. Everyone who lives in North America and some parts of Europe must know the hassle that goes around with adjusting for the snow season. Better for those who live in big cities where there is good public transportation like subway trains and buses. Too bad for us who live in small cities of the Midwest and do not have access to public transport. This is one of the few times when one seriously considers returning back home despite the economic decline. Can you imagine living in Alaska for six months. That is how we feel. Driving in snow is dangerous, some one's mistake can cost your life. The roads are slippery and the visibility is low.

Snow is a big thing here so much that the city council has billions of dollars set aside for dealing with it on roads and schools. Everybody will feel the high cost of staying warm. Winter exposes the poor among us. So for those in Zimbabwe and else where in Africa you have something specially that will not be taken away from you. The sun shine. Politically speaking things are slow for the much awaited Zimbabwean revolution. The prophets and politically scientist alike have predicted that something is about to change in Zimbabwe. We all been waiting for that day and hour. Hope does not kill. Goes the Ndebele saying "ithemba kalibulali". Some of us believes in time as a means of deliverance. Who knows how much more time we have to wait. It reminds of of the Israelites when they were in captivity. I believe Syria held them hostage and they could not plant or plough to feed their families. For the whole year their economy declined and hunger was looming. They cried aloud "summer is past, harvest is gone but we are not saved.

This is question I ask myself sometimes. December is congress month for ZANU PF which is the ruling party in Zimbabwe. Its where they organise and mobilise themselves. This party has organised structures and organ make no mistake. They have experts in funds raising. I wish they would put their expertise for the benefit of the economy and help alleviate poverty for the masses of Zimbabwean. 80% of Zimbabwe's population is is unemployed. The shelves do not have anything and people are dying in large numbers in hospitals. Its a crisis. On the other hand the the two MDC factions are still talking unity. There are talks behind the scenes. Mbeki is travailing for the birth of the new Zimbabwe. Mugabe has not changed only his bodyguards and cars. The factions within the ruling party are subsiding at least for now. Clearly there is not much to be excited about politically.

My own prediction is that change is coming but not as fast as we want. Vice President Mujuru and her faction which is backed by her husband the former General Solomon, who is also a business mogul is in good position. Emmerson Munangagwa is kept scratching his head waiting for an opportunity to come by his way. Despite his backing the boss for the candidature his record is not good. (Tsholotsho gang leader) Everybody is down playing their ambitions for Presidency, even Simba Makoni a respected business leader and a former Minister of Finance. The MDC factions need each other now more than ever. They are both not as popular hence the only way to reinforce themselves is by uniting.The elections are around the corner and the opposition is once again in its weakest since 2000 elections. ZANU PF has gained few seats them, even in places that were predominantly opposition. The economy is not getting any better in fact it get worse every day. We have the highest inflation in the whole world worse than the war tone areas like Du fur.

The civil organisations and trade unions are now politically affiliated or at least polarised. Not all though. Anything that the ruling party is giving us we will accept for now. My guess is that if anything happens to Bob, be it retirement or simply death itself, Mujuru will do a better job until the next general election. That is where the playing field will be plain. Free and fare elections are still a pipe dream. Zimbabwe will now be like Nigeria where there is always controversy and corruption among the Presidents.

"THE ZEAL OF ZIM HAS ME CONSUMED".

Just when you thought you have heard it all from someone who has tried to develop a cheap online media platform for interaction and debate without much success, here comes one more. I am pretty sure that I posted over a hundred articles since I started this blog site in May. There are many times when I have been frustrated by the lack of readership or interaction of friends and backing, so much that I told myself that I will cease to write. A lot of things come to my mind. Nothing is further from the truth, this is an idea whose time has come. I once heard somebody saying "We shall prevail." Perhaps we will.

Given this scenario I am not much kin to pursue a huge following. In the meantime I choose to do a small thing that will make me at peace. Quit clearly writing to me brings peace of mind, just like a boxer on training before a big bout. I shove life issues on my note book at the same time continue to face those punches that come towards my face. Part of me is a fighter. Part of me is misunderstood. I must safely say that there is a greater part of me that needs unveiled. For that reason I fight, stop, retreat, focus and punch. Sometimes I loose my composure and sometimes I wear myself out.

In all this I comfort myself to say maybe this stuff is not for this generation. It might be for their children. Each generation must confront its challenges and each generation must rise from where the previous left. Life is an adventure one should not be afraid to make mistakes. The biggest fight is against oneself. We have more devils in us than we see in the atmosphere. We all want to  look normal and not one of in their right senses would want to outstanding." Who am I to build the lord's house? King Solomon would ask. There are always better people. "There is no lack of educated people". If anything is done these are the people to do it. These have better names. They are born leaders .They  know how to put words together, " public speaking". They know how to chair the meeting and they know how to write a report. When you see them coming something is up. Without wasting time they speak business and great projects stands because of them.

Many times we have fooled ourselves to say "This is the man whom God has chosen." The prophet Samuel would testify to that. He would not have expected a young unskilled and unknown Shepperd to be the king of Israel. Like most of us he would have chosen a nice looking muscular man. David was probably not smelling clean since he was tending sheep and goats in the fields. Our training dose not agree with that. At least get a degree in Business Administration. Maybe I can talk to a high school graduate at least. If you want to a writer a (B) in English literature or 6 points at A level would do. In a free world people should be able to express themselves in any language they feel comfortable in. After all the English we brag about was used to brainwash us by the colonial masters.

10 ways why we Ndebeles are the same.

1) Do not want to try.

2) We take ourselves too serious.

3) Always want to follow behind.

4) Afraid to fail.

5) Do not want to share ideas.

5b) To us everything is a secret.

6) Always think About ourselves only.

7) Content with a bicycle, a 10kg roller meal and greens in the garden.

8) We all worked hard for everything we have.

9) Think everyone has go to through the same ladder you used to achieve success.

10) Will try by all means to portray that everything is alright and we do not need help.

Tribal hangups still exist.

While most people would rather be politically correct, it is interesting to note that tribal hangups still exist in Zimbabwe. Due to the sensitivity of the matter most people have resigned themselves to " see no evil hear no evil". Such kind of attitude is not only wishful thinking but also unrealistic, presumptuous and ambitious. I must admit that going with the flow is easier than taking the high way. People in the public offices and media institutions have adapted ways of dealing with this problem just in order to sound and appear diversified.

Just recently a day before the much waited soccer derby between the two Zimbabwe giants Highlanders and Dynamos the Herald nicknamed the game "The battle for Zimbabwe 11"Its one thing to allegories or promote a game and its another to be disrespectful and tribal. If the match between these two teams is the battle for Zimbabwe 11 the paper needs to tell us how he qualifies that statement. To me it sounds mischievous. How can a soccer game which is a weekend leisure and family fun be elevated to such a political status? A statement like that sounds familiar. I have heard one political party reduce another in a similar way during campaign slogans. What is at stake here? Were the two teams fighting for Zimbabwe? What is it about Zimbabwe that they were fighting for?

If they were then when and where was the first battle? Which then of the two teams is more Zimbabwean than another? One can use words the way they want but irresponsibility in using words is not acceptable especially at professional level like that. Again I will ask Who's side was the reporter on. Have not these two teams represented the country at one point or another? Is it that there is so much hate that one would go to such an extent. Is not soccer just a sport. Maybe I took it the wrong way but its clear to me that tribal hangups still exist.

Ten ways to know that you are poor.

1) your paycheck is spent before you get it.

2) Work from sunrise to sunset and your bills still keep pilling up.

3a) If you cannot go to the grocery store without a calculator.

3b) You shop furniture and electrical goods the same place you buy your groceries.

4) When you are excited about going shopping at clothes at Goodwill thrifty shop.

5a) Going to the ATM machine you do not know if anything will come out.

5b) When you can spell the words "insufficent funds" very well.

6) When in community meetings the chairman doesn't narrate your point.

7) When you live in a neighborhood where there are more people sitting outside than in.

8) You have never paid the dentist a visit for all your life.

9a) When you invite your friends to your home, they all give excuses.

9b) When your wife is always yelling at you.

10a) Every month you pray for a miracle to happen in order to pay your rent and electric bills.

10b) Not even the Pastor gives you a hug after church.

Ten reasons why we all need blogs.

1) To write our wrongs.

2) To confess for faults indirectly.

3) So that one can sounds intelligent.

4) Let out bottled anger.

5) A platform to fantasies one ambitions.

6) A good way to learn typing.

7) So that for the first time your name is on the Internet.

8) If you are bored.

b) If you think you are misunderstood.

9) Only way to claim to be popular.

10) Easy way to spread rumours.

People's mayor looses third term bid.

In one of the most unbelievable and shocking events in the history of politics, the much favored mayor of Indianapolis Mr Bart Petersen lost the bid for the third yesterday. Petersen a charismatic man was for the first time out of words. Six months ago no one would have believed that Greg Ballard could win the election against such a political heavy weight. He was the only one who believed. Mr Ballard who has never run for an public office before will have to face many challenges ahead. Among them is crime. Without doubt the people of Marion County were hard hit by the property tax mess up. This would have seen home owners paying up to $12,000 a year at least. This also was worsened by the plunging housing markets. Marion county or the city of Indianapolis leads in fore closures.

It said that Petersen will be the first incumbent mayor in 40 years to loose a third term bid. It was like David and Goliath fight. It does not sound good for immigrants especially the non documented ones seeing the Republicans have no tolerance whatsoever. Mr Ballard like every Republican might use the illegal immigrants as scape goats for mobilising and reviving the political base. Indianapolis has always been a friendly city to all. The change that Mr Ballard talked about will be felt sooner than later. With the failure of the Congress to address the immigration issue, the city Mayors are now dealing with it in their own way. The USA today probably the largest and widely reader newspapers in the country reported that some major cities are now issuing illegal immigrants drivers, licenses while some are going the extremely opposite direction arresting and deporting them.

Families have been split in the process. Indianapolis had not yet had cases like that before. Most of those who will be African and Mexican immigrants. Just two weeks ago the outgoing Mayor had a meeting with the African community encouraging them to get involved in sharing the Indianapolis cake. It remains to be seen if Greg Ballard will be elected into the second term.

The Little mother's language quiz: Abatsha basakwazi lokhu na?

1 Ubude abuphangwa [ No hurry to be rich]

2 Akuqhili lazikhotha emhlana [No crook is clever than everyone]

3 Udwayi udobhe inqhonqho [Too happy for something]

4 Otshotshi abagelani [ No cheater shares his tacticts]

5 Zobohla manyosi [ It will one day be finished ]

6 Zimbila zantabanye [They think the same or do the same]

7 Kusinwa kudedelwanwa [Give each other chances]

8 Kuguga othandayo [Keep young and smart]

9 Ukwenda akuthunyelwa gundwane [ Wish you knew how difficult marriage is]

10 Likhupha inhlanzi emanzini [ Too hot over 100 d.c.]

Sibonga uMfundisi Mthombeni ngaleizitsho lamazwi ahlakaniphileyo. Sibone ukuthi ngubani ozaphendula lezi ezilandelayo. Nxa ufuna ungengezelela ezinye.

Kuhleziwe kwakhiwe kudliwa kukhonjwa ngophakathi kufuyiwe komtwakazi Inyamazama zazilamabizo Awe Zinja

1 O khulumutshiye

2 O Bathi'angithini

3 O Bazangenzani

4 O Bangcolile

5 O Bayangizonda

More next mail

Ikhon'ndaba

The good old Christmas.

Ho ho ho! The bells and the music and the rush. You know what time it is. Christmas time, you all. Whether you celebrate Christmas in the city or in the country (emaphandleni) by now I suppose you are ready. As for me I am a city boy no doubt and no apologies. I do have a little rural background up to the third grade. This balances me up really good because at 10 to 12 yrs in the rural areas one is a man. Literally at that age one can do any daily responsibilities. So by the time I came to the city I had already had my training.I must admit the adjustment was hard. Language and other facilities. Town people use a little bit of English every other word. "Ngangiyibhare" I was a jake.

In the country we say "esitolo" while in the city they say "emagrocer". Even the greeting is different, the country people say "Sakubona" while the town folks say "u sharp? Coming form the rural one is considered infirior or substandard . One's accent is rough while the city people's accent is refined. Its like one throat needs few glasses of water before talking and some training.The city has a lot of slang. Everything has a nickname. For example bread and money have many names. "Inyuku" money "uqgu" for isinkwa. For home in rural ares they say "ekhaya" while e toni sithi endlini in our house or "edeni. Nxa sisithi buyisa lapha etoni sithi faka lapha kumbe ngifakela." Some really use proper Ndebele words just as a mockery, like ivinkili for store .I wish my topic was "Coming to the City" I hope to talk about this topic some time.

Christmas time is family time. For most African people in cities, this season time is the only time to visit family back country side. "Emadeni kumbe emadladleni" Most people who do not associate themselves with the rural during the year, will eventually be seen at renkini or other bus terminus heading home. For some reason most people love to celebrate Christmas in the comfort of their mother's huts.That is why there is always too much traffic during the festive season. The dust rural roads gets busy for once. Chicken is the main thing for Christmas. Bread too. Dozens of loves are loaded on top of the buses in sacks with the rest of the goods. "Isinkwa asingcoli"

Christmas is also about food, drinks, new clothes and pretty much just funny. That is the only day when every home or house has a party going on. During the old days we would play new releases from musicians like Lovemore Majayivana, Frddie Gwala, Platform one, Chicco, Peter Tenet, Yvonne Chaka Chaka and the late Brenda Fassie. Coming to really life here in the diaspora, Christmas is different. For most American the day is about the tree and the gifts more than the party and the food. For us the day is sharing with family and friends. A home most people will go to church and get some blessing before going home to party. (eat and drink)

Christmas is commercialised be it at home or abroad. Not much to do with Jesus coming down to earth even though religious music is played everywhere. I miss the old good Christmas even though I am learning the American ways.To post your comment click on the word comment. Share your Christmas with us.Remember the reason for the season.

Peterson meets the African community.

It was a spectacle for the Mayor of Indianapolis to be welcomed by the African Community. Mr Bart Peterson was greeted by 34 different African languages or nationalities. About 150 to 200 people managed to attend the town hall meeting organised by the Africa Community Center.
Dr Shola the Chief Executive of the center, went on to break it down for the Mayor on how much Africa is contributing to the State. The learned Dr stressed the importance of African workforce here in the City. He further pointed out that the African people are law abiding people. It goes without saying that in Indianapolis one cannot mention the word Africa without mentioning the man Shola. Originally Shola is from Nigeria. He founded the Africa Center about ten years.

Among the African are professional from all walks of life and business making a mark on the and future of Indiana. There was a mention of our Pastors being fishers of man but with no facilities to work from. The Mayor was briefed on the challenges facing Africans.

Some of which include discrimination, language barrier,academic accreditation of Degrees, high academic fees for foreign students, predatory home loan lenders to name but a few. In response the Mayor thanked everyone for coming and above all for the eye opening nature of the meeting, and for the contribution made by all. Peterson is also running for reelection the third term is a highly favoured Democrat. A son of a former Mayor and a business man the guy is respected across party lines by both Republicans and Democrats alike. Come November Peterson is expected to retain his position. A very successful business man and a great scholar Bart Peterson has raised over 1 million dollars for his re election campaign outclassing his opponents by hundereds of thousands dollars.

His dream and greatest challenge as Mayor is to make Indy the most welcoming city and to work with the African Community to solve the challenges facing them. He proposed a monthly meeting with a group of representatives to address and chart way forward. Question time was limited but there were question written and given to the Mayor's office. The meeting was a success given the challenges that we encounter on our day to day living in Indianapolis. About 20 or more Zimbabweans attended the Saturday town hall meeting.

Thanks to Mr Thiso M. who compiled this story.

Democracy?

Too many people expect wonders from democracy, when the most wonderful thing of all is just having it.” — Walter Winchell

“In free countries, every man is entitled to express his opinions and every other man is entitled not to listen.” — G. Norman Collie

“Democracy is the form of government that gives every man the right to be his own oppressor.” — James Russell Lowell

“You can never have a revolution in order to establish a democracy. You must have a democracy in order to have a revolution.” — Gilbert K. Chesterton

“Democracy is based upon the conviction that there are extraordinary possibilities in ordinary people.”— Harry Emerson Forsdick

“Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, for the people.” — Abraham Lincoln

“Democracy is good. I say this because other systems are worse.” — Jawaharlal Nehru

“Democracy ... is a system of self-determination. It’s the right to make the wrong choice.” — John Patrick

“In a democracy, the individual enjoys not only the ultimate power but carries the ultimate responsibility.” — Norman Cousins

“Man’s capacity for justice makes democracy possible, but man’s inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary.” —Reinhold Niebuhr

“A free government is a complicated piece of machinery, the nice and exact adjustment of whose springs, wheels, and weights, is not yet well comprehended by the artists of the age, and still less by the people. John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, May 19, 1821

“It is much easier to pull down a government, in such a conjuncture of affairs as we have seen, than to build up, at such a season as the present.”— John Adams letter to James Warren, 1789.

Thanks David for these observations.

To a simply man like me Democracy is an idea without money. Mandla M

Let sleeping dogs lie.

Somebody once said, "before I had children I had seven principles of raising children, but now I am married and have six children but no principle" This might sound like a apologetic attitude by any parent, yet in practice a lot of us have surrendered our principles silently. The worst thing you can do to any parent, is to try suggest to them in any way how they can discipline their child. Someone might say " wait a minute who told you that you are a perfect parent yourself? For some reason almost all of us think we know a thing or two about parenting , discipline and raising kids well. To be honest at one point or another we all have seen kids misbehaving directly under the nose of their parents. Even if you cannot say anything, but deep down you will be yearning to say , If only they can lend me their child for a month or two.

Lets face it we live in a community environment where either by fate or design children have to meet or play or interact to say the least, unless if yours are Prince Charles's. Some things we can't avoid noticing even from a distance. We see kids or people's behaviours when we are visiting, in buses , schools, church or even in the stores while we are shopping our groceries. Fences and wall have done a good job for protecting us as neighbours from seeing what is going on next door. While I acknowledged that parenting or raising kids or disciplining them is not easy I must also acknowledge that there is no school for "good parenting." Most people have good education and are specialist in various fields but none posses a certificate of parenting from any known institution.

Or perhaps in the first place no one undergoes a test to see if they are stable minded or at least old enough to have children apart from our biological bodies. "There is a saying that says being a parent does not make you an adult."At this point I think, "I am a library of sayings". The adulthood or maturity issue, also adds to the complication of the matter. No matter how old we can be as parents we do not share the same parenting skills or principles. Our schools of parenting and discipline usually collide. For those who are fortunate to receive counselling and advice from the church or places like that either, before or during the period of parenting are at a better position. These too are not exempted from the tests. Children at any age seem to enjoy testing their parents integrity and flexibility. Here they may find a willing or weaker parent or even more flexible one. Sadly they might even divide the parents themselves.

Remember the story of Jacob and Esau in the bible. The father loved Esau while the mother loved Jacob. Tricks were done. Talk about a house divided. As I write this article, I am also looking after my son who is now almost seven months old. Themba. My wife is at work. I love her. Angie. He keeps demanding my attention each and every second. I wish he knew how important this thing is to me. To provoke people to open up about parenting and discipline. Quite often we are also caught up in the important things of this life that we neglect our children. Be it our careers, jobs or callings or even simple habits and hobbies. We have more important business to take care of. This is a problem mainly in the black or African Community. Our roles are somehow upside down. Raising children is for women and so does disciplining. For every rule there is an exception, my friend David usually say.

Whichever way we look at the issue, its clear that we have a problem. Some of these problems are created by the social and economic values. The role of parents are changing. Some of us are raising children "far from the madding crowd." There is no Gogo or Khulu, no uncle no aunt. It used to be that, It takes a village to raise a child but not anymore. The cultural laws laws are different. Most of us would never have thought of " talking back to our parents", but today kids do. State and federal laws can intervene in case they think one is not parenting the right way. Spare the road and spoilt the kid. The rulers of these lands do not subscribe to that. Sometime back in 2002 a black church in Indianapolis church was taken to court because their members practised discipline. This is the way most of us were raised. At home and at schools. There were consequences for bad judgment. I must admit some were severe and harsh but one needed to adhere to discipline. Most white people worship thier children, they cannot even pinch little Mike when he misbehaves. That too is a tragedy, being too nice.

One problem that we have especially as both blacks and Africans is that we subscribe to the idea that "we should give or children what we did not have." This is a good idea but many times we have created another problem and one which we do not know how to deal with. We bury our children in things , toys , toys and fancy clothes. Most do not know the value of things. They take things for granted. There is a disconnection. In the process we deny them thier heritage. For them to know where we are going they must know where we are coming from. Its inside out. We can blame the media and all day long, but if we do not apply our beliefs and principles we reap the same. We should never confuse good for right. (Thanks to Dr Myles Monroe) "What is good is not always right," he said.

BICC summer camp at Glance.

This was part of the delegation that attended the summer camp in July in Indianapolis. About 100 people attended the camp. Most of the people were from out of state. Rev Ndlovu the senior Pastor of New Lobengula Church was the evangelist. The meeting was more like a reunion for brethren in the diaspora. The fellowship is not official affiliated to the main Church here in the USA. The fellowship came up with ways and means to raise funds to help in projects back home.

Topics discussed varied from Family, Faith, immigration, education, charity and ministry works as well as stocks investments.The meeting was an overall success, even though we needed to learn a few lessons for next time. The next meeting will be held in Dallas next year.

Tribute to the legend.

No artist,s voice identified with the young poor African people than the man Lucky Dube. Most of us will remember when he first released the album Slave way back in late 1980s. His title "Remember me" was going to be a hit in the homes and streets of Bulawayo. Whenever I hear this song tears come out of my eyes to this very day. Dube a social activists and an entertainer was gunned down in Jorburg, soon after dropping his son at school.

Sources say he was gunned down by carjackers. Dube won a lot awards including the Grammys.He was the first African to record an album with the Motown Studio records. We celebrate his life even though we are saddened by his sudden and untimely death. Dube was 43 at the time of his death.

Here and There.

Today I decided to just touch on a variety of issues since I have not had the chance to update this forum for over a week now.A lot of things have happened along the way both here and at home. Laws have been changed some for better others for the worst. Just this week the supreme court of Zimbabwe allowed school kids to have any hair style of choice. This is a first in Zimbabwe. It seems to me that the fact that person who contested this case was rich made all the difference. Really I do not know if that is victory or not.

Most of us will remember the law of identity cards. Not until a White lawyer who was jogging in the morning was asked to produce an identity card did we know that there was no such a law. If took a rich white man who knew his rights to enlighten us all. The bible is right that money answers all things. Like I said i do not know if the dreadlocks law is victory or not because i have nothing to gain myself. And really the question I have always had is, "What is the really African hair style for men? In that regard then its victory because obviously its one area we were still oppressed as African or Zimbabweans. Its not a big issue but if it needs the muscle of the supreme court then it is a big issue.

As for me I love dread locks to a certain extent, (not all) Some people look good on them but unfortunately for me my hair is too soft to be twisted for a long time, even though for few hours I once did it hence the picture bellow. My wife would like me to have them if possible as a matter of fact she had twisted me last time.

Highlanders is behind even though they are now showing serious intentions to defend the Champion ship title. The log leaders Dynamos or Dembare are clinging to the top and are in good form these days. Its a fierce battle for supremacy and none is trying to falter at this point and time. We fear that the officials might decide the outcome at this stage. Bosso are not in a good position. Second best will not be good enough madoda. However soccer is not as predictable, the ball can roll anywhere like the late great commentator Evans Mambara used to say.

Politics , there is no good news either, the ruling part is divided in three or more groups. The division is so serious its threatening the Unity Accord. The man Bob has done it again divide and rule. The war vets are at it again, history seems to repeat it self. The former PF ZAPU comrades are not going down without a fight this time. They are clear the do no support the nomination of Bob. Its a mess. The City Council gave up the fight for water to ZINWA, a govt organisation that deals with water. Whatever the case Bulawayo residents do not have water. Can you imagine a week without water. In this case its been months. The importance of water cannot be over emphasised. Indeed water is life. Dabengwa and Msika the two former ZAPU stalwarts have both expressed concerns about the declining water situation in Bulawayo.

These guys are desperate to gain some political mileage by echoing the needs and the plight of the ordinary people, so the water crisis presents itself as a fine opportunity for them to connect with the people of Matabeleland after a long time. One wonders if these former heavy weights will come up with something new at the sunset of their careers.
All this is happening ahead of the ZANU PF congress in Dec. Something must happen MDC is not in good position either, The Mujuru faction might be the winner. Politics is a dirty game no permanent friends or enemies, like the Professor Jonathan Moyo would say.

The technocrats are talking about the Third way. Good idea but little too late. The third way must be infused to save Zimbabwe in the long run. Many high profiled names including Trevor Ncube, Jonathan Moyo, Jethro Mpofu strongly support this idea. Its remains to be seen if its gonna break from the ground.

Men of Progress.

They meet every first Saturday of the month at Ponderosa steakhouse for breakfast at 10am. (West 38/Mollar Rd) These are men of Integrity or simple Christian men.The group Men of Integrity has been going on for over a year and a half now. Its membership comprises of most African men of which 90% are Zimbabweans at the moment. People form various denominational backgrounds gather to fellowship , prayer and equip one another other. Anyone who has attended the men's breakfast at any one time will agree with me that its a refreshing time for guys away for the church.

We have heard teaching from various topics such as Successful family living, Marriage Communication ,Business investments, Creation and fixing of credits, dealing with our past, Leading Godly lives, Helping your community and the extended families. And finally reaching others for Christ.

The group is a brain child of Forward In Faith Ministries in Indianapolis. The Pastor Mr C Mashushire is a patron of the Men's meeting. The fellowship is not restricted to certain denomination but is open. Its currently lead by the committee which is chaired by Mr Chinyadza. I am also in the sub committee. The aim is to build better men among our community through information, prayer, fellowship and networking.
On the last meeting we had a realtor Mr Malvin Nyoni explain to us the pros and cons of the housing markets. Mr Nyoni who has established himself as the community realtor took the time to clarify the subject of Property Taxes and Foreclosures. We had the opportunity to see some model homes thanks to C.P Morgan. A licenced and experienced realtor with Tucker,the man Professor as we call him was endorsed by the Patron of the fellowship as both "a good and honest man to work with". The man is not only a realtor but also an anointed Music minister.

I would like to thank br Muzi for the above picture.
The next meeting is on the 11/ 03 /07 at the same venue.

Soccer star on a Mission.

Zenzo Ndlovu a Nguboyenja man who came to United States on Soccer scholarship is now on Great Commission. Ndlovu who grew up like any other boy in Mzilikazi, Nguboyenja area playing street soccer, speaks so passionate about his encounter with the lord almost five years ago. The man who is also a graduate form a college in Mobile, Alabama is a living testimony for the grace of God.

Almost every year Zenzo goes back to Zimbabwe to give back to his community in Nguboyenja one of forgotten suburbs in Bulawayo. Nguboyenja is also one of the oldest townships in Zimbabwe. Ndlovu and his friends has given soccer balls and soccer uniforms and boots to children in the area. He also conducts summer camps around the States, training basic soccer to kids. No doubt the man has not forgotten where he came from.

The man who won a lot of Championships during his college days in Alabama is also part of the Pastoral team in his congregation. Speaking to Ndlovu one cannot help feel the deep spiritual maturity and hunger for the things of God.for more you can visit his website www.soccer4life.com

News from the diaspora:

PHILADELPHIA
After working hard illegal in the United States for two years.He had shipped all his goods and all he needed was a free ticket home. The West African man turned himself to the Police in downtown Philadelphia. When asked what the problem was the man said, "Officer, officer I am an illegal immigrant" he said pointing to himself.The officer looked at the man and pointed straight at a crowd at the bus stop. "Sir you see all those people at the bus stop they are all illegal immigrants, so stay here and relax"

SEEN ON A CHURCH SIGN POST
You don't need four strong man to drag you to church.


A Nigerian immigrant man had his name changed, and when friends at work asked him about this, the man replied "man I got married"


A certain T.V station was conducting a random interview about racism in America. One young African American lady had this advice, "People must live together in peace and harmony, whether you are white , black ,brown ,yellow , Asian , European, African or Zimbabwean I don,t care". she said.

Bulawayo
During a church revival the evangelist was preaching on the Topic, "If you have faith you will move mountains" On the congregation was an old lady who had problems with a mountain. In winter she could not get much sunshine as the mountain was on the eastern side of her house just a few metres away. So when the lady heard this sermon she could not wait to tell the mountain to move.
For a few days she prayed that the mt would move and did not even go outside to check. After sabout a week of praying the lady finally decided to go outside and check. On discovering that the mountains was still there the woman was disappointed saying "A Yonale isuke bengivele ngingazisa"

Forces of goodwill.

I am amazed how God touches people to help others who are disadvantaged than they especially from different geographic origins. Most of us from Africa seems to want to posses stuff for power and superiority. Perhaps the same could be said about the people from the West, but I am not really sure. Its been said that Americans are the most generous people in the world, this is a claim which I also believe. Few of our own know how to give back to the society or at least those in need. We seem to have succumbed to the grab all idea.(bambazonke). This kind of self gratification has sered our bowels of compassion.

This past few weeks I have been touched as I watch the television to see the former United States President Bill Clinton doing works of charity around the world. The man who is said to be the smartest President of United States has dedicated his last years to helping the hurting human kind. Among his major achievements was to use his skill and profession as an attorney to negotiate the price of drugs to make them available to third world countries of Africa and Asia. This he did and was successful. Few tears back he teamed up with his former political adversary also the former President of United States to help raise funds for people who were affected by Tsunami in Southeast Asia. The man whom his presidency was always followed with controversy said he is now more effective after leaving the White House.

When a man who was once the most powerful man in the world looks down the lowest ends of the earth one cannot help being touched. The President turned philanthropist is now teaming with the renowned and famous South African Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu to tackle the Du fur crisis. There are a lot of man and woman of goodwill, people like Bill Gates the richest man in the world. Perhaps it goes with the name Bill. (joke)
Seriously this man also one the is the greatest persons of our times. Leaving his comfort zone to go to war tone places, drought prone places, extreme poverty stricken areas like Mozambique and so on to extend a hand of help. Bono the the greatest rock star also having teamed up with all forces of goodwill to eradicate poverty in Africa. Off course I cannot talk about Africa and giving without mentioning Oprah Winfrey the talk show host turned humanitarian.

Recently Jenna Bush the Daughter of The President of Bush embarked on a mission to help Aids victims in the Latin America and Africa. I can go on and on talking about Madonna, Brady Pitt, Angelina Jolie, George Clooney. there are many more ordinary people who may never be known yet they are great forces of goodwill towards fellow human beings.At least today I did not mention Nelson Mandela. People like that make me feel like I can fly dip down in my spirit. They makes the world a better and hopeful place to inhabit. Let us therefore not ask what Africa will do for us but what we will do for Africa.

Give me a break!

Did anybody hear that his Excellence Cde R.G Mugabe cancelled his trip to Bulawayo on a last minute because security corncerns. Someone is not telling the truth somewhere, How can the President be concerned about his safety anywhere in Zimbabwe? No people are as harmless as Zimbabweans let alone people from Matabeleland and Bulawayo in particular. In the eighties we were searched and stripped to the bones. Zimbabwe's secret agents must leave the City of Kings in peace. We are so poor we cannot afford to buy tires for our old raleigh bicycles. Anytime one accusses the Matabele people of threatening the security of the country or worse still the President, is perpetual inflicting fresh pain to the old wounds. The children of the slain do not need to be victimised again like their fathers.

To label the peaceful Matabele as the enemies of the state in order to create false evidence to punish them is to be both cruel and devilish. Something is going on behind the scences and hence they are trying to divert the attention away. For record, the man President Mugabe can go anywhere in Bulawayo like he has done before . Few man on earth are as protected as he s if any. ZANU PF propagandist must stop using us as scape goats for any bad thing going on in their house. If Zimbabwe's president is protected far thousands of miles away from the country, (USA) how much more in Zimbabwe's soil. This might be their plan to victimise voters ahead for the next elections.

The President must have been embarrassed that Bulawayo has no water decades after his false promises to voters in Matabeleland. People are now reduced to destitutes because of his leadership.This is the reason why Bulawayo is an opposition stronghold. As a matter of the ruling party has never won in Mat region except only during the period of voter apathy in the 90s.

The vanishing Zimbabwean pride.

Its amazing how fast one can adjust to the environment they find themselves in. The sooner you adjust the better your life becomes. I have meet a few people here in the Diaspora who have not come to terms with the reality of the life and the culture they live in. The feeling of being in a strange land will never fade away. Recently, while I was driving in the interstate I made a confession to my wife, I said" you what know I think I now know this place more than my own city Bulawayo". This might sound strange to a few unrealistic people most of which are always my company. I said to my wife anytime one leaves a place for a year or less one usually find great changes. So for me to have been away from home seven years and counting, there must been great changes around the neighbourhood.

Let's face it, one way or the other one is forced to adjust to his or her circumstances even without noticing. Adjustment is a fact of life. Most of us who have had friends or relatives coming home from out of the country, must have been whispering amongst ourselves when these folks got home. One could not help notice a few new words. For those from the neighbouring South Africa every other word would be "Mara" or" Cha". Even if one was out of the country for a week or less. I will never forget one of our lady friends who had gone to the States for not more than one calendar year. When she came back home she spoke with a very soft, polished, anglicized American accent. This she would do even if she was speaking Ndebele. These might be extreme cases of adjustments but with time one will surely conform.

Quite often women adjust faster than their male counterparts. Statements like these might make me loose a few women friends, however I just said it in passing. Talking of tribalism have you ever seen a Ndebele woman married to Shona man somewhere in the Capital, "Oh man they act like they are married to a son of a god or a man from another world". Here I will be accused of tribalism, as a matter of fact I have came across that accusation before. Really no offence is intended I just went out of topic. Forgive my analysis. Its just the way sisters behave sometimes, though not all. "For every rule there is an exception", somebody once said.

Well coming to the diaspora most people came here intending to go back home after bettering themselves. This they would have done through hard working and savings to invest in the mother land or by simple education. However not one would have foreseen what we all know today, we find ourselves in vacuum or to put it simple in the middle of nowhere. This really goes to the entire Zimbabwean community here , young and old male or female. Most people are now linking themselves to certain social groups, be it church or even sports. Because people are home sick these groups or clicks are a safe haven from a home away from home. One must fit somewhere! Language, or others social activities make us feel home.

Most weekends me and my homeboys gather to play the spot we know best and that is Soccer. We used to call it Football but now we just say soccer. The reason being here there is American Football. NFL. Unlike at home here Soccer is just for elementary schools, ( primary school) Most Professional soccer players from Africa who come here are forced to join the mainstream workforce. When I came here I never understood The American Football but now I do not only understand it, but also enjoy watching. One would be astonished how Americans are patriotic to this game. They put a world class show for every NFL game. Football stars are richer and popular that Senators or even the President of USA. Its a money spinning league with endorsements of Millions of dollars. Selling of shirts, something which I strongly feel if adopted back home could benefit our struggling soccer stars.

This is the game that made OJ Simpson a household name even though they now hate the mere mention of his name. The man who was acquitted of the murders of his ex wife Nicole , and Ron Goldman her boyfriend. Last week I observed with great sadness as the American media crucify him in an attempted robbery case in Las Vegas Nevada. I would have thought that in a democratic society like this a man is innocent until proven guilty. The press seemed to have a sinister agenda here. Simpson a larger than life former football star who holds unbroken records in the sport, first caught the international sport lite way back in 1994. I remember clearly how the Chronicle and some other Zimbabwean newspapers used to follow the episodes of his trial." The Trial of the century" . The case divided the entire America and the civilized world into two. Black or white. To this day they are still bitter about this black man who escaped justice, they refer to him as a "monster". Like I always say justice like beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Or maybe they think justice delayed is justice denied.

For us Mkhayas we hook up and chat about different issues, here back home and European Soccer we watch on the Satellite dish networks. It is interesting to note that some people who never even play soccer at home have now significantly improved because of the need for company. Amazulu as the Zim Indy team is known are currently in the league. A Social league which they defending Champions from last season. Among the veteran of this team are Mdawini who is also the player coach and Chief executive , Nsimbi, Biya, Bango, Proffesor, Nkinko, Zi, Thiso and Steffi. I wish the guys goodluck this fall.

My friend Zanda is also playing well. I knew this man long back when he used to be one of the delivery guys for Coca cola in and around Bulawayo. While most of the guys are my Luveve Boys from back in the day. Emakhosi le Nzawanazi like Morre. I should not forget Zobha, a man no doubt the best goalie second to myself. Amazulu are hoping to win the Zimexpo trophy nextyear, capitalising on the home advantage. Organisers of the annually Zimexpo are serious enterprenuers. They cash in on unsuspecting homesick Zimbabweans in the diaspora.

Mhlanga draws the line.

Veteran playright, activist and artist non other than Mr Cont Mhlanga has steped up to make a union of actors. The man who is a leader in the industry has a drawn a demacation line for both TV , Radio, Stage actors by maping proffessional guidelines and expectations. The defiant Mhlanga says for a long time he waited patiently for a functioning actors union without progress from Harare. He said the union is to both protect the actors and act as a yardstick for proffesionalism as well as conduct.

The man well known for using his theatre as a stage to address people,s living conditions blamed Cde Albert Nkunzi for keeping actors waiting for over 12 years. He likened his wait as the Zambezi water project which people of Bulawayo and Matabeleland have been waiting for for decades. "As I write this statement my neighbourhood has no drop of water for one week now" he said. Mr Mhlanga further accussed Harare for organising unions only when there is overseas donor funding. "There is no more challenge for us who want to build our industry, sector and country." Cont Mhlanga who founded Amakhosi Theatres which is the only one of its kind in Zimbabwe. Amakhosi Theatres is known as Zimbabwe's Hollywood. Needless to mention that Mhlanga is no stranger to controvesy. He recently produced a play that shot directly to the top brass of Zimbabwe,s leadership. "The Good President" was banned only a few weeks after it took the nation by storm.

The award winning and renowned playright and artist did not mince his words when he castrated his Harare counterparts for "lack of visionary planning and dishonest." The battle line has been drawn, he said. Please do not bring that disastrous culture of management to Matableland, we don't need it here.That concept of management has brought the country to its knees in the past seven years he said. He said from now on all actors and must have have their opinion cards. He told the ZBC, ZTV and IHASA that from now on there is a standard to uphold and live up to. Mhlanga is currently doing works with Hollywood bigtimers in the USA. For a longtime Mr Mhlanga has always mourned the lack of connection between the elected officios in and the people in Matabeleland.

Little mother language.

Okay this Is what your children will talk, since you do not want to teach them .

1) Hamba juba lami bazokucutha phambili. 25% (Go my bird they will eat you ahead.)

2) Akulantombi eyagana inyamazana. 25% (No girl has ever been engaged to an animal).

3) Uzawukhomba umuzi olotshwala. 25% (You shall point at a beer house.)

4) Ikhotha eyikhothayo.25% (It licks the one that licks it.)

5) Akusensuku satshwala. 25% (Its no longer those beer days)

Christians should be Politicians: Poll.

About 56% of our readers said Christians can do a good job being Politicians. 31% said they think its not a good idea, while 18% said they were not sure. I would like to thank all who took their time to poll. Let us beagin shaping the Zimbabwe we want now.

Serious jokes!

It said that a certain proud man would brag about his wife mostly in public especially after he was drunk. So one time while they were leaving the bar, his wife remained behind and the man yelled," Mother of four, let's go home" As usuall he would yell across the whole bar, and this time the wife could not take it anymore, She yelled back" Okay father of one Let's go home"

After a long drive a truck driver pulled to the Live entertainment Pub, She handed $500 to the lady at the reception. The receptionist said to him, Sir with this kind of money we can give you two our best ladies for a special. The truck driver replied, "Mum I do not care, I am just home sick. "

After the hurricane Katrina United States suffered a lot of damage and loss of life. And you know USA was desperate when Cuba and Venezuela offered to help.

A Pastor spotted a deacon in the front row sleeping during a sermon, Tell us why are you sleeping while I am preaching?, the Pastor asked."You know I trust you pastor, if i didn't I wouldn't be sleeping " replied the deacon.

Its not only history that needs changed!

Many high ranking members of ZANU: PF, especially those who are were In ZAPU have from time to time called for the History of Zimbabawe to be re written. Among those who have voiced that concern are the Vice President Cde Joseph Msika, John Landa Nkomo, Dumiso Dabengwa and Enos Nkala. The chorus have grown louder as the years goes by. I agree that history needs to be rewritten and further than that I would have us look closely at the day to day living of all Zimbabweans. ( Especially the minorities tribes .) Since the simplest definition of history is, "the study of the past"
The fact that History of Zimbabwe needs re written is long overdue. If truth be told things went wrong during the time of the popular Unity Accord in 1987. I must be clear that I do not by any means despise the efforts of the Unity Accord and such reconciliation but the failure to live up to the promises thereof. I have great respect for the late great Vice President of Zimbabwe Dr Joshua Nkomo who is credited for his humility to amicable bring the situation to such a point. If I had time would I write a lot of praise for the "Man Father Zimbabwe", as a matter of fact I already did on the 2nd of July. (Check this blog) Having said that I must acknowledge that Dr Joshua Nkomo overlooked some important factors here in pursuit of peace and the much needed Unity. The Unity accord was one sided hence the name. It was only good for the top brass, because they got positions and drove executive cars living luxuries in Harare.

Most of us will remember that most people in Matabeleland disowned the man Nkomo for allegedly selling out, some to this day. The illustrious leader and revered father and Cde seems to have lost touch with the people who had chosen him. No doubt the he was a national figure but in Matabeleland he let down a lot of people. This is not to suggest he represented one region. I was young by then but I still remember the voices of the neighbors and relatives. Why were the people not happy with Mdala's decession? Its because at that very crucial moment the people lost voice. I am not the right person to answer the question, Would we not rather had peace? Perhaps that was the only way for peace to come about who knows, but for Unity I am sorry to say that dream never came to reality.

It is the Ndebele who paid dearly and heavily for the much needed peace. We paid with our future and the future of our children. Anybody who come from Zimbabwe knows about the unfair opportunities that exist. Today Cde Dumiso Dabengwa a former ZIPRA commander is said to have echoed sang the history song. This is the same man who used to stop people from talking about the imbalances in Zimbabwe when he was in the cabinet. The likes of him John Nkomo and the rest of the top brass ZANU PF Matabeleland leadership missed a lot of chance to represent the dying region they came from. Even the real ZANU PF old guard needed to honor the Unity accord for the sake of the nation wellbeing.
Its no secret that one time the people of Harare used to say "The only thing good about Bulawayo is the Harare , Bulawayo road". It sad to see that not only Ndebele people and Matabeland Midlands regions sidelined but also that some influential Ndebele people were used. Point here is if we slept while other people were caving animals we should not cry foul, especially now that we do have positions. The same guy misled the people when he became a patron of Matabeleland Zambezi Water project. This was the only hope of bringing survival to Bulawayo and the whole region. To this day this project is still a pipe dream. The ZANU pf won a lot of votes in Mat because of the water slogan. Changing of the history of the struggle alone will not help anybody. Let no one be mistaken I want Zipra history as much as everyone does because its our heritage, but we should not stop there, we must go to the real issue behind. Honoring the fallen ZIPRA Cdes is to further their wishes and sacrifices of freedom, equality and prosperity to all deserving sons of the soil.

As I speak right now millions of people in Bulawayo do not have water. They are using the bush to relieve themselves. I wonder if peace and tranquility that we are said to be enjoying is worth living for. I have said this and I will say it again that people of Mat must wake up and take leadership once and for all because waiting for the deadwood of Zanu pf has not helped anybody. Many people think this is tribalism and for me I wonder If developing one area and sidelining another is not tribalism. Our own beloved Mdala when he died, there was still no tarred road to his grave yard in Matopo. Its a shame that science schools are still a handful in Matabeleland, yet in Mashonaland even in rural areas they have science High schools. I can not talk about scholarships, jobs and so on. In 1996 the then first Vice President of Zimbabwe brought 8 buses full to United College of Education, this he did at the expense of the locals. This is just one of the few examples.
Ndebele people do not have a voice, not even in ZBC. The Shona people must understand that it is they who messed up the country by themselves . We are now all suffering yet in good days they ate all the cake and still do. This is not personal, I have Shona friends and relatives but let the truth be told. If Zimbabwe is going to fixed, tribalism must need be zero tolerated. In the 80s and 90s we saw a lot of companies relocate from Bulawayo to Harare. This meant the lack of jobs for the locals and to make matters worse the few that were left were employing people from Mashonaland to work in our own backyard. This was a timed systematic occustrated plan. We had teachers coming all the way from Buhera to teach at primary school who could not speak a word of Ndebele. We saw the young people form Matabeleland leaving the country for neighboring states to look for jobs. This is why some people do not even consider themselves Zimbabwean in the littlest sense of the word. In some places jobs interviews would be done in Shona, and then tell me if that is Unity.

From Dust to the Skies

From Dust to the Skies

The marriage of Church and Politics.

Church and State are like chicken and the egg, quite often we do know which came first. Most people believe that these are two different instituitions which do not need to be mixed together. While it is logical that the churched people make better leaders, it might not be so in the political arena. "You are the light of the world" the bible say. Let your light be seen to all. Rather let me put it this way, People do not know which place is corrupt the church or the state. By now someone is probably thinking I think "He has crossed the line," yes, possibly. My argument here would be, How do you get good leadership from a pool that has no good noone. Point here is the church should be seen outside the sacred buildings. A city on a hill cannot be hidden the scripture says.

Will I be mistaken to say that I am saying the Church is as Corrupt as their government? The church on its own is not complete without the government and neither is the government , both are accountable to God and man. However I may sound, the main problem here is the line betwen the church and state. I do not have problems with the offices here, but rather the people who are in the offices. Many times the the church has called for purity in the government and the govenment calling the same to the church. Who will guard the guard? We all demand acountability, yet noone thinks the other has a right to in each others affairs. One problem I do not have good examples of proper governance and vis versa. The messege here is the light shines even in darkness, so let us begin in the church, since we claim and believe that we are the light of the World (State) This does not make me an unbeliever in either instituitions, but most important are the vessels that are being used.

Before we point a finger let us examine ourselves to see if we measure up. For more on this click comment and post your opinions. Failure of the government to live up to its purpose cripples the church mission as well. The two are like hand and glove, there is need for communication between two instituitions. The church must infuse the community. The sweet aroma of the church must be felt all over the ends of the earth. The market place.

M D.C. Emerge In Indianapolis.

The Movement for Democratic Change an opposition party led by Morgan Tsvangirayi has opened a branch here in Indianapolis. The Indiana branch is currently led by an Interim committe until the elections are held. (Ikhonoindaba managed to get the party flyer and none of these are my words but the words of the Indy MDC branch.)

The party was formed with following mission;

1) To create a platform for all Zimbabweans to come and share ideas.

2) To ( a) Raise the international specter and profile of the very difficult and painful human condition now prevailing in Zimbabwe.

(b) Increase political activism and campaign for (i) the establishment of basic human which encompass the rights to shelter, food, education,heatlth care, free speech, meaning employement, individual respect and and dignity for human life, promotion and realization of individual God _ given talents, (ii) free and electorial and system and democratic governance for the people of Zimbabwe, and (iii) the re- establishmentof the rule of law. in the country.

3) To solicit patnerships with and the support ot the other international democratic instituitions and persons to eliminate the now- almost genocidal suffering of the common people.

Duties and Responsibilties:

1) Mobilize the Zimbabwe (an) community in Indiana to participate in the reclaiming our rights and dignity as an nation.
2) Encourage open debate among citizens of Zimbabwe in order to determine the Zimbabwe that we all want [self determination].
3)Encourage the citizens of Zimbabwe, currently outside the country to , ACT constructively about the condition of the country.
4) To organise a local transparent, dynamic and force full entity to rally the forces for change in Zimbabwe.
5) To call for general meeting to elect substansive office bearers.

Questions on everybody' s mind;

1) Why is Zimbabwe in the state it is right now?
2) What are the causes of all the problems in the country.
3) Is the situation going to get better? When and how long?

4) Do I want change?And what sort of change? How and for how ow can change be brought about?

5)Do I have a part to play? And what is that?

6) Why at the stroke of a pen should my rights be taken away?

7)Why should it be a crime to choose my own leaders or have a different point of view?
8)Does the political elite care about the life or lack of the ordinary citizens?

9) What can the collective citizens do for themselves?

10)What kind of Zimbabwe do I want?

The Zimbabwean Syndrome:

1) Zimbabweans are regarded as politically inept and docile.
2) We do not seem to want to take responsiblity for our destiny.
3)We always let someone else do for us what we should do for ourselves.
4)We would rather run away from a problem than confront it.

Who can be party to this?

1 ) Every Zimbabwean has a right to belong to this organization if and when they want.
2) There is no discrimination based on color, tribe , religion or any other divisive element. We should all join hands and work together to dislodge tyranny in the country of birth.
3) Everyone of us can contribute and bring meaningful to the table efforts.

WHAT IS YOUR PART?

1)Contribute to the debate and help answerat least one of the above questions, And more.
2) Lend your voice to the growing voices of dissent.
3) Play your part and BECOME A MEMBER OF MDC.

Believe it or not.

-In Ottumwa, Iowa it is unlawful for any male person, within corprate limits, to wink at any female person with whom he is unaquainted.

-In Los Angels you cannot bathe two babies in the same tub at the same time.

-In Pennsylvania any motorist driving along a country road at night must stop every mile and send a rockect signal, wait ten minutes for the road to be cleared of livestock, and continues.

-New York it is aganist the law to throw the ball at someone,s head for fun.

-Utah: It is aganist the law to fish from a horseback.

-Harthahorne City, Oklahoma it is unlawful to put any hypotinized person in a display window.

-Fair banks, Alaska it is illegal to give adult beverages to a moose.

- San francisco, California it is illegal to wipe' s car with used underwear.

-Chicago Illinois it is illegal to fish in one's pyjamas.

-North Andover, Masashusetts it is illegal for citizen to carry "space guns"

-Alabama it is illegal for a driver to blindfolded while operating a vehicle.

-Baltimore it is illegal to throw bales of hay from a second -story window within the city limits.

Ndlovu to Stay at Bosso.

The Highlanders executive dissimissed calls from some fans who needed the coaching reshuffled. The Chairman Mr E Sibanda said it was too early for the fans to painc. According to the Chronicle Sibanda the executive is willing to listein to the fans through proper channels. He down played Sunday's emergency meeting as a routine review that was already sheduled. He asid there is no way the committe could change the coaching department at this time of the year. He appealed to fans to be patient going to the extent of saying even big European teams go through such spells some time.

Things fall apart at Highlanders Camp.

It dosen't take rocket scientist to know that Zimbawe,s soccer Champions are under going a severely difficult time. This weekend saw the team lose to a little known and newly promoted minor soccer team Lengthens FC. The Zimbabwe,s oldest team suffered a devastaing loss at home, drowning the hopes of the faithful fans who still have Championship hopes, with the team behind Dynamos by two points. The 4 to 1 defeat sounded heaviy to legions of black and white colored religious fans. It must noted be that highlanders fans are probably the most impatient fans any team can have. Even with this background,the fans from the begining of the year had already expressed disatisfaction at the way the coaching was handling things, this went on even to a point were the executive had to investigate the allegations of favouratism and bribery among the coaching staff. The Sibanda lead exucutive came out satisfied that none of this was true. Enerst Mapepa was a dalling in his days as a player, is still commands the same respect decades after he hanged the boots. The man is at the helm of Tshilamoya or Bossolona depending on which name you want to use.

The beloved Chairman had not been shaken until Sunday, when one could hear the drop of a pin at the traditional team slaughter house Babourfields. Many fans are said to be calling for the head of the coach Methembe Ndlovu. They accuse him of trying to bring United States College soccer to the Premier league at Highlanders. Some do not like his 4-1 4-1 formation saying its too defensive, Some go on to accuse him and his assistants of bias when it comes to the selection of the team. As if that is not enough they go on to say he does not position players by thier abilities. They say he is always experimenting at the expense of the team. However founded or unfounded the accusations may be its clear that there an Indaba in Bulawayo. Some fans are threatening to quit coming to the games unless mayor changes his ways or the exeutive relieve him of the hot sit. These were sentiments expressed by fans interviewed by the local daily the Chronicle. Most of us will remember that when the team loses the paper aslo suffers heavy loses in sales. The partnership between the two goes way back in time.

Methembe or Mayor as we call him is a humble gentleman and a friend to me. The man under fire is both a home boy and a former school mate to me. The down to earth soft spoken dreadlocked man is different from the picture the media is painting. Ndlovu a son of Highlanders himself and a former Zimbabwe under 23 superstar is in many ways an accomplished man. I know no dedicated soccer envoy and a sold out sportman than the above mention man. I have no time to begin to open his achiements because frankly I would need weeks to be able to compile them.A respected coach even here in United States for winning Champion ships several times. Like I always say any time you get an opportunity acknowledge your folks. Mayor is a success story to me. He ranks in the like of Thulani Biya Ncube, Ronald Gidiza Sibanda, Bongani Mafu and Lovemore Ncube. For him and these guys to have come out of my neighbour hood makes me proud. Needeless to say that me and Ndlovu were once in the same time at junior team at grade school. That makes me feel like a star when ever he achieves something. Somebody once said you are not successful until someone claims to have gone to school with you.

When the man Methembe came home from the US, his first season as a coach he wasted no time in claiming the Championship at Highlanders. At the time he was praised as a genious who mixed American Football and Soccer together to come up with a winning formular. It is clear that his honemoon days with Bosso might be over. At this point and time the executive which is said to have immediatedly call an emergency meeting after the Suday's game has not relised the results or the outcome of the meeting. The stakes are high here and anything can happen in soccer but the Tshilamoya machine is not willing to gamble thei Championships hopes. Good luck to High High but to Ndlovu I think its time to move on mfanekhaya. You will alwas be a hero after all. AmaZulu Indiana will always be behind you.

Labouring to rest.

There seems to be no rest on sight for many African workers as United States celebrate the labour day. This long weeken is one of the country; s major holidays.For most of us Africans its a day like any other because we usually take those jobs or shifts that the locals will not take. Due to the many factors immigrants tends to forfeit their education just to survive here. Many acomplished people are reduced to ordinary jack and gills given that fact. Acccent here is a major factor apart from education. The fact that somebody has a different accent means that they do not know English. So one is unlikely to have a management post or a well paying job. For starters most of the jobs we do are warehouse jobs, fast foods gas stations attendents, hotel or banquet serving and nursing homes just to mention a few. Some of these situations might be from documentation or simply the availability.

On the other hand it is pleasing to note that ther are some living the dream, thank God. For most its double shifts, overtime, two jobs and so on. In Zimbabwe not many people worked hard physically or manually labour but here its a common. America prospers because of cheap labour not only from here but from other countries like the East Asian countries. Sad to say some of these countries use child labour, a practice which United States politicans condem. Nowhere in the world is the culture of hard work in operation like the United States of America, that I cannot take away from them. Truckers are some of the major employers. Anytime you drive the freeway day or night you will see them moving from state to state.

The Mexicans are the hardest working group of people here, and they also have serious documentation problems. Most of them do not understand or are at least not fluent in English and that is also disadvantage for them. Due to the declining economies in Africa, we have seen retired people coming to find jobs in United States. This is how poor we are. As we join the rest of America in celebrating Labour day , we cannot answer ask ouselves the big question, When will we rest? The retirement age has gone up to seventy here, thanks to the wonders of medical science. I will always talk about this old man who was my neighbour, one time while visiting him in his house, I saw a sign on the wall, "I am too old to work but too poor to quit." With the situation worsening back home one cannot laugh at my old neighbour. Perhaps ours is the labour of love.

Just for laughs!

Warning these jokes might be not be political correct. I got some of them from my friends who are from different tribes in Zim. In case they read they must know I am not going to write their names without permission.

1) On a super charged Highlanders and Dynamos match at B/F a Bosso, a fan from the Capital sat on the Soweto stand with the rest of die hard bosso fans. While Madinda was attacking he stood and was heard saying" Hampaa hampaa Mandindaa ". For the first time people around were suspicous of him. Again the same player was attacking and the man stood up and said" Shaya wenna Madindaa mani" and soon man was asked to leave the stand by the home fans.


2) In Sizinda two guys were moving goods atfer one of them had found a room to logde. Needless to say that the guys were from eastern side of Zimbabwe. As they were moving in they were talking," Bata kuside kwako iwe" . And the old lady whose hous ethey were moving into complained "Hawu Kanti ngopasi, mina angibafuni opasi lapha emzini wami hatshi, phumani phumani liphele"

3) In one Zimbabwe occasion here in the States one Shona guy was heard complaining" Look what the Ndebeles are doing! We Zimbabweans must not follow what the Ndebeles are doing he continued."

4) Last week students at Virginia Tech retuned to school, most will remember the infamous tragedy that claimed about 31 students last spring. Sad and regreatable incident, I pray for the safey of kids in schools and colleges. To hell with rage and madness In the school facilities. The sad incident exposed the Police. Have you ever seen the video of the police officer running soon after the alleged shootings. The officer is so overweight he can hardly walk yet he is trying to run. Check it next time. I pray for the families of victims and the safety of the school. God bless Virginia Tech.

Lizalala kuze kube nini?

Le inkulumo iphathelane lalowo ozwayo, hatshi ongcono ngoba ukzwa kukabili esintwini. Kulokuzwa endlebeni kubelokuzwa kokuthi umuntu ungcono, mhlawumbe kuhle ngikutshiye kunjalo ukuze umuntu azichazululele yena uqobo lwakhe. Aluba ngiloba lendatshana inhliziyo yami iyaphuphuma ikakhulu nxa ngikhangela isimo sabantu. Izizwe senkosi yohlanga sisebunyameni obukhulu mthwakazi. Kudingeka abantu abazaphaphama kusemasinyane. Liyazi lonke ukuthi kwelakithi e Zimbabwe ubuntu bethu beyisiswe kakhulu ngendlela ezinengi kuze kuyefika kuyo inhlalakahle yethu. Mzalwane omuhle sizakuba yinhlekisa kwezinye izizwe nxa singalala emini sichibe. thina kumele sihlale phansi sizindle inqgondo ngekusasa yabantu.

Okokuqala kufanele sivume ukuthi asilabakhokheli. Okwesibili yikuthi ngaphandle kobunengi bamaqembu ombangazwe lamaqembu okutshutshisa lamabandla enkolo kumele njengabantu sikhulume ngaphimbo linye. Isizatho ngisitsho njalo yikuthi inhlupho zethu ziyafana ngakho kumele zibe sobala kuHulumende ingabe nguphi obusayo. Kenengi ingozi ekhona yikuthi ngokukhetha abakhokholeli MPs kumbe amaCouncilors ku local govt sisuka sicabange ukuthi sesiqedile kukanti labo bantu bamele bamanyane above party politics. They must represant the region at large. Khonapho yikho esilahlekelwa khona kakhulu ngoba abantu bande ukulwela izihlalo kulokulwela uZulu bekulezo zihlalo. Injongo yethu kumele ibaluleke ukuze lowo ongena ewofisini ancintise ukuphelelisa izinto ezithile ezaziwayo.

Ukulwisana kwethu sibanga izikhundla akuzange kusilethele lutho kuze kube lamuhlanje. Political leaders must answer to the people first even though they belong to the Party of choice. Lawo angaPolitical parties must work hard to fullfil known obligation within the region or area. Divided we fall united we stand. Let us strive to paint a big picture here, where there is no clear vision people perish. Ngokubona kwami isigaba semaNdebeleni lendawo eziseduze zizakuba ngamaswing provinces. Parties have to earn the votes. For example M.P. J. Moyo is credited for improving for Tsholotsho regardless of party affiliation. The tip here is kumele kube labantu who even though bengekho emabandleni ezombabgazwe abazaqondisa umkhondlo lombono welizwe ngendlela ezinengi.

Cont Mhlanga is not a politician. Umsebenzi wesizwe omkhulu okokuthi ungezake umelele a few people. Or let me put it this way let,s have a pool or arena where our Political leadership will be chosen from. The question now is do we have any resources? Quite clearly resourses are scarce if you are looking at this from a distance. Umfula ugcaliswa yizifudlana. To be blunt most of you who will read this article are rich in many ways. Being in Uk, or South Africa or even United States where you are means you are 20 priviledged than an average person in Silobela. Most are not just working abroad but are highly educated with degrees on top of degrees and diplomas, masters and doctors of various discliplines. Inhlupho zethui azisizo zepolitics kuphela.

Abanye abachenjeri sebeyenze inhlanganiso zamanganga ezithi zincedisa abahluphekayo eZimbabwe. Benza njalo nje bona vele lekhaya bahlezi kuhle ngoba ilizwe ngelabo. Angitsho ukuthi lathi kumele senze njalo kodwa the writing is on the wall. Ngubani ozacabangela abakini eNsiza kumbe e Mayezane nxa wena ulokhu ulilalise inkophe. See the thing here is singacomplaner all day and night kodwa sifanele sifunde ukuzenzela sooner than later. Kumele siphitshekele ubuntu lesizwe sakithi. Ukusebenzisa indlela ezitsha of Communication and technology is one way to put us on the Map. Net working is essential in this time and edge. Singalala sizasala man or woman the sleeping giant has to wake up !

September is here!

Its amazing how fast time goes especially as the year nears the end. With only 3 months to go you know the festive season is close. See one thing funny about Christmas is that its either too far or too close. Perhaps this happens to us procastinators. Okay lets face it I am not the only one in that boat we are many! The problem with me and other people is that we are never prepared for Christmas even though we are given the same days of the year. Infact we are never prepared for anything at all. From a distance it would seem like I have personal problem yet this is a financial problem than anything else. I am also willing to speak for my friends, those who cannot speak for themselves, "the voiceless", that is why I am called the voice of the voiceless. See ever since I started working I have always have financial problems and that is not an excuse please! I have always been behind on rents and other bills save for a few months in my whole working life. I have never been given my sweat, worth.

My problems are not exclusive and I cannot really blame anybody. I know there are some who will reasons to blame. I am convinced that in my thirteen years of working life I have made enough money to be rich but I am still as poor as the first day I began working. This is because of two reasons; the word SAVE does not exist in my vocabulary. Secondly I am the kind of person who have always lives above my means. I do not do this deliberately but rather because I am expected to be at a certain standard by my friends and family. I go to great lengths trying to catch up to my piers and this has nothing to do with pier pressure yet in truth its a form of it. The side of town I live in, the clothes I wear, the car I drive, the list is endless. I am not suppose to admit that Iam not yet there, but rather I have to look like I am already there, this is not an extreme kind of pier pressure but any odinary and acceptable one.

Enough about my problems and back to the topic. I must apologies to my friends and relatives in advance because by the look of things I will not be able to get them Christmas presents this year again. Sorry folks its tough! I only wish you guys will stop buying me things because that adds misery to my Chistmas because I feel guilty when I receive them. Blessed is the hand that giveth than that which receives. September is a special month in my life because its like Genesis, its the beginning for me, the month of my birthday. It tends out also to be my father's birthday. He is turning sixty on the third while I will be thirty five by the end of the month. We are all grateful. He has been reminding me about his birhtday for over a year now. The old man wanted me to through a huge party for him, and I thought I was going to suprise him but I think you all know my problem now: no savings. Sorry dad I love you though, you are my hero, but I am in debt right now. The debt collectors are chasing me and some have taken me to court.

My son is will be five months on the day my dad's grand day. I remember the good old days when me and my few of my friends, Lifa, Nickson , Walter, Daniel and Witness used to celebrate our birthday jointly. We all share the same day or for some its a day apart. We would gather our friends and make a huge party eat, drink and dance. Food was not scarce in those days in Zimbabwe. All my friends are now married and I know its a blessing to be married butI am sure they miss those old times. Pretty sure most of them have at list two kids each, me I just got married and only have one little boy. Times have changed. Life in Zimbabwe is tough and friends are now scattered. We only communicate through email for those who have access. Madoda happy birthday in davance, problem now isikhwama sesihlala kumama, I am always broke even on a payday.

Abasuke labo opasi ababulala imiduli ye New York nge ntege ngoba basonisela I iviki lethu lokuzalwa mhla zilitshumi lanye. Bacitha igazi elingelacala. I will continue may we all take our annual stock to see if we are ready for Christmas ngoba isifikile. Long live dad, we wish many more years.

Pray for the Sibanda family!

I would like to begin by sending my condolences to the Sibanda family on the loss of mother this past week. Mrs Sibanda who is Mduduzi's mum lost the battle to cancer while visiting here in New York city. Mdu is an Indianapolis resident who got married almost a year ago here to lovely Corin. It is believed that the late Mrs Sibanda will be buried in New York city today bon the 30 August.The Sibanda are origially from Gwabalanda, Fusi area in Bulawayo. Anyone wishing to talk to them can call 718-217-7259. Our prayers and thoughts are with the Sibanda family.

Typo!

On the last paragraph on yestday,s article a sentence was suppose to sound this way, The Zimbabwean opposition political parties who are fighting a regime that has more than 200 years of political expirience among themselves, are not in a better position right now.

Moving the hand of God!

This is a follow up from the previous article ,"Calling on the name of the Lord". i gave an example of the government of our Lord; s day and the Government of the Lord himself. Two kinds of "governments" in their own rights. The prophet Isaiah made it clear that Jesus was to be a governor and his "rule shall be to no end". Point here is as much as we have a spiritual government we also have an earthly one. 'Ceasers". This is no way to undermine any spiritual warefare or understanding, hence the Bible says with" God all things are possible." Luke 1 v 36.

Human kind being a little bit clever and craft we tend to bypass the policies of the two so that we benefit in a way, Hence our lord Jesus told them to honor the local govt and also the spiritual one. They wanted him to disrespect the Roman govt in the name of God. He said declined. Most of the times we do things like that to benefit or to twist the hand of God or at least try. For example in case of great tragedy we tend to ask, "Where was God? By no means do I intend to limit the power of the Almighty. But we all know bad things have happened before both to the God and the bad. The measure of the calamity does not show the extent of ungodliness even though it may. I mean its not always a calibration scale for ones closeness to God. I might be wrong here but life, expirience and even the bible itself has proven it." Job."

The essence of the matter is that we proggramme God to our situations or circumstances. If things are going well, "God is on my side" If the weather is good good is on our side if it tends otherwise, "no he left us" After the infamous 911 incident here in the States People were questioning, "Where was God? No disrespect I was among them, but tragedies happens daily and we the righteous think its for the evil ones. Yes God protect us but for me I donot know the criterial he uses. I speak as a human being. God is above , his ways are not my ways neither are his thoughts or judgements. He answers to none other than himself. No one must miss understand me, I do have a personal relation ship with the Lord, and I am speaking about collective, general and non personal terms. For example nations. Some think God is more closer to them than others. For example most Americans think God is either American or closer to America.

The question here would be, "Can we move the hand of God? The answer would be Yes and No. He can allow us to move him. When he allows us to move him to change situations through either prayer or praise its still up to him and Amen. But we cannot change him on our own as man either through any of the above. He is God regardless of cicurmstances.

Calling on the name of the Lord!

In many scriptures and verses the Bible talks about "Calling on the name of the lord" The last verse on the second chapter of Joel the bible says shall be serve, For whosover shall call on the name of the lord. This is part of the long verse. Theologians from many instituions around the world do not agree on certain meanings and sayings of the Holy scriptures. They base they arguments on Language, pantuation, time and many other aspects of knowledge and understanding. In some cases they can agree on a topic or scripture and then differ in operation and practice. Some of this could even be the culture and traditional differences as well as beliefs. The reason why I am in pain trying to outline my perspective is because it is dangerous to assume that one own knowledge is the right one when it comes to the scriptures, hence the number of churches and religions.

Having said that I am of the opinon that The God of the Universe, The Almighty, The Supreme being, The Power that be, The Creator of human kind, The Master, The father of All Spirits. I could go on and on but its really difficult to talk of God in human words. God is a Spirit and resides above matter, form or shape, has no beginning nor end. Is the First and Last. The Great Being. In My language which also fall short like in terms of vocabulary we call him uNKULUNKULU which when translated means The One Above All Else. And also some would use uMVELINQABI which means THE ONE WHO WAS THERE BEFORE ANYTHING. Having language limitations I should have asked for help from others who are experts in both language and culture.

It seems to me that through out the scripture or history the relation between God and man has always been a unique one. According to the bible '' God made man for himself ''. In our African culture the concept of serving God is not knew, even though its been done in a different ways. I would not want to generalise the ways in African people serve or have always served their God. Him being a Spirit his charactor and qualities remains a mystery to us of flesh and blood. His ways are not our ways the bible say in Isaiah and neither are His thoughts. It seems that God has a way of hiding himself, and in the same way also can choose to reveal himself at his given time and place. This he can do to people of his choice in many forms and times.


The writer of Hebrews could not have said it better when he said God who in times past has revealed himself to our forefathers in many ways and different times has chosen to reveal himself through his son who he has appointed heir to all things .Then John refusing to be outdone says something like without him not one thing was made. Going on to say he is the first born of the living and the dead. Apostle Paul would say he is the" express image of his glory upholding all things by the power of his mighty." Time will not allow me to tracy Jesus from the beginning. This reminds me of the time when I used to preach back in the 90s. I do not preach much here because of working schedules. Through tradition, religion , culture, education and science we see and respond to God in many ways.

Given this background it is interesting to note what happens when we, "Call on the name of the lord" We all wish God was in our religion and l do not even know if GOD has a religion. This is not to suggest that God gets confused by our needs but rather our attitudes. There is a tedency for people to create a 'god 'in their minds and religion.This type of god can have his hand twisted to fit their cicurmstances. After all God uderstands us anywhere . It seems to me that sometimes we as people expect us to do things that God has given us power to do. Read Gen the first chapters again to see what I mean. There is a danger to which we can expect spiritual things to fullfil natural needs even though I know that the spiritual was first

One time when me and my grandfather [he is now late} were driving along a certain mountain Fambeki is the name of the mount, those who have been around this area know that there are people praying 24/7. Day and night. What my grandfather said to me that day stuck with me to this day. I would not have expected him to say that being a christian and a renowned preacher. he said bluntly, "Do you know that religion is the most dangerous thing? For a moment I was quiet and he continued , ''Instead of these people working they spend all the time praying.'' He was talking about balancing prayer and work time. I knew he would have been the last person to mock prayerfull related events. Our Lord Jesus put in this way render the things that belong to Ceaser to Ceaser and God,s to God.

I will continue tommorrow.