May 2022

“That I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” Phil. 1:20-21

Exalted by Death – Pastor Albert Mudenda

To say that we live in a dangerous world is an understatement.  I am here in Zimbabwe and was just starting to write our Hands of Hope May Newsletter when I received this text from Garikai our HOH National Project Director.

“Pastor Albert Mudenda of our Siyachilaba Transformation Center passed away. He was murdered by robbers and his body was thrown in a dry deep well. A dark cloud is hanging over the Mudenda family, Assembly of God church and the rest of the church community. We at Hands of Hope are deeply grieved by the loss of our partner and friend.” I do not have any other details as he pastored in a remote village area.  Some of the young people just arrived from his area after riding all last night in a bus.  In four hours, we will begin our “Youth Leaders Camp” for 200 young people from our 25 churches.  Obviously, it will begin on a sad note.

I have known pastor Albert for many years as he never missed our annual Hands of Hope pastors and wives conference.  He was so joyful and hungry to grow.  He, just like the young people from his church, would ride all night in a bus along with the 8 other pastors from his area.

Ado

This is the team that will carry on ministering to the 50 children that receive a meal a day at our Transformational Center where Albert pastored.  The young man on the far right is Ado as he is at our camp because he is part of our year-long Agricultural Skills Training Project.  He and four other young men from our projects are learning how to farm.  I had an opportunity to chat with him the day before yesterday.  The other young people that are here from Albert’s church of course are in shock!

Today is the last day of our camp and I am getting ready to speak at our service. We have invited Green Valley Church to join us. We will probably have around 300 plus. I wish you were here with me to see the potential in these passionate young people. The theme of our conference was “Running to Win” from 1 Cor. 9. I am so humbled at this opportunity as well as humbled by your sacrificial partnership. Thanks for making this camp a reality!

Running for Jesus’ sake,
Glen and Patty