3-30pm
For those who lived in Zimbabwe prior to 1979, we knew the country as Rhodesia. After Abel Muzorewa became Prime Minister, for 6 months, it was Zimbabwe Rhodesia. Robert Mugabe dropped the Rhodesia. I arrived in South Africa at the end of 1982, long enough ago to consider myself a bit of a mix – my young Rhodesian upbringing is part of me. South Africa has been very good to me. And I am influenced in no small way by my parents British heritage.
The stories of Rhodesia have been captured in many books and articles, but as time passes, these seem to becoming less noticeable. I scanned my bookshelf mainly looking for a copy of Errol Wesson’s ‘God in Zimbabwe Rhodesia’, but alas, I could not find it. I did find, however, two other books which may be of interest to those of you with a Rhodesian past. The first is this one…
Within its pages lies both amazing stories that can be none other than miraculous as well information regarding the circumstances and troops at the time…such as the infamous Selous Scouts…
Some of the events are unusual, leaving the reader to ponder what was going on in the spiritual world…remember this is Africa. Christmas day is usually hot and sunny. Cold winds don’t blow in December….
The second book was one of a series of undated publications that must have come out in the later months of 1979. I only have Volume 6…
Published in newsprint and more politically correct, it details events subsequent to the dreadful war, outlining plans to rebuild the country. It’s very nostalgic reading. I looked online and couldn’t find a copy, but Julian, my brilliant, expert, book brother, will be able to say if it is available anywhere in the world! www.chapter1.co.za
There are lots of stories to be told. I thought I would put a few of them on the blog every Tuesday for a few weeks. So today is the first. After I blogged on the Viscount Disasters, I received an email from Bruce Torrance. He has vivid memories of the time and happily agreed to allow me to use it on my blog. Here’s what he wrote:-
“I recently read your printed out blog on those two Air Rhodesia viscounts that were shot down. This brought back some memories I would like to share with you relating to the second viscount. My wife Gaynor and I were married on Saturday 3rd February 1979 at Avondale Anglican church, and our reception was held at Old Hararians Sports Club in Milton Park, Salisbury. We had quite a rowdy element in the family and to throw them off the track, we hinted that we were heading westwards for our honeymoon. We stayed at the Jamieson Hotel and in fact went eastwards thereafter for the remainder of our honeymoon. We had much earlier decided not to go to the Victoria Falls – I believe this was God’s grace, as He knows the end from the beginning, and what lies ahead for us. We caught a minibus shuttle, government sponsored to encourage tourists at that time, and I briefed Gaynor that in the event of an ambush, she was to duck down smartly to the floor. We arrived at Troutbeck Inn, and that was great, pine cone fire at the reception / lounge area, big welcome etc. Lots to look forward to, beautiful scenery, lake, tennis and golf. Early the next morning, there was a knock at the door, with one of the managers there apologizing profusely, but `Would we mind making our own beds from here on as the terrorists had come during the night and quietly abducted the staff?’ I know there was an immediate follow-up operation by the Rhodesian security forces, but how many were rescued or managed to escape being dragged off for ter training, I do not know. We did have an excellent honeymoon with personal attention from the managers.
We returned, and within a day or so, that second viscount was brought down with more loss of life and survivors being gunned down. Some family members had wondered if that had been our lot, were we on that plane? We were back safe and sound, but not so the Old Hararians manager where we had had our reception. That was the kiwi Mr. Boyd, who had brought out his family from New Zealand to see the country, and who all perished on that return flight. If one lesson comes out of this, it’s this: none of us know our time, but it is vital that we come to know the Lord and walk with Him, for `now is the day of salvation.’
The second part is a testimony of hope. About 1982/3, during the Matabeleland dissident uprisings and not too long after Zanu-PF came to power in April 1980, our 2i/c pastor at Faith Fellowship took a group of us home group leaders early one Sunday morning down to Nkai, in the middle of the dissident area. He gave the sermon at this all black fellowship, as their lead elder was ministering elsewhere. Afterwards, their 2 i/c pastor invited us back to his home, where his wife had cooked up a huge western style meal for us, including a glass of Mazoe orange juice. I knew their income must be absolute peanuts, and they must have spent much of it in giving us this slap up meal, really honouring us and showing great hospitality. We sat in their incredibly small lounge, knees almost touching, filling our faces and enjoying the meal and company. Knowing that the four white guys of the five of us from Harare almost certainly had been serving in the Rhodesian security forces, our host calmly announced, `By the way, I’m an ex Zipra guerilla!’ ( Joshua Nkomo’s military wing – Ndebele. ) I marvelled! With my mouth full, I had to digest what I had just heard. Here was an ex ter who had obviously come to know the Lord, was on fire for Him, when just a few years earlier, on mutual sight, we would’ve opened fire at each other! Here he was living out Rom. 12:9-21. Truly, the walls come down in Christ and there is reconciliation. He was now a brother in Christ, and no longer a mortal enemy. This man was evangelizing in the surrounding kraals, while dodging a hostile Zimbabwean National army, made up primarily of Zanu PF ex cadres, Robert Mugabe’s men. In Christ there is hope – He is in the business of doing what we cannot achieve by ourselves, that is, changing the hearts of men! Godly change is possible, but it begins with intercession, standing in the gap, just as many stood in the gap praying for my salvation. There is hope!”
~ ENDS~
Thanks so much, Bruce. If anyone else has stories to tell, email them along to helgasdailyblog@gmail.com.
Beth Moore in her Breaking Free series says 5 words that have impacted me the most. I have quoted them and noted them many times already.
GOD IS OUR ONLY GUARANTEE.
Psalm 62:5 ~ New Living Translation
Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him.
Keep the smile going!
God bless you!
In His Grip,
Helga xx 🙂
Gratitude Pic.. misty morning in Cape Town…with VERY low tide at Fish Hoek…
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