ZVSF Year End Report Continued
In short the extreme poverty of most Zimbabweans continues and, with it, their sense of hopelessness under an unrelenting tyranny. To make matters worse those responsible for turning the presidential election of 2008 into what has been called an example of “smart genocide” are now planning another election in 2011. The perpetrators of that terrible violence are already mobilizing again, and consequently a pall of fear hangs over the whole country. Zimbabwe is like a country under a tsunami alert, its people unable to do anything to avert the danger unless and until the international community comes to the rescue.
In the short time I was there I saw extreme hunger and degrading poverty both in and around Bulawayo and deep into the rural areas. I felt the rising level of fear and sensed the resigned hopelessness of so many. In fact only one thing saved me from leaving the country in a state of despair myself – and that was the steady, persevering hard-slogging efforts of those few working against all the odds to relieve the suffering of the poorest and most vulnerable. Their heroic efforts and, behind them, the fervent prayers of those praying night and day for the dawn of God’s new day in that troubled land.
They have not failed a people in desperate need, and we must not fail them.
Graham
Consultation with Donors
We are so very grateful to those of our supporters, 70 in number, who took the time and trouble to respond to the questions raised in the consultation document that was issued along with our six-monthly report in June.
To summarize very briefly:
(1) The most common reasons cited for the decline in our income were the recession in this country and lack of media coverage of the continuing crisis in
(2) More of you are of the view that we should apply for charitable status than those against, though some are still to be persuaded of the overall advantage against the costs in time and energy.
(3) None suggested that our work is no longer needed or that we should now disengage. Rather the overwhelming consensus was that we should press on, using whatever resources we are given for the task.
(4) Again nearly all are agreed that the
Your careful responses have provided many helpful insights and practical suggestions which must be considered further. And once again you, our faithful supporters, have demonstrated your will to engage with us in meeting the challenges ahead, for which we are deeply grateful.
Graham
SITUATION VACANT
Urgently needed someone possessing the necessary computer skills to set up and maintain a website for the Fund. This will assist in responding to point (4) of the Consultation with Donors recommendation.
