Greetings from the End of the World

In less than a week, four friends and I will depart for Zimbabwe in Southern Africa. Apart from my home, this once glorious nation is my favorite place on Earth. After twenty years of decline and decay, the nation once known as Rhodesia is far from paradise. In fact, you'd swear that the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse own a stable here. In spite of everything, the people of Zimbabwe remain noble and inspiring.

Our team will spend our first three days purchasing bulk food supplies with funds provided by our church. Everything must be purchased across the border in neighboring nations. Then we will figure out an equitable way to get these vast quantities of meal, cooking oil, and medicines into the hands of desperate communities. We hope to find some small flocks of goats to provide for the future of at least a couple of villages. It's almost overwhelming to imagine an effort like this when an entire nation is waiting at Death's Door.

Here in the States, the Stock Market is plunging and home prices are descending. The vacant looks and vague assurances from nearly all our political leaders have left us anxious about the future. But there's no anxiety about the future in Victoria Falls: it has arrived, bitter and undiluted.

My friends Rabson and Gainmore called me this afternoon. They are eager for the team to arrive. They didn't complain, but simply answered our questions. The shops are empty and there is no food to be found in country. There are no medical supplies, even at hospitals. Just across the borders of Botswana and Zambia, the food and supplies are stacked on the shelves in great abundance. But gasolene is nearly impossible to find; crossing the border is difficult; and Zim dollars are worthless. ($50 billion will almost buy a loaf of bread in country!)

Gainmore laughed as she spoke of their six month old son. He is growing and doing well. They asked about my own grand daughter who is three months old. I described her features. They laughed again,insisting I must bring lots of photographs. I inquired about what medicines I should bring. Rabson mentioned a variety of illnesses their friends and relatives are enduring. "Whatever you bring will be very fine." The greatest natural resource in Vic Falls is Hope.

There is no food or medicine at the End of the World. Disease and death are rampant. Money is worthless. Fields are empty. Government is broken. But people still find joy and fulfillment in the miracle of family. Friends are a treasure, rare and wonderful. And faith is precious, a lifeline to the God who holds the future in His hand. Greetings from the End of the Earth.