A love still burning brightly

Retired Elim missionary Bobbie Tinnion fell in love with Zimbabwe more than 50 years ago. She explains how visiting the country still excites her.

Dr David Livingstone was dedicated to Africa – its heat and fevers, its people and their future. There could be no going back on Africa. He had married Africa in March 1841 when he first set foot on its soil, and there could be no divorce.

I relate so very much to that as I was married to Zimbabwe when I first set foot on its soil in February 1970. I had been working in Malawi and sensed God was calling me to Zimbabwe. Months there in 1970 were spent exploring possible options where I could best serve God and the people of Zimbabwe.

God’s ways are much higher than our ways and I had to wait 15 years before returning to serve God in Zimbabwe. The waiting was not a sterile experience – I had the privilege of serving God in other African nations as well as Hong Kong.

During this period I often asked God, “How long must I wait until I return to Zimbabwe?” I am sure some readers will identify with this… how long?

Perfect timing

Eventually, in 1985, I travelled to Katerere, Zimbabwe, and yet again God’s timing was perfect.

Living and working in Katerere, wonderful lasting friendships were formed.

Many of my best friends live in Zimbabwe – they too are now in their 70s and 80s – and when the opportunity arose for me to join Pastor Roy Johnston on a short mission trip to Zimbabwe, I jumped at it.

… story continues