Worldwide Prayer Meeting

Nov 27, 2024 | by Lt. Colonel Allen Satterlee

Worldwide Prayer Meeting

Zimbabwe & Botswana Territory

with Madagascar

Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before Him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is He who made us, and we are His;
we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving
and His courts with praise;
give thanks to Him and praise His name.
For the Lord is good and His love endures forever;
His faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100

Prayer

Dear God, Thank you for Your amazing power and work in our lives, thank You for Your goodness and for Your blessings over us. Thank you that You are able to bring hope through even the toughest of times, strengthening us for Your purposes. Thank You for Your great love and care. Thank You for Your mercy and grace. Thank You that You are always with us and will never leave us. Thank You for Your incredible sacrifice so that we might have freedom and life. Forgive us for when we don't thank You enough, for who You are, for all that You do, for all that You've given. Help us to set our eyes and our hearts on You afresh. Renew our spirits, fill us with Your peace and joy. We love You and we need You, this day and every day. We give You praise and thanks, for You alone are worthy! In Jesus' Name, Amen. (Prayer by Debbie McDaniel)

Background of the

Zimbabwe & Botswana Territory

Zimbabwe: Originally known as Rhodesia, the country achieved its independence from Britain in 1980 after an intense guerilla war, renaming itself at that time Zimbabwe. That ended the control of the white minority government that had suppressed the majority black African population.

Unfortunately, the new government was a one party state whose economic policies plunged the country into chaos almost immediately. The once prospering agricultural state had to start importing food to feed its population, the monetary system collapsed from runaway inflation, the health and educational system failed and large numbers of the population fled to neighboring countries seeking safety and work.

A measure of stability was gained in 2008 was gained when a two-party government was instituted but widespread corruption continued. Meanwhile, the AIDS crisis gripped Zimbabwe, but through strong government action, this has improved markedly.

There is slow improvement in Zimbabwe, but it is still a long road ahead for it to reach the level of stability needed for its citizens. In its favor, it has vast resources for agriculture and minerals that it can build upon.

There is freedom of religion in Zimbabwe, with a booming Christianity offsetting the bleak picture presented by the government. Much of the social work, health and educational services and other positive work done for Zimbabweans is done through the agencies of Christian ministries, including The Salvation Army.

Botswana: Botswana presents almost totally opposite picture from Zimbabwe. Also, a former British colony, it achieved its independence from Britain in 1966, and has enjoyed a stable, corruption-free democracy ever since. Its economy is based on the export of diamonds, copper, nickel, gold and beef. Tourism is a growing and important part of its economy as well. AIDS has been a problem and while at one time it swept through the country, strong efforts by the government has resulted in effectively fighting it effectively and efficiently.

There is freedom of religion and although Christianity has been present for a very long time, traditional African beliefs continue to have a strong hold here. Most of the growth among Christian believers has been among the Charismatic churches and African Initiated Churches. The latter can vary from those that have solid biblical beliefs to those that blend traditional African beliefs with Christian practices.

Madagascar: A large island off the east coast of Africa, Madagascar was an independent kingdom for many years until it was annexed by France in 1896. It gained its independence in 1960, and after a failed attempt at a Marxist government, became a democracy. This has had mixed results but has finally resulted in a stable government.

Once with a rich economy based on agriculture, fishing and forestry, slash-and-burn farming has destroyed the forest and caused serious erosion. Lack of clean water and constant food shortages plague most of the population. It is now one of the world’s poorest nations although the economy has shown steady and long-term improvement.

There is freedom of religion in Madagascar and although the majority of the population claim Christianity, traditional African folk religion still has a strong hold on a large number of people. Also, among believers, many are influenced by old beliefs, veneration of ancestor spirits and witchcraft. However, there have been sweeping revivals that have breathed life into the Protestant churches and there is growth that is promising for the future.

The Salvation Army: A pioneer party led by Major and Mrs. Pascoe set out from Kimberley, South Africa on May 5, 1891, in a wagon drawn by 18 oxen, arriving in Fort Salisbury, Rhodesia, on November 18. It became a separate territory on May 1, 1931. Rhodesia became known as Zimbabwe in 1980. The Salvation Army was officially recognized in Botswana in 1997. In 2015, the growing work in Madagascar was placed under the care of the Zimbabwe Territory and was officially inaugurated on October 28, 2016. On April 1, 2017, the territory was renamed the Zimbabwe and Botswana Territory.

Facts, Stats and Leadership of

the Zimbabwe & Botswana Territory

Statistics

The Largest Territory in the World by Membership

• Total population with which to fish and disciple: 51,120,468
• 555 officers, 14 envoys, 32 cadets, 1,298 employees
• 129 retired officers
• 461 corps, 581 outposts
• 140,778 senior soldiers
• 5,894 adherents
• 18,500 junior soldiers

Leadership

Commissioner Daniel Kasuso - Territorial Commander

Commissioner Tracey Kasuso - Territorial President of Women's Ministries

Colonel Tineyi Mambo - Chief Secretary

Colonel Rumbidzayi Mambo - Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries

Prayer Requests of the

Zimbabwe & Botswana Territory

Prayer requests:

• We thank God for the successful Territorial Self Denial Ingathering, Welcome of the new territorial leaders, Territorial Home League Rally, Ordination and Commissioning of the Defenders of Justice session and many other events

• Pray for the territorial leaders as they are going around the territory for familiarization program

• Pray for stability of the territory on financial matters

• Pray for the new commissioned officers, the cadets and those who received marching orders

• Pray for the work that will take place following the visit and reviews of the International Secretary for Africa in November.

• Pray for God's intervention as Zimbabwe is facing severe drought and hunger.

• Botswana District – please continue praying for officers to get work permits.

• Madagascar - pray for Captains Panganai to get work permits and for the Church to continue growing.

USA Southern Territory

Prayer Requests

• The family of Mr. Earl Mott, father of Major Ronald Mott, who was recently Promoted to Glory
• Major Kwanghee Chang, Correctional Ministries Secretary, Social Services
• Southern Spirit
• Lydia Chaplin, Resources Development Support Services Coordinator, Community Relations and Development
• Bobbi Geery, Disaster Operations & Deployment Manager, Emergency Disaster Services
• Angel Steadman, Territorial Training & Evaluation Coordinator, Social Services
• Lt. Cristina Tilley, Director of Family Life Center, Evangeline Booth College
• Cadet Sarah Andress
• Captain Elyse Doborwicz, Divisional Candidates’ Secretary
• Commissioner Jolene Hodder, National Program Secretary, NHQ
• Lt. Colonels Allan & Fiona Hofer, officers, soldiers, employees, and volunteers of the Potomac Division
• Volunteers
• Latrice Mapp wants to thank God for a lovely day

Something to Consider

          When we served overseas, we found that few American customs were more fascinating to the people we served than the American Thanksgiving. From movies and television, they could tell this was a festive occasion with a lot going on. But they were especially intrigued by our food. As one asked me, “What’s that huge chicken you eat?” The most puzzling of our culinary delights was pumpkin pie. Elsewhere in the world, pumpkin is served as a vegetable, a side dish. Most people outside North America cannot picture pumpkin as a dessert.

            In each place, we shared Thanksgiving by inviting people into our home to join us. We could find turkeys in each country because there were enough Americans and people who had lived in America to create a local demand, albeit the prices were very steep. For example, a twelve-pound bird in Singapore cost the equivalent of US$75 twenty years ago. Cranberry sauce, dressing and gravy were similarly priced. We wanted our friends to have a true taste of our tradition. We swallowed hard and bought the necessary food anyway.

            Those who sat around our table were so pleased to hear about the Pilgrims and Native Americans, of our customs and all that went with this national day set aside to thank God for His blessings. They were intrigued by the food selections and most of the time, though with trepidation, they were willing to try the pumpkin pie. While we sorely missed our family back home on this most family-oriented day, we cherish the memory of those family of God members who shared our Thanksgiving meal where flew another nation’s flags. And now we very much miss them.

            Thanksgiving is more of an attitude than a day. It is meant to be noisy, a little bit chaotic but mostly a joyful time sharing together. Like we found, if your dear ones are not near there are those who will share a table with you and for whom you can be thankful. Because it really is an attitude. Always an attitude.

Benediction

Go into the world showing a gentle attitude toward everyone.

Be joyful and thankful!

Fill your mind with those things that are good and deserve praise:

things true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable.

Put into practice

what you have heard here.

And may the God who gives peace be with each of you. Amen.