A LETTER FROM A ZIMBABWE FARMER

Dear all,

This email goes to our Christian brothers and sisters.

Last night we were warned that there are trucks on their way from a place called Murewa north of where we live. The trucks apparently are carrying armed men (not sure if with firearms or with sticks etc.) whose apparent aim it is to take the land through which they travel by force. Unfortunately the degree of lawlessness in this country is increasing. It often is not just a matter of taking land but beating any perceived "opposition" they might run into as well.

Please remember us in your prayers. I remember how the prayers of millions of South Africans were honoured by God during that first election in SA which looked headed for war. Pray too for us that if it is God's will to allow this anarchy that in all circumstances we will praise him and grlorify him with our actions. Please pray for wisdom for us to know what to do in the face of some difficult decisions and situations.

For a number of reasons I have decided to stay on at the house until I get some more solid info. regarding this latest threat. Juliet and our two year old niece that we were baby sitting have gone to her parents farm for now, which for the moment appears safer than here. Most folks in the area have houses in Harare where they have evacuated to.

Have just heard that farmers are missing from our area, one confirmed shot dead, so I am also evacuating now.

Regards

Andy and Juliet

Chapter 2!

I tried to send the above mesage just before leaving but could not get a clean enough phone line. I was only one of a handfull of people who stayed that night - everyone in the district having evacuated. Many moved back into the area yesterday although none of my neighbours have yet. I will team up with one of my neighbours and stay with him on Wednesday night. I am sure it is safe to stay tonight but it will be more convenient for all on Wednesday.

Where I have been staying (in-laws farm) things are not good. The labour of the surrounding farms are being very badly beaten (broken bones, raped etc.) by a gang of 200-300 "war vets" (Zanu youth actually). They are moving from farm to farm and it is only a matter of time before they get to us. They are sorting the MDC (opposition party) places first - especially the foremen and drivers and anyone else who has authority. Last night they burnt the shed of a neighbouring farmer which contained his entire tobacco crop (worth millions) but fortunately did not burn his house.

We lost a lot of money closing the farm for the week and not sending flowers to Holland but at least we did not get burnt out. We are trying to pick up the pieces today and have debudded approximately 60 000 roses that should have been sent to Holland! They have made a beautiful compost heap that smells like a perfume store.

On that note I must get back to work - I have a difficult situation to manage now but am just pleased to be back at work. Last week was the only time that I have not slept at Funwell since arriving in August - apart from Christmas eve which was spent in hospital after Juliet fell off her bicycle and was badly concussed. Until last week I had started the labour off every day at 6:00 am -they are like my family in a way and I am just so grateful that they have not been beaten.

There are many miracles that have occurred over the last week which we praise God for and which I hope to be able to pass on to you some time. We serve a mighty God.

Please pray for us, for all the farmers, for our workers, for the people of this country and lastly for the goverment (and especially for some power crazed maniacs in it).

God bless.

Andy and Juliet