“When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?”
— Psalm 11:3

My family and I arrived in Zimbabwe in 1987 and immediately fell in love with the country and her people. Only seven years earlier, it had overcome decades of colonialism and the daily language was full of hope, reconciliation and peace. People were generally optimistic and worked hard in the belief that they could improve their lives. There was openness to the gospel, and a growing percentage of the population were becoming followers of Jesus. It was a good time to be a Zimbabwean.

Over the next ten years, the nation progressed and people enjoyed increased prosperity and opportunity. Crime was minimal and we moved freely around the capital city of Harare and throughout the country. We enjoyed growth in our church, The Upper Room Fellowship, and witnessed hundreds of young people come to Jesus. By the mid ’90s, Zimbabwe had a vibrant, diversified economy. It occupied a leadership role on the continent and was a model of what Africa could become. We watched the people in our church enjoy the shalom of God.

Today, Zimbabwe is in deep crisis. In a time of peace, no other country has had their economy decline so precipitously in such a short period. The human cost of this economic decline has been high. Here are some realities of life in Zimbabwe today:
In February of this year, the Zimbabwe dollar, already revalued by 10 zeros six months previously, was slashed again by 12 zeros. Overnight one trillion Zimbabwe dollars became one Zimbabwe dollar.

• One year ago, inflation crested the one million per cent level, and by the end of June 2008 had passed 10 million per cent. Although Zimbabwe was once an exporter of food, today they are dependent on imports and face critical food shortages.
• Eighty per cent of the population now lives beneath the poverty line.
• The unemployment rate is over 80 per cent.
• Manufacturing has shrunk by over 50 per cent, and foreign direct investment has evaporated.
• A quarter of the population has fled the country, and over 4,000 people died in the recent cholera epidemic because access to clean water and simple health care is no longer available.

How did this happen?

First, there was a failure to find a collaborative and constructive reform of land ownership. Land was not distributed fairly, even though there was enough for everyone. The age-old problem of human greed destroyed the agricultural sector, the backbone of the economy.

Second, tourism declined because of the negative image of violence and unrest. The situation was greatly exaggerated, but image and public relations are important. Tourists avoided Zimbabwe, and the resulting decline in foreign currency revenue was devastating.

Third, in order to assuage war veterans who fought for independence, the government paid out a huge compensation package. Unfortunately, thousands of people—many in high places—used the opportunity to enrich themselves at the expense of the nation. This led to a spiralling devaluation of the Zimbabwe dollar. Earlier this year, it failed completely. The US dollar is now the currency used in daily life and business.

Finally, uncontrolled inflation has led to the collapse of the economy. Instead of attacking these problems, the leader blamed other countries, particularly in the West. This led to further isolation and the loss of international aid and support. Zimbabwe became an island in a world where no nation can make it alone.
So what, if anything, can we do?

First, we must pray. People in Zimbabwe need to be delivered from the daily reality of starvation, AIDS, violence and despair. Most families are fortunate to eat once a day. Many are followers of Jesus. When God’s people cry out in despair, God hears.

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