Postcards and a Day of Prayer for Zimbabwe

"…we are instructed to pray with "holy hands, free from dissension and wrath."

EDITOR'S NOTE: It's not exactly "fun" to be convicted by the Holy Spirit—and worse to be led to share it with over 50,000 readers—but I always welcome His hand of correction, because I would never want Him to leave me alone. As I was reading about Ron Hauenstein's burden of prayer for Zimbabwe, and especially how that was inspired; I was very convicted about my own direction of prayer over the Presidential election here in America. Opinions and feelings regarding this national contest have run so strong and deep on both sides of the political arena, that I've found myself allowing that to creep into the way I pray and speak about it. So, because I know God loves both Presidential candidates and their running mates; I know He would have me pray with His love for all of them. And, no matter who wins in November, we must continue to pray on their behalf—just like in Zimbabwe. Let's take a moment to mark the Day of Prayer for this wonderful African nation on our calendars, and send those postcards! -Aimee Herd, BCN.

Inspired by Ed Silvoso's experience and book, Transformation—Change the Marketplace and You Change the World, Ron Hauenstein began a movement of prayer and transformation for the area of the world on his heart; Zimbabwe.

Hauenstein, a resident of Spokane, Washington, had felt drawn to pray for the African nation, but now he was moved to bring action alongside that prayer.

A statement on his website, PrayForZimbabwe.com, explains how he arrived at the Day of Prayer for Zimbabwe, and the act of sending postcards of God's love to President Robert Mugabe…. (Photo: Wikipedia)

In his book "Transformation: Change the Marketplace and You Change the World," Ed Silvoso relates his experience in 2000 of meeting with about 3,000 pastors in the Philippines shortly after the election of President Estrada, who defeated a born-again Christian candidate strongly supported by the pastors. Due to overt hostility expressed by some pastors toward the new president, Ed sensed the Holy Spirit leading to teach from 1 Tim 2:1-10, particularly verse 8, where we are instructed to pray with "holy hands, free from dissension and wrath."

He asked the pastors to repent and then write a letter of apology to President Estrada, and also promise to pray for him. A representative of his government appeared before the pastors the next day with a message from the president. She expressed thanks from the president and then said, "The president would like for you to pray for protection against the forces of evil that are buffeting the nation, because he is powerless against them without your help." Within a month, Pres. Estrada became a Believer.

As Ron Hauenstein, a resident of Spokane, Washington, read this story, his mind was continually drawn to Zimbabwe, where missionary friends face the most extraordinary challenges in serving the Lord. He was convicted that he had prayed about President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe with unholy hands. He repented and then asked the Lord, "What would you have me do with this?" The answer was to "do likewise" for President Mugabe.

The Lord has guided Mr. Hauenstein to craft this "Holy Hands" plan for Zimbabwe:

1) Share God's Love for President Mugabe by Writing to him
Why write? Although God can supernaturally transmit our prayers to their intended target, the experience in the Philippines was a tangible demonstration of love by God's messengers here on earth. If President Mugabe's mailbox is flooded with thousands or tens of thousands of postcards and letters, it is hard to imagine he will not be affected. He will have physical proof in his hands that people around the world cared enough to write to him in love, not to express hate or judgment.

Through email and the Internet, we can encourage and organize the worldwide body of Christ to write to Pres. Mugabe. The message, quite simply, needs to be nothing more than "God loves you, and I am praying for you."

This task is assigned to you. This Web page and the Holy Hands for President Mugabe project is the work of one man. There is no national committee or organization, no worldwide network. It must be born now through the creative genius God has given you!

2) Worldwide Day of Prayer for Zimbabwe and President Mugabe October 18, 2008
Please prayerfully consider setting aside time on Oct. 18 to pray for the people of Zimbabwe and their President Robert Mugabe.

Back to 1 Tim 2:1-2 - "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." (NKJV)

What does God promise when we pray for those in authority? "A quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence."

Organize your friends, your small group, and your church to band together in prayer for Zimbabwe October 18, so that a quiet, godly peace may come upon that land!

For more information, and guidelines on writing to President Mugabe, follow the link provided.