The Axe and the Tree: A Story of Faith and Forgiveness in Zimbabwe's Turbulent History

# The Axe and the Tree: How Bloody Persecution Sowed the Seeds of New Life in Zimbabwe - Introduction - Brief summary of the book by Stephen Griffiths - Main theme: how God works through suffering and forgiveness to build His church - Thesis statement: The Axe and the Tree is a powerful and inspiring account of costly mission in Zimbabwe, showing how God used the faithfulness and sacrifice of Peter and Brenda Griffiths and their team to plant seeds of new life in a land torn by violence and oppression. - Background - Historical context of Rhodesia/Zimbabwe in the 1960s-1980s - Political and social unrest, guerrilla warfare, racial discrimination, economic crisis - Role of Christianity and missions in the country - Peter and Brenda Griffiths: A Call to Serve - How they met and married in Wales - How they felt called to serve among the Shona people in northeastern Rhodesia - How they joined the Elim Pentecostal Church and became missionaries - The Vumba Massacre: A Test of Faith - How Peter and Brenda and their team set up a secondary school in the Vumba mountains - How the school became a model of excellence, integration, and evangelism - How guerrillas attacked the school in 1978 and killed 13 staff members, including nine missionaries - How Peter and Brenda survived the attack and forgave the killers - The Aftermath: A Legacy of Grace - How Peter and Brenda continued to serve in Zimbabwe despite the trauma and loss - How Peter died of a brain tumor in 1983 and Brenda was robbed and forced to flee the country in 2002 - How many of their former students became leaders and influencers in Zimbabwe, especially in the church - How the Christian church in Zimbabwe grew and thrived despite persecution and hardship - Conclusion - Restate the main theme and thesis statement - Highlight the main lessons and insights from the book - Encourage readers to learn more about Zimbabwe and support its people - FAQs - Where can I buy or download The Axe and the Tree? - Who is Stephen Griffiths and how is he related to Peter and Brenda? - What is the current situation of Zimbabwe and its church? - How can I pray for Zimbabwe and its people? - How can I get involved in mission work in Zimbabwe or elsewhere? Here is the article based on that outline: # The Axe and the Tree: How Bloody Persecution Sowed the Seeds of New Life in Zimbabwe Have you ever wondered how God can use suffering and forgiveness to build His church? Have you ever heard of the Vumba massacre, one of the most tragic events in Zimbabwe's history? Have you ever read a book that moved you to tears, challenged your faith, and inspired you to action? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should read The Axe and the Tree: How Bloody Persecution Sowed the Seeds of New Life in Zimbabwe by Stephen Griffiths. This book is a powerful and inspiring account of costly mission in Zimbabwe, showing how God used the faithfulness and sacrifice of Peter and Brenda Griffiths and their team to plant seeds of new life in a land torn by violence and oppression. ## Background To understand the story of Peter and Brenda Griffiths, we need to understand the historical context of Rhodesia/Zimbabwe in the 1960s-1980s. Rhodesia was a British colony that declared its independence from Britain in 1965, led by a white minority government that enforced racial segregation and discrimination against the black majority. This sparked a guerrilla war between two liberation movements, ZANU (Zimbabwe African National Union) and ZAPU (Zimbabwe African People's Union), supported by neighboring countries such as Zambia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Angola, Botswana, etc., against the Rhodesian security forces. The war lasted for more than a decade, causing thousands of deaths, injuries, displacements, atrocities, human rights violations, etc. In 1979, a peace agreement was reached that led to free elections in 1980. ZANU won the majority of seats and its leader Robert Mugabe became the first prime minister of Zimbabwe. However, Mugabe soon turned into a dictator who ruled with an iron fist for almost four decades. He suppressed any opposition, rigged elections, violated human rights, destroyed the economy, and plunged the country into a humanitarian crisis. Christianity and missions played a significant role in the country during this turbulent period. Christianity was introduced by missionaries from various denominations and churches, such as Anglicans, Catholics, Methodists, Baptists, Pentecostals, etc. Some missionaries were complicit with the colonial system and supported the white regime, while others were sympathetic to the liberation struggle and advocated for social justice and human dignity. Some missionaries were killed, kidnapped, tortured, or expelled by the guerrillas or the government, while others were spared, protected, or respected by them. Some missionaries left the country, while others stayed and continued to serve. ## Peter and Brenda Griffiths: A Call to Serve Peter and Brenda Griffiths were among those who stayed and served. They were a young couple from Wales who met and married in 1958. They both felt called to serve among the Shona people in northeastern Rhodesia, where they had heard that there was a great need for education and evangelism. They joined the Elim Pentecostal Church, a charismatic denomination that emphasized the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit. They became missionaries in 1961 and moved to Rhodesia with their two children, Stephen and Ruth. They settled in a remote area called Nyahuku, where they started a primary school for the local children. They faced many challenges, such as poor living conditions, lack of resources, cultural barriers, language difficulties, etc. But they also experienced many joys, such as seeing the children learn, grow, and accept Christ as their Savior. They also planted churches in nearby villages and trained local leaders to pastor them. They developed a close relationship with the Shona people, who loved and respected them as their own. ## The Vumba Massacre: A Test of Faith In 1976, Peter and Brenda and their team moved to a new location in the Vumba mountains, near the border with Mozambique. There they established a secondary school called Elim Mission School. The school was a model of excellence, integration, and evangelism. It offered high-quality education to students from different backgrounds, races, tribes, etc. It also provided spiritual nurture and guidance to students through Bible studies, prayer meetings, worship services, etc. Many students came to faith in Christ and became active members of the school's community. However, the school was also located in a dangerous area where guerrilla activity was frequent and intense. The school was often visited by armed men who demanded food, money, medicine, etc. The staff tried to cooperate with them as much as possible without compromising their principles or endangering their lives. They also prayed for them and witnessed to them whenever they had an opportunity. They hoped that their presence and testimony would have a positive impact on them and their cause. But on June 23rd 1978 , their hope turned into horror. A group of about 40 guerrillas attacked the school in the early morning hours. They shot at anyone they saw and set fire to some of the buildings. They killed 13 staff members , including nine missionaries , four of whom were children . They also wounded several others , some of whom later died of their injuries . They spared only a few , including Peter and Brenda , who managed to hide or escape . They left behind a scene of carnage , destruction , and grief . Peter and Brenda survived the attack , but they lost almost everything they had worked for . They lost their friends , colleagues , students , belongings , etc . They also lost their sense of security , peace , and purpose . They wondered why God had allowed such a tragedy to happen . They struggled with anger , bitterness , fear , and doubt . But they also clung to their faith , hope , and love . They decided to forgive the killers , not because they deserved it , but because God had forgiven them . They believed that God had a plan for their lives , even if they did not understand it . They resolved to continue to serve Him , wherever He led them . ## The Aftermath: A Legacy of Grace Peter and Brenda continued to serve in Zimbabwe despite the trauma and loss . They moved to Harare , the capital city , where they worked with various ministries and organizations . They helped refugees , orphans , widows , prisoners , etc . They also supported churches , schools , hospitals , etc . They maintained contact with some of their former students and staff from the Vumba school . They encouraged them , prayed for them , mentored them , etc . But they also faced more challenges and difficulties . Peter developed a brain tumor in 1981 that affected his speech , memory , and mobility . He underwent several surgeries and treatments , but his condition worsened . He died in 1983 at the age of 47 . Brenda was left alone with two grown children who lived abroad . She continued to live in Zimbabwe until 2002 when she was robbed at gunpoint in her home . She decided to leave the country at the age of 72 . ## The Aftermath: A Legacy of Grace Peter and Brenda continued to serve in Zimbabwe despite the trauma and loss. They moved to Harare, the capital city, where they worked with various ministries and organizations. They helped refugees, orphans, widows, prisoners, etc. They also supported churches, schools, hospitals, etc. They maintained contact with some of their former students and staff from the Vumba school. They encouraged them, prayed for them, mentored them, etc. But they also faced more challenges and difficulties. Peter developed a brain tumor in 1981 that affected his speech, memory, and mobility. He underwent several surgeries and treatments, but his condition worsened. He died in 1983 at the age of 47. Brenda was left alone with two grown children who lived abroad. She continued to live in Zimbabwe until 2002 when she was robbed at gunpoint in her home. She decided to leave the country at the age of 72. Yet their story does not end there. Many of the students they taught and influenced have kept their faith, though scattered across the country and beyond. Many of them are now in positions of leadership and influence in various fields and sectors. Some of them are pastors, teachers, doctors, lawyers, politicians, entrepreneurs, etc. Some of them are involved in church planting, evangelism, discipleship, social justice, etc. Some of them have written books, articles, songs, poems, etc. about their experiences and testimonies. The Christian church in Zimbabwe today continues to honor Peter and Brenda's courage and sacrifice. The church has grown and thrived despite persecution and hardship. According to some estimates, more than 80% of Zimbabweans identify as Christians. The church is diverse and dynamic, comprising of different denominations and movements, such as Anglican, Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Pentecostal, Apostolic, etc. The church is also active and influential in society, addressing issues such as poverty, corruption, human rights, reconciliation, etc. ## Conclusion The Axe and the Tree is a powerful and inspiring account of costly mission in Zimbabwe, showing how God used the faithfulness and sacrifice of Peter and Brenda Griffiths and their team to plant seeds of new life in a land torn by violence and oppression. The book reveals how God works through suffering and forgiveness to build His church and advance His kingdom. The book also challenges us to reflect on our own calling and commitment to follow Christ wherever He leads us. If you want to learn more about Zimbabwe and its people , if you want to be inspired by stories of faith and courage , if you want to be challenged by examples of love and grace , then you should read The Axe and the Tree . You will not regret it . ## FAQs - Where can I buy or download The Axe and the Tree? - You can buy or download The Axe and the Tree from various online platforms , such as Amazon , Goodreads , etc . You can also check your local bookstore or library for availability . - Who is Stephen Griffiths and how is he related to Peter and Brenda? - Stephen Griffiths is the son of Peter and Brenda Griffiths . He was born in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe in 1960 . He is also a missionary , pastor , teacher , writer , etc . He currently lives in South Africa with his wife and children . - What is the current situation of Zimbabwe and its church? - Zimbabwe is still facing many challenges , such as political instability , economic crisis , social unrest , etc . The church is still facing persecution , oppression , division , etc . But the church is also still growing , thriving , witnessing , etc . The church is still hopeful , resilient , faithful , etc . - How can I pray for Zimbabwe and its people? - You can pray for Zimbabwe and its people by following these prayer points : - Pray for peace , justice , democracy , and good governance in Zimbabwe . - Pray for healing , reconciliation , forgiveness , and unity among Zimbabweans . - Pray for provision , development , prosperity , and dignity for Zimbabweans . - Pray for protection , freedom , empowerment , and growth for the church in Zimbabwe . - Pray for wisdom , courage , integrity , and humility for the leaders of Zimbabwe . - How can I get involved in mission work in Zimbabwe or elsewhere? - You can get involved in mission work in Zimbabwe or elsewhere by following these steps : - Seek God's will and guidance for your life . - Learn more about the culture , history , needs , and opportunities of the place you want to serve . - Find a reputable and reliable mission organization or church that works in that place . - Prepare yourself spiritually , mentally , physically , and practically for the mission field . - Go and serve with love , humility , respect , and faithfulness .

The Axe and the Tree: How bloody persecution sowed the seeds of new life in Zimbabwe download epub m

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