For the past two years, Jonathan Lamb has visited Harare, working with local leaders in both the development of a small preaching training programme, and the launch of the Zimbabwe Keswick Convention. In 2006 the plan was for the Zimbabwe Preaching programme to be strengthened through the participation of several local leaders working with a Langham Preaching facilitator. A number of challenges meant that the programme could not develop as had been hoped, including the unexpected loss of the Langham Preaching facilitator for serious domestic reasons, and considerable difficulties within Harare because of the social and economic context.
Nevertheless, a small programme was carried through over a three day period, attracting a number of pastors and lay preachers. Local church leaders gave strong leadership, along with Langham facilitator Femi Adeleye, the IFES Regional Secretary. We hope to continue working in fellowship with the national leaders to review the most appropriate way of supporting the churches in this area of their ministry, specially at a time when the country is under such considerable pressure.