ccm Cross 100
February 17, 2017

Malindela Baptist Church
Malindela, Zimbabwe
ccm Cross 100

GPS 20° 11′ 15.47” S   28° 35′ 54.73” E

Additional photos after Testimony

4299 cdd Miraculous Provision
Cyber Daily Devotion
Volume 18 Number 069

Today’s Author: Pastor Bill

Scripture: Joshua 1:11
“Go through the camp and tell the people to get their provisions ready. In three days you will cross the Jordan River and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you.”

Hello, my name is Pastor Milton Gadina from Malindela Baptist Church, in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. And this is my Cross Testimony of how my life with Christ has found a way to serve Him and bring an incredible peace in my life.

I was born in Harare, Zimbabwe the oldest of three children to my dad and mom. Mom and my grandparents were the Christian influence in my life. My dad was a miller by trade and not the church type. Mom and my grandparents made sure we all went to church. Dad did not object.

I was in church but Jesus was just in a story book until I was nine years old. That is when my Sunday school teacher explained how Satan is deceptive. His deceptions bring death to us eternally. Then he asked if any of us would like to accept Jesus Christ as Lord in our lives and receive everlasting life. I jumped at the chance to know Jesus and walk with Him.

Our church was equipped with AWANA leaders (Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed) which was their designated outreach for child discipleship. I joined immediately and my life with Christ was filled with learning about Jesus through fun filled challenges. Then at age 13 my father passed away. I was devastated — at first I blamed God — then I became embittered. How could Jesus allow this to happen? Why must he die? What was I to do? My questions were many and answers were few. For three years, I backslid in my relationship with Jesus. I lost my direction.

Then at age 16 a local church held a revival. My friends cared enough to insist I join them at the revival. They made sure I was there. The featured guest was the gospel musician Mechanic Manyeruke. His message touched my heart and I understood Romans 8:28: “we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” I understood that Jesus had a plan for my life and I needed to open my heart and listen.

I completed high school and took a job in the textile industry. I did well and had a good life style. I worked during the day and ministered in the evening and on weekends. I grew in love with the Lord. I learned to preach and teach the word of the Lord. My Bishop and my Pastor wanted to enroll me in Bible school but the money was too good at my job. A few years later I was required to work over the Christmas Holiday. I was unable to preach and teach about the birth of Jesus Christ. I felt an emptiness. The money was not worth it. I resigned my job and with my severance pay I provided for my first year of Bible school.

The year was 2003 — since that time the Lord has blessed my life. Soon after, our government collapsed. For the next few years our money went from stronger than the US Dollar to worthless. Our money became so worthless that even today it has no value outside our borders. It’s been more than 14 years and through all the turmoil God has been faithful and provided.

Along my journey with Jesus I have become a national leader of AWANA. I’ve spent additional time in Bible schools obtaining more training. Then in 2008 I met Chenai who became my wife and ministry partner. She is also a national AWANA leader. Today we have three children.

In 2009 I was filling in as a substitute Pastor at Malindela Baptist Church. They decided Chenai and I should become full time. We have been here ever since. And even though our economic outlook in Zimbabwe has not changed the Lord continues His miraculous provisions — one day at a time. But now His provision is for the five of us. Ever since I left my job in the textile industry, which had a steady monthly income, the peace of the Lord has been ever present as He provides even greater.

In 2014 my angels were required to work overtime. I had dropped off a van load of children at a city a few hours away. Rather than spend the night and drive home in the morning I opted to return that same night. I had a wedding scheduled to perform in the morning. It was early in the morning when I fell asleep behind the wheel of the van I was driving. When I woke up I was in a ditch bouncing around. I pulled on the steering wheel to correct my direction and ended up on the other side of the road in the other ditch — then I hit a tree head on. Miraculously I stepped out of the van, which was destroyed, without a scratch.

Our first-born child was a challenge from the beginning. The doctors were not sure of a successful birth. We prayed and we had a normal healthy baby. And later two more children. All to the glory of God.

One of the gifts the Holy Spirit has given me is deliverance through Spiritual Warfare. Many have come for prayer and been set free by the Power of God. Our church is known far and wide as a center to be set free, by Jesus, from addictions, vices and obsessions.

Another gift I’ve received from the Holy Spirit is Bible teaching for developing leaders. Our national leadership in AWANA has been enhanced by this gift as the Holy Spirit touches lives, impacting people for Jesus.

As a church, we have pioneered and developed AWANA Holiday Clubs. Much the same as Vacation Bible School but sprinkled throughout the year — from 3 – 5 days at a time. We set up and run an assortment of children’s AWANA Bible camps. And AWANA Bible competitions challenge our youth to study and memorize scripture.

Perhaps our biggest impact on the youth in our church has been a community school. It was founded on the Word of God that helps children catch up in school if they are falling behind. Some even get ahead if they were just maintaining grades. Or if they desire, they are challenged to excel. Our program helps all educational levels love Jesus and to become a better student. Currently we have more than 50 children enrolled.

My favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3: 5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” NKJV

To me, everything we have as Christians was developed through the Power of the Cross. The Cross defines where we come from and expresses our very existence. This Cross is a flag that waves at every passerby and provokes them to ask questions. Why this Cross? Why here? Why now? It will open and engage them with what it is to be a Christian. And we will be here to answer when they ask.

You can see Pastor Milton Gadina and his Cross by Clicking Here

Prayer: Father thank you for making ways when there are no ways and providing when there is nothing. Because You care. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

Cross was painted white before we arrived

It rained the entire time we worked on the Cross

Mixing cement in the rain

 

The painted Cross was extra slippery due to the wet conditions

The guys were amazing. Planting the Cross in the rain and wind

“FIRE IN THE HOLE”
Come Holy Spirit and touch this community

Pastor Milton Gadina attaching the plaque

Pastor Bill interviewing Pastor Milton Gadina for his testimony

Ladies prepared cookies and tea for everyone

 

Meet Sharky Masuka (under my right arm)
the Youth for Christ National Director for Zimbabwe.
Sharky organized the Zimbabwe Churches
and helped plant many of the Crosses.
(Under my left arm) is Sharky’s son Micah
who also helped out.

 

Plaque “Giving God Glory”