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Mugabe called to repent by Pastor

Amidst escalating intimidation and violence by the communist regime of Robert Mugabe, a courageous Zimbabwean pastor has released an Open Letter to the President. Rev. Derek Carlsen, of Reason of Hope Church in Mutare, states in his letter:

“As a church leader in Zimbabwe, I believe I have a moral obligation to address you and I choose an open letter, since what I say is obvious to anyone who cares to look.

“Mr. President, I am horrified that I find the person who holds the most honoured position in our country condoning:

· the trampling upon our constitution
· the suppressing of fundamental freedoms and human rights
· the violence that supports Zanu PF interests
· the lies and deception in the State media
· the recently enacted oppressive legislation
· the selective enforcement of the rule of law
· the spread of injustice and corruption
· the hypocrisy with respect to property rights
· the violent attacks upon opposition Members of Parliament
· the threatening of our judges
· the fuelling of racial hatred
· the widespread intimidation of the electorate

“No democratic country can tolerate any of these evils and remain a democracy and no country, with a sense of morality, can ignore such abuses without violating its conscience (Jeremiah 6:13-15).

“I believe, Mr. President, that you have polluted your commission by abusing the authority entrusted to you by God and the Zimbabwean people (Deuteronomy 16:18-20; 2 Chronicles 19:5-7; Psalm 82:1-5; Proverbs 24:23-25; Isaiah 10:1-3; Romans 13:3).

“I believe that, as a Christian minister, ordained by God, I have an ethical duty to denounce any of our national leaders who embrace a path that is immoral and oppressive (Exodus 5:1,2; 2 Samuel 12:7; Esther 7:6; Matthew 23:14; Mark 6:17,18; Luke 13:31,32).

“I believe this prophetic responsibility necessitates rebuking wickedness without fear or compromise and I pray that the true church will not only refuse to tolerate such behaviour from you, but from any future President of our country.

“Therefore, just as Nathan the prophet said to king David, “Thou art the man” (2 Samuel 12:7), and as Elijah told king Ahab that it was his sin that had brought trouble upon Israel (1 Kings 18:18), so I say to you, Mr. President, that you are fundamentally to blame for the destruction of and oppression in our nation. The Zimbabwean people are being crushed and I choose to identify myself with them and say in God’s holy name, “Enough!” My prayer is for God to be merciful and deliver us from your oppressive hand and that once delivered, He would make us vigilant so we never again allow the framework for such oppression to be erected.

“Finally, I am moved by God’s grace and a clear conscience, knowing that it is far better to die while seeking to uphold truth and justice, than to live as a compromised coward under an oppressive ruler (Matthew 16:25). Here I stand, I can do no other. May God help us all. Amen!”

Those who want to send messages of solidarity and support to this brave Zimbabwean pastor can do so by writing to: Dr. Derek Carlsen, Reason of Hope Ministries, PO Box 3348 Paulington, Mutare, Zimbabwe or e-mail: rhm@syscom.co.zw

Please also mobilise protests by letter, e-mail, fax and phone to the Zimbabwean embassy or consulate nearest you.

Many Zimbabweans observed Sunday 17 February as a National Day of Prayer. Perhaps we should observe Sunday 24 February as an International Day of Prayer for Zimbabwe.

“And pray that we may be delivered form wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord …” 2 Thessalonians 3: 2-4

Dr. Peter Hammond

To write the Ambassasdor in the USA:
His Excellency Dr. Simbi V. Mubako
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary,
EMBASSY OF REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE
1608 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE NW
WASHINGTON DC 20009
UCA

(202) 332 7100
(202) 483 9326 FAX
e-mail: zimemb@erols.com