Stories of Mission from Zimbabwe - BJ Mpofu
This Sunday, we hosted guest speaker BJ Mpofu from Global Mission Partners. Below, you will find BJ’s message available in both video and audio formats, along with a summary of his message and some questions for small group discussion.
On Sunday, guest speaker BJ Mpofu shared a message reflecting on his ministry in Zimbabwe and the transformative partnership with Australian churches. With decades of experience, BJ’s testimony provides valuable insights into living out Christ’s mandate to “go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19). His story celebrates what God has accomplished through partnership and serves as a call to action for every believer to live missionally.
The Power of Partnership
BJ opened his message by extending greetings from the church in Zimbabwe and expressing deep gratitude to Australian churches for their unwavering support. He highlighted the significant impact that access to clean water has had on communities—a life-changing reality made possible through the generosity of their partners.
“The last two years in Zimbabwe have been marked by severe drought,” BJ explained. “Many dams and waterholes have dried up, leaving people struggling to survive.” However, through projects like borehole drilling, communities have been transformed. People can grow gardens, livestock can thrive, and, most importantly, they have hope.
BJ emphasized that this practical assistance has also opened doors to the gospel. “When people see the love of Christ through our actions, they begin to see Him differently,” he said. This approach embodies the essence of Christ’s ministry, where words and deeds go hand in hand.
Expanding the Mission
Reflecting on his ministry journey, BJ recounted how his initial focus was solely on planting churches in Zimbabwe. “We called it ‘The Great Triangle,’ targeting the area between Gutu, Buhera, and Zaka,” he said.
However, his vision expanded after a profound encounter with a woman who interrupted one of his speeches. She explained how she had walked 10 kilometres to fetch muddy water for her grandchildren and pleaded for help. That moment opened BJ’s eyes to the broader needs of the communities he served.
“I realised Christ wouldn’t turn His back and say, ‘Just repent and go to heaven,’” BJ said. “He cared about every aspect of humanity.”
This led to the founding of Showers of Blessings Trust, an organisation focused on drilling boreholes and providing clean water to communities. Over time, solar-powered systems were introduced, distributing water to tanks on high ground, which then supplies entire villages. Troughs for cattle, goats, and donkeys were also created, ensuring the sustainability of livelihoods.
Equipping Evangelists
BJ highlighted the challenge of equipping evangelists to reach remote areas. Previously, many walked long distances to preach at multiple locations. Thanks to support from Australian churches, motorbikes were provided, enabling them to minister more effectively.
One young evangelist reported an astonishing 89 new converts within three weeks in a new community, including village leaders and councillors. Baptisms followed, often requiring buses to transport converts to rivers like Lundi. “This work isn’t mine,” the evangelist told BJ. “It’s God’s work. Before I even speak, God has already knocked on their hearts.”
BJ emphasised the power of prayer in this work. Evangelists begin by kneeling in prayer, asking God to prepare the hearts of the people they are sent to reach. “When God has already prepared their hearts, our job becomes simple,” BJ reflected.
Building for the Future
While the spiritual growth of new believers has been remarkable, BJ stressed the importance of building physical churches. “Since 2000, we’ve planted many churches, but only five buildings have been constructed,” he noted.
BJ and his wife have launched a program encouraging communities to mould and bake bricks to build their own churches. He challenges local leaders to see these structures as investments in their communities. “One day, your daughter might have her wedding in this church. Tomorrow, your grandson might be the minister leading it,” he tells them.
Through collaboration, builders volunteer their labour, and local tithes fund materials like cement and windows. BJ shared the inspiring story of Sue Brownless from Oakleigh, who funded front entrance doors for several churches, saying, “I’m interested in the gospel. I’ll pay for the doors.”
The Priesthood of All Believers
BJ reminded his audience of the biblical truth that all Christians belong to the priesthood of believers. “Once you repent, are baptised, and join the fellowship of believers, your work begins,” he said.
He challenged listeners to reflect on their daily lives:
Do people see Christ in your actions?
Does your lifestyle reflect His love?
Are you actively making a difference in your community?
BJ urged believers to preach not only from the pulpit but through their actions and relationships, particularly in an era when many are resistant to hearing about Christ.
A Call to Action
Quoting 2 Timothy 4, BJ reiterated Paul’s charge:
“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”
BJ encouraged everyone to embrace this calling in their workplaces and communities. “Even a simple invitation to church can be transformative,” he said. “Share how Christ’s love is bringing unity and joy to the congregation.”
Looking Ahead
BJ closed with gratitude, thanking Australian churches for their continued partnership. He shared the success of KCV, the Children’s Village, where four of the first orphans have grown to become evangelists and church leaders. “These are children who once had no hope,” he said. “Today, they smile because they know they have a God who loves and provides for them.”
He urged supporters not to tire, as the needs remain great. “The fields are green, but the labourers are few,” BJ said, quoting Jesus’ words from Matthew 9:37.
Discussion Questions for Small Groups
BJ emphasised the importance of pairing gospel proclamation with practical acts of love. How can we as individuals or small groups live out this principle in our communities?
What steps can you take to incorporate prayer more intentionally into your daily life or ministry efforts?
Reflect on the idea of the priesthood of all believers. What does it mean for you personally to be a “priest” in your context?
BJ’s story highlights the transformative impact of partnership and generosity. How can we better support mission work, both locally and globally?
Consider the phrase, “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season.” What does this look like in your everyday life?
BJ Mpofu’s message is a powerful reminder of the difference every believer can make when they step into their calling. His life’s work reflects the heart of Christ’s mission: bringing hope, meeting needs, and making disciples.
Let us each consider how we might answer this same call in our lives, communities, and world.