Rise! Take Your Mat and Walk
John 5:2-9a
The WDP 2020 program is based on Jesus’ encounter with a person who, although positioned for healing, had not acted upon the opportunities given. Jesus asked –“Do you want to be made well?” You are faced with this life-changing question. What are you going to do? “Rise! Take Your Mat and Walk,” said Jesus. Our sisters from Zimbabwe are taking Jesus’ encounter to be a call to act in love for peace and reconciliation. “The action verbs suggest that we should not be afraid to act on the word of God. God is offering us the steps for personal and social transformation.”
We are empowered to take up our mats. No more waiting powerlessly on the mat. As expressed in the WDP 2020 painting by Nonhlanhla Mathe, let us give a healing hand to the needy, let us embrace children with love as their future is ahead, and let us open our arms in joy as the time to rise up has come. This is the time for change!
We are empowered to take up our mats. No more waiting powerlessly on the mat. As expressed in the WDP 2020 painting by Nonhlanhla Mathe, let us give a healing hand to the needy, let us embrace children with love as their future is ahead, and let us open our arms in joy as the time to rise up has come. This is the time for change!
The Country
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Zimbabwe means 'House of Stones' and it is located in Southern Africa. It is a landlocked country that lies between the Limpopo River in the south and the mighty Zambezi River in the north.
Harare is the capital city and also the seat of government, while Bulawayo is the second largest city. The country has an estimated population of about 16 million people and 16 official languages. English, Shona and Ndebele are the most widely used. Major tourist attractions include the Victoria Falls, which is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Hwange National Park, a wildlife conservancy, and the Great Zimbabwe Monument or ruins from which the country derives its name. |
The WDP Zimbabwe Committee
WDP Zimbabwe National Committee
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In 1962, Mai Rev. Kachidza of the Methodist Church and Mai Major Nhari of the Salvation Army Church formed the first interdenominational prayer committee meeting. These two leaders saw the need for the reverends, bishops, ministers and pastor’s wives to meet, pray, know each other and strengthen one another in doing God’s work.
We have seen the growth of World Day of Prayer Zimbabwe from churches to schools, from universities to girls’ and women’s organizations. It is with deep gratitude that the growing power inherent in World Day of Prayer and the Mibatanidzwa prayer meetings are recognized. To this day, World Day of Prayer and Mibatanidzwaye Madzimai follow the tradition of praying and helping the needy in their communities rotating the giving to the needy in the different provinces as identified by the local women in the provinces. |
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Additional ResourcesDuring the WDP European Conference, held in June 2019 in Lunteren, the Netherlands, Dr Ulrike Bechmann presented a Bible study based on the text selected for the WDP 2020 Zimbabwe worship service, John 5:1-9a. She takes an in depth look into the story of the healing at the pool at Bethesda and explores the theological significance of the encounter with Jesus to inspire the WDP movement. Ulrike has made the English version of her presentation available to the worldwide movement. We hope that it enriches your meditation on the word of God.
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Dr. Ulrike Bechmann (left), WDP European Conference 2019
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WDP USA member, Andrea Miskow, narrates this wonderful video which dives into Zimbabwe's geography and population, political history, religion, economy, education, health care, women`s rights and children's rights.
The video is based on the country background written by the WDP women of Zimbabwe and was created by the Women's Inter-church Council of Canada, home of WDP Canada. It is available for free download on their website here. |
Be Creative!
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At the core of the service is the Bible story the theme is based on. Try dramatizing the story rather than reading it. Allow the children to participate or act it out themselves. Have activities for the children prepared beyond the Bible story!
ARTS & CRAFTS Art activities can help children learn about a new country while encouraging them to be creative.
MUSIC Teach the children they are loved and valued through song! Jesus loves me, yes I know For the Bible tells me so Little ones to him belong I am weak but he is strong (Chorus) Yes Jesus loves me Yes Jesus loves me Yes Jesus loves me The Bible tells me so... ©Anna Bartlett Warner (1859). Public Domain |
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Listen to the theme song Rise! Take Your Mat and Walk composed specially for the 2020 program by WDP Zimbabwe Committee liaison, Sylvia Marowa.
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Strengthening National Committee meeting in Zimbabwe 2016
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