Posted on June 18th, 2008
Members of our church were martyred in 1978 in Zimbabwe. The event is being remembered in an Early Day Motion. See below.
Simpson, David
That this House notes that 23rd June 2008 will mark the 30th anniversary of the Vumba Massacre of British missionaries by members of the Zimbabwe National Liberation Army in the former Rhodesia that resulted in the murder of nine missionaries and four children; further notes that all were associated with the Elim Pentecostal Church..
See the British Parliament website for the rest of the Early Day Motion
July 30th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
It has been so special to read this remembrance. I lived in Mutare at the time. I now live in New Zealand and was telling my home group about the incident–as an example of Christian love and forgiveness. I know that Peter Griffiths went on to pastor a church in Harare and i think that one of the guerrillas in the attck was a co-pastor. Do you have any up to date information on that man. Thank you for remembering. God bless you.
September 17th, 2008 at 7:02 am
I knew Peter Grifiths personally but, while he was a member of Northside Comunity Church in Salisbury, he was not the pstor. However through his employment he DID interview the leader of that gang who wanted to attend Bible College. Peter explained that the english translation of the man’s terrorist name was “War Devil”.
During the discussion Peter revealed that he himself was the head of Elim at the time. This resulted in a great ‘coming together and forgiveness’ said Peter.
The man was never a pastor of Northside.
Hope this is of help.
December 19th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Actually, I beg to differ. Peter Griffiths WAS the pastor of Northside for at least several years. I attended Northside from 1988 to 1992, and Peter was my pastor. He died from a brain tumour within a couple of years after we left Zimbabwe. I don’t believe the guerrilla was a co-pastor, but the way I remember it, he worked with the church as a guard. I’m actually researching information on this story for something I’m writing now.
Thanks,
lisa