In the on-going struggle for Zimbawe and the few remaining white farmers who have won the legal right to remain on their farms, this one family stood for justice. Time and again Mugabe has refused to admit that they have been terrorised, beaten, abducted, robbed and kept from doing the one thing thay want most to do. Simply to farm their land and feed the people of Zimbabwe. This latest attack would surely destroy their hope and drive them away from the land they are desperately fighting for.
The Freeth's house - a 'bush' fire?
This is a letter received from Ben & Laura Freeth’s family. If anyone wants to offer support I have the ZAWT form (mentiioned below) and can forward it on.
Dear Friends and family
(and how good it is to have the privilege of your thoughts and prayers at this time)
To keep you up to date the bare facts are:
1. Ben and Laura’s house, workers houses and the linen factory all were burnt to the ground on Sunday morning (30 Aug 2009), as a result of a bush fire.
2. Whether the fire was deliberate or not is immaterial, all the fire fighting equipment has been stolen by the invaders and so there was nothing with which to fight the fire. Arson was suspected.
3. The houses and contents were of course uninsured as it is not possible to insure with such a breakdown with the rule of law; anarchy persists, particularly in the rural areas.
4. On Wednesday (2nd Sept) Ben’s in-laws, the Campbell’s, had their house burnt to the ground. the Campbell’s were forced out of their house in April 2009 (leaving behind all contents) and the armed invaders have not allowed anyone near since. (arson confirmed).
5. I am reminded of Jesus’ parable of the Good Shepherd in John chapter 10-“the thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy-I have come that they (us, the sheep) may have life and have it to the full”.
6. Ben and Laura are determined to rebuild-initially a small cottage, then rebuild the main house.
7. If you know of anyone (or a trustee of a relevant charity) who would like to support financially, then cheques should be made out to :
ZAWT (Freeth fund).
(ZAWT stands for: Zimbabwe Agriculture Welfare Trust).
Full names and addresses need to be provided. We can then claim tax back with gift aid.
Address to be sent to is: Woodgate Farm, Oad Street, Borden, Nr Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 8JX.
8. thank you all for your support. Please pray particularly for the 2 boys (Joshua 9 and Stephen 7) – they were quite traumatised at seeing their home burnt down. Give thanks that the local community has rallied around marvellously and an empty house has been provided, furniture lent, clothes and food given to the family. Claire’s arrival on holiday in Zimbabwe 2 days before the fire was wonderful and in particular she is able to be with the grandchildren at this difficult time. She is due to return on the 20th September.
Regards
Zach
For UK Times article on the fire go to:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article6819284.ece
Carroll in Africa 
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