Death
of Tiwone Zvikonyaukwa Leaves a Large VoidBy V. Glen Megill
Special to ASSIST News Service
COSTA MESA, CA (ANS) -- She was not from Gwayi River. In fact, she lived much of her life in the country of Malawi. But she was born in Zimbabwe, loved the village of Gwayi River, and there was indeed a divine appointment for her there. At only 29 years of age her assignment abruptly ended.
I
traveled to Zimbabwe to work beside Henry and Natalia Nel at the ROCK of Africa
Mission. We were friends in Christ for fifteen years and had worked in various
relief efforts in Southern Africa during this period. In 1999 they shared with
me the heartbreaking tragedy unfolding in Zimbabwe. After traveling there and
seeing how radically Jesus was transforming lives and communities in the face of
such overwhelming odds, I simply could not help but join this critically
important effort -- and the joy has been all mine. When I first met Jasper and Tiwone, and their two small children, Tiwone was reveling in the relative newness of her relationship with Jesus. She had accepted the Christian religion as a young girl, but in 1997 she met Jesus, and she was never to be the same. Tiwone was truly born again.
Those were very hectic days as we tended to the needs of so many children and adults. We shared food, clothing, medicine, and Jesus with people throughout the region. The lines were never ending, and the need so overwhelming, we sometimes felt we were but one single drop in an ocean of need. Throughout those long weary days Tiwone would tap me on the shoulder and say, “Will we have time to pray together? I really want to pray with you.” If I would forget, Tiwone would not. At the end of the day as we cleaned-up she would be waiting.
Tiwone could not wait to get a moment or two of your time to discuss the Lord and to speak with Him. She, more than anyone I have ever met, realized the enormous privilege of coming to the Lord in prayer. She was so honored to be in His presence. She did not want to waste a moment to hear His voice. She wanted to learn, to understand, and oh, how she wanted to serve.
HEAVEN'S THRONE ROOM
We all need to know someone like Tiwone. In the long and at times frantic journey in 21st century America, we lose some of the fresh enthusiasm we had when we first entered His presence. When I prayed with Tiwone it seemed as though she had actually entered Heaven’s throne room, so enthralled was she by the majesty of a personal audience with the King of Kings.
As I think of those early days I am reminded how much I have come to feel entitled to deep one-on-one conversations with God. When Tiwone entered His presence, it was a very special moment. She did not want to leave that sacred place, and when she finally did she could hardly wait to return.
Tiwone’s fresh enthusiasm and awe were infectious. It was not long before her place at ROCK of Africa Mission was clear. She absolutely loved kids. She loved Gwayi River, Zimbabwe -- but most of all, Tiwone loved serving Jesus. There was simply nothing more important than serving her Lord.
Tiwone and her husband Jasper became a key part of ROCK of Africa Mission; Jasper as director of relief distribution, and Tiwone directing the child care facility. They also served together as gracious hosts when missionaries and outreach teams visited ROCK of Africa Mission.
Natalia
Nel spoke of Tiwone this way, “Her work with the children was amazing. She
taught them about Jesus and His love for them, and this was good news.” Tiwone
indeed brought the Good News to those hurting kids who had never known much good
news. “She treated the children with such care, and we know this is rare. She
loved the people of God and the things of the Lord and was always waiting for
something from the Lord -- a word, direction or encouragement.”It seems as though there are always two or three people in every ministry who seem so key that their divine appointment is never in doubt. Such was the case with Tiwone. There was indeed a special place for her at the ROCK of Africa Mission.
She was passionate, loving, committed -- and strong. This woman could take the cap off a bottle of soda with her teeth! (We’re talking strong here.) There are indeed many images of Tiwone that bring a smile. She was an exceptional person who would not waiver in her stand for Christ.
NOT TIWONE! NOT NOW!
When I learned of her sudden death at only 29 years of age I was numb. How could this happen! Not Tiwone! Not now! She is just too important. She had become a mother figure to so many children. Her absence would again break the hearts of children who have been hurt so many times before. How could God possibly allow this?
There are weeds that grow high in the middle of the river at Gwayi. The drought has long since dried up the water and the weeds have taken over. We never stop praying for the rain that may someday wash those weeds away. In some places the growth is seven or eight feet tall, and so thick that animals can walk the river bed and not even be seen. They cannot be seen -- but they also cannot see.
Today it feels as though we are standing among those weeds so high we cannot see. What purpose would God have in taking Tiwone from those kids? Why now? Who could replace her? Right now, the weeds are so high we cannot see. Perhaps someday the rains will again come and wash the weeds away. But that day has not yet come and from where we stand now it is hard. Today, we will depend on Him. He undoubtedly is preparing people now to fill the void where Tiwone stood.
While this is a day of difficulty, it is not a day of sadness. For today, in my minds-eye I can see Tiwone, the beautiful young woman God planted deep in the heart of Africa, in that Heavenly throne room in the awesome presence of her King!
