ccm Cross 0074
March 10, 2015
Zimbabwe Bible College
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
ccm Cross #0074
GPS/DMS 20° 10′ 4.68” S 28° 38′ 29.99” 
Additional photos after Testimony
3765-67 cdd Leaders Lead
Cyber Daily Devotion
Volume 16 Number 059
Today’s Author: Pastor Bill
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” NKJV
Hello, my name is Dr. Raymond Motsi of Nkulumane Baptist Church, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Everyone calls me Pastor Ray.
My journey with the Lord starts right at birth. I was born in Harare, Zimbabwe, the youngest of six children. My parents did not have the money for another child so I was dispatched to live with my Uncle and Aunt. Instantly I had a new family and became the youngest of 9 children. I know my original family but to me my family — dad, mom and siblings are with my Uncle.
I was brought up in church every Sunday but never knew what it was to be born again. I knew all the religious things to do and did them perfectly even receiving accolades for my detailed accomplishments, but I never had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. My priorities in life growing up were books first — followed by sports. I excelled in both. In academics I was always first. In high school I was named to the adult Zimbabwe National Elite soccer team.
Then a young lady entered my life. We became close and she said I was a nice guy but we were going nowhere since she was a born again believer in Jesus Christ – and I was not. My strict church upbringing drove me from anything or anyone church. I tried every alternative I could find from animal, ancestor and star worship to name a few.
This young lady kept in touch always talking about Jesus and as I found out later her group never stopped praying for me. I was invited to a birthday party they were having. Big time sports parties were rowdy with all the bad elements. I’ve never smoked, drank or engaged in drugs but the sports parties were full of all these things. Including very loud and lewd music. But not this party. It was mellow and the music mostly spiritual. I was a bit bored and prepared to leave. Then they announced a special speaker. I stayed.
The speaker was young, dynamic and spoke about a relationship with Jesus Christ — not just doing good things and going to church. I listened. He made some sense and then he hit me right between the eyes. He said, “There are people here who have tried everything else but never have chosen Jesus.” When he said this I was struck by the rejection that I had been stuffing all these years over being abandoned by my dad and mom. The Holy Spirit instantly revealed my deepest hurt and brought it to the fore front. I decided right then and there to give this to Jesus. All my other searching with animals, ancestors and stars had done nothing. I went forward and gave it all to Jesus trusting Him for peace and restoration. When I went forward the entire group exploded with applause and shouts of joy. Their prayers had been answered.
I left the party thinking God was done with me but that was not the case. While walking home the Holy Spirit pounced all over me. I heard, “You are the most selfish person. You have no idea all the hurt and pain you have caused others all your life.”
By the time I walked through the door Grace through Jesus Christ had set me free. My dad (uncle) was there when I opened the door to greet me — all I could do was say, “Dad today I got saved.” He was not a happy camper. This was contrary to where he went to church. He said, “Ray, you have always been a good church boy, how can you do this?” I stayed with Jesus knowing my life would never be the same again.
The young girl and I separated ways. I was called to Bible College and she married another man.
I traveled to The Bible College of Wales, in the UK, for three years of spiritual training. When I returned to Zimbabwe soon I was the head of student administration for the Theological College of Zimbabwe (TCZ), in Bulawayo, on a part-time basis. Additionally I was the youth pastor for the Central Baptist church in Bulawayo. That’s when I met and asked Angela to marry me. She said yes.
As time progressed and our church youth group grew it was requested that I become the National Director for Youth. I accepted.
A few years later an opening came for an associate pastor at church. I was offered the opportunity. This time I declined. I had determined to pursue my Masters Degree. Then the church made me an offer I could not refuse. Become our associate pastor and we will pay for your Masters Degree. I said yes.
Several years later the Senior Pastor left for South Africa. I had just finished my Masters Degree and I was asked to take on the position. I said yes and left my part-time position at the Theological College of Zimbabwe.
By this time our country of Zimbabwe was in great crisis. Earlier on in the 1980s a conflict in the Matabeleland and Midlands regions erupted and according to the Catholic Commission for Peace and Justice (CCJP), about 20,000 civilians’ died in a conflict that threatened the country’s stability. The government has denied involvement in the killings of these innocent people but the CCJP and other civic organizations report otherwise based on facts that have been found.
I was asked from around the nation to start a non-profit organization for Peace and Justice. This we did.
I had a prophetic word for the government calling them out for what was happening. They confronted me and I stood as a consciousness objector. They were not happy with my position.
We set up principles for the church to defend what was right. I prophetically preached it one Sunday saying,
1. What is happening will transform this nation forever.
2. Taking land from private citizens is wrong.
3. This issue is based on determining what is right from what is wrong.
Our cosmopolitan (racially mixed) congregation was stunned and absolutely quiet when they heard the message. Then we were dismissed.
It took several weeks but one by one each member of the church returned and said this was the right thing for the church to do and as Christians we must stand up for what is right.
When we were all on the same page we established another non-profit organization: Zimbabwe Christian Alliance for Church to have Faith Based Answers. We worked together seeking Christian answers to our current economic challenges without violence.
I attended an African Peace Conference. Here I learned that we were using our hearts and determination but what we needed was head knowledge to usher in a lasting peace from our economic tornado. This prompted me to enter a PHD program for peace. This program taught me:
1. God has a purpose for my life.
2. Prophetic Christian Witness wins the day.
3. Determine what Jesus wants and then do it.
4. Stay consistent in the Gospel of Jesus Christ — The ultimate King of Kings.
5. We must be Issachar Men — “Men who understand their times and what Jesus would have them do.” 1 Chronicles 12:32
It became clear Jesus wanted me as a national leader for Peace and Restoration — I knew following Him is the answer.
We started the SAVE ZIMBABWE CAMPAIGN. Civic, social, political and church people got together for Peace in our country. The day we first assembled the government sent troops and beat us.
We joined the South African Development Community which helped force a restructuring of our government. We did whatever we had to do to stay peaceful as Jesus taught us.
In 2011 The Theological College of Zimbabwe called for leadership — I said yes and became the President.
Then tragedy struck as our eleven year old daughter died of Leukemia. It was a time for grieving. The Lord had given and the Lord had taken. The process was long and hard.
Today I am President of the Theological College of Zimbabwe which will soon be certified as the Zimbabwe Evangelical Theological University — or as we like to say “Good News University”. Also I Pastor a small inner city cosmopolitan church called Nkulumane Baptist Church. We embrace and live the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Our struggle continues in Zimbabwe. Please pray for us. Pray we walk in the steps of Jesus working for peace for everyone.
We began speaking out as Christians against injustice. That ended with me under house arrest for 30 days.
As Christians we took in people who had their houses taken by the government and harbored them. A total of 360 people were helped. I was arrested for assisting them.
As Christian leaders we are here to help those affected by immoral, corrupt and unethical government or business practices. For this I have been incarcerated many times. Through it all we continue to learn that Jesus is our light — right is right and wrong is wrong.
Then the year 2007 became a bench mark in our fight for Peace and Justice. That’s when I prophesied that the government was responsible for the suffering of the people and would be held responsible. If not in this life then surely when the perpetrators stand before Jesus face to face.
Pastor Bill please have your readers pray for Zimbabwe. Pray that the Peace, Love and the Understanding of Jesus permeates our government, civic society and businesses. That the good things in this life are restored throughout Zimbabwe and the doors of eternity are accepted by the lost.
Prayer: Father I pray for all the Christian leaders throughout Zimbabwe and ask that you send your Holy Spirit in power and love to embolden them to stand and lead with Dr. Ray Motsi as the suffering in Zimbabwe must come to an end. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!
Dr. Raymond Motsi