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The Axe and the Tree

How Bloody Persecution Sowed the Seeds of New Life in Zimbabwe

by Stephen Griffiths

Average rating of5.0from (2)reviews

From persecution to flourishing, this story of missionaries in Zimbabwe shares not only the devastating cost of mission, but also the countless rewards.

  • For fans of missionary biographies in Africa

  • Discover the courage of missionaries who trust God amidst tragedy

  • You'll see how God never leaves, even when times are tough

  • Author

    Stephen Griffiths

  • Book Format

    Paperback

  • Publisher

    Lion Hudson

  • Published

    February 2017

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The Axe and the Tree

Today's Price £5.50



Product Description

UK Missionaries Peter and Brenda Griffiths experienced the height of tragedy amidst the Vumba Massacre in the 1970s, and yet still continued to live out their faith. This biography will encourage its readers of the priceless power of remaining faithful to God long-term, and will leave your trust in God reaffirmed for the world.

A missionary biography that documents the trials and transformations of the lives of Peter and Brenda Griffiths. As Elim Missionaries in Zimbabwe, they were witness to the heartbreaking atrocity that rocked the missionary community, but stood up as an inspiring example of being beacons of God's love in the darkest of times, and lived out a forgiveness that seemed impossible.

A testament to God's power to forgive incomprehensible evil, and a story of unrelenting Grace and choosing to forgive the unforgivable, The Axe and the Tree shows all that has happened since the Vumba Massacre in the 1970s, as told by Peter and Brenda's son, and is a bold calling to trust God always.

Whether you are a missionary yourself, connected with those in mission, or seeking to know how God works in Churches in other parts of the world, The Axe and the Tree will challenge you in your faith, and inspire you in God's goodness. Peter and Brenda's story of working for God in Zimbabwe, through schools, churches and hospitals is a lasting story as today, across the country, Churches are growing out of the shadow of the Vumba Massacre, and into a new light and new life.

1. The Dream

2. Stream of the Lion Spirit

3. Peculiar People and Publicans

4. The River Cuts New Channels

5. Among Worlds

6. Rushing Wind

7. The Blind Killer

8. Hammer and Anvil

9. A Greater Dagger

10. Eagle School

11. The Devil's Kick

12. In High Places

13. Burning On, Burning Bright

14. Whispers and Rumours

15. More Alive Than Ever

16. "We'll Find Out Later"

Thanks

Selected Bibliography

Notes

UK Missionaries Peter and Brenda Griffiths experienced the height of tragedy amidst the Vumba Massacre in the 1970s, and yet still continued to live out their faith. This biography will encourage its readers of the priceless power of remaining faithful to God long-term, and will leave your trust in God reaffirmed for the world.

A powerful account of British missionaries, Peter and Brenda Griffiths, who played a critical role in the development of the Elim church in the aftermath of the Vumba massacre. Peter and Brenda Griffiths, Steve's parents and their team had set up a superb secondary school, only for guerrillas to slaughter almost all the staff.

After the funerals of those that had been killed Peter maintained that forgiveness for those who had attacked was the Christian thing to do. Despite the question of forgiveness becoming a very controversial issue in Zimbabwe.

Sadly Peter dies prematurely of a brain tumour and Brenda is repeatedly robbed and ultimately flees the country in her 70s, leaving behind the ruins of all she sought to accomplish. Yet this is not the end of the story. Many students she and Peter taught have kept their faith, though scattered across the country, and many are now in positions of leadership and influence.

The secondary school is now twice the size it was before the massacre, and the strong Christian church in Zimbabwe today continues to honour Peter and Brenda's courage and sacrifice.

Specification

  • Author

    Stephen Griffiths

  • Book Format

    Paperback

  • Publisher

    Lion Hudson

  • Published

    February 2017

  • Weight

    373g

  • Page Count

    368

  • Dimensions

    130 x 196 x 28 mm

  • ISBN

    9780857217899

  • ISBN-10

    0857217895

  • Eden Code

    4492115

More Information

  • Author/Creator: Stephen Griffiths

  • ISBN: 9780857217899

  • Publisher: Lion Hudson

  • Release Date: February 2017

  • Weight: 373g

  • Dimensions: 130 x 196 x 28 mm

  • Eden Code: 4492115


Reviews

5.0 (2)

Average rating of 5.0 from 2 reviews

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6 years ago

"I could not put the book down"

"I could not put the book down nor could I read it without tears in my eyes. The strength of the story that Steve tells is that he is also part of it, he knew the people he writes about and he brings each character to life as if they were alive today. I am indebted to his diligence in unearthing history and telling it accurately. This book will never be old." -- Paul Hudson, Elim International Missions Director

Stephen Griffiths

Stephen Griffiths

Unknown

6 years ago

A very rare book

Haunting – no, that’s not the right word. Inspiring, that’s better. Encouraging, that’s good too. Comforting, that works too. But none is adequate by itself. This book did all of those things to me.
This is a very rare book. Griffiths has written one of the most comprehensive biographies I’ve ever read. It doesn’t just focus on the lives of his parents or even just the mission group they worked with. The politics, culture, factions, military forces, and even international pressures that affected their lives and played into the (I won’t call it a tragedy for they wouldn’t) climax are explained very carefully. The dark history of Colonialism and Revolution that lead to the war are covered as well. Don’t be put off by that. It’s vital to the point of this book.
There are so many lessons to take away from this book. Christianity is hard. God’s will can be hard. God is strong. God is Sovereign. Men are evil. Forgiveness is hard. Evil is real. Life is complex. The rewards God gives are not always immediate or evident. God moves through the deepest tragedy to give His followers glory and victory. Perhaps, the best way to sum up the ultimate impact of this book is to quote He who orchestrated it all. “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” (Romans 8:37)
One this that made this biography even better is Griffiths didn’t stop just after the deaths of the missionaries. He carried the story on through the next thirty years. You can see the struggles they still had to endure to forgive the perpetrators, to carry despite their grief, and the comfort God gave them. At the end, he tackles the question, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" It's a wonderful section full of Biblical wisdom and comfort.
You should read it. Don’t get bogged down. The beginning is a little slow, but be sure to keep reading. If you are saved it will encourage you. If you aren’t, I’m sure the author’s prayer, and mine, is that you will see Jesus as the hero of this story and the Savior who offers you forgiveness for your sins.
It’s written by and about Pentecostals; though, their particular distinctives aren’t emphasized. There are also overtones of ecumenism in the beginning. I’m not sure how much that was the author’s perspective or his parents.
I received this as a free ARC copy from NetGalley and Lion Hudson Plc. and Monarch. No review was required, but it was my pleasure to write it.

Stephen Griffiths

Stephen Griffiths

Unknown

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