Update from Operation Trumpet Call
17 August 2011
Dear friends
Just thought that it would be good to update you all on the recent activities within Operation Trumpet Call and the reports we have been receiving from the sites regarding their average yields received during the 2010/2011 season. Again, we have noticed that Matabeleland have been hard hit through the erratic rains we had from January through to April, but we praise God that many still managed to get a good harvest in. It has also highlighted some areas of concern for which we are planning to make a special effort in ensuring that problem areas are addressed.
We have recently had a very good three days with all of our Lead Trainer of Trainers from across the country at Shalom Campsite in the Kezi district outside of Bulawayo. Almost all of our 52 pastors/leaders were able to join us for this time, for many of them it was the first time in this part of the world! God was incredibly good to us as we loved His presence amongst us, loved the time of input and teaching as well as very good fellowship moments with one another. We are indeed extremely excited about the way forward particularly in terms of working with the pastors on a personal basis.
Below then is a report on the average tonnes per hectare harvested in each province of Zimbabwe at each Operation Trumpet Call site since we started in 2009.
| Province | Number of Sites |
2010 Yield (Av ton/ha) |
2011 Yield (Av ton/ha) |
Percentage of Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Matabeleland North | 7 | 1.5 | 1.04 | -31% |
| 2. Matabeleland South | 9 | 1.14 | 0.47 | -59% |
| 3. Midlands | 4 | 0.7 | 1.08 | 54% |
| 4. Bulawayo | 5 | 0.8 | 2.16 | 170% |
| 5. Masvingo | 8 | 1.34 | 1.21 | -10% |
| 6. Mashonaland Central | 5 | 3.4 | 3.67 | 8% |
| 7. Mashonaland West | 3 | 3.1 | 2.59 | -16% |
| 8. Mashonaland East | 3 | 1.73 | 3.07 | 77% |
| 9. Manicaland | 6 | 0.5 | 3.62 | 624% |
| 10. Harare | 2 | 1.5 | 3.74 | 149% |
| Total Number of Sites | 52 | |||
| National Average | 1.6 | 2.26 | 41% |
* Av ton/ha = Average tonnes per hectare
I hope this will help you a bit to understand the progress in some areas and the challenge in others. As you look at certain provinces, you do realize that even though we have had some indifferent rainfall patterns over these areas, a whole lot of attention would need to be given to the 2 Matabeleland provinces. Bulawayo has actually been quite remarkable in the way that the people here have been brilliant in their faithfulness. A special note needs to be made here of a lady just outside of town (Pauline Maphosa) that has produced a wonderful 6.99 tonnes per hectare. It proved to be the second highest of all of the sites, with only Glendale (Richard Chazawo) beating that with 8.4 tonnes!
We praise God for what is happening as we look at these figures in general, but what excites us further is the wonderful relational growth we are seeing with the pastors and leaders. And as you can understand, those things are not measurable in the context of what we have given you here, but it certainly is something to focus on and build upon.
Thank you for your continued prayer, support and interest in the work of Operation Trumpet Call. It is an honour to serve the Lord with you in this way.
God bless from myself and the whole team at OTC.
For the King and His Kingdom!!