Where is Itai? : Thoughts on a Disappeared Activist in Zimbabwe

Last updated on: February 9, 2016 at 4:23 pm by Jeff Hood

Where is Itai? : Thoughts on a Disappeared Activist in Zimbabwe 2016-02-09T16:23:48-06:00 Jeff Hood

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

On March 9, 2015, prominent Zimbabwean pro-democracy activist Itai Dzamara was abducted by what people believe to be government officials and has not been seen since. “Where is Itai?” The question is at the core of bubbling resistance.

On the 11th month since his disappearance, I decided to send a letter to the editors of the major opposition newspapers about Itai:

Editor – Just last week, I entered Zimbabwe for the first time. As a liberation theologian from the United States, I was hopeful to hear stories of people resisting the Mugabe regime. Instead, I’ve heard about chronic despair. The bus driver talked about being constantly afraid. The teacher talked about losing his farm. The businessman talked about corruption. The villagers talked about hunger. The student talked about leaving. The nurse talked about not getting paid. The clerk talked about pollution. The accounts of brutality were truly endless. I would imagine all the books of the world could not contain the present despair of Zimbabwe. People keep telling me that resistance is futile. Reading your news reminded me that Itai Dzamara didn’t think so. Repeatedly, Itai risked his life seeking to liberate his country. Through his prophetic sacrifices, Itai is calling a people forward. Where is Itai? While I hope he’s found alive, I pray that he will also be found alive in the hearts and minds of the people of this nation. Though I’ll be leaving soon, I know he’s in me.

Rev. Dr. Jeff Hood

Texas, USA

more info:

a link to an Amnesty International interview with Itai’s wife : https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2015/09/zimbabwe-where-is-itai-dzamara/

Pindula biography page:

http://www.pindula.co.zw/Itai_Dzamara

Amen.

Previous Post

February 8, 2016

Resisting Mugabe in Zimbabwe

Next Post

February 10, 2016 The Ashes: A Celebration in Zimbabwe

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Danny & Jeff fresh writings latest poetics north texas fellowship of reconciliation Sermon theology from death row Thoughts Uncategorized

Select a Month October 2026 September 2026 August 2026 July 2026 June 2026 May 2026 April 2026 March 2026 February 2026 January 2026 December 2025 November 2025 October 2025 September 2025 August 2025 June 2025 May 2025 April 2025 March 2025 January 2025 December 2024 November 2024 October 2024 August 2024 July 2024 June 2024 May 2024 April 2024 March 2024 February 2024 January 2024 December 2023 November 2023 October 2023 September 2023 July 2023 May 2023 April 2023 March 2023 February 2023 January 2023 December 2022 November 2022 October 2022 September 2022 August 2022 July 2022 June 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 February 2022 January 2022 December 2021 November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 July 2021 June 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 May 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What biblical advice is given to those who are anxious?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Trust only yourself Never tell anyone Cast your cares on the Lord Worry constantly