28 October 2003

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Tiwone Zvikonyaukwa at just 29 years of age. Tiwone died Tuesday, October 28, 2003 at the Wankie Colliery Hospital in Hwange, Zimbabwe. The loving wife of Jasper and mother of Jefta 5, and Maureen 7, Tiwone served as Director of the ROCK of Africa Mission Children's Relief Campaign. She was our hostess at the ROCK of Africa guest chalets and she was a great friend to all that visited ROCK of Africa Mission.

Tiwone died from an apparent infection in her digestive tract. She had been ill for several weeks and had great difficulty eating. After three weeks of hospitalization her condition continued to deteriorate. Suspecting other complications, Tiwone was tested for many other diseases including HIV, which infects one out of three adults in Zimbabwe. All tests came back negative, but she continued to decline. In her weakened condition she had difficulty breathing and was unable to speak. Her husband Jasper kept a vigil at her hospital bedside.

Medicine is in very short supply and due to the severe fuel shortage nationwide, deliveries are quite sporadic. Tiwone was gravely ill was not responding to any medication the hospital had available and the hospital attempted to locate more aggressive antibiotics from medical facilities across Zimbabwe.

On Sunday, October 26 Tiwone's husband, Jasper, personally traveled to Victoria Falls to locate the medicine and deliver it to the hospital. Sunday afternoon Tiwone began responding to the new medication, her condition improved, and by Monday morning she was again able to speak. She continued regaining strength and Monday evening she encouraged Jasper to go back to the mission and tend to the needs of the children. She spent a comfortable Monday night and continued to improve. Tragically, that improvement was brief and Tuesday morning her condition dramatically changed. The hospital attempted to notify Jasper of the rapidly worsening situation, but he could not be reached by phone.

Unable to speak with Jasper and sensing her death was eminent, Tiwone jotted down a note to her beloved partner in life and ministry.  She wrote, "Do not worry. I am in the hands of God and my way is prepared.  We will meet again in 'Jerusalem'."  Tiwone died at 11am Tuesday with her sister Sarah and Jasper's brother Josphat at her bedside.  Jasper arrived at the hospital one hour after her death.

Born in Zimbabwe, Tiwone spent much of her childhood living in Malawi until moving back to Zimbabwe permanently nearly ten years ago. God brought her to Gwayi River and the ROCK of Africa Mission, and no one questioned her divine appointment there. Her passion for children was limitless. During this most difficult period of famine she was almost solely responsible for keeping many children alive and healthy. She sought out any children that did not have food and saw to it that they were able to eat. Many children are thriving today because of her passion, diligence, and commitment to serving the "least of these" as Christ commands.

Tiwone is present in many of the photos and videos on this website. In the "Understand the Need" video (featuring Lazarus), it is Tiwone that shares about the severe problems the famine is creating in the region.

God is moving powerfully throughout the region and many, many lives have been transformed. But sadly, tribal roots still run deep in Zimbabwe. Tribal witchdoctors still exist and this move of God is resulting their loss of power and influence. They have repeatedly launched spiritual attacks on this strategically important couple. These assaults have been unusually vigorous over the past few months, but Jasper and Tiwone have stood with confidence on the solid rock of Christ.