The Axe and the Tree: How bloody persecution sowed the seeds of new life in Zimbabwe

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, Stephen's parents, and their team had set up a superb secondary school, only for guerrillas to slaughter almost all the staff. After their funerals Peter maintained that forgiveness for the attackers was the Christian thing to do. This is an inspiring story of Peter and Brenda's courage, sacrifice, and faithfulness in God, who despite the atrocities, continues to build His church in Zimbabwe.

About the Author :
Dr Stephen Griffiths was born and grew up in Zimbabwe, where he trained as a medical doctor. He and his wife Anna now share the role of Assistant General Director for OMF International based in Singapore.

Review :
"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." "Your book moved us to tears. It is so well written, so well researched, and does not flinch from the hard political and theological questions raised by the massacre. A significant contribution to the history of Christian mission." “This book is a moving account of triumphant faith in endeavour and suffering for the cause of Christ and his kingdom. It is thoroughly researched and impressively written by a first hand observer of events which drew the attention of the world to the work of Christian missions.” "This story of a Christian community, vividly brought to life through the memories of a missionary family, offers a compelling example of forgiveness and redemption in the face of one of the darkest moments of Zimbabwe’s recent past. Through it we come to understand the deep roots of the Zimbabwean Church.” “Tragedy, triumph, tenacity; grace and faith; suffering beyond words, with love for the Lord, his gospel and his people: this book has them all. A biography like this is never simply a joyful romp through a happy life, and you stare into hell as well as into heaven. But the thread of tenacious faith, no matter what, is visible from start to finish, and behind that the reality of God's love and grace that makes such faith a gift from himself. Read – and pray for Zimbabwe.” "Steve pours heart and mind into the most moving of quests: the mystery of God’s ways in the face of palpable evil and suffering and faith." "A book that plumbs the depths of human sin and suffering and scales the heights of God's grace and the power of forgiveness. I wept tears of sadness at the terrible suffering this book describes; tears of joy at the power of forgiveness it conveys." "An exploration of the brutal killing of children and adults in 1970s Zimbabwe - by turns memoir, missionary biography, crime investigation, and political history - this book is unflinching in its record of detail and inspirational in its quest for meaning and redemption." “Wikipedia will give you an horrific picture of some of the victims of the slaughter of Elim missionaries and their children in 1978 in what is now Zimbabwe. Steve Griffiths, with sensitivity, warmth and a great literary style has told this story in the broader context of missionary work and his own parents' ministry there. The book breaths a love of Zimbabwe and its people and shows how through forgiveness God can work to bring something beautiful even out of the ugliness of murder. A book to challenge and encourage.” “A vivid, heartbreaking, yet ultimately hopeful account of what happens when the horrors of humanity are met with the power of God’s forgiveness. I couldn’t put it down.”