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2011.
Coming as it were from an oral culture where very few people realise the importance of writing Christian books, but have no problems reading books written by outsiders, the purpose of last week’s article was to celebrate the three female and one male writers and, to encourage those with that gifting to do the same, for we need those books that speak about our experiences in a manner we understand.

The piece was also meant to raise awareness among Christian believers and non-believers alike that there are some among us who have the gift of writing, although these books and others published in the past do not in any way replace the word of God – the Bible.

However, there was a commentary that triggered some emotional responses, from well-meaning readers who probably thought that this was another attack on the body of Christ. It’s quite understandable and natural, for this writer has judged others, which is contrary to what the word of God says in Matthew 7: 1-2, “Do not judge, or you will judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (NIV)

I will reiterate: the purpose was to glean at the four publications, but doing so within a broad framework of book publishing. It was not a book review, because reviews required more than that what in that piece.
I reproduce the tail end of the article, which caused discomfiture among some readers: “The writer also noted that there is a growing trend in self-publishing, and the reason, to cut down on costs.
“However, we have to question whether this in some cases does not compromise on quality, especially the editing and packaging. Do these publishers have well skilled personnel to handle this business?

“This was the major reason I thought our readers should also know that there are some gifted people out there instead of spending more time on electronic materials.
“But, the major question was: where are the publishers selling these books? Since these are self-publications, what marketing and distribution mechanisms are they using since I failed to locate all four titles in the few bookshops in the Central Business District, including those that sell Christian materials?

“Just like in the past, what still sells in our bookshops are foreign publications. Why? A random survey revealed that foreign authors are already known to international consumers since a lot of them are also televangelists on major Christian satellite channels.
“One Christian said, ‘Competing with these people is a mammoth task. Zimbabwe’s publishing industry is almost dead, and thus there is really no one to check on quality and push for better products. Bookshops are in business and have no qualms displaying foreign publications because these are beautifully packaged.

“Even if the contents might not match what your locals can produce, and even if the issues do not suit local situations, but let’s face it, the products are attractive . . . Our Christian writers-cum-publishers should also learn to work together so that they exchange notes and revive this very important industry that complements the Bible.'”
“There are also allegations that prices of local publications are beyond reach of most people, despite their quality. However, the Spirit Library Publications are well packaged. Maybe it is because they were printed in the UK.

“Another observer said that since these books are not found in bookstores, they probably are sold to fellow church members, which makes them doctrinal.”
This was a frank commentary based on professional ethics in the writer’s major field of study – library and information science where acquisition of library materials is based on a set criterion, and where the writer realised that due to material and financial challenges, our locally published materials would always play second fiddle to Western publications, notwithstanding content and applicability.

The remark was not limited to Christian reading materials. It cuts across the whole publishing and information chain in this country where we have noted that there is need to exert a little bit more, including skills in order to achieve international standards.
We serve a God of excellence. From the six days of creation in the book of Genesis, we note that Jehovah God would look at His workmanship and He saw that it was good.

The Bible also records in Galatians 2: 11-16 an encounter between the Apostles Peter and Paul, when the latter challenged Peter on issues to do with the law and the spirit: “When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter in front of all, ‘You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs.” (v. 14)
The scenarios might not exactly be similar, but the bottom line is that there are times when we have to face reality in order to move on. I don’t know whether the authors of these books, viz, Mrs Francisca Zinyemba,

Mrs Annah Govere, Pastor Beverly Angel and Prophet Uebert Angel felt slighted by a general commentary that spoke into the state of the country’s publishing industry.
All serious writers know that rejection by publishers is part of the game. They also know that not all reviewers will give them rave reviews no matter how excellent they believe their works are.
With the current information glut, reviewers use certain parameters and various standards to rate the book’s quality. The Internet has made this job even more critical because reviews are now widely available to

bigger audiences worldwide, and not just a small group.
Reviewing is not just confined to content, but includes saying things about the cover design, quality of paper, graphics or illustrations, binding, pricing, etc.

Maybe to better illustrate the point, and realise that quality in the book industry matters, why is it that thirty one years after independence, a local bookshop would have the following titles on the window, as it main attractions?:

• Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your full Potential / Joel Osteen;

• Daily Inspiration for the Purpose Driven;

• The Purpose Driven Church: Growth Without Compromising Your Message and Mission/Rick Warren;

• God’s Answers to Life’s Difficulty/Rick Warren again;

• Power Thoughts/Joyce Meyer;

• The Lady, Her Lover and Her Lord/TD Jakes, etc.

This writer has also concluded that one of the reasons why publications by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome of Christ Embassy have had a huge impact among Christians from various denominations is the packaging. The Rhapsody of Realities, the monthly devotional is a particular example.
This is a learning curve, and it is important to proffer constructive criticism where necessary, and in this case, I felt that Christian publications should set an example, and help resuscitate the publishing industry.
Forthcoming events
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Event: Apostolic/Prophetic Conference Year of Action 2011
Date: August 1 – 7
Venue: Queens Sports Ground, Bulawayo
Theme: “Why sit we here until we die?”(2 Kings 7:4)
Speakers: Apostle Eunor Guti, Bishop Tudor Bismark, Pastor Tom Deuschle, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, Bishop Dag Hewad Mills
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Date: August 12 – 21
Venue: Kasanze Vidco Hall, Murombedzi, Zvimba
Theme: Thanksgiving
Speaker: Bishop Colin Mutasa
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“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 1:8-9)
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