Thank you for this film. I served in the Rhodesian War (also went to Falcon College). My life was a disaster but the Lord is my Saviour. I rejoice that so many chaps who served in that war are now serving the Lord Jesus Christ.
Please read my response above. I wonder if you ever encountered Americans or mercs who came over there for the purpose of fighting guerillas; and, if you had, did you ever meet or see the guy I talked about in that comment. This would probably have been sometime between 1977 and 1980. By that time, I think he would have been about 23 or 24 years old. Thank you.
@@basiloc-jones8998 That was an amazing story, thanks Basil for telling it. I am an atheist but I admire the journey you took and I think it’s more of a testament to your personal strength. O’Connell is a proud Irish ☘️ name too. “Go n-eirí leat” (best wishes to you)
Stephen thanks for watching & responding my friend The Lord is real Stephen ask Him to reveal himself to you call upon His name Jesus say simply yet sincerely you lost you need help none of us can do this alone 🙏 to Him I’ll pray for you my friend ❤
1980, I was a school boy at Churchill. One assembly Basil came and spoke to the whole school. For half an hour he had over a 1000 boys mesmerized. I cannot remember too much of that year but I remember him talking to us and saying how he remembered lying on a stretcher and looking up at the chopper blades. He influenced many boys that day.
Looking at Basil's life journey I fail to understand why and how there are still voices out there that proclaim that there is no God. Yes Basil we serve a Mighty Living God !!! Shalom
I was much like Basil. A drift with no purpose. Joined the Legion and was a medic in Africa. I was lucky never wounded. It gave me purpose and helped me be a better man.
My dad was hired in argentina and served as surgeon in salisburry. He fixed lots of selous scouts. He was so frustrated with head wounds. Probably basil was one of his pacients 73 to 76. Love to see his good work. He was a cardiovascular surgeon. Lived till his 84. Never stop loving rodhesia. Passed away in 2015.
@@basiloc-jones8998Hi Basil, this was an absolutely interesting documentary. I assume you're still living in Zim? How's life there being white? Do you face a lot of dissent and / or racism from blacks? I was born in Germany the very day Salisbury became Harare, I am drawn towards Rhodesian history. I don't know if you believe in transmigration of soul, but I feel like I might have lived there in a previous life.
As my father was involved in the war as a member of the BSAP, I watched this movie and especially seeing his transformation, how Jesus uses the worst times in a person's life to bring out the best and to help so many others. Thank you for this movie. God bless you all .
Thank you for your sacrifice. My grandfather was drafted into Vietnam war into light infantry and that changed him and he still fights that war sometimes. But despite that he has had the largest impact on my life other than my father and I truly have always seen him in your people and their determination. You in my opinion are some of the best warriors who have trotted this earth much respect and thanks.
i salute you Baz you are a true some of the soil rhodesia or zimbabwe you are a legend i’m a 95 kid born i’m the new zimbabwe but big respect to you bigman you made a legacy
April 1980 I just finished basic training and just knew that there were a lot of Rhodesian guys coming to South Africa. Met a few and some were true Christians. I guess they must have known Basil. Thank you for the story. I am humbled by this story.
I am Zimbabwean born 1 year too late to be Rhodesian and everyone I knew growing up fought in the" struggle " as they now refer to it. My family is just blessed to be christian, many men are still trying to find themselves and don't have God's peace and love in there lives I was in Harare over Christmas and was shocked to see how the men I looked up to behave, I hope this video finds them what an amazing testament to God's love
Sadly there are no winners in war .. I believe in life we all serve a purpose and everything happens with a reason .. Basil was not supposed to die in battle.. his purpose on earth was not yet over . Your courage and determination will inspire others to change their lives and to help others feel they to serve a purpose on this wonderful planet . Much respect Basil for all you have been through . May god bless you and your family . 🙏🏻. Rhodesians never die ! Amen .
"Death is not final; it's a comma. It's not a full stop." This is a truly amazing story of redemption. I had friends in Rhodesia during this time period who lived on a small farm near Hartley. I finally took a long leave in the mid 1980s to visit them and tour/hunt parts of the country. Along the way I met a couple of former members of the RLI and heard some of their wild stories. What a beautiful land Rhodesia/Zimbabwe was and is. I hope someday it will recover from the fate it has endured for too many decades since the war ended.
A really well produced film. The costumes, props and locations added to the authenticity of the period. The cast of actors were of a high standard. Five stars *****.
As an ex 2 Commando comrade with Basil, I can only recall my interactions and experiences with 'Baz'...Always curious, willing to know who you really are, and forever smiling. Shot in the head alongside Guy McKenzie stirred up emotions within the Commando. And all things being equal, Baz turned this tragic experience into his life's purpose. I recall Basil saying he cried for anger, self pity, and for people like me. RIP, Frank van Druten also ex 2 Commando.
Please read my response above. I wonder if you ever encountered Americans or mercs who came over there for the purpose of fighting guerillas; and, if you had, did you ever meet or see the guy I talked about in that comment. This would probably have been sometime between 1977 and 1980. By that time, I think he would have been about 23 or 24 years old. Thank you.
@@mikeohandley1922 yes mike I did come across a couple of mercenaries ( American 🇺🇸 ) in 2 commando long way from home 🏡 those guys I couldn’t get my head around them fighting a cause they had nothing to do with but professional soldiers are just that ( I’m sure I would have gone from war to war myself as we I was to far gone ) I got pulled so that was it 🤔The Lord saved me and many others hallelujah eternally greatfull stay well my friend 👍
@@basiloc-jones8998praise Yeshua. This life is but a vapor and then forever with Him. Watching a lot of ndes for the last few years. Most amazing stories. Shalom Baz from a neighbor. Marina, Namibia
As a white Zimbabwean of British stock, while I am not a christian, I have my own spiritual beliefs. I loved this film and true story. Teaching us to be our best and highest selves through compassion, kindness, respect and forgiveness. The very essence of Higher Christ Consciousness
Great testimony! Inspirational. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
Amazing Grace. Beautifully made all the way around. Thanks screenwriter and producer, director for making this happen. People need to see Pastor Basil's story...such hope. God bless you and yours.
What an amazing film, so heartwarming and encouraging. Our God is Awesome indeed. My friend's husband served in the RLS in the seventies and my husband served SA during the border war in Namibia ( also in the seventies) it was a terrible time for all concerned, and thank God for His grace Mercy and Peace that we now have . Thank your for sharing this wonderful testimony
I've been reading a lot of accounts by people who lived in Rhodesia during the war and after. I was born and have lived in the US all life, but for some reason I find this era fascinating. In an odd way I feel a pang of nostalgia for something I never lived through. Odd. I find this story of redemption very uplifting. Good on ya Baz!
An uplifting film which also filled me with deep sadness, transported back to a time and place which was once home. So many lost, so many memories. Thank-you so much Basil for your very inspiring life story.
@@adamevert1618 Are you sub-Saharan Homo Erectus? I bet you are... thus you are wrong. Zambia, Rhodesia and South Africa were first populated by aboriginal tribesman. Sub-Saharan Blacks did not originate in those regions. Go away communist.
Well said, Basil.....you would rather be physically broken like you are and know Jesus, than be whole but living your life without God. As you discovered....the body gets left behind but your soul lives forever. There are so many wonderful testimonies from this time. This is just one of them.
A beautiful life from built from Ashes. Shows the strength of God allowing him to overcome huge physical challenges everyday to spread the word of God❤❤
My Dad was Keith Stewart Coppen.. he flew a chopper into lake Kariba.. it was rebuilt and my sister got to fly in it. I started a blog on my Dad.. some brilliant stories. I have truly enjoyed this documentary .
Amazing, inspirational true story! God bless Basil. God, Jesus Christ and the angels love us all unconditionally and deeply. Our main duty in life is to be kind and loving, compassionate and generous to all. Basil is a role model to many for his strong character, his compassion for others, his Forgiveness and how he has overcome all obstacles despite what he has been through. From an inspired Zimbabwean.
Correction . Our main duty in life is not to be kind and loving , compassionate and generous . Our main duty is to love God with all our heart , mind , soul and strength and our neighbour as ourself . That is the chief end of man . We are to obey the Lord Jesus’ commandment to go into all the world and preach the gospel to everyone . As the Lord Jesus did Himself , we are to warn them of hell and command them to repent in Jesus’ name . He did not snuggle up to sinful people on their way to hell , but spoke more about hell than heaven . This is true love for the lost , warning them of their eternal danger and their urgent need to repent , not trying to “ love them into the kingdom “ and telling them “ God loves them “ and “ has a wonderful plan for their lives “. Proverbs 1 tells us the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom ,and so without knowing their peril , what have they to be concerned about ? Preaching that God is imploring people to choose Him ,while helplessly wringing His hands , only produces false conversions and deceives sinners into imagining they are saved , when they are relying on their good choice , instead of Christs work on the cross . Salvation is of the Lord . TULIP
@@malcolmscrivener8750 That's your opinion. I understand and am not going to fight with you over it. However I will say this. I do not believe in that ( respectfully). Our whole purpose in life is to be Kind, Loving and Compassionate to all living beings. Jesus preached those exact teachings. God is only Love. There is only Divine Love and Compassion for all. Our whole purpose in life is to serve others, to be Kind and Compassionate to all beings. Through Loving Kindness. Spread Love, Kindness and Compassion. There is no hell or judgement. Hell, wrath and judgement was invented by the corrupt church to scare people and control them through fear and chaos.
@@malcolmscrivener8750 God is Only Love. Loving-Kindness. God is in every single act of Kindness, every single act of Love and Compassion. He is in every good deed and act of service to others. Everyday all over the planet in every second. He is Loving-Kindness to all living beings. Kindness to all animals, humans and our planet. That is where you will find him. Jesus Himself helped the lepers, the prostitutes, the downtrodden, the poor. Even the so-called sinful people. He never turned away anyone regardless of what they believed, what they did or who they were. He loved them all as they were. We are all part of God. Water drops in an ocean of God consciousness and love. We are all sovereign beings and are all deeply loved.
@@Lion_Heart_Zimbabwe Time to start reading your Bible . Almighty God is sovereign not sinful man . How did the lepers get leprosy ? God created it and gave it to them ! Why ? For the good pleasure of His will . When Pharaoh pursued Moses and the escaping Israelites with his army , what did the Lord do ? He drowned the lot of them . Speaking of drowning , do you remember what the Lord God Almighty did to the entire world in Noahs time ? He hates sin and punishes sinful people . He even punishes people who think they are helping Him , when they break His commandments . What was the name of the man who touched the Ark of the Covenant to stop it falling off the Ox Cart ? The Lord struck him dead ! Do you really think He loved hitler whos agenda was the complete annihilation of Gods chosen people ? I have no idea what religion you are a part of but I’m sure it’s not biblical Christianity because you have absolutely no idea of Gods sovereignty and mans need for repentance and salvation which only comes from Almighty God Himself . TULIP
I've always been invested in the Rhodesian bush war and what Bas did was amazing. Thank you for telling your story and have a good rest of your life and beyond!
Brought many memories back , thank's Baz for sharing your life with such honesty, hopefully it will encourage many to realise that God never leave or forsake you. Many Blessings your way.
It's been a year since this documentary was made; but, Basil, if you see this, I want you to know that this video was what finally made me believe in life after death, attend church, and find Jesus Christ.
I'm not religious but despite that I'm fully accepting that Basil found real salvation. I got goosebumps when he talked about waking up and feeling this deep and total trust that everything would be good. Thanks for this inspiring biopic
God does not want you to experience "religion" as much as he wants you to experience His grace. Though it is available to everyone, the amazing thing is that if nobody else in the history of the world but you needed it, Christ still would have made the sacrifice required so you could have it.
Great docu / biography of a truly great guy and his wonderful parents who i had the honour of knowing in then Marandellas. Great seeing Betty Gail and of course Basil after so many years. To Betty, Gail, Basil and the Ouens of the RLI I had the houour of being with on operations, Salute and Respect, God Bless One and All
What a wonderful Man, lived a really full life obviously, and Grace caught Him, Married, Children, God is real as this Man's Testimony, Thank You For all You have shared.
That's an amazing story. I'm an old retired soldier, about Basil's age I think, and I found myself in tears learning about what he went through during his recovery. Perhaps I "sort" of know now though what happened to one of the guys I used to serve with in the US Army at Ft. Bragg. His name was either Randy Meade or Randy Meier (Edited: confirmed Randy Meade). We served together in the 118th MP Co. (Abn) at Ft. Bragg as Military Policemen and Paratroopers from the spring of 1976 until I was transferred to Korea in June of 1977. Randy and I weren't that close as friends - more like colleagues, really. However, we were both in the same squad in the same platoon, so we were around each other all the time. Randy was a big hulking kid. He was heavily freckled from head to toe, had what I'd call a permanent sunburn, and the reddest hair you can imagine. MPs have two missions - law enforcement and wartime law enforcement. For our wartime mission, Randy, because of his size, was the "Pig" (M60 machine gun) gunner. The guy was so strong he didn't need an assistant gunner - if we were in the process of assaulting a simulated enemy during training, he'd just throw the bag with the extra M60 barrel over his shoulder, pick up the pig with one hand, two crates of ammo with the other hand, and take off running for a hundred meters, drop, load, and fire, and then spring to his feet, pick everything up again, and take off running again. He wasn't that bright a guy, but he was the perfect choice to haul that pig, because his mission was simple, and he excelled at simple things. At one point in late 1976, Randy went on a deployment for about a month, to an exercise in Florida. I believe that our unit was paired up with some Rangers for the training; because, when he came back, he seemed to have developed an obsession for all things Ranger related. One night he returned to the barracks with a large tattoo regaling the rangers tattooed on his body. I thought he'd lost his mind. I said to him, "Randy, are you crazy? You're not a Ranger, but if real Rangers catch you with that tat on you, they're liable to remove it with a knife." He just laughed and said, "They won't do that if I'm one of them. I'm gonna join those guys." The next thing he did that set me back on my heels was get tattooed again - this time in the center of his forehead right at his hairline, with the number 666 in numbers about an inch high. That's when I told myself, "Don't get too close to this guy - he's not stable." He talked about the Rangers constantly; and, on his days off, he could be found lying in his bunk in the first platoon bay of the barracks reading an issue of Soldier of Fortune Magazine. SOF contained some Ranger stories, but it was becoming clear that, if Rangers were the good-guy heroes in Randy's mind, mercs (mercenary) were the misunderstood heroes in his mind. In the middle of June 1977 I left for Korea and never saw Randy Meade (Meiers?) again. Twelve years later, I was back at Bragg as a Sergeant First Class, going through the Special Forces Qualification Course when, as I was walking past the school's headquarters, a beat-up motor pool pickup driven by a green beret drove past me and screeched to a stop about fifty feet in front of me. The driver leaned over the seat, rolled down the passenger-side window, and then yelled, "O'Handley? What the f*** are you doing here, Man?" It was my old buddy Jerry, who I used to hang out with twelve years before when I'd served in the 118th. I hadn't known that he'd left the MPs and had joined Special Forces or that he was still at Bragg after so many years. Jerry and I met for lunch and spent a long time catching up on what everyone in the platoon, and he, had been up to over the past twelve years. At one point I asked him, "Hey, do you remember Randy Meade? What ever became of him? Did he ever become a Ranger?" At that, Jerry's face got very serious, and he said, "Mike, that's a really sad story. Not long after you left the 118th, Randy left for Ft. Benning for Ranger training. I guess he graduated the Benning phase of the course, but something happened after that, and I think he was put out of the military due to some kind of psyche eval (psychological evaluation) he had. I saw him after he was put out when he came back to the 118th to visit. He told us he was on his way to Africa and had signed up as a merc. Jerry continued, Mike, I'm serious, the way he talked, the way his eyes looked, and that f*****g 666 tat, he looked like he'd gone completely insane." I said, "Well, if he was put out of the Rangers do you think they'd take him as a merc?" Jerry nodded, "Mike, you know Meade, he loved being a paratrooper and there was nobody better to hump a pig. If there was a merc force out there that needed an experienced paratrooper who was a sixty gunner, Meade would be their man. Besides, you know how Randy was completely obsessed with mercs and the Rangers. If he couldn't be a Ranger, I have no doubt he really did go to Africa to be a merc. In fact, one of the guys, maybe it was Frank ____, maybe someone else - I can't recall - told me some years later that they'd once seen Meade's photograph in SOF. He was supposedly on a jeep with an M60 mounted and was with the guy the SOF story featured - some legendary merc commander. So, yeah, I think he did do that." Anyway, years after that, I ran into one of the guys, Frank _______, and Frank said that Randy had somehow gotten onto some really exclusive fighting force in South Africa, Rhodesia, Zambia, someplace like that, had fought Communist guerillas for a couple of years, and then: when the guerillas won, Randy and those mercs had to turn tail and get the hell out of there before they got captured by the guerillas/new government. Randy just managed to get across the border and out of Africa and back to the states." I said, "Holy sh**, that's hard to believe,..." Jerry interrupted me and said, "Mike, that's not all of it. Frank told me that, after that, Randy ended up in prison serving three life sentences without parole for murder." I damned near threw up, as the mouthful of coffee I was swallowing when he said that ended up going up into my nasal passages instead of into my stomach. Jerry continued, "Frank said that, after Randy got back from Africa, he stopped into a bar one night someplace in Detroit, or Milwaukee - some city in the north mid-west - and got into a fight with three black dudes, who kicked the crap out of him and then threw him out of the bar into the parking lot. That's when Randy waited for those three guys to leave the bar, followed them on his Harley, pulled a gun out of one of his saddlebags, and then, some miles down the road, pulled up next to them, pointed the gun and ordered them to stop. They pulled over, he got them all out of the car, and then he made all three of them kneel with their hands clasped on top of their heads. Then he executed each of them with a single shot to the back of the head. He was somehow caught, tried, and convicted and is now in prison." I sat there in shock, my mind racing, remembering everything I could about Meade. I'd always thought, based on his obsession with the Rangers, and all of those Soldier of Fortune Magazine stories, that he was a little bit "off," but he'd never seemed like the kind of guy who'd do something like that. I wondered to myself, "I wonder what Randy had experienced in Africa that turned him into a stone-cold killer? Jerry didn't know; and, to this day, I still don't know. In fact, I don't know if it really happened or if it's just some kind of story from the military rumor mill. Maybe I never will. (Edited: Confirmed. I recently spoke to several old friends who confirmed this story. Such a shame that some men are taught when they are young to be racists.)
When a Rhodesian tells a story, it has heart and soul. Because that was the fabric of Rhodesians. No facade - the genuine article. Thank you for sharing some snippets of your life story. Man what a chapter in all Rhodesian lives it was, but you definitely had a life changing/saving event when pulled. Many Rhodesians will relate to so many parts. Caning at school - ja "perfectly normal" as you said. "Cuts" they were called at Saints...appropriate given the bleeding result you described. I had a few...even innocently got captured for a crime I didn't commit (pillow fight in dorm. Thanks Couz). And yet we survived. We knew right from wrong. You didn't seem to work that out for a while 🤔🤷🏼♂️ I must have led a blooming sheltered life as I never saw a drug back in those days. Thankfully so. Your Ma is such a lovely lady - so typical of the old toppies of our era. So lovely to hear her take on it all, and that of your Ster. Tatenda for making and sharing this very beautiful, very well re-enacted true story - a really well told account of one Rhodesian navigating one hell of a chapter in all our Rhodesian lives. It all seems like yesterday - travelling in convoy ...337 overhead, landmines, ambushes, farm security. 7.62 and 9 mil ammo everywhere. Weapon carried around with car keys and Madison. Despite all that, we were a prosperous little nation. Come to Umtali and get bombed. Remember the T shirts. Rhodesian humour..second to none. Didn't need to go to Umtali, Salibury was having its own blast of a time. La Boheme, Greatermans...so many others. Your account of your experience and transformation has rightly touched many lives in a very positive way. You're doing what you were kept alive to do. Good man. 🙌🏻 St Giles and Tsanga Lodge....wonderful people that helped so many. Hamba kahle Tim
Ahh Tim those were the days my friend 🔥 thanks for your amazing comments yes we lived a charmed life and to think the Lords grace saved me & so many others what a beautiful savior God bless & keep you my dear friend 👊👊
Hi Tim, just wondering,you mentioned Saints? Which boarding school was this one? I went to Saints Stephens in Balla Balla between '73/76. Cheers Roberto Massolini
Mr o connel jones very interesting story thanku for sharing makes all understand we have been put on this earth for a reason i remember u living at the top of our road when i was younger and like u went falcon college i hated the system but loved being in the bush with my mates i wish u and ur family all the best for the future god bless
@basiloc-jones8998 Thank you for serving your nation and our God, and for sharing your story. I look forward to meeting you and your mates in the Kingdom of Heaven.
I was in the CID and got saved in Chiredzi in 1977. What a turn around in my life that. 47 years later still serving God and involved in missionary work in Zimbabwe.
A true inspiration Basil 😊 thank you for sharing your story … I grew up in the old Rhodesia with my Dad going on call ups with PATU all the time and many friends from our home town Wankie in the RLI and so historically it was a very special story but most important spiritually it is a story of hope and conviction and strength and reconciliation. And forgiveness ( mainly for self) thank you for sharing your testimony, for your strength of character- we honour you Basil 😊
this brought me to tears may god bless Basil and his family what a absolutely beautiful heartwarming story i’ve never seen anyone turn such suffering into such love a true inspiration to Christians and people alike
My friends hubby served and he has a mag with a bloody big set of holes where a bullet went through and somehow missed him. He was ex army and was very proud of his time over there
Any fight against Marxism is an honourable fight. Jesus shows his heart is very much against communism in verses such as Matthew 13:12. The flip side of this though is Luke 12:48, _"To whom much is given, much will be required"._
As a white Zimbabwean of British stock/Rhodesian, this film was magnificent. Although I am not religious, I can testify to God's miracles and Divine Love. Spirit, our guardian angels and spirit guides love us all unconditionally. This film is a testimony to that. The only thing that matters in life is to be kind, compassionate, chivalrous and respectful to one another, our planet and all living beings. Thank you Basil for teaching us that.
"Although I am not religious, I can testify to God's miracles and Divine Love" I belive that God does not necessarily want you to be "religious" as that is simply an organized form of worship. A person can worship God, Satan, animals, or inanimate objects and be "religious" as they might feel obligated to be. It seems you already understand that and see your spirituality - and kindness and compassion and chivalry and respect - as more important than your religion and you are right. Instead of practicing a religion, what God wants is for you to experience His grace - in order that your relationship goes beyond your knowledge of right and wrong and your obligation to worship. That Grace becomes something much more personal. Not with angels and spirit guides, but with HIM. Jesus said HE is the truth. He said HE is the way. He said HE is the life.
What a wonderful story Basil. My only wish is that people would come to the loving embrace of our Lord and Savior. Thank you for this movie thank you for your inspiring story and testimony, God Bless to you and your family in the future🙏. "Death is not final; it's a comma. It's not a full stop." This quote by you is so accurate.❤
An amazing story of God's grace, a grace available to all who will humble themselves (or be humbled) before Him. There is a lot to glean that is so evident from this story in this film about the thinking and culture of white Rhodesians. The acting is brilliant, I must say.. It seemed like Rhodesia was only Christian because.... well they couldn't be Muslim could they? What would the Queen think? "We must have religion, we can't be a people without religion, and we can't have a military without a Chaplin's corps! By Jove, what would the civilized world think if we didn't? It's all about perception chaps, we don't want any mention of personal convictions, repentance to Jesus and none of this getting heartfelt on any deep level because that's using religion as a crutch, you see. Priests in the army must look and talk the part, they are first and foremost ceremonial. So, yes chaps, let's tick that 'religion' box". ✔️ No self-respecting Christian should ever tolerate being called "religious". Religion by definition implies a life guided by external ritual and strict, suffocating procedures of law. That is not at all what Christianity is about. Christianity is about sincerity and truth towards God within one's heart that 'automatically' expresses in a righteous outward behaviour. That is why Christ so verbally-violently confronted the Pharisees, because they only cared about outward appearances. The Pharisees constantly tailored and measured their righteousness according to what man would think and not what God thinks. God is concerned about the heart; right into the innermost 'chambers' of the heart and only He can see into the heart... The deep down thoughts, intents and true character of the man. These are often aspects that we don't even know about ourselves until the lord reveals them to us. Perhaps that is what Basil was wanting to know about himself as a young man. The Lord hates hypocrisy and pretence. White Rhodesians were generally an efficient, effective and intelligent people, pricing it by effecting the entire construction of a modern nation... a fully-functioning system and infrastructure from nothing but bush land in under fifty years. Truly remarkable and commendable! However, their pride and hypocrisy were their downfall. In Rhodesian culture as long as you had certain redeeming qualities that were *highly visible* such as being good on the sports field (that was regarded as a particularly special aspect) or honoured militarily, then any debauchery or reveling at night, or behind the scenes, was allowed, overlooked or even lauded. In the end Mugabe did persecute the white people, destroying much of their wealth and means to income, and it also must be said that he did nothing to help the majority of black people but brought only misery and the early death of millions. However, it is a sobering thought that perhaps the Lord also used Mugabe (and the perfidious British governments of the sixties and seventies) as a means to slowly destroy most of what the white Rhodesians had instituted and built, as a way to forcibly humble their hearts. It's never too late to repent and rebuild your life for Christ, no matter who you are.
Kerry, The Almighty will accomplish his purposes, whether through righteous or wicked men. He alone can do this. Great is thy faithfulness Father. Halleluyah!
@@kerry5188 The Lord used Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar and many others, far more evil than Mugabe. He is God and he is Sovereign. He is far more concerned with the spiritual state of the (unseen) heart than whatever is visible to the human eye. His Word is immovable and cannot be compromised... He is a God of amazing grace, patience, long-suffering, kindness and gentleness, but He cannot be mocked, you reap what you sow. Humility and repentance is the only way forward to a personal salvation for eternity and bought with a price that he Himself paid. And His grace can even restore the years that the locusts (Mugabe or whatever) have eaten. What manner of great mercy is that? Eternity is forever; this life is but temporal.... we are but a vapour on this earth.
What a sad-inspiring-amazing story!!! I first saved it to watch afterwards, thinking it was mainly a specific documentary about bush war and so on. Initially, it didn't caught my attention, but, step by step, I got very interested in it. Thank you for it. God save Rhodesia. A salute from Brazil!
I served the queen twice under 2 different circumstances and numbers on the latter I had the same experience of a deep peace with my circumstances and that it was not in my control but will prevail with god in my life Bless the world 😜🇬🇧
Not a christian myself, but inspiring, and it made me think. I wouldn't want to meet God within such circumstances. Yet the war in Ukraine still goes on...
What an extraordinary man , I feel that all of us who accept the gift of Christs love have been lost and in great need of the truth and a sense of meaning in our lives. This film shows how a man who was lost , was found and who was blind , can now see . A very inspiring and uplifting message. God bless you brother.
So good to see and hear you after all these years Bas! I'm glad you found your purpose in life. I enjoyed reading your story in your book too. Great to see Gail and your mom too! But jeez man, you've got skinny legs!! Take care dear friend xx Carole Bruce Evans, ex Kitwe! 1970's
I was too young to enjoy the revolution. Thanks for the reply. I visited Zim in 1999. Only 5 weeks. Hope life is better now but doubt it. God bless you.❤
Falcon college in the 60s was ridiculous with disciple, over the top and in cases sadistic. A son of a prominent family "disapeared" on one of the many 5 km runs in the mine dunes, never to be seen again. There were numerous open mine shafts, did he slip, or did he jump. He was being bullied by the system to extremes.
@@mazambane286 You would enjoy watching a video titled: "WHY MOST PEOPLE DON'T QUESTION AUTHORITY" on bitchute channel "RealEyesation". You might understand why after Zimbabweans are still unable to liberate themselves from 42 years of colonization by ZANU.
@@dreamdiction Although I agree with your point regarding zanu. I do however believe that only adults, who not in the military, have the right to question authority. Schoolboys and those under the age of 21 do however have no right to question authority.
I came from Zambia, and was actually in boarding school called St. Stephan's in Balla Balla and often used to play sport against Falcon College. As for Frank Van Drutten, I'm sure his dad was Tutti Van Drutten who used to make the best biltong in Chingola, Zambia. Our parents pulled all of us when the Rhodesian War was in it's highest. I still tell my wife today how I loved Rhodesia, it was a beautiful country. Yrs later, I send my son back to boarding school called Watershed and nearly moved to Zimbabwe and my ex wife said why move from one African country to another which was now worse than Zambia. Hence, we moved across to Australia. I still have ex Zambian friends who live in Zims but have lost contact yrs ago.
Thank you for this film. I served in the Rhodesian War (also went to Falcon College). My life was a disaster but the Lord is my Saviour. I rejoice that so many chaps who served in that war are now serving the Lord Jesus Christ.
Please read my response above. I wonder if you ever encountered Americans or mercs who came over there for the purpose of fighting guerillas; and, if you had, did you ever meet or see the guy I talked about in that comment. This would probably have been sometime between 1977 and 1980. By that time, I think he would have been about 23 or 24 years old. Thank you.
The conflict you might also consider is Angola as lots of mercs involved Hope you find what you’re searching for mate
Truly beautiful to read. God Bless you sir.
God bless you my friend
Hallelujah my friend 💪💪 puma lapa bush tick that’s for the coment
Sir, thank you for sharing your testimony. I’m a US Marine and knowing Jesus is always there is the greatest comfort of all. God bless you.
Amen bro much ❤
Thank you for your service and sacrifice. My Dad is an Air Force veteran of the Bush War. 1969-1970.
🙌 thanks 💪💪
@@basiloc-jones8998 That was an amazing story, thanks Basil for telling it. I am an atheist but I admire the journey you took and I think it’s more of a testament to your personal strength. O’Connell is a proud Irish ☘️ name too. “Go n-eirí leat” (best wishes to you)
Stephen thanks for watching & responding my friend The Lord is real Stephen ask Him to reveal himself to you call upon His name Jesus say simply yet sincerely you lost you need help none of us can do this alone 🙏 to Him I’ll pray for you my friend ❤
1980, I was a school boy at Churchill. One assembly Basil came and spoke to the whole school. For half an hour he had over a 1000 boys mesmerized. I cannot remember too much of that year but I remember him talking to us and saying how he remembered lying on a stretcher and looking up at the chopper blades. He influenced many boys that day.
Looking at Basil's life journey I fail to understand why and how there are still voices out there that proclaim that there is no God. Yes Basil we serve a Mighty Living God !!! Shalom
Wow 1980 👍 I remember those days so well thanks for sharing bless you 👊👊
I was much like Basil. A drift with no purpose. Joined the Legion and was a medic in Africa. I was lucky never wounded. It gave me purpose and helped me be a better man.
where in africa
Good for you my friend 👍
The Rhodesian Foreign Legion, or the French Foreign Legion?
My dad was hired in argentina and served as surgeon in salisburry. He fixed lots of selous scouts. He was so frustrated with head wounds. Probably basil was one of his pacients 73 to 76. Love to see his good work. He was a cardiovascular surgeon. Lived till his 84. Never stop loving rodhesia. Passed away in 2015.
Praise you Jesus for another trophy of your saving grace, you get all the glory lord. The miracle working God
Thanks for sharing that all glory to Him my savior & Lord
@@basiloc-jones8998Hi Basil, this was an absolutely interesting documentary. I assume you're still living in Zim? How's life there being white? Do you face a lot of dissent and / or racism from blacks? I was born in Germany the very day Salisbury became Harare, I am drawn towards Rhodesian history. I don't know if you believe in transmigration of soul, but I feel like I might have lived there in a previous life.
As my father was involved in the war as a member of the BSAP, I watched this movie and especially seeing his transformation, how Jesus uses the worst times in a person's life to bring out the best and to help so many others. Thank you for this movie. God bless you all .
Thanks so much for watching all the best son
That war changed my life, i will never be the same again after flying so many hours in Gunships, thank God people like you showed me the way Basil.
Thank you for your sacrifice. My grandfather was drafted into Vietnam war into light infantry and that changed him and he still fights that war sometimes. But despite that he has had the largest impact on my life other than my father and I truly have always seen him in your people and their determination. You in my opinion are some of the best warriors who have trotted this earth much respect and thanks.
Any reading Gordon Shaw's comment above should buy and read his book. CHOPPER TECH.
Quite a remarkable existence.
@@mvubu6823 I am still looking for that book
My Dad Keith Coppen also flew in the war.
i salute you Baz you are a true some of the soil rhodesia or zimbabwe you are a legend i’m a 95 kid born i’m the new zimbabwe but big respect to you bigman you made a legacy
Thanks my friend
April 1980 I just finished basic training and just knew that there were a lot of Rhodesian guys coming to South Africa. Met a few and some were true Christians. I guess they must have known Basil.
Thank you for the story. I am humbled by this story.
Thank so much my friend 😊
Hi Basil, what a blast from the past, it was awesome to have you as our youth pastor back in 1982. You have touched any lives
Bless you Fiona thank you so much ❤
I am Zimbabwean born 1 year too late to be Rhodesian and everyone I knew growing up fought in the" struggle " as they now refer to it. My family is just blessed to be christian, many men are still trying to find themselves and don't have God's peace and love in there lives I was in Harare over Christmas and was shocked to see how the men I looked up to behave, I hope this video finds them what an amazing testament to God's love
Thanks and amen brother
Rhodesia forever! Greetings from Ukraine!
❤ you bro
As an African this is offensive I'm glad the Evil white man was defeated
Sadly there are no winners in war .. I believe in life we all serve a purpose and everything happens with a reason .. Basil was not supposed to die in battle.. his purpose on earth was not yet over . Your courage and determination will inspire others to change their lives and to help others feel they to serve a purpose on this wonderful planet . Much respect Basil for all you have been through . May god bless you and your family . 🙏🏻. Rhodesians never die ! Amen .
All Rhodesians die if they don't believe in Jesus Christ and follow Him.
Sadly quite a few politicians and huge corporations come out $$$$$ from the sacrifice of hundreds of thousands.😢
"Death is not final; it's a comma. It's not a full stop." This is a truly amazing story of redemption. I had friends in Rhodesia during this time period who lived on a small farm near Hartley. I finally took a long leave in the mid 1980s to visit them and tour/hunt parts of the country. Along the way I met a couple of former members of the RLI and heard some of their wild stories. What a beautiful land Rhodesia/Zimbabwe was and is. I hope someday it will recover from the fate it has endured for too many decades since the war ended.
Wonderful thanks so much bro 🙌
And it will. For the while world belongs to God. He will restore earth back to much better than what it is now. He is an amazing wonderful God
A really well produced film. The costumes, props and locations added to the authenticity of the period. The cast of actors were of a high standard. Five stars *****.
Thanks my friend ya the guys captured the spirt of the war in the 70’s ❤
As an ex 2 Commando comrade with Basil, I can only recall my interactions and experiences with 'Baz'...Always curious, willing to know who you really are, and forever smiling.
Shot in the head alongside Guy McKenzie stirred up emotions within the Commando.
And all things being equal, Baz turned this tragic experience into his life's purpose. I recall Basil saying he cried for anger, self pity, and for people like me.
RIP, Frank van Druten also ex 2 Commando.
Zane great to hear from you bro much 💙 huge respect 👊👊
Please read my response above. I wonder if you ever encountered Americans or mercs who came over there for the purpose of fighting guerillas; and, if you had, did you ever meet or see the guy I talked about in that comment. This would probably have been sometime between 1977 and 1980. By that time, I think he would have been about 23 or 24 years old. Thank you.
@@mikeohandley1922 yes mike I did come across a couple of mercenaries ( American 🇺🇸 ) in 2 commando long way from home 🏡 those guys I couldn’t get my head around them fighting a cause they had nothing to do with but professional soldiers are just that ( I’m sure I would have gone from war to war myself as we I was to far gone ) I got pulled so that was it 🤔The Lord saved me and many others hallelujah eternally greatfull stay well my friend 👍
Trooper 🇮🇪
@@basiloc-jones8998praise Yeshua. This life is but a vapor and then forever with Him. Watching a lot of ndes for the last few years. Most amazing stories.
Shalom Baz from a neighbor. Marina, Namibia
I don't believe in book religions, but I do believe in a higher power. This really hit me hard. Damned glad I watched this.
May the Lord Jesus continue to reveal Himself to you as if you seek you will find Him ❤
What you tell about yourself is that you are a Deist. Look up Deism. You don't need religions to believe in a higher power.
As a white Zimbabwean of British stock, while I am not a christian, I have my own spiritual beliefs. I loved this film and true story. Teaching us to be our best and highest selves through compassion, kindness, respect and forgiveness. The very essence of Higher Christ Consciousness
For a man shot in the head he articulates himself great you gave your all for rhodesia and nearly gave the ultimate sacrifice amazing a hero
Israel is a terrorist state
Just think, you could've stolen his house if he'd stayed dead.
@@DabNaggit this is half way across the world also nice cope when you die with no family your house goes up for sale
@DabNaggit Show some respect please!
Great testimony! Inspirational. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
Exactly my friend 👏👏👏👏🙏🙏
Amazing Grace. Beautifully made all the way around. Thanks screenwriter and producer, director for making this happen. People need to see Pastor Basil's story...such hope. God bless you and yours.
Thanks so much my friend 🙌
😊😊😊😊😊
What an amazing film, so heartwarming and encouraging. Our God is Awesome indeed. My friend's husband served in the RLS in the seventies and my husband served SA during the border war in Namibia ( also in the seventies) it was a terrible time for all concerned, and thank God for His grace Mercy and Peace that we now have . Thank your for sharing this wonderful testimony
Bless you my friend so encouraging ❤
I've been reading a lot of accounts by people who lived in Rhodesia during the war and after. I was born and have lived in the US all life, but for some reason I find this era fascinating. In an odd way I feel a pang of nostalgia for something I never lived through. Odd. I find this story of redemption very uplifting. Good on ya Baz!
Thanks Barry bless you my friend ♥️🙏
An uplifting film which also filled me with deep sadness, transported back to a time and place which was once home. So many lost, so many memories. Thank-you so much Basil for your very inspiring life story.
A colonial conquest can never be home...and you never never was African!
@@adamevert1618 i remember once being ignorant like you are.
@@adamevert1618 Are you sub-Saharan Homo Erectus? I bet you are... thus you are wrong. Zambia, Rhodesia and South Africa were first populated by aboriginal tribesman. Sub-Saharan Blacks did not originate in those regions. Go away communist.
Baz never tire of hearing your testimony. One of Gods redeeming love.
Bless you Linsey much ♥️ my girl 😘
Well said, Basil.....you would rather be physically broken like you are and know Jesus, than be whole but living your life without God. As you discovered....the body gets left behind but your soul lives forever. There are so many wonderful testimonies from this time. This is just one of them.
Amen we have an eternal purpose we live for Jesus ❤
Thank you for letting this American vet come home. Thank you, so very much!
❤
Wonderful story of a seeker having finally found what he sought, Lord God. Inspirational well made film. Thank you
God bless you bro amen 🙏
Amazing story…needed to be told and so well produced. Am spreading the story far and wide…
Thank you so much bro amen appreciate that ❤
Awesome movie. RLI were some of the finest bush soldiers in the world. I salute you all. All wars are lost to evil politicians.
Yes my friend we were a real dedicated & committed unit 👊👊
Inspirational, thank you for sharing Basil. Bless you from a Zambian of the time who is still wandering God’s road.
🇿🇲 all the best friend 💪💪
Fantastic testimony , a chance to walk a different road , finding a purpose and healing through forgiveness and reconciliation. Courage.
Amen 🙏
A beautiful life from built from Ashes. Shows the strength of God allowing him to overcome huge physical challenges everyday to spread the word of God❤❤
So true thanks 🙏
Amazing Cousin Bas, a beautiful Testimony. xxxx
❤ you Marge 😘😘😘😘🇿🇲
Beautiful - simply beautiful - we have a most powerful God..........
Ahh thanks my dear brother May the Lord bless mightily❤
My Dad was Keith Stewart Coppen.. he flew a chopper into lake Kariba.. it was rebuilt and my sister got to fly in it. I started a blog on my Dad.. some brilliant stories. I have truly enjoyed this documentary .
Hi Kate thanks for sharing that wonderful story of your dad ❤ all the best for your family and your future
Amazing, inspirational true story! God bless Basil. God, Jesus Christ and the angels love us all unconditionally and deeply. Our main duty in life is to be kind and loving, compassionate and generous to all. Basil is a role model to many for his strong character, his compassion for others, his Forgiveness and how he has overcome all obstacles despite what he has been through. From an inspired Zimbabwean.
Correction . Our main duty in life is not to be kind and loving , compassionate and generous .
Our main duty is to love God with all our heart , mind , soul and strength and our neighbour as ourself .
That is the chief end of man .
We are to obey the Lord Jesus’ commandment to go into all the world and preach the gospel to everyone .
As the Lord Jesus did Himself , we are to warn them of hell and command them to repent in Jesus’ name .
He did not snuggle up to sinful people on their way to hell , but spoke more about hell than heaven .
This is true love for the lost , warning them of their eternal danger and their urgent need to repent , not trying to “ love them into the kingdom “ and telling them “ God loves them “ and “ has a wonderful plan for their lives “.
Proverbs 1 tells us the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom ,and so without knowing their peril , what have they to be concerned about ?
Preaching that God is imploring people to choose Him ,while helplessly wringing His hands , only produces false conversions and deceives sinners into imagining they are saved , when they are relying on their good choice , instead of Christs work on the cross .
Salvation is of the Lord .
TULIP
👊👊
@@malcolmscrivener8750 That's your opinion. I understand and am not going to fight with you over it. However I will say this. I do not believe in that ( respectfully). Our whole purpose in life is to be Kind, Loving and Compassionate to all living beings. Jesus preached those exact teachings. God is only Love. There is only Divine Love and Compassion for all. Our whole purpose in life is to serve others, to be Kind and Compassionate to all beings. Through Loving Kindness. Spread Love, Kindness and Compassion. There is no hell or judgement. Hell, wrath and judgement was invented by the corrupt church to scare people and control them through fear and chaos.
@@malcolmscrivener8750 God is Only Love. Loving-Kindness. God is in every single act of Kindness, every single act of Love and Compassion. He is in every good deed and act of service to others. Everyday all over the planet in every second. He is Loving-Kindness to all living beings. Kindness to all animals, humans and our planet. That is where you will find him. Jesus Himself helped the lepers, the prostitutes, the downtrodden, the poor. Even the so-called sinful people. He never turned away anyone regardless of what they believed, what they did or who they were. He loved them all as they were. We are all part of God. Water drops in an ocean of God consciousness and love. We are all sovereign beings and are all deeply loved.
@@Lion_Heart_Zimbabwe Time to start reading your Bible .
Almighty God is sovereign not sinful man .
How did the lepers get leprosy ?
God created it and gave it to them !
Why ? For the good pleasure of His will .
When Pharaoh pursued Moses and the escaping Israelites with his army , what did the Lord do ?
He drowned the lot of them .
Speaking of drowning , do you remember what the Lord God Almighty did to the entire world in Noahs time ?
He hates sin and punishes sinful people .
He even punishes people who think they are helping Him , when they break His commandments . What was the name of the man who touched the Ark of the Covenant to stop it falling off the Ox Cart ? The Lord struck him dead !
Do you really think He loved hitler whos agenda was the complete annihilation of Gods chosen people ?
I have no idea what religion you are a part of but I’m sure it’s not biblical Christianity because you have absolutely no idea of Gods sovereignty and mans need for repentance and salvation which only comes from Almighty God Himself .
TULIP
I've always been invested in the Rhodesian bush war and what Bas did was amazing. Thank you for telling your story and have a good rest of your life and beyond!
God bless you my friend ❤
I have a new favorite film, thank you Scott and many more to everyone in production.
👏👏👏👏👏👏 hallelujah 👊👊👊🙏
Brought many memories back , thank's Baz for sharing your life with such honesty, hopefully it will encourage many to realise that God never leave or forsake you. Many Blessings your way.
Thank you and amen 🙏 my friend
The Lords grace is something else my friend ❤ I thank Him every day for sparing my life & saving my soul Amazingly Grace how sweet the sound 🎼
It's been a year since this documentary was made; but, Basil, if you see this, I want you to know that this video was what finally made me believe in life after death, attend church, and find Jesus Christ.
Ahh I’m thrilled for you my dear friend Jesus is our only hope in this confused world God bless you my brother I’m continue with The Lord Jesus ❤
An awesome testimony, our God is a miracle working God.
❤ thanks so much appreciate your comment
I'm not religious but despite that I'm fully accepting that Basil found real salvation. I got goosebumps when he talked about waking up and feeling this deep and total trust that everything would be good.
Thanks for this inspiring biopic
Bless you my friend 🙏
God does not want you to experience "religion" as much as he wants you to experience His grace. Though it is available to everyone, the amazing thing is that if nobody else in the history of the world but you needed it, Christ still would have made the sacrifice required so you could have it.
A truly amazing and powerful testimony of God's grace and love. God bless you for sharing your life's journey
Bless you my friend ❤
Born in Rhodesia 72 , grew up in South Africa. Very emotional film
Thanks for watching my friend ❤
Great docu / biography of a truly great guy and his wonderful parents who i had the honour of knowing in then Marandellas. Great seeing Betty Gail and of course Basil after so many years.
To Betty, Gail, Basil and the Ouens of the RLI I had the houour of being with on operations, Salute and Respect, God Bless One and All
Nick bless you my friend great memories of you ❤
What a wonderful Man, lived a really full life obviously, and Grace caught Him, Married, Children, God is real as this Man's Testimony, Thank You For all You have shared.
God bless you my friend the lord has been & is so faithful 👏👏👏
First to comment God bless this man in Jesus holy name ❤
Thank you my dear brother ❤🙏🙏👊👊
Amazing story. Powerful testimony. Thank you
Thanks Peggy much appreciated ❤
That's an amazing story. I'm an old retired soldier, about Basil's age I think, and I found myself in tears learning about what he went through during his recovery. Perhaps I "sort" of know now though what happened to one of the guys I used to serve with in the US Army at Ft. Bragg. His name was either Randy Meade or Randy Meier (Edited: confirmed Randy Meade). We served together in the 118th MP Co. (Abn) at Ft. Bragg as Military Policemen and Paratroopers from the spring of 1976 until I was transferred to Korea in June of 1977.
Randy and I weren't that close as friends - more like colleagues, really. However, we were both in the same squad in the same platoon, so we were around each other all the time. Randy was a big hulking kid. He was heavily freckled from head to toe, had what I'd call a permanent sunburn, and the reddest hair you can imagine. MPs have two missions - law enforcement and wartime law enforcement. For our wartime mission, Randy, because of his size, was the "Pig" (M60 machine gun) gunner. The guy was so strong he didn't need an assistant gunner - if we were in the process of assaulting a simulated enemy during training, he'd just throw the bag with the extra M60 barrel over his shoulder, pick up the pig with one hand, two crates of ammo with the other hand, and take off running for a hundred meters, drop, load, and fire, and then spring to his feet, pick everything up again, and take off running again. He wasn't that bright a guy, but he was the perfect choice to haul that pig, because his mission was simple, and he excelled at simple things.
At one point in late 1976, Randy went on a deployment for about a month, to an exercise in Florida. I believe that our unit was paired up with some Rangers for the training; because, when he came back, he seemed to have developed an obsession for all things Ranger related. One night he returned to the barracks with a large tattoo regaling the rangers tattooed on his body. I thought he'd lost his mind. I said to him, "Randy, are you crazy? You're not a Ranger, but if real Rangers catch you with that tat on you, they're liable to remove it with a knife." He just laughed and said, "They won't do that if I'm one of them. I'm gonna join those guys." The next thing he did that set me back on my heels was get tattooed again - this time in the center of his forehead right at his hairline, with the number 666 in numbers about an inch high. That's when I told myself, "Don't get too close to this guy - he's not stable."
He talked about the Rangers constantly; and, on his days off, he could be found lying in his bunk in the first platoon bay of the barracks reading an issue of Soldier of Fortune Magazine. SOF contained some Ranger stories, but it was becoming clear that, if Rangers were the good-guy heroes in Randy's mind, mercs (mercenary) were the misunderstood heroes in his mind.
In the middle of June 1977 I left for Korea and never saw Randy Meade (Meiers?) again. Twelve years later, I was back at Bragg as a Sergeant First Class, going through the Special Forces Qualification Course when, as I was walking past the school's headquarters, a beat-up motor pool pickup driven by a green beret drove past me and screeched to a stop about fifty feet in front of me. The driver leaned over the seat, rolled down the passenger-side window, and then yelled, "O'Handley? What the f*** are you doing here, Man?" It was my old buddy Jerry, who I used to hang out with twelve years before when I'd served in the 118th. I hadn't known that he'd left the MPs and had joined Special Forces or that he was still at Bragg after so many years.
Jerry and I met for lunch and spent a long time catching up on what everyone in the platoon, and he, had been up to over the past twelve years. At one point I asked him, "Hey, do you remember Randy Meade? What ever became of him? Did he ever become a Ranger?" At that, Jerry's face got very serious, and he said, "Mike, that's a really sad story. Not long after you left the 118th, Randy left for Ft. Benning for Ranger training. I guess he graduated the Benning phase of the course, but something happened after that, and I think he was put out of the military due to some kind of psyche eval (psychological evaluation) he had. I saw him after he was put out when he came back to the 118th to visit. He told us he was on his way to Africa and had signed up as a merc.
Jerry continued, Mike, I'm serious, the way he talked, the way his eyes looked, and that f*****g 666 tat, he looked like he'd gone completely insane." I said, "Well, if he was put out of the Rangers do you think they'd take him as a merc?" Jerry nodded, "Mike, you know Meade, he loved being a paratrooper and there was nobody better to hump a pig. If there was a merc force out there that needed an experienced paratrooper who was a sixty gunner, Meade would be their man. Besides, you know how Randy was completely obsessed with mercs and the Rangers. If he couldn't be a Ranger, I have no doubt he really did go to Africa to be a merc. In fact, one of the guys, maybe it was Frank ____, maybe someone else - I can't recall - told me some years later that they'd once seen Meade's photograph in SOF. He was supposedly on a jeep with an M60 mounted and was with the guy the SOF story featured - some legendary merc commander. So, yeah, I think he did do that."
Anyway, years after that, I ran into one of the guys, Frank _______, and Frank said that Randy had somehow gotten onto some really exclusive fighting force in South Africa, Rhodesia, Zambia, someplace like that, had fought Communist guerillas for a couple of years, and then: when the guerillas won, Randy and those mercs had to turn tail and get the hell out of there before they got captured by the guerillas/new government. Randy just managed to get across the border and out of Africa and back to the states."
I said, "Holy sh**, that's hard to believe,..." Jerry interrupted me and said, "Mike, that's not all of it. Frank told me that, after that, Randy ended up in prison serving three life sentences without parole for murder." I damned near threw up, as the mouthful of coffee I was swallowing when he said that ended up going up into my nasal passages instead of into my stomach.
Jerry continued, "Frank said that, after Randy got back from Africa, he stopped into a bar one night someplace in Detroit, or Milwaukee - some city in the north mid-west - and got into a fight with three black dudes, who kicked the crap out of him and then threw him out of the bar into the parking lot. That's when Randy waited for those three guys to leave the bar, followed them on his Harley, pulled a gun out of one of his saddlebags, and then, some miles down the road, pulled up next to them, pointed the gun and ordered them to stop. They pulled over, he got them all out of the car, and then he made all three of them kneel with their hands clasped on top of their heads. Then he executed each of them with a single shot to the back of the head. He was somehow caught, tried, and convicted and is now in prison."
I sat there in shock, my mind racing, remembering everything I could about Meade. I'd always thought, based on his obsession with the Rangers, and all of those Soldier of Fortune Magazine stories, that he was a little bit "off," but he'd never seemed like the kind of guy who'd do something like that. I wondered to myself, "I wonder what Randy had experienced in Africa that turned him into a stone-cold killer? Jerry didn't know; and, to this day, I still don't know. In fact, I don't know if it really happened or if it's just some kind of story from the military rumor mill.
Maybe I never will.
(Edited: Confirmed. I recently spoke to several old friends who confirmed this story. Such a shame that some men are taught when they are young to be racists.)
Bless you my friend 👏👏👏
The bush war only ended in 1980
What a amazing witness Praise the Lord our saviour ❤️🙏🙏🙌
Wow, Basil you are truly an inspiration. As a fellow ouen this brought back many happy and not so happy memory's.
Thank you all of you who made this movie. As said, inspirational. And honest.
The Lord bless you yes amen 🙏
Fantastic film! I’ve have the pleasure of meeting Basil in Zimbabwe. 😊
When a Rhodesian tells a story, it has heart and soul. Because that was the fabric of Rhodesians. No facade - the genuine article.
Thank you for sharing some snippets of your life story. Man what a chapter in all Rhodesian lives it was, but you definitely had a life changing/saving event when pulled.
Many Rhodesians will relate to so many parts. Caning at school - ja "perfectly normal" as you said. "Cuts" they were called at Saints...appropriate given the bleeding result you described. I had a few...even innocently got captured for a crime I didn't commit (pillow fight in dorm. Thanks Couz).
And yet we survived. We knew right from wrong. You didn't seem to work that out for a while 🤔🤷🏼♂️
I must have led a blooming sheltered life as I never saw a drug back in those days.
Thankfully so.
Your Ma is such a lovely lady - so typical of the old toppies of our era. So lovely to hear her take on it all, and that of your Ster.
Tatenda for making and sharing this very beautiful, very well re-enacted true story - a really well told account of one Rhodesian navigating one hell of a chapter in all our Rhodesian lives.
It all seems like yesterday - travelling in convoy ...337 overhead, landmines, ambushes, farm security. 7.62 and 9 mil ammo everywhere. Weapon carried around with car keys and Madison.
Despite all that, we were a prosperous little nation.
Come to Umtali and get bombed.
Remember the T shirts.
Rhodesian humour..second to none.
Didn't need to go to Umtali, Salibury was having its own blast of a time. La Boheme, Greatermans...so many others.
Your account of your experience and transformation has rightly touched many lives in a very positive way. You're doing what you were kept alive to do. Good man. 🙌🏻
St Giles and Tsanga Lodge....wonderful people that helped so many.
Hamba kahle
Tim
Ahh Tim those were the days my friend 🔥 thanks for your amazing comments yes we lived a charmed life and to think the Lords grace saved me & so many others what a beautiful savior God bless & keep you my dear friend 👊👊
Hi Tim, just wondering,you mentioned Saints? Which boarding school was this one? I went to Saints Stephens in Balla Balla between '73/76.
Cheers Roberto Massolini
There were many miracles in Rhodesia during this time.
We remember those times
There were plenty praise The Lord
What an inspiring story from a time I know so well. Thank you for sharing this... I hope a lot of people get to see it x
Bless you Diana
Mr o connel jones very interesting story thanku for sharing makes all understand we have been put on this earth for a reason i remember u living at the top of our road when i was younger and like u went falcon college i hated the system but loved being in the bush with my mates i wish u and ur family all the best for the future god bless
Ahh thank you so much for watching my dear friend ❤
Absolutely love in the end when I realised this is a story of awakening and that Bazil found God.
Yes I did my friend the only thing worth living for
It breaks my heart to see what happened to Rhodesia, but thank the Lord for bringing you and your mates to Christ.
Rhodesians never die with Christ!
Amen 🙏 my dear brother The Lord has been so good to me I have my moments😢 but eternal life with Jesus what a gift unspeakable ❤
@basiloc-jones8998 Thank you for serving your nation and our God, and for sharing your story. I look forward to meeting you and your mates in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Thanks for sharing Basil
I was in the CID and got saved in Chiredzi in 1977. What a turn around in my life that. 47 years later still serving God and involved in missionary work in Zimbabwe.
Wonderful my friend hallelujah 🙌
Thank you for posting this film.
Pleasure
A true inspiration Basil 😊 thank you for sharing your story … I grew up in the old Rhodesia with my Dad going on call ups with PATU all the time and many friends from our home town Wankie in the RLI and so historically it was a very special story but most important spiritually it is a story of hope and conviction and strength and reconciliation. And forgiveness ( mainly for self) thank you for sharing your testimony, for your strength of character- we honour you Basil 😊
Hand on my heart ❤️ thank you 🙏
this brought me to tears may god bless Basil and his family what a absolutely beautiful heartwarming story i’ve never seen anyone turn such suffering into such love a true inspiration to Christians and people alike
❤ bless you my friend
My friends hubby served and he has a mag with a bloody big set of holes where a bullet went through and somehow missed him. He was ex army and was very proud of his time over there
finest story i have ever heard. redemption is eternal. Go Bas !
Amen bless you my friend 👊👊
That Rhodesian lion is not gone. Thank the fighting men of Rhodesia and their stand against a communist Africa.
Any fight against Marxism is an honourable fight. Jesus shows his heart is very much against communism in verses such as Matthew 13:12. The flip side of this though is Luke 12:48, _"To whom much is given, much will be required"._
Black Africans will always choose communism over apartheid and racism every time....
Ahah you failed lol
Your guys died for nothing 🤣
This is weapons grade stupidity
@@jimmycricket5366 Thou shall not kill.
As a white Zimbabwean of British stock/Rhodesian, this film was magnificent. Although I am not religious, I can testify to God's miracles and Divine Love. Spirit, our guardian angels and spirit guides love us all unconditionally. This film is a testimony to that. The only thing that matters in life is to be kind, compassionate, chivalrous and respectful to one another, our planet and all living beings. Thank you Basil for teaching us that.
Thank you very kind of you 🩵 bless you my dear friend
"Although I am not religious, I can testify to God's miracles and Divine Love"
I belive that God does not necessarily want you to be "religious" as that is simply an organized form of worship. A person can worship God, Satan, animals, or inanimate objects and be "religious" as they might feel obligated to be. It seems you already understand that and see your spirituality - and kindness and compassion and chivalry and respect - as more important than your religion and you are right.
Instead of practicing a religion, what God wants is for you to experience His grace - in order that your relationship goes beyond your knowledge of right and wrong and your obligation to worship. That Grace becomes something much more personal. Not with angels and spirit guides, but with HIM. Jesus said HE is the truth. He said HE is the way. He said HE is the life.
A truly beautiful human story.
Wishing peace and plenty of zest for life for the rest of your days 🕊️.
Thanks so much for the kind comment 👊👊💙
Amazing story, needless to say a few tears were shed. much Strength to Basil
God bless you friend ❤
Thank you for sharing this story. Brazil, you are amazing. Glad to know you!
Ahh bless you bro thanks for watching & competing 👊👊
What a wonderful story Basil. My only wish is that people would come to the loving embrace of our Lord and Savior. Thank you for this movie thank you for your inspiring story and testimony, God Bless to you and your family in the future🙏. "Death is not final; it's a comma. It's not a full stop." This quote by you is so accurate.❤
So glad you watched Wosaka Jesus is still everything thing to my my dear brother ❤
An amazing story of God's grace, a grace available to all who will humble themselves (or be humbled) before Him. There is a lot to glean that is so evident from this story in this film about the thinking and culture of white Rhodesians. The acting is brilliant, I must say..
It seemed like Rhodesia was only Christian because.... well they couldn't be Muslim could they? What would the Queen think? "We must have religion, we can't be a people without religion, and we can't have a military without a Chaplin's corps! By Jove, what would the civilized world think if we didn't? It's all about perception chaps, we don't want any mention of personal convictions, repentance to Jesus and none of this getting heartfelt on any deep level because that's using religion as a crutch, you see. Priests in the army must look and talk the part, they are first and foremost ceremonial. So, yes chaps, let's tick that 'religion' box". ✔️
No self-respecting Christian should ever tolerate being called "religious". Religion by definition implies a life guided by external ritual and strict, suffocating procedures of law. That is not at all what Christianity is about. Christianity is about sincerity and truth towards God within one's heart that 'automatically' expresses in a righteous outward behaviour. That is why Christ so verbally-violently confronted the Pharisees, because they only cared about outward appearances. The Pharisees constantly tailored and measured their righteousness according to what man would think and not what God thinks.
God is concerned about the heart; right into the innermost 'chambers' of the heart and only He can see into the heart... The deep down thoughts, intents and true character of the man. These are often aspects that we don't even know about ourselves until the lord reveals them to us. Perhaps that is what Basil was wanting to know about himself as a young man. The Lord hates hypocrisy and pretence.
White Rhodesians were generally an efficient, effective and intelligent people, pricing it by effecting the entire construction of a modern nation... a fully-functioning system and infrastructure from nothing but bush land in under fifty years. Truly remarkable and commendable! However, their pride and hypocrisy were their downfall. In Rhodesian culture as long as you had certain redeeming qualities that were *highly visible* such as being good on the sports field (that was regarded as a particularly special aspect) or honoured militarily, then any debauchery or reveling at night, or behind the scenes, was allowed, overlooked or even lauded.
In the end Mugabe did persecute the white people, destroying much of their wealth and means to income, and it also must be said that he did nothing to help the majority of black people but brought only misery and the early death of millions. However, it is a sobering thought that perhaps the Lord also used Mugabe (and the perfidious British governments of the sixties and seventies) as a means to slowly destroy most of what the white Rhodesians had instituted and built, as a way to forcibly humble their hearts. It's never too late to repent and rebuild your life for Christ, no matter who you are.
To say the Lord used Mugabe is blatantly ridiculous.
Kerry, The Almighty will accomplish his purposes, whether through righteous or wicked men. He alone can do this. Great is thy faithfulness Father. Halleluyah!
@@kerry5188 The Lord used Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar and many others, far more evil than Mugabe. He is God and he is Sovereign. He is far more concerned with the spiritual state of the (unseen) heart than whatever is visible to the human eye. His Word is immovable and cannot be compromised... He is a God of amazing grace, patience, long-suffering, kindness and gentleness, but He cannot be mocked, you reap what you sow.
Humility and repentance is the only way forward to a personal salvation for eternity and bought with a price that he Himself paid. And His grace can even restore the years that the locusts (Mugabe or whatever) have eaten. What manner of great mercy is that? Eternity is forever; this life is but temporal.... we are but a vapour on this earth.
What a sad-inspiring-amazing story!!!
I first saved it to watch afterwards, thinking it was mainly a specific documentary about bush war and so on.
Initially, it didn't caught my attention, but, step by step, I got very interested in it.
Thank you for it.
God save Rhodesia.
A salute from Brazil!
Thanks for watching my dear friend from Brazil May the Lord bless you ❤
It's JESUS! JESUS! & Just JESUS. No one else, but Jesus who can change a man like that. Glory to God for the Saviour...
Yes exactly amen my friend ❤
For once UA-cam’s algorithm picked me a winner. Massive salute to these vets. I just watched a doc on Fireforce: 3 G-cars and a K-car.
God bless you Josh thanks for watching and commenting 👏👏👏♥️👊🙏
Thanks for sharing your story Basil. God bless!
God bless you bro 💪💪
What a tremendous man and
story of despair and redemption, O how the Lord works.
Thank you & amen soon we will be with Him hallelujah ♥️
Absolutely amazing... You are an inspiration
Hi Toni! Thank you for watching!!🥰
We look forward to meeting more of your family too!
I’m sure The Lord had a plan in us meeting each other!!❤
I served the queen twice under 2 different circumstances and numbers on the latter I had the same experience of a deep peace with my circumstances and that it was not in my control but will prevail with god in my life Bless the world 😜🇬🇧
Bless the Lord my dear friend 🙏🙏 may you come to know Jesus deeply and personally ❤
Thanks so much Bas, Ivan from Whitestone, Falcon and I last saw you at Andrew Fleming just after your injury.
Ivan call me anytime 😊
Bless you Robert thanks for watching competing St Stephen’s great school 90% Zambian have many friends from there that time ❤
Thank you for your service.
👊👊
I remember Basil from the time I spent at Tsanga Lodge, Have also read Amazing grace, very inspiring, go well Basil.
God bless you my dear friend 💙👊👊
What an amazing story of God’s grace!
Amen thanks my dear brother God bless you 👍
Not a christian myself, but inspiring, and it made me think. I wouldn't want to meet God within such circumstances. Yet the war in Ukraine still goes on...
War is war my Friend & there is a war for your soul ask Jesus to save you irrespective of what we’re are His grace has the power to save from sin 🙏🙏
i love knowing what happened in my countrys history but i have never seen the story told giving glory to God like this wow its beautiful
I so appreciate that my dear friend
What an extraordinary man , I feel that all of us who accept the gift of Christs love have been lost and in great need of the truth and a sense of meaning in our lives. This film shows how a man who was lost , was found and who was blind , can now see . A very inspiring and uplifting message. God bless you brother.
Exactly my dear friend 🙏🙏🙏♥️
So good to see and hear you after all these years Bas! I'm glad you found your purpose in life. I enjoyed reading your story in your book too. Great to see Gail and your mom too!
But jeez man, you've got skinny legs!!
Take care dear friend xx
Carole Bruce Evans, ex Kitwe! 1970's
Ahh Carole so good to hear from you my girl ❤stay well Zambia 🇿🇲 those were the days 👊👊👊😂😂😂
Rhodesia is a forgotten war and tragedy. How many forgotten wars and tragedies have there been?
Many I suppose,I’m a consequence of the Sadf,a damaged defeated man 🤔
To many forgotten war's and wasted lives all can be laid before the biggest curse of man the altars of political ideologies .😡
What an amazing inspirational story of Basil. Nice production
Bless you my friend 👊👊
I was too young to enjoy the revolution. Thanks for the reply. I visited Zim in 1999. Only 5 weeks. Hope life is better now but doubt it. God bless you.❤
👍
I was recommended this film by the person who played Basil. Thank you
He was great was a pleasure getting to know him you go Chad ❤
Falcon college in the 60s was ridiculous with disciple, over the top and in cases sadistic.
A son of a prominent family "disapeared" on one of the many 5 km runs in the mine dunes, never to be seen again.
There were numerous open mine shafts, did he slip, or did he jump.
He was being bullied by the system to extremes.
Boys only schools turn into Lord of the Flies island.
Grow a pair! We all lived through it. And survived. Made us become better men in later life.
@@mazambane286 You would enjoy watching a video titled: "WHY MOST PEOPLE DON'T QUESTION AUTHORITY" on bitchute channel "RealEyesation". You might understand why after Zimbabweans are still unable to liberate themselves from 42 years of colonization by ZANU.
@@dreamdiction Although I agree with your point regarding zanu.
I do however believe that only adults, who not in the military, have the right to question authority.
Schoolboys and those under the age of 21 do however have no right to question authority.
@@mazambane286
Extreme views. Sounds like Hitler youth.
Shame
I came from Zambia, and was actually in boarding school called St. Stephan's in Balla Balla and often used to play sport against Falcon College. As for Frank Van Drutten, I'm sure his dad was Tutti Van Drutten who used to make the best biltong in Chingola, Zambia. Our parents pulled all of us when the Rhodesian War was in it's highest. I still tell my wife today how I loved Rhodesia, it was a beautiful country. Yrs later, I send my son back to boarding school called Watershed and nearly moved to Zimbabwe and my ex wife said why move from one African country to another which was now worse than Zambia. Hence, we moved across to Australia. I still have ex Zambian friends who live in Zims but have lost contact yrs ago.
Whoever posted this thank you. I really needed to see this.
Amen brother ❤
Thanks so much for your comments we tried to keep it as real & authentic as possible 👊💪