NEWS FROM ACROSS OUR CHURCH
NOTICE OF DISPOSAL OF REDUNDANT ASSETS AT MNENE HOSPITAL AND ELCZ CENTRAL CHURCH HEAD OFFICE
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CARING IS SHARING
Why are the poor neglected?
Why do the rich throw away food when the poor are hungry?
Is it because they don’t know or they just don’t care?
Is it fair?
The Amos project workshop held on the 25th of January 2022 at the Lutheran church in Mhondoro Turf inspired the local leaders and church congregants to be the guardian angels of the society through giving to the poor, visiting the sick and helping those in need, giving both in kindness and financially.
Speaking at the workshop the project facilitator Reverend Shakemore Shoko said, the Lutheran church values good relations with societies, and when the church sees a need in the society they help because they believe giving is one of the best ways of evangelism.
Whilst many churches have become famous of taking money from the poor congregants in the name of religion, the Lutheran Church has always seen it important for the church to be the pillar that support the people and their society at large, instead of the church being financed by the people, the church finance and help people through giving them food, clothes, building schools, hospitals, churches, bridges and roads.
Schools like Manama, Mnene, Chegato have played a great role in the societies of their location through enrolling many students from all backgrounds and religions, this has facilitated education in those areas.
Lutheran hospitals that include Munene Hospital have provided health services without discrimination of beliefs, religion, social class, tribe or race. It’s the giving spirit that drive the church, this is the same drive that the church wishes to see throughout the societies and it’s the local leaders that can lead the initiative of giving.
The Mhondoro Turf local leaders and Lutheran church congregants agreed to go to schools giving sanitary pads to young girls and also giving them life skills trainings.
One of the participants, a pastor from Baptist church Patronella Simarungu said, as Turf women they will lead by example, they will give food to poor families surrounding the Turf and also visit hospitals to do prayers and spend some time with those in need of comfort.
She added that the Amos project workshop has helped to motivate woman and leaders from Turf to do good because looking after one another is a divine duty that everyone was given by the Lord.
The local leaders were certain that they will go into their communities and give people an insight of the Amos Project, engage as communities to helping one another, showing empathy when it is needed. Home visitations were also part of the major initiatives that the leaders came up with.
“Creating a sustainable relationship can only be done, if the relationship will be mutually beneficially to both the two walking together”, said Ntombizodwa Chifoto a business women in Turf.
She added that kindness is a gift and it is a gift that must be used to build communities, if a few people start giving and helping others, the good acts will inspire others and make them to do well too.
“Doing good is contagious, once you start you will inspire other ten people to do the same and they will also inspire others and eventually we will have a society filled with love and care”, said Chifoto
The youths confirmed that they are doing projects to boost themselves financially and they use some of the money to pay school fees for children from poor families, even though they do this they said it is not enough because they are still many other children who want to be helped and they appealed to the church to come to the aid of these children’s plight.
Chidochashe Mkwananzi a youth paying fees for two students in Gokwe said, they are many students who are failing to sit for exams especially in secondary schools because of lack of funding to allow them to register to sit for exams.
“So sad to say! But it’s true that brilliant students are dropping out of school”, she added
The coming of the Amos Project left these youths hopeful that they will get help to help others as they create good relations with the local leaders and schools.
“The Amos Project is an open invitation that has invited everyone into a circle of friendship, a circle of love and a home for everyone, and its fruits will be undeniably great, because now our leaders understand that giving is caring, so we will give because we care”, said Simarungu.
The local leaders who were present at the workshop were very grateful to the church for coming with the project and they promised not to put to waste the knowledge they gained through the project, but to use it to create good relations and empower and inspire the society through giving and kindness.
THE AMOS PROJECT: THRIVING FOR A BETTER SOCIETY
The society must be characterized by peace and harmony, living and working together must be a code understood by the majority but when the majority understands violence and tolerate social injustice then that society is in the brink of crumbling down.
And it is when humanity loses its identity, this has been witnessed in many parts of Zimbabwe where innocent blood has been shed, children dropping out of school and their dreams broken and wishes stolen, early child marriages and prostitution, gang violence, gender based violence and stealing have infested the societies, all driven and fuelled by individualism, poor leadership, greed and the fight for domination.
Empress local leaders and the business community
It is the survival of the fittest and even the norms and values that every society hold are threatened by the challenging waves of social injustice and atrocities that people commit against each other in order to be rich or to gain power and influence, unity has seized to exist and disorder and chaos are clouding the societies day by day.
This is true for the Empress community where illegal open cast mining seems as a window to escape poverty as many people have turned to it including children as young as ten years old, but in reality it is a cancer to the society as it has resulted with increased tensions within people’s relations in the society as they fight for mining land and it has fueled tension between the miners and the business community as miners steal from business people when they fail to get gold.
“This has increased murder cases within the area and some official leaders are no longer able to lead and control their people as they are frequently threated to be beaten by the infamous “Machete” gangs”, said a local businessman Isaac Chengoma
It is this societal state that encouraged the Lutheran Church to host a two days Amos Project workshop in Empress Growth Point, so as to meet with the local leaders and influential figures to see how can the church build a sustained relationship with local leaders so as to unite and come up with constructive solutions to solve the social injustices that the people of Empress are faced with.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Zimbabwe’s National Coordinator for Evangelism, Self-reliance and Christian Education Reverend Shakemore Shoko said, the Amos project believes that the unity of local leaders and the church will have impact in creating a better and conducive society for both the living generations and the generations to come.
The unity of leaders within the community is the first step to building a great society and it is the unity within leaders that will break the chains of social injustice, hence local leaders and church leaders must be in good relations as they all lead the same people.
Hence, their combined efforts will see the lives of people changing as the chief will be able to tell people to stop crime and the police will do the same, the schools spread the same message and the churches also.
Continued emphasis of information on different institutions will make people to eventually listen as they are perpetually reminded of what they should do and not do, noted Reverend Newman Mazetese.
The Amos Project looks at people’s differences and appreciate them, and conclude that at the end of the day the society is kept at balance by interdependence between its people, hence they must work together for achieving individual and the society’s greater good.
Leaders who were present at the workshop were concerned about the threat that the miners pose to the society and also the drive that illegal mining has given to young children tempting them to drop out of school and being involved with the “machete” gangs.
This came with a new initiative that the leaders want to implement, introducing daily worship sessions at schools every morning.
One teacher noted that, daily worship sessions will help students to be hopeful and realize the importance of school, as these sessions will be more motivational.
The absence of the police officers was very disappointing as the leaders were all looking forward to build relations with them and discuss how they can combat crime that is ruling the growth point.
Mrs Nicole Moyo one of the community members of Empress said, on the 25th of December fifteen people were killed in Empress Growth Point and the police couldn’t intervene because they are scared of the Machete gangs
When the police are no longer doing their job out of fear, then the lives of everyone who depend on them are not safe and with these gangs going free people live in fear.
Mr. Jonathan Maphosa one of the businessman who was present at the workshop said, the absence of the police from the workshop was strong communication that they don’t want to solve the crime problems that the Empress is facing.
The local leaders and church leaders made it their mandate to create a strong relationship and to use social media platforms, and get together functions to cement this relationship, and use it to end social injustice within the society.
The society must be characterized by peace and harmony, living and working together must be a code understood by the majority but when the majority understands violence and tolerate social injustice then that society is in the brink of crumbling down.
And it is when humanity loses its identity, this has been witnessed in many parts of Zimbabwe where innocent blood has been shed, children dropping out of school and their dreams broken and wishes stolen, early child marriages and prostitution, gang violence, gender based violence and stealing have infested the societies, all driven and fuelled by individualism, poor leadership, greed and the fight for domination.
Empress local leaders and the business community
It is the survival of the fittest and even the norms and values that every society hold are threatened by the challenging waves of social injustice and atrocities that people commit against each other in order to be rich or to gain power and influence, unity has seized to exist and disorder and chaos are clouding the societies day by day.
This is true for the Empress community where illegal open cast mining seems as a window to escape poverty as many people have turned to it including children as young as ten years old, but in reality it is a cancer to the society as it has resulted with increased tensions within people’s relations in the society as they fight for mining land and it has fueled tension between the miners and the business community as miners steal from business people when they fail to get gold.
“This has increased murder cases within the area and some official leaders are no longer able to lead and control their people as they are frequently threated to be beaten by the infamous “Machete” gangs”, said a local businessman Isaac Chengoma
It is this societal state that encouraged the Lutheran Church to host a two days Amos Project workshop in Empress Growth Point, so as to meet with the local leaders and influential figures to see how can the church build a sustained relationship with local leaders so as to unite and come up with constructive solutions to solve the social injustices that the people of Empress are faced with.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Zimbabwe’s National Coordinator for Evangelism, Self-reliance and Christian Education Reverend Shakemore Shoko said, the Amos project believes that the unity of local leaders and the church will have impact in creating a better and conducive society for both the living generations and the generations to come.
The unity of leaders within the community is the first step to building a great society and it is the unity within leaders that will break the chains of social injustice, hence local leaders and church leaders must be in good relations as they all lead the same people.
Hence, their combined efforts will see the lives of people changing as the chief will be able to tell people to stop crime and the police will do the same, the schools spread the same message and the churches also.
Continued emphasis of information on different institutions will make people to eventually listen as they are perpetually reminded of what they should do and not do, noted Reverend Newman Mazetese.
The Amos Project looks at people’s differences and appreciate them, and conclude that at the end of the day the society is kept at balance by interdependence between its people, hence they must work together for achieving individual and the society’s greater good.
Leaders who were present at the workshop were concerned about the threat that the miners pose to the society and also the drive that illegal mining has given to young children tempting them to drop out of school and being involved with the “machete” gangs.
This came with a new initiative that the leaders want to implement, introducing daily worship sessions at schools every morning.
One teacher noted that, daily worship sessions will help students to be hopeful and realize the importance of school, as these sessions will be more motivational.
The absence of the police officers was very disappointing as the leaders were all looking forward to build relations with them and discuss how they can combat crime that is ruling the growth point.
Mrs Nicole Moyo one of the community members of Empress said, on the 25th of December fifteen people were killed in Empress Growth Point and the police couldn’t intervene because they are scared of the Machete gangs
When the police are no longer doing their job out of fear, then the lives of everyone who depend on them are not safe and with these gangs going free people live in fear.
Mr. Jonathan Maphosa one of the businessman who was present at the workshop said, the absence of the police from the workshop was strong communication that they don’t want to solve the crime problems that the Empress is facing.
The local leaders and church leaders made it their mandate to create a strong relationship and to use social media platforms, and get together functions to cement this relationship, and use it to end social injustice within the society.
WATCHING OUR CHILDREN BECOMING WILD…
Our children have become wild animals, they have lost conscience and respect for themselves and the people around them, they steal, they kill and they don’t care, said one hundred and six years old Queensdale Village Chairman D. R. Mabolwe
It all started with the rise of illegal open cast mining, they started dropping out of school. “Anyway who would like to walk twelve to fifteen kilometers to school, sometimes in winter without shoes or maybe without a jersey?” The schools are too few to keep the children motivated to learn.
Anyway, why go to school?
The idea is that you become successful and that success has been directly or indirectly determined by financial wealth and open cast mining came directly offering that road to riches.
Some youngsters made a lot of money and they became an inspiration to others and the wave became contagious, spreading faster than covid 19 itself.
Now there was a reason of not going to school or staying home!
They grouped themselves and went into the mining areas, they embarked on a mission to find their riches on the process degrading the land but sadly degrading their conscience too, staying in the forests meant survival of the fittest, and like wild animals they evolved and turned wild too.
All this done so as to tell a “from rages to riches story!”
But the road to riches seems not to be as smooth as they thought, when they come back home they forget to leave their wild nature in the wild and that’s where the problem starts.
Local leadership has tried their means to stop these youngsters from becoming wild but they haven’t achieved yet, hence maybe they need a new strategy to counter this, maybe the Amos Project is the mother of those strategies to come.
On the 24 of January 2022 the Lutheran church held the Amos Project workshop in Lonekop congregation, with the aim of creating good relations between local leaders and the church. The workshop saw the leaders highlighting the problem of their youths becoming wild and potential irresponsible citizens.
And the Amos Project proved that this problem is caused by poor relations between local leaders, church leaders and other influential individuals in the society.
The Ngezi area has few schools and this alone is a very serious factor that is driving the youngsters into mines rather than going to school. The fact that they have to walk long distances to school demotivate them and the current ill economic state of the country makes it worse as those who pursued their studies’ the majority unemployed or eventually turn into mining too, thus the youths around this area’s true motivation comes from miners who are driving cars and starting businesses.
The leaders and the community at large have failed to come up with programs that can help the youths to be financially stable at individual level, and with the leaders failing these youngsters they have sought to be helped by anyone or anything that will give them money.
This is a clear demonstration of how lack of unity can injure the society.
The youths are the future of Mhondoro and they are the future of the nation but how is the future of the nation if it will be inhabited by criminals and people who don’t know how to value humanity.
However because of the Amos project local leaders have realized that there is still a chance to help the youths and the youths who were present were also sure that they can impact other youths with the ideas shared at the workshop.
“If you want these children to stop mining and being involved in criminal activities find them a substitute for what they are doing, don’t just tell them to stop without giving them what to do”, said Rev S Maphosa
Chief Ngezi appealed to the church that since the church is famous of building schools, hospitals and helping the needy, he asked for the church to help them build a school to add to only two main schools in the region.
The pastors who were present at the meeting agreed that the church would want to build a school but with the current economic conditions that won’t be possible, however they advised them to work together towards building the school and that in the process they might get donors.
Dean Gambiza said, it is the potential, determination and commitment that leaders and their people show towards development that will attract people to help them in their projects.
And since Mhondoro is a farming region with good rains, the youths can do group projects of farming and sell their produce in Kadoma and other nearby towns
They can also do poultry and other cheap capital projects in order to raise money but they can only realize this when the leaders are leading and helping in implementing these ideas.
Leaders should also engage with the youths and hear their ideas and plans
Discussing on how the youths can be helped, the idea that they can also group each other and do courses like woodwork, dressmaking and metal work was raised, and it was notes that many organizations would help if they apply for help as a group and this might even result in building of technical colleges.
The youths themselves must be made aware that they are very important to their families and the nation at large, they must engage in voluntary community work.
Reverend N Mazetese gave an example of a block at the school where the workshop was held, that the youths can rebuild the block that was destroyed during cyclone Idai, and by doing this they will get more people who will want to help them.
The workshop was truly a testimony and a good foundation for the Mhondoro local leaders and the Lutheran church’s relationship building, it revealed that in the long run if this relationship is sustained greater good will be seen within these communities.
If in an hour’s meeting the two parties managed to raise critical issues and gave potential ideas to solve these problems which means consistent meetings will see many problems that the society is facing being solved.
Our children have become wild animals, they have lost conscience and respect for themselves and the people around them, they steal, they kill and they don’t care, said one hundred and six years old Queensdale Village Chairman D. R. Mabolwe
It all started with the rise of illegal open cast mining, they started dropping out of school. “Anyway who would like to walk twelve to fifteen kilometers to school, sometimes in winter without shoes or maybe without a jersey?” The schools are too few to keep the children motivated to learn.
Anyway, why go to school?
The idea is that you become successful and that success has been directly or indirectly determined by financial wealth and open cast mining came directly offering that road to riches.
Some youngsters made a lot of money and they became an inspiration to others and the wave became contagious, spreading faster than covid 19 itself.
Now there was a reason of not going to school or staying home!
They grouped themselves and went into the mining areas, they embarked on a mission to find their riches on the process degrading the land but sadly degrading their conscience too, staying in the forests meant survival of the fittest, and like wild animals they evolved and turned wild too.
All this done so as to tell a “from rages to riches story!”
But the road to riches seems not to be as smooth as they thought, when they come back home they forget to leave their wild nature in the wild and that’s where the problem starts.
Local leadership has tried their means to stop these youngsters from becoming wild but they haven’t achieved yet, hence maybe they need a new strategy to counter this, maybe the Amos Project is the mother of those strategies to come.
On the 24 of January 2022 the Lutheran church held the Amos Project workshop in Lonekop congregation, with the aim of creating good relations between local leaders and the church. The workshop saw the leaders highlighting the problem of their youths becoming wild and potential irresponsible citizens.
And the Amos Project proved that this problem is caused by poor relations between local leaders, church leaders and other influential individuals in the society.
The Ngezi area has few schools and this alone is a very serious factor that is driving the youngsters into mines rather than going to school. The fact that they have to walk long distances to school demotivate them and the current ill economic state of the country makes it worse as those who pursued their studies’ the majority unemployed or eventually turn into mining too, thus the youths around this area’s true motivation comes from miners who are driving cars and starting businesses.
The leaders and the community at large have failed to come up with programs that can help the youths to be financially stable at individual level, and with the leaders failing these youngsters they have sought to be helped by anyone or anything that will give them money.
This is a clear demonstration of how lack of unity can injure the society.
The youths are the future of Mhondoro and they are the future of the nation but how is the future of the nation if it will be inhabited by criminals and people who don’t know how to value humanity.
However because of the Amos project local leaders have realized that there is still a chance to help the youths and the youths who were present were also sure that they can impact other youths with the ideas shared at the workshop.
“If you want these children to stop mining and being involved in criminal activities find them a substitute for what they are doing, don’t just tell them to stop without giving them what to do”, said Rev S Maphosa
Chief Ngezi appealed to the church that since the church is famous of building schools, hospitals and helping the needy, he asked for the church to help them build a school to add to only two main schools in the region.
The pastors who were present at the meeting agreed that the church would want to build a school but with the current economic conditions that won’t be possible, however they advised them to work together towards building the school and that in the process they might get donors.
Dean Gambiza said, it is the potential, determination and commitment that leaders and their people show towards development that will attract people to help them in their projects.
And since Mhondoro is a farming region with good rains, the youths can do group projects of farming and sell their produce in Kadoma and other nearby towns
They can also do poultry and other cheap capital projects in order to raise money but they can only realize this when the leaders are leading and helping in implementing these ideas.
Leaders should also engage with the youths and hear their ideas and plans
Discussing on how the youths can be helped, the idea that they can also group each other and do courses like woodwork, dressmaking and metal work was raised, and it was notes that many organizations would help if they apply for help as a group and this might even result in building of technical colleges.
The youths themselves must be made aware that they are very important to their families and the nation at large, they must engage in voluntary community work.
Reverend N Mazetese gave an example of a block at the school where the workshop was held, that the youths can rebuild the block that was destroyed during cyclone Idai, and by doing this they will get more people who will want to help them.
The workshop was truly a testimony and a good foundation for the Mhondoro local leaders and the Lutheran church’s relationship building, it revealed that in the long run if this relationship is sustained greater good will be seen within these communities.
If in an hour’s meeting the two parties managed to raise critical issues and gave potential ideas to solve these problems which means consistent meetings will see many problems that the society is facing being solved.
CANDLE OF HOPE TO THE NEGLECTED YOUTH
He looked at the barbed wire that was beside him and thought to himself that he had nothing to live for, why should he live if he is being abused everyday by his stepmother and his father is perpetually drunk he cares for no one but his beer.
Tears streamed slowly down his cheeks as he held the wire with a firm grip, he had tried to live but life had failed him and no one was there for him, it was him against a cruel world.
No one ever cared to listen to his plight, when he tried to tell his uncle he was too busy thinking of how he will get money to put food on the table for the next day, the teachers at school failed to even notice the gruesome scares that tattooed his body, his best friend failed to see the tears that were always ready to pour even when life seemed sweet to everyone.
The pastor who is said to be there for every congregant refused to see him as he was rushing for the financial meeting with other church elders, no one ever paid attention to him, anyway, who was he?, some no name that was not even intelligent enough for the teacher to care about him, not even worth to be known and listened to by the so called man of God and his church.
But didn’t he want someone to talk to?
If someone had listened to him wouldn’t he be still alive?
But still they never bothered to ask themselves these questions, when they heard that he had committed suicide the church members were quick to say he was possessed, while the teachers said it’s not surprising he was suicidal and the community said he was coward.
But if only someone had been kind enough and listened, maybe he would be still alive.
Such is the situation of many societies in Zimbabwe, people have seized to care much about each other’s wellbeing. So much individualism has invaded the society and has left many communities in shreds.
In Redcliff communities many youths have committed suicide and some have turned to become murders, some have become drug addicts and addiction have mastered them to become thieves.
Because of the mines in the area, some have joined the machete gangs and their conscience has been erased, they know no law nor fear to kill.
This has happened at the watch of both the church and the community leaders and they have continued turning a blind eye whilst the future of the society is falling apart.
The society is sad and they and afraid, but the Evangelism Lutheran Church of Zimbabwe on the 26th and the 27th of January 2022 came with a candle of hope in Redcliff as they held a two days’ workshop in Torwood and Rutendo Congregations introducing the Amos Project to the local leaders.
“The Amos project believes that the church lives in the society hence the need for the church and the local leaders to create a solid relationship”, said project facilitator Reverend Shakemore Shoko.
With this relationship the local leaders of Redcliff hoped that the church will help to end drug abuse that has become dominant in the area especially among students at local schools.
Gration Ndlovu one of the youths leaders who were present at the workshop said, the youths are engaging in most of these undesirable activities mostly because of depression and peer pressure and no one is open enough to talk to them and hear their problems.
He added that most leaders and parents start to notice children’s problems when the children are already drug addicts or when they have committed crimes that’s when people start paying attention or judging them.
The youths pleaded with the church to introduce morning sermons and bible study sessions in schools, and asked teachers to be friendly and open enough in order to make students feel free to communicate their problems.
Teachers agreed that the children are sometimes neglected in schools especially when it comes to concealing and helping students on personal growth.
The Amos project came as a reminder to people, to make them remember that they have a duty to look after one another and empower each other for the greater good of everyone.
On behalf of the church, Rev K Zondo promised to engage with the schools to help children and to be there whenever the help of the church is needed.
If such a relationship had been created long ago so much unfortunate events and heart rendering behaviors and deaths that have been seen in the community could have been prevented.
The Member of Parliament, Honorable D Mukapiko noted that, as community leaders and their found relationship with the church they will intervene to ensure that students who come from poor families are assisted in paying their fees, so as to ensure a successful completion of their studies.
Paying fees for students would be a bold initiative that will ensure a better future for some students, because if these students don’t get the fees they will end up being dropouts and end up being part of the machete gangs and drug addicts.
However, there is still a major problem which must be solved by people of Redcliff, they are a few schools, two high schools and they are far away for some students and this proves to be a problem.
Contributing to the workshop’s open discussion councilor Makanyara Pick said, “Most students walk through the mountains to get to school and this short route they choose has resulted with most young girls getting pregnant and some getting raped, it is our request to the Lutheran Church that if they can assist in building at least one school in Rutendo.”
Schooling must not be a struggle because education is a right to everyone and when it becomes a struggle to be educated then that’s a pure violation of human rights, it is undeniable social injustice. Only the children of the rich will get to learn with a focused mind whilst the poor struggle.
Rev S Shoko, said the church may currently not be able to fund such a big project but it is important for the community leaders to record videos stating their problems and how they wish to be assisted and send them to him so that whenever they are potential sponsors he can show them the plight that the people are facing
Chief Tembara, thanked the Lutheran church for their initiative, he expressed his joy that the project is not discriminating anyone according to religion, wealth or tribe but rather it is bringing everyone together to fight the problems that the society is faced with.
With the church being an aggregate of individual believers, it should be everywhere and when that happens everywhere will be a place of comfort, thus everyone has a duty to be an agent to carry the church with him/her wherever they go so as share compassion, love and kindness to those who need it.
The youths must be guided by the leadership and they must be engaged with frequently so as to motivate them to be better individuals, better parents, responsible citizens and honorable man and women.
He looked at the barbed wire that was beside him and thought to himself that he had nothing to live for, why should he live if he is being abused everyday by his stepmother and his father is perpetually drunk he cares for no one but his beer.
Tears streamed slowly down his cheeks as he held the wire with a firm grip, he had tried to live but life had failed him and no one was there for him, it was him against a cruel world.
No one ever cared to listen to his plight, when he tried to tell his uncle he was too busy thinking of how he will get money to put food on the table for the next day, the teachers at school failed to even notice the gruesome scares that tattooed his body, his best friend failed to see the tears that were always ready to pour even when life seemed sweet to everyone.
The pastor who is said to be there for every congregant refused to see him as he was rushing for the financial meeting with other church elders, no one ever paid attention to him, anyway, who was he?, some no name that was not even intelligent enough for the teacher to care about him, not even worth to be known and listened to by the so called man of God and his church.
But didn’t he want someone to talk to?
If someone had listened to him wouldn’t he be still alive?
But still they never bothered to ask themselves these questions, when they heard that he had committed suicide the church members were quick to say he was possessed, while the teachers said it’s not surprising he was suicidal and the community said he was coward.
But if only someone had been kind enough and listened, maybe he would be still alive.
Such is the situation of many societies in Zimbabwe, people have seized to care much about each other’s wellbeing. So much individualism has invaded the society and has left many communities in shreds.
In Redcliff communities many youths have committed suicide and some have turned to become murders, some have become drug addicts and addiction have mastered them to become thieves.
Because of the mines in the area, some have joined the machete gangs and their conscience has been erased, they know no law nor fear to kill.
This has happened at the watch of both the church and the community leaders and they have continued turning a blind eye whilst the future of the society is falling apart.
The society is sad and they and afraid, but the Evangelism Lutheran Church of Zimbabwe on the 26th and the 27th of January 2022 came with a candle of hope in Redcliff as they held a two days’ workshop in Torwood and Rutendo Congregations introducing the Amos Project to the local leaders.
“The Amos project believes that the church lives in the society hence the need for the church and the local leaders to create a solid relationship”, said project facilitator Reverend Shakemore Shoko.
With this relationship the local leaders of Redcliff hoped that the church will help to end drug abuse that has become dominant in the area especially among students at local schools.
Gration Ndlovu one of the youths leaders who were present at the workshop said, the youths are engaging in most of these undesirable activities mostly because of depression and peer pressure and no one is open enough to talk to them and hear their problems.
He added that most leaders and parents start to notice children’s problems when the children are already drug addicts or when they have committed crimes that’s when people start paying attention or judging them.
The youths pleaded with the church to introduce morning sermons and bible study sessions in schools, and asked teachers to be friendly and open enough in order to make students feel free to communicate their problems.
Teachers agreed that the children are sometimes neglected in schools especially when it comes to concealing and helping students on personal growth.
The Amos project came as a reminder to people, to make them remember that they have a duty to look after one another and empower each other for the greater good of everyone.
On behalf of the church, Rev K Zondo promised to engage with the schools to help children and to be there whenever the help of the church is needed.
If such a relationship had been created long ago so much unfortunate events and heart rendering behaviors and deaths that have been seen in the community could have been prevented.
The Member of Parliament, Honorable D Mukapiko noted that, as community leaders and their found relationship with the church they will intervene to ensure that students who come from poor families are assisted in paying their fees, so as to ensure a successful completion of their studies.
Paying fees for students would be a bold initiative that will ensure a better future for some students, because if these students don’t get the fees they will end up being dropouts and end up being part of the machete gangs and drug addicts.
However, there is still a major problem which must be solved by people of Redcliff, they are a few schools, two high schools and they are far away for some students and this proves to be a problem.
Contributing to the workshop’s open discussion councilor Makanyara Pick said, “Most students walk through the mountains to get to school and this short route they choose has resulted with most young girls getting pregnant and some getting raped, it is our request to the Lutheran Church that if they can assist in building at least one school in Rutendo.”
Schooling must not be a struggle because education is a right to everyone and when it becomes a struggle to be educated then that’s a pure violation of human rights, it is undeniable social injustice. Only the children of the rich will get to learn with a focused mind whilst the poor struggle.
Rev S Shoko, said the church may currently not be able to fund such a big project but it is important for the community leaders to record videos stating their problems and how they wish to be assisted and send them to him so that whenever they are potential sponsors he can show them the plight that the people are facing
Chief Tembara, thanked the Lutheran church for their initiative, he expressed his joy that the project is not discriminating anyone according to religion, wealth or tribe but rather it is bringing everyone together to fight the problems that the society is faced with.
With the church being an aggregate of individual believers, it should be everywhere and when that happens everywhere will be a place of comfort, thus everyone has a duty to be an agent to carry the church with him/her wherever they go so as share compassion, love and kindness to those who need it.
The youths must be guided by the leadership and they must be engaged with frequently so as to motivate them to be better individuals, better parents, responsible citizens and honorable man and women.
Above, staff work in the yard
STAFF COME TOGETHER FOR CLEANING
The year opened with staff at the ELCZ Central Church Head Office in Bulawayo coming together to clear and clean the Office grounds on 11 January 2022. Staff brought their own tools to add to the Office tools and cleared weeds in the yard as well as cultivated the vegetable garden after there had been overgrown grass and weeds during the Christmas break.
Most staff indicated that this was a welcome move for staff to exercise, blend and fellowship while saving money by doing the work for free, work which would have ordinarily been done by paid casual workers. The grounds were left much more presentable such that staff have undertaken to have one cleaning day a month this year, much in the same mould as the national cleaning campaign launched by the President Mnangagwa.
The year opened with staff at the ELCZ Central Church Head Office in Bulawayo coming together to clear and clean the Office grounds on 11 January 2022. Staff brought their own tools to add to the Office tools and cleared weeds in the yard as well as cultivated the vegetable garden after there had been overgrown grass and weeds during the Christmas break.
Most staff indicated that this was a welcome move for staff to exercise, blend and fellowship while saving money by doing the work for free, work which would have ordinarily been done by paid casual workers. The grounds were left much more presentable such that staff have undertaken to have one cleaning day a month this year, much in the same mould as the national cleaning campaign launched by the President Mnangagwa.
Above, participants at the Bishops’ meeting with Coordinators
BISHOPS MEET PROJECT COORDINATORS
The Presiding Bishop Kenneth Sibanda and Bishops Michael Dube and Vushebwashe Mhaka from the ELCZ met Project Coordinators from 18 - 19 January 2022 at the ELCZ Central Church Head Office in Bulawayo. This followed a similar meeting held in February 2021 at the same venue. The purpose of the meeting was for the Coordinators to share with the Bishops about the work of their projects for 2021 as well as the plans for 2022. The projects represented were Health Services, Tariro, Malaria, Thusanang, Betseranai, Infohut, Christian Education and Gender Justice while Rev Dr Elitha Moyo, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America regional representative as well as Lutheran World Federation Council member was an observer.
It was noted at the meeting that a lot of good work went unreported as implementers under-estimated some of the initiatives undertaken. Further, it was noted that more could have been achieved with better collaboration at planning and implementation level as this would enhance value for money principle of economy, efficiency and effectiveness. However, all projects cited the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic which made travel and gatherings difficult and even impossible during a substantial part of 2021.
Agreed at the end of the meeting was that the projects were going to collaborate more in their geographical areas of operation as well as on specific activities so as to improve effectiveness and remove unnecessary fragmentation. It was further agreed that all projects should target involvement of more youths so as to have a vibrant church in future. Improvement in communication was agreed upon whereby the website would be updated twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays, while exploration would be done by the Secretariat as assisted by Infohut, on use of modern communication platforms beyond the website.
The Presiding Bishop Kenneth Sibanda and Bishops Michael Dube and Vushebwashe Mhaka from the ELCZ met Project Coordinators from 18 - 19 January 2022 at the ELCZ Central Church Head Office in Bulawayo. This followed a similar meeting held in February 2021 at the same venue. The purpose of the meeting was for the Coordinators to share with the Bishops about the work of their projects for 2021 as well as the plans for 2022. The projects represented were Health Services, Tariro, Malaria, Thusanang, Betseranai, Infohut, Christian Education and Gender Justice while Rev Dr Elitha Moyo, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America regional representative as well as Lutheran World Federation Council member was an observer.
It was noted at the meeting that a lot of good work went unreported as implementers under-estimated some of the initiatives undertaken. Further, it was noted that more could have been achieved with better collaboration at planning and implementation level as this would enhance value for money principle of economy, efficiency and effectiveness. However, all projects cited the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic which made travel and gatherings difficult and even impossible during a substantial part of 2021.
Agreed at the end of the meeting was that the projects were going to collaborate more in their geographical areas of operation as well as on specific activities so as to improve effectiveness and remove unnecessary fragmentation. It was further agreed that all projects should target involvement of more youths so as to have a vibrant church in future. Improvement in communication was agreed upon whereby the website would be updated twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays, while exploration would be done by the Secretariat as assisted by Infohut, on use of modern communication platforms beyond the website.
Diocesan Gender Coordinators’ Training workshop
A workshop for orientation of the new Gender Justice Coordinators from each of the ELCZ’s Dioceses was held at Vashandiri Centre, Gweru, from 26 to 30 April 2021. This followed the departure on secondment, of Rev Elitha Moyo, the first ELCZ Gender Justice Coordinator, to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, where she will work as Regional Gender Justice Coordinator, based in Zimbabwe. Rev Moyo’s position will be filled up by three Diocesan Gender Justice Coordinators namely Doreen Hove from the Eastern Diocese, Painlop Dube from the Western Diocese and lastly, Kudzai Shumba from the Central Diocese. These three Coordinators will be responsible for Gender Justice activities in their respective Dioceses, so it was very necessary for them to be equipped with necessary knowledge and skills on the day- to- day operations of the projects.
Rev E Moyo was one of the facilitators, where all the three bishops namely Bishop K Sibanda, Bishop V Mhaka, and Bishop M M S Dube attended. Amongst the facilitator were Rev C Shumba, Rev Y Moyo, Rev Mpofu, Mrs Siwela, Mr Jabedu, Mrs R Hove and two former Gender Justice focal persons- Mrs Zondo and Mrs Sibanda.
Several topics were covered during the workshop which included teachings on understanding Gender Justice as the backbone of all other programs being implemented by the Gender Justice Desk in the Church, transparency and accountability, referral pathway, grooming, etiquette, and leadership. Also covered was the unpacking of the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) manual which will be used by the Coordinators and animators in implementing the SRHR initiative. All the Bishops promised to work together with the Coordinators in making sure that the work is being done to required levels. The Coordinators were on their part, encouraged to be well versed with current information in relation to their work, read widely and be knowledgeable about their church since they will be representing the Church in their various communities of operation.
Participants sharing their experience on menstrual hygiene management.
Mrs R. Hove presenting on the topic Menstrual Health and Hygiene.
A power point presentation on leadership and grooming by Mrs Siwela.
A field coordinator from the Central Diocese (Mrs Shumba) giving a recap of the training.
THE ELCZ’S EASTERN DIOCESE GETS A NEW BISHOP
Rev Vushebwashe Mhaka was consecrated as the third Bishop of the ELCZ’s Eastern Diocese at a ceremony held at Mbare chapel, Harare East Parish in Harare on 21 March 2021. The occasion was officiated by outgoing Bishop Chemist Faindi whose message was centred on John 1:8-9. Bishop Faindi impressed upon the new Bishop to refer to the Word of God for guidance and empowerment. Other Bishops who participated in the consecration were retired Bishops J.C. Shiri, L.M. Dube, J.S Moyo and N. Shava as well as serving Bishops K. Sibanda and M.M.S. Dube. Prior to election to the office of Bishop, Rev Mhaka was a lecturer at the United Theological College, an ecumenical seminary, in Harare.
The Chairperson of the Eastern Diocese Assembly, Mr B. Gumbo, also gave a speech where he expressed readiness of the Eastern Diocese Council, to support the Bishop and pray for him. He however called for the Church to assess and accommodate the impact of COVID-19 as well as technology, in the work of the Church while always being aware of the sentiments of membership. The Church Assembly Chairperson, Mr Fanuel Murugani, also spoke when he emphasized the need for the new Bishop to tap into the goodwill which exists in the Diocese.
The General Secretary of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC), Rev Dr Kenneth Mtata, also spoke, where he challenged the Church to manage Renewal and Maintenance so that it (the Church) renews those areas which have become irrelevant and maintains those areas which identify the Church as unique. He further raised the need for the Church to work on greater unity and sustainability while being a witness to the nation.
At that same occasion, Bishop Kenneth Sibanda, was installed as Presiding Bishop of the ELCZ. Officiating once again was Bishop Faindi whose message came from Mat 28:18- 20. He called upon Bishop Sibanda to ensure that the Church continues its thrust as a preaching and teaching church.
A family representative urged Bishop Mhaka to respect all without favoritism, exercise financial discipline, uphold the Church’s Constitution and values, and lastly have a forgiving heart.
To wrap up the activities following the consecration, an induction was held for Bishop Mhaka in Harare on 22 March 2021, where the retired Bishops and Bishops in service presented some topics and words of wisdom. While this was going on, the spouses to the retired and serving Bishops present, were also sharing words of wisdom with Bishop Mhaka’s wife. The events for the two days were also captured by Mr David Mang’enda from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zambia (ELCZa) who also represented Lutheran Media and LWF Communications.
Rev V Mhaka preaching before Consecration
Bishop V Mhaka posing for pictures with family after Consecration
WATER BRINGS NEW LIFE IN CHAORA COMMUNITY
Dube’s eight children used to miss school due to lack of safe water and water borne illness. A new borehole in their village made all the difference. “I know almost everything that has happened in Chaora village. I have lived here all my life” says Mailos (46), a peasant farmer who has seen his village face numerous water shortages over the years. Chaora village is in Mberengwa district one of the most vulnerable districts in Zimbabwe’s Midlands Province, prone to drought, high temperatures and low rainfall. It is often hard for villagers to access safe drinking water “I call eight year ago, people were harassed and troubled in this village due to typhoid after drinking dirty water. In Mberengwa district only cases of typhoid and cholera were recorded and some had lost their relatives. Now the same disease in the presence of COVID-19 had resumed.” revealed Dube.
He recalls the toll the situation took on his children aged 15 to 19. ‘My children used to miss school a lot because they would occasionally have bilharzia and diarrhoea. Sometimes, they would miss school as we would go for days without water. On most of the days they would attend school in dirty uniforms” said Dube. ‘I recall eight years ago, people experienced waves of bilharzia and typhoid after drinking dirty water.
Before September 2020, Chaora village residents would walk more than six kilometers to collect unsafe water from Mundi Dam and nearby streams. During times of low rainfall, the stream ran dry. Things changed when a bush pump borehole was drilled. With SAFAIDS and Irish Aid support, as part of its rural water sanitation and hygiene(WASH) programme in fighting Gender Based Violence, HIV and COVID-19, the new borehole was drilled to provide vulnerable communities with a safe water source and improved sanitary and hygiene conditions. Thanks to the new borehole, says Dube his children are healthier and no longer miss school because of bilharzia and diarrhea, he says his wife no longer walks long distances to find water. “I now collect 100 litres a day for my family and I use a wheelbarrow to transport the water as the distance is now short. My wife and children no longer worry about safe water in the household” he explained. With an unlimited supply of safe drinking water, Dube’s has more time to concentrate on caring for their children. Dube says “My wife can now do laundry for the kids whenever she wants. She can also water her fruit and vegetable garden and ensure a balanced diet for our children”
The children attend and concentrate better at school in the clean uniforms without worrying about looking for water. “My wife and children no longer worry about safe water in the household” Located in the South of Mberengwa, the new borehole serves more than five villages which include; Runesu, Mxoli, Shabanie, Vushe and Runoza and other neighbouring villages. One of the primary school, Chaora benefited from the water source. The borehole is reaching at least 2500 people. “Since the drilling of the new borehole, we haven’t had any cases of GBV, COVID-19, typhoid and bilharzia, it’s just such a relief if you ask me” said Dube
Dube is now excited about the future for the village and his family “It has been a blessing to have this borehole in Chaora village as this area has been so dry for many years. The borehole has reduced queues on the borehole. We experience very little rain and to have a source of water that never runs dry like the stream is just a miracle. However, we still need more boreholes as this borehole is overwhelmed by the number of people and some women still walk long distances to access water from the borehole”. said Dube.
Dube Mailos posing for a photo with his children
Author: Mtemba Gunemi
Dube’s eight children used to miss school due to lack of safe water and water borne illness. A new borehole in their village made all the difference. “I know almost everything that has happened in Chaora village. I have lived here all my life” says Mailos (46), a peasant farmer who has seen his village face numerous water shortages over the years. Chaora village is in Mberengwa district one of the most vulnerable districts in Zimbabwe’s Midlands Province, prone to drought, high temperatures and low rainfall. It is often hard for villagers to access safe drinking water “I call eight year ago, people were harassed and troubled in this village due to typhoid after drinking dirty water. In Mberengwa district only cases of typhoid and cholera were recorded and some had lost their relatives. Now the same disease in the presence of COVID-19 had resumed.” revealed Dube.
He recalls the toll the situation took on his children aged 15 to 19. ‘My children used to miss school a lot because they would occasionally have bilharzia and diarrhoea. Sometimes, they would miss school as we would go for days without water. On most of the days they would attend school in dirty uniforms” said Dube. ‘I recall eight years ago, people experienced waves of bilharzia and typhoid after drinking dirty water.
Before September 2020, Chaora village residents would walk more than six kilometers to collect unsafe water from Mundi Dam and nearby streams. During times of low rainfall, the stream ran dry. Things changed when a bush pump borehole was drilled. With SAFAIDS and Irish Aid support, as part of its rural water sanitation and hygiene(WASH) programme in fighting Gender Based Violence, HIV and COVID-19, the new borehole was drilled to provide vulnerable communities with a safe water source and improved sanitary and hygiene conditions. Thanks to the new borehole, says Dube his children are healthier and no longer miss school because of bilharzia and diarrhea, he says his wife no longer walks long distances to find water. “I now collect 100 litres a day for my family and I use a wheelbarrow to transport the water as the distance is now short. My wife and children no longer worry about safe water in the household” he explained. With an unlimited supply of safe drinking water, Dube’s has more time to concentrate on caring for their children. Dube says “My wife can now do laundry for the kids whenever she wants. She can also water her fruit and vegetable garden and ensure a balanced diet for our children”
The children attend and concentrate better at school in the clean uniforms without worrying about looking for water. “My wife and children no longer worry about safe water in the household” Located in the South of Mberengwa, the new borehole serves more than five villages which include; Runesu, Mxoli, Shabanie, Vushe and Runoza and other neighbouring villages. One of the primary school, Chaora benefited from the water source. The borehole is reaching at least 2500 people. “Since the drilling of the new borehole, we haven’t had any cases of GBV, COVID-19, typhoid and bilharzia, it’s just such a relief if you ask me” said Dube
Dube is now excited about the future for the village and his family “It has been a blessing to have this borehole in Chaora village as this area has been so dry for many years. The borehole has reduced queues on the borehole. We experience very little rain and to have a source of water that never runs dry like the stream is just a miracle. However, we still need more boreholes as this borehole is overwhelmed by the number of people and some women still walk long distances to access water from the borehole”. said Dube.
Dube Mailos posing for a photo with his children
Author: Mtemba Gunemi
HIGHLIGHT OF THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2020: VISIT BY THE LWF GENERAL SECRETARY
The undeniable highlight of the first quarter of 2020 was the solidarity visit of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) General Secretary, Rev Dr Martin Junge. Rev Dr Martin Junge visited the ELCZ and Zimbabwe from 29 February to 4 March 2020. On the visit, he was accompanied by Rev Dr E Ada Maina (LWF Vice President for Africa), Rev Dr E Mungure (LWF Regional Representative for Africa), Bishop Dr Bvumbwe (LUCSA President), Rev B Kassahun (ELCA), Rev M Thurfjell (Church of Sweden) and a member from the LWF Communion Office, Geneva support services.
The visit incorporated meetings with ELCZ and ECLF leadership in Bulawayo on 29 February 2020, a Church service at ELCZ Njube, Bulawayo on 1 March 2020 where Rev Junge preached. He and his delegation as well as ELCZ leadership, had engagements with Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) in Harare on 3 March 2020. To wind up the visit, the LWF General Secretary, accompanied by others in his delegation and ELCZ Presiding Bishop, made a courtesy call on the State President Munangagwa on 4 March 2020, but before, had met the State Vice President Kembo Mohadi.
Above, L to R, Archbishop Alex Thomas (Roman Catholic Church); Bishop Larazus Kanye (ZCC President); Rev Danisa Ndlovu (Brethren in Christ Church); Rev Dr Martin Junge after the Church service at ELCZ Njube, Bulawayo
Rev Dr Junge posing for pictures with women displaying their handicrafts at the ELCZ Gender Justice desk after the Church service at Njube, Bulawayo
ELCZ BOOKSHOP NEWS…. THE BOOKSHOP MIGHT BE CLOSER THAN YOU THINK
As already informed to all stakeholders, the ELCZ Bookshop that used to operate from office 220, Lutheran House, Bulawayo, moved to the ELCZ Central Church Head Office, Suburbs, Bulawayo from 1 January 2019. Ms Agnes Pande, the Secretary at the ELCZ Central Church Head Office in Bulawayo now, also serves as Bookshop Coordinator, which service was being done by a full-time salaried employee up to end of 2018.
Under the new arrangement, the Bookshop service has apart from being available at the ELCZ Central Church Head Office, Bulawayo, moved to locations closer to ELCZ members in the dioceses. At these locations, some ELCZ units in the dioceses will be selling all the items (and more) that were distributed from the Bookshop which you knew. These items will be sold at one retail price nationwide, but the ELCZ distributor units which are still in process of setting up, will source their items through the Bookshop Coordinator at a lower price. The distributor units, as guided by the pastors in charge within their locality, will make their orders through the Bookshop Coordinator who in turn will organize the supplies ordered. The intention is to minimize stock holding which costs while ensuring availability of items at all times.
Apart from supplying hardcopy materials, the Bookshop will also produce electronic hymnbooks accessible online on cellphones (and other similar gadgets) after payment of a small fee. These electronic hymnbooks are in the process of production and priority for production will be those electronic hymnbooks for which the ELCZ has authorship rights. Availability of these electronic hymnbooks should be a reality by mid-year 2019.
For more information on the Bookshop, contact Ms Agnes Pande on:
As already informed to all stakeholders, the ELCZ Bookshop that used to operate from office 220, Lutheran House, Bulawayo, moved to the ELCZ Central Church Head Office, Suburbs, Bulawayo from 1 January 2019. Ms Agnes Pande, the Secretary at the ELCZ Central Church Head Office in Bulawayo now, also serves as Bookshop Coordinator, which service was being done by a full-time salaried employee up to end of 2018.
Under the new arrangement, the Bookshop service has apart from being available at the ELCZ Central Church Head Office, Bulawayo, moved to locations closer to ELCZ members in the dioceses. At these locations, some ELCZ units in the dioceses will be selling all the items (and more) that were distributed from the Bookshop which you knew. These items will be sold at one retail price nationwide, but the ELCZ distributor units which are still in process of setting up, will source their items through the Bookshop Coordinator at a lower price. The distributor units, as guided by the pastors in charge within their locality, will make their orders through the Bookshop Coordinator who in turn will organize the supplies ordered. The intention is to minimize stock holding which costs while ensuring availability of items at all times.
Apart from supplying hardcopy materials, the Bookshop will also produce electronic hymnbooks accessible online on cellphones (and other similar gadgets) after payment of a small fee. These electronic hymnbooks are in the process of production and priority for production will be those electronic hymnbooks for which the ELCZ has authorship rights. Availability of these electronic hymnbooks should be a reality by mid-year 2019.
For more information on the Bookshop, contact Ms Agnes Pande on:
- Telephone: (029)2254991- 2 (Bulawayo)
- Cellphone (Whatsapp): 0777300945
- Email: elczhead@iwayafrica.co.zw
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NJUBE INFOHUT NOTICE This is to inform that Mlungisi Mnikwa is no longer working at Njube Infohut where he was Infohut Facilitator. Any queries regarding Njube Infohut should be directed to the Health Services Coordinator on (029)2254991-2. NJUBE YOUTH CENTRE GETS A NEW WARDEN
Ms Sikhathele Maseko, a member of ELCZ City Centre congregation, was appointed as warden of Njube Youth Centre, Bulawayo to replace the retired Ms Priscilla Hove. Ms Maseko is a widow, with two young daughters and she joined the employ of the Church on 1 March 2017 from Rainbow Tourism Group. We welcome Ms Maseko to Njube Youth Centre and wish her the best of God’s blessings on this new assignment while we also wish Ms Hove a well- deserved rest after 40 years’ service at Njube Youth Centre.
ELCZ MWANEZI PARISHIONERS BUY A VEHICLE FOR THEIR PASTOR
The ELCZ Western Deanery Dean, Kenneth Sibanda handed over car keys to Rev Onias Moyo at Mwanezi parish on Sunday 21 August 2016. The parish bought a car for the pastor for parish use. The pastor was given the option to pay for the car on instalments so that he goes with the car when transferring to another parish. This gesture is a start in the Central Diocese where Mwanezi parish is located, and should go a long way to motivate this pastor to demonstrate the positive impact in his work.
ELCZ GOKWE CENTRE PARISH BUYS A MINIBUS
The Lord has been faithful to us those members at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ) Gokwe centre, as Gokwe Parish recently in August 2015, acquired an 18 seater Nissan Caravan seater minibus for the purpose of establishing an income generating project in line with the ELCZ national vision 'towards a self- sustainable church" This minibus plys the Chitekete- Gokwe- Kwekwe route. According to the Gokwe Pastor in Charge, Rev Rudorwashe Ronald Shumba, their vision as a parish is to buy another minibus of similar size before the year end 2015 and to buy a 65 seater bus by year end 2016. Above, in white shirt, Rev Ronald Rudorwashe Shumba(facing camera) and Mr. J. Shava (in blue shirt with back to camera) posing next to the minibus  Overflow crowd standing outside the fence
WORLD
MALARIA DAY COMMEMORATION 2015-BURURE
Although belated, the 2015 World Malaria day commemoration was “exceptionally planned and highly attended” according to the project coordinator Mrs Y.Muzezewa. The event which was conducted on Friday the 15th of May 2015 at Burure Clinic, saw approximately 3 000 people defying the scorching heat and witnessing and participating for close to five hours. In attendance were pupils from eight nearby schools, nurses from nearby clinics, community structures, environmental health technicians from across Gokwe North, the District Education Officer, the District Administrator’s office, the office of the President, government departments in the district, local NGOs, Gokwe North and Gokwe South district health executive committees, ELCZ malaria team, community leaders including Chief Simuchembo and Headman Madzivazvido and the general Burure community. The theme for the 2015 World malaria day was “Invest in the future. Defeat malaria”. Investing in the future is the business of all stakeholders hence the invitation of a cross section of the community. The day started with presentations from practically every school present. Each school health club had a message to disseminate on malaria prevention, control and treatment. Some however spiced the messages with other health and wellness messages as school health clubs concentrate on different health issues. Of note was Kabuyuni primary school which had a drama which summarised all the aspects of malaria control. Three ELCZ malaria ambassadors also took to the stage and Mr Muyashu, the ambassador from Gumunyu left the malaria team really proud of the concept of malaria ambassadors. He showed so much passion for his work that much can be accomplished through him. Reverend Mataka, the Burure Parish Pastor in Charge, delivered a speech on behalf of the Church. Reference was made to the gains the project has realised up to date and how it wishes community structures could continue the project even after 2015. This did not go down well with most community leaders who expressed that the Church still had a lot to do under the malaria project. On behalf of Chief Simuchembo, Mr Simuchembo pictured below begged the Church to continue especially with the component of Internal Lending and Saving Schemes (ISALs). He being a malaria ambassador as well highlighted that in his area he has realised that ISALs can raise the standard of living of the people thereby improving their health. 
Chief Simuchembo representative imploring the Church not to end the project prematurely
Rev Mataka , Burure Pastor in Charge
The other people who made
speeches in line with the theme of the day were representatives from the DA’s
office, rural district council, Gokwe North District Medical Officer,
Provincial Environmental Office and finally the guest of honour who was the DMO
from Gokwe South. The guest of honour chronicled the journey the district has
travelled in relation to malaria control but also gave warning that people
should not relax as some areas in Gokwe North recorded outbreaks this year. He
mentioned that the country is now working towards elimination and Gokwe North
should not derail the process. Outbreaks and deaths were recorded mostly in
Zhomba and Chireya areas.
The day was concluded by what seemed to be like a ‘post- test’. The community sister from Nembudziya was requested to conduct quiz to assess the level of knowledge among the general community. The prizes were t/shirts from ELCZ malaria project with the message “Munhu muneti, mushonga kumadziro.Wafiritisa here?” From the responses that were given, it could be concluded that the project has done a good job on malaria awareness. If this knowledge could be put into action then we are truly on the road to defeating malaria and the future is indeed bright. |
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EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN ZIMBABWE (ELCZ) YOUTH OFF TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (USA)
Winston Tshili, a youth from the ELCZ’s Western Diocese, left for Colorado, in the United States of America on 19 May 2015 under the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) International Camp Counselor Program. The ELCA International Camp Counselor Program is an annual program that runs at ELCA camps every summer (May to August) and ELCZ has been requested to select a nominee every year since 2006, but the hitch has been getting an entry visa. However, this year, Winston Tshili, the ELCZ nominee, was successful in getting the much elusive visa, making it the second time in a row when the ELCZ nominee successfully got an entry visa into the USA.
Above, Winston Tshili before departure, at J M Nkomo Airport, Bulawayo on the way to the USA
While in the USA, Winston will represent the ELCZ, a partner church to the ELCA, to do ministry and return home in August 2015 with new ideas and a better understanding of the world as he will, while in the USA, meet young adults from the USA, Europe, Asia, Australia, Central and South America as well as Africa. Counselors, of which he will be part, will be expected to serve on camp staff for about 11 weeks where they will be asked to share gifts in Bible study, worship, recreation, music and any other skills specific to individuals. Winston may also be asked together with other staff, to do food service as well as routine maintenance work. We wish him the very best of God’s blessings as he works and lives in new territories facing new challenges for his benefit, that of the ELCZ, the church universal and humanity!
Winston Tshili, a youth from the ELCZ’s Western Diocese, left for Colorado, in the United States of America on 19 May 2015 under the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) International Camp Counselor Program. The ELCA International Camp Counselor Program is an annual program that runs at ELCA camps every summer (May to August) and ELCZ has been requested to select a nominee every year since 2006, but the hitch has been getting an entry visa. However, this year, Winston Tshili, the ELCZ nominee, was successful in getting the much elusive visa, making it the second time in a row when the ELCZ nominee successfully got an entry visa into the USA.
Above, Winston Tshili before departure, at J M Nkomo Airport, Bulawayo on the way to the USA
While in the USA, Winston will represent the ELCZ, a partner church to the ELCA, to do ministry and return home in August 2015 with new ideas and a better understanding of the world as he will, while in the USA, meet young adults from the USA, Europe, Asia, Australia, Central and South America as well as Africa. Counselors, of which he will be part, will be expected to serve on camp staff for about 11 weeks where they will be asked to share gifts in Bible study, worship, recreation, music and any other skills specific to individuals. Winston may also be asked together with other staff, to do food service as well as routine maintenance work. We wish him the very best of God’s blessings as he works and lives in new territories facing new challenges for his benefit, that of the ELCZ, the church universal and humanity!
Inclusive Communion: ELCZ GENDER JUSTICE PROJECT
Putting gender issues on the Church map
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ) runs a project to enable the discussion of gender and imbalanced cultural practices by its membership countrywide. This project is run with the support of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) / Department of Mission and Development (DMD). At the foundation of the project, lay the ambition to contribute to the realization of third Millennium Development Goal (MDG), by striving for the empowerment of women and promotion of gender equality both within the Church and society as a whole.
In many traditional communities, gender is a sensitive issue that may go against established norms and practices. Marked by several workshops and awareness campaigns, 2014 was another year in which the ELCZ took concrete steps towards the eradication of gender stereotypes and prejudices, injustice in the provision of education, and fear of gender-based violence.
In 2014, touched by the project’s awareness campaigns and open discussion experiences, a community in Chikombedzi was galvanized to initiate the building of a local secondary school, with the aim of promoting girls’ school attendance by cutting down the risks of violence against women posed by long distance walked by girls to attend school. Increased reporting of gender-based violence also reflected a growing awareness of changing attitudes slowly translating into the actions. A Chamaware community, in turn, had a capacity building workshop on community and church leadership become a starting point for an eye-opening discussion on the context of equal opportunities and definitions of gender. In 2014 also, an activity involving seventy women in Kwekwe was implemented to discuss women’s empowerment and leadership and encourage speaking out on hushed issues and injustices against women..
The government and other civil organisations have become aware of the ELCZ gender justice approach and activities and government appreciates the interventions in the process promising the project long term sustainability through accompaniment from government. With 2014 marking the end of Phase 1 of the ELCZ Gender Justice project with DMD/LWF, ELCZ is aiming to build on its achievements and incorporate into its agenda Sustainable Development Goals.
Putting gender issues on the Church map
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ) runs a project to enable the discussion of gender and imbalanced cultural practices by its membership countrywide. This project is run with the support of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) / Department of Mission and Development (DMD). At the foundation of the project, lay the ambition to contribute to the realization of third Millennium Development Goal (MDG), by striving for the empowerment of women and promotion of gender equality both within the Church and society as a whole.
In many traditional communities, gender is a sensitive issue that may go against established norms and practices. Marked by several workshops and awareness campaigns, 2014 was another year in which the ELCZ took concrete steps towards the eradication of gender stereotypes and prejudices, injustice in the provision of education, and fear of gender-based violence.
In 2014, touched by the project’s awareness campaigns and open discussion experiences, a community in Chikombedzi was galvanized to initiate the building of a local secondary school, with the aim of promoting girls’ school attendance by cutting down the risks of violence against women posed by long distance walked by girls to attend school. Increased reporting of gender-based violence also reflected a growing awareness of changing attitudes slowly translating into the actions. A Chamaware community, in turn, had a capacity building workshop on community and church leadership become a starting point for an eye-opening discussion on the context of equal opportunities and definitions of gender. In 2014 also, an activity involving seventy women in Kwekwe was implemented to discuss women’s empowerment and leadership and encourage speaking out on hushed issues and injustices against women..
The government and other civil organisations have become aware of the ELCZ gender justice approach and activities and government appreciates the interventions in the process promising the project long term sustainability through accompaniment from government. With 2014 marking the end of Phase 1 of the ELCZ Gender Justice project with DMD/LWF, ELCZ is aiming to build on its achievements and incorporate into its agenda Sustainable Development Goals.
Picture Above: One member of youth group contributing on the cultural practice that that makes a boy child more superior than a girl child in being given priority on education or on inheritance at the 2015 Rengwe Parish Easter Revival.
From left, MP for Hwange West Hon Mpofu, Permanent secretary Mrs E Ndlovu, Officer from SMEs Mrs Chigwere and Reverend Maphosa from ELCZ following proceedings.
INTERNAL SAVING AND LENDING SCHEMES FIELD DAY IN HWANGE DISTRICT
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe’s malaria project is cognisant of the fact that malaria is both a root cause and a consequence of poverty. As such the project is implementing a livelihoods component within its project. Under this component, the activities implemented include internal saving and lending schemes, income generating groups and self-help groups.
Since June 2013, the project has managed to form 473 ISAL groups, with a total membership is 5 441. Of these, most of them are women. The amount saved per month ranges from 1 dollar to 50 dollars per person. As of end of September 2014, $118 302 was circulating as loans among the 473 groups. Saving cycle is between 6 months and 12 moths. The loans are being used to start household income generating projects. Most of these small household projects are into buying and selling. As a way of cushioning each other from the economic impact of malaria, HIV and AIDS and other diseases, ISALs have decided to have a social fund which will be loaned to a member at no interest in the case of illness or death. By the end of September, the social fund amounted to $3 063. Two of the ISALs have diversified to become self- help groups. These 2 groups continue with their usual monthly saving and lending but also saving an extra fund which is given to one member per month to procure household assets. Currently the members have purchased cattle, goats, kitchen utensils and bedroom ware.
A lot of beautiful stories have been told from the ISAL groups. Some group members testify that their household nutrition has improved through the saving. Some households have managed to pay their children’s school fees without any hassles. Besides the improved household income, ISALs have brought general women empowerment. According to one lady, they are now able to enjoy their marriages without the marital conflicts caused by economic challenges. ISALs have become social groups for development, community social ills are identified through these groups and solutions are sought.
Video on the impact of ISALs
It is because of the great work that these ISALs has done that the malaria project conducted a field day in Hwange district to facilitate the sharing of experiences and also as a way of encouraging the general community to participate. On the 3rd and the 4th of October 2014, 2 field days were conducted in Hwange and Victoria Falls areas respectively.
The Permanent Secretary from Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise and Cooperative Development, Mrs E. Ndlovu was the Guest of Honour, the Member of Parliament for Hwange West constituency, Honourable Bekithemba Mpofu and Dean Vhudzijena of ELCZ were among the dignitaries gracing the functions. At both Mashake Secondary School in Chikandakubi ward and Victoria Falls, ISALs had the opportunity to exhibit what they have managed to do as groups. Some had household materials, some livestock and some garden produce.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe’s malaria project is cognisant of the fact that malaria is both a root cause and a consequence of poverty. As such the project is implementing a livelihoods component within its project. Under this component, the activities implemented include internal saving and lending schemes, income generating groups and self-help groups.
Since June 2013, the project has managed to form 473 ISAL groups, with a total membership is 5 441. Of these, most of them are women. The amount saved per month ranges from 1 dollar to 50 dollars per person. As of end of September 2014, $118 302 was circulating as loans among the 473 groups. Saving cycle is between 6 months and 12 moths. The loans are being used to start household income generating projects. Most of these small household projects are into buying and selling. As a way of cushioning each other from the economic impact of malaria, HIV and AIDS and other diseases, ISALs have decided to have a social fund which will be loaned to a member at no interest in the case of illness or death. By the end of September, the social fund amounted to $3 063. Two of the ISALs have diversified to become self- help groups. These 2 groups continue with their usual monthly saving and lending but also saving an extra fund which is given to one member per month to procure household assets. Currently the members have purchased cattle, goats, kitchen utensils and bedroom ware.
A lot of beautiful stories have been told from the ISAL groups. Some group members testify that their household nutrition has improved through the saving. Some households have managed to pay their children’s school fees without any hassles. Besides the improved household income, ISALs have brought general women empowerment. According to one lady, they are now able to enjoy their marriages without the marital conflicts caused by economic challenges. ISALs have become social groups for development, community social ills are identified through these groups and solutions are sought.
Video on the impact of ISALs
It is because of the great work that these ISALs has done that the malaria project conducted a field day in Hwange district to facilitate the sharing of experiences and also as a way of encouraging the general community to participate. On the 3rd and the 4th of October 2014, 2 field days were conducted in Hwange and Victoria Falls areas respectively.
The Permanent Secretary from Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise and Cooperative Development, Mrs E. Ndlovu was the Guest of Honour, the Member of Parliament for Hwange West constituency, Honourable Bekithemba Mpofu and Dean Vhudzijena of ELCZ were among the dignitaries gracing the functions. At both Mashake Secondary School in Chikandakubi ward and Victoria Falls, ISALs had the opportunity to exhibit what they have managed to do as groups. Some had household materials, some livestock and some garden produce.
Exhibitions from Victoria Falls
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Exhibitions from Chikandakubi ward
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In her speech, the Guest of Honour encouraged group members to utilise their God-given resources to their advantage. She spoke about how some ladies opened a restaurant which only sells traditional foods. She also elaborated that they should not only focus on saving for consumption and for household goods but should look at big projects that will generate money. Her ministry was said to be registering saving and lending schemes as cooperatives which can access loans from different institutions. She said that currently they have a fund which they give $10 000 to schemes that are registered and are performing well. She applauded ELCZ for initiating such a project.
The Dean from ELCZ explained that Lutheran rejoices when it has managed to facilitate in the provision of life in fullness (John 10.10). This life in fullness means life free from extreme poverty, malaria, HIV and AIDS and other social ills. He encouraged ISAL members to continue on fighting for the good cause.
Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise and Cooperative Development together with ELCZ selected the best 3 ISALs from each area. The first prize for the rural group was a peanut butter making machine and for the urban it was a freezit making machine. Other prizes included goats and poultry feed.
The Dean from ELCZ explained that Lutheran rejoices when it has managed to facilitate in the provision of life in fullness (John 10.10). This life in fullness means life free from extreme poverty, malaria, HIV and AIDS and other social ills. He encouraged ISAL members to continue on fighting for the good cause.
Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise and Cooperative Development together with ELCZ selected the best 3 ISALs from each area. The first prize for the rural group was a peanut butter making machine and for the urban it was a freezit making machine. Other prizes included goats and poultry feed.
 Exhibitions from Chikandakubi ward
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Celebrations after being nominated the best group and receiving a freezit making machine
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PASSING ON OF DEAN RHODES NDLOVU
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. It is with a sad heart that I have to inform you about the passing away of Rhodes Ndlovu, the Dean of the Northern Deanery of the ELCZ’s Western Diocese, on the 15th of June 2014 around 8pm. He suffered an asthma attack and passed on at an emergency clinic close to his home in Bulawayo. He is said to have just arrived from a visit to one of the rural parishes under his deanery when the attack occurred. I wish to advise that the planned arrangements for the burial of the late Dean R Ndlovu are that the funeral service will be held at Njube Youth Centre, Bulawayo at 8.00am on 19 June 2014 after which burial will take place at West Park Cemetery in Bulawayo on that day. Mourners are requested to be seated at the funeral service at 7.45am. Currently mourners are gathered at house number 3102 Nketa 7, Bulawayo. CONSECRATION OF THE ELCZ EASTERN DIOCESE BISHOP
The consecration for Bishop Elect of the ELCZ Eastern Diocese, Rev Chemist Faindi will be held on 5 January 2014 at ELCZ Highfields Chapel, 4969 Mangwende Drive, Highfield in Harare. This date replaces the original date of 15 December 2013 that had been communicated earlier on. Several dignitaries from within and outside Zimbabwe, including some from partner churches, have been invited to attend the event which will start at 8.30am on the day.
CHIREDZI PARISH HOSTS ORDINATION OF PASTORS
Sunday, 15 December 2013 saw the ordination of four pastors (three men and a woman) from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ) at Chiredzi parish. The three ordained men are for the first time in a fairly long time, all bachelors and they will serve as follows: Rev Morelife Ngwenya at Rutenga parish under Rev E Ngara while Rev Victor Maramwidze will serve at Triangle parish under Rev Mashavira and lastly among the men, Rev Simon Maphosa will serve at Victoria Falls parish under Rev A Ncube. The only woman pastor ordained at the occasion, Rev E Nyoni will serve at Gweru West parish under Rev C Ngara. Rev E Nyoni joins husband, Rev Nyoni and son Rev R Nyoni in the pastorate. Speaking at the ordination, the ELCZ Presiding Bishop, the Right Rev Dr S M Dube challenged the ordained pastors to lead a life of service on this lifelong journey as a pastor, emulating the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. He thanked the organizers under Rev Janasi for the wonderful hosting which had started with the pre-ordination retreat ending with the ordination. VACANCY NOTICE
POST: MALARIA FIELD OFFICER X2 Vacancies have arisen at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ) Malaria projects in Hwange and Gokwe North districts which have the following requirements: Qualifications : An appropriate degree or equivalent qualifications related to health and community development. Other Requirements: Class 3 drivers’ licence, Possession of a passport is an added advantage Responsibilities: Plan, implement, monitor and evaluate the Malaria project and the Sustainable Livelihood component in accordance with the Project Strategy. Supervise Malaria Focal Persons in the district. Initiate partnerships with other development partners and stakeholders involved in malaria control activities.Link the project with formal health systems. Experience:A minimum of 3 years field experience in planning and implementing community based programmes. Skills :Understanding of and commitment to church-based work. A strong understanding of community-based malaria programming, community-based health care. Able to speak local languages i.e. Ndebele and Tonga/Nambya for Hwange and Shona for Gokwe. Good computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office® software, internet and email programmes. Applications (including Curriculum Vitae, copies of academic and professional certificates, Pastor’s recommendation letter) addressed to The General Secretary to be brought in person to ELCZ Head Office, 7 Lawley Road, Suburbs, Bulawayo or posted to ELCZ P. O.BOX 2175, Bulawayo or emailed to elczhead@elcz.co.zw on or before 02 January 2014 ELCZ EASTERN DIOCESE BISHOP ELECTIONS
We wish to inform you that following elections held by the Church Assembly on Saturday, 26 October 2013 to fill the post of Bishop John S Moyo of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ)’s Eastern Diocese who retires at the end of 2013, Rev Chemist Faindi won the vote to become ELCZ Eastern Diocese Bishop. He (Rev Faindi) won the vote against Rev Mable Sipike Dube in a contest that pitted a male pastor against a female pastor. The consecration of the Bishop elect of the Eastern Diocese will be held on 15 December 2013 in the Eastern Diocese at a venue to be finalised. EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN ZIMBABWE (ELCZ) NJUBE YOUTH CENTRE PROVE THAT IT IS POSSIBLE TO GIVE A HAND TO OUR OWN
The day was Tuesday, 10 September 2013 when ELCZ Njube Youth Centre, represented by Ms P Hove, the Centre Director, donated blankets, sheets and pillows to Manama Hospital. The handover ceremony, graced by the Bishop of the Western Diocese, the Right Rev Dr S M Dube, was attended by Rev Bertil Murray and Katarina Olofsgard from Church of Sweden’s Uppsala Diocese, who happened to be visiting Manama Mission at the time with the General Secretary, Munatsi Munyaradzi Dube. Speaking at the handover ceremony, Bishop Dube thanked the Njube Youth Centre team for thinking of the needy institutions in the ELCZ stable- the hospitals. He emphasized the need for individuals and units within the Church to think of ways to alleviate pain and suffering of the needy among us like the patients. He went on to say that the gesture from Njube Youth Centre is worth emulating as “..it is more blessed to give than receive” In conclusion, he stated that the gesture from Njube Youth Centre was ample proof that it is possible for all of us to give a hand to our own. |
ELCZ NJUBE YOUTH CENTRE BEATS THE WATER BLUES Above left is the recently installed tank
ELCZ Njube Youth Centre has just installed their fourth water storage tank to beat the water blues that have hit the city of Bulawayo following another poor rainy season. Speaking to the ELCZ General Secretary M M Dube during a tour of the water storage facilities on 14 June 2013, the Director of the Centre, Ms P Hove said that the new tank improved the capacity of the centre to do business as without additional water, guests cannot be attracted to book in for their activities. Ms Hove said she owed this development to God and sees His Amazing Grace ever since the centre was repaired after being partially gutted down by fire on 22 July 2007. The new tank has a capacity of 5,000 litres and is placed on a 4 metre stand to allow water to gravitate to various parts of the centre. |
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA PRESIDING BISHOP MARK HANSON VISITS ZIMBABWE Bishop Mark Hanson (centre, facing camera) on arrival
The Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Rev Dr Mark Hanson visited Zimbabwe as guest
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ) from 19 March to 23 March
2013. On arrival at Bulawayo’s Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport,
Bishop Hanson who was accompanied by his wife Iona, Rev Dr Raphael Malpica
Padilla (Director ELCA Global Mission Unit) and Rev Benyam Kassahun (Program
Director for East and Southern Africa in the ELCA Global Mission Unit) was met
by the ELCZ Presiding Bishop, the Right Rev Dr Stephen Dube and the ELCZ
Eastern Diocese Bishop, the Right Rev John S Moyo as well as ELCZ General
Secretary, Munatsi M Dube and Bishop Emeritus Dr Ambrose Moyo.
Bishop Mark Hanson (centre) listens as Huitsmang Dube, the City Centre Development Chairperson makes a presentation at the site of City Centre chapel under construction. The same day, 19 March 2013, the ELCA guests had the opportunity to visit the site where the City Centre congregation is constructing a chapel to solve a problem the city congregation have with statistical growth (congregation has 600 members) which has made it not only difficult, but expensive to rent space for church services every Sunday. The piece of land where the chapel is being constructed was acquired through financial assistance of the ELCA.
Bishop Mark Hanson (centre) listens as Huitsmang Dube, the City Centre Development Chairperson makes a presentation at the site of City Centre chapel under constructionBishop Mark Hanson (centre) listens as Huitsmang Dube, the City Centre Development Chairperson makes a presentation at the site of City Centre chapel under construction |
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Burure Clinic was
at the same occasion handed over to the ELCZ by Bishop Hanson with the request
that the ELCZ and community expedite the operationalisation of the clinic to
curtail suffering by the community since the clinic was complete and only
awaited the various permits and clearances to start operation. Bishop Hanson and delegation then concluded their visit by hosting a dinner for their guests at a restaurant in Bulawayo on 22 March 2013 after which there was a meeting with the ELCZ leadership to review the visit and chart the way forward in the relationship between the two parties. On 23 March 2013, it was time to bid farewell when Bishop Hanson, his delegation as well as the ELCA malaria project monitoring team left for Johannesburg where they would link up with other ELCA malaria projects’ monitoring teams (that had gone to Zambia and Malawi) to evaluate the entire trip before proceeding home to the United States of America. One thing that will surely be embedded in the minds of Bishop Hanson and his delegation is the never say die of the Zimbabwean people- a myriad of problems does not dampen their spirits and the experiences at Burure where fresh water is a rare commodity, malaria is endemic, roads are almost impassable and the heat is unbearable bore testimony to this.
INFOHUT FOR COMPUTER AND LIFE SKILLS GRADUATION CEREMONY
Infohut Njube will be having graduation ceremony for the
two Infohut 2012 Intakes, on the 22 of March 2013 at Njube Youth Center from 0800hrs
to 1200hrs. All are invited. Come celebrate with us on this joyous occasion.
Lots of entertainment and re-freshment for all.
ELCZ MALARIA PROJECT TAKES PART IN THE 2013 AFRICAN ENVIRONMENT COMMEMMORATIONS How beautiful it was to see the ELCZ women’s group (Vashandiri/Manyano) with their uniforms joining hands together with other stakeholders in cleaning the Victoria Falls resort town. The ELCZ Malaria Project took part in the 2013 African Environment commemorations that took place from the 28th of February to the 1st of March. The theme for this year was ‘ Cleaner Cities, My Responsibility’
As part of the Waste Management Committee in the Resort
Town, twelve Community Health Workers under the ELCZ Malaria Project mobilised
the community to clean the whole of Victoria Falls. They slashed tall grasses
and cleared the area of all rubbish. The clean up was done on the 28th
of February. The project procured cleaning equipment which was used during the
campaign.The equipment ranged from slashers, rubbish bins,shovels and many
others.The equipment remains the project’s property and is to be used everytime
there is a cleanup campaign. For 2013, the agreement is that as the nation
prepares for UNWTO conference, the cleanups should be done after every 2
months.
As the tourism department is smiling on the anticipation that cleaner cities will bring about improved flows of tourists, the ELCZ Malaria Project is smiling on the knowledge that cleaner cities brings about reduced mosquito breeding and therefore reduced malaria cases. Besides mobilising and supervising the cleanup, the Community Health Workers mobilised the community to come up with messages on the importance of clean environments for disease prevention. The messages were then presented in form of drama and songs. All the three groups that took part impressed the Minister of Environment, Comrade F.Nhema so much that he gave all of them refuse bins. SOWING THE SEED OF SALVATION IN VICTORIA FALLS
A group of 30
members of the Northern Deanery of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe
(ELCZ) Western Diocese travelled some 400 km from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls to
conduct an outreach of sowing the seed of God’s salvation. The outreach was in
the main held with the assistance of Lutheran Hour Ministries where the
Bulawayo based team members paid for the food and part of transport cost. The
trip started in the morning of 15 February 2013 and ended with arrival at Monde
Primary School in Victoria Falls at 16.30 hrs where a tent was pitched for the
outreach activities of salvation and hope.
The programme started with an opening service conducted on that same day by the local student pastor Maphosa who is responsible for Victoria Falls parish. In the evening an evangelistic session was conducted where there was an attendance over 140 people. At that session, six people indicated that they wanted to give their lives to Jesus Christ. Four of them were prayed for and demons manifested in them and were cast out. On the 16 February 2013 six groups were formed and sent out into homes to preach the Word of salvation. The send off devotions to these groups were conducted by Dean Vudzijena. In this session, 99 homes were visited and 260 people were preached to. A total of 36 children were spoken to as well during the preaching in homes. The groups reported a warm welcome in all the homes they visited; a sign that people are hungry and thirsty for the Word of God. The evening session started with a communion service conducted by Dean R. Ndlovu. After the service, Mr Tanaka Chihora conducted an evangelistic session which was attended by over 300 people. Over thirty people came forward to be prayed for various needs. One man confessed that he had made up his mind to kill himself but the Word preached destroyed the idea. He expressed hope for a better future with Christ who came into his life. We praise the Lord for a thrilling and successful outreach. The seed was sown and the Lord will make it geminate and grow. May His name be praised! MANAMA HIGH AND BURURE SECONDARY SCHOOLS’ INFOHUT COMPUTERS ARE RECEIVED
The majority of the long awaited computers for Manama High and Burure Primary and Secondary Schools were delivered at the ELCZ Head Office in Bulawayo by the suppliers on Tuesday, 26 February 2013, bringing to an end what had been a long and at times worrying wait. This latest delivery had 27 computers to augment to the 10 computers that had been received earlier bringing the total computers received to 37, leaving a balance of 3 computers. The receipt of the computers should see the prompt set up of Infohut at the two sites to bring much needed HIV and AIDS awareness and Life Skills to the two schools. For Burure Secondary School, the setup of Infohut will end a long wait whose last action was when the haulage truck ferrying the 40 foot container Infohut classroom was stuck for at the dry Burure River crossing in November 2012. Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ) holds a Strategic Planning Workshop
Heads of various units in the ELCZ met at the ELCZ’s Vashandiri Centre, Gweru, from 27 to 28 August 2012 in a Strategic Planning Workshop for the cycle that ends in 2015. Presiding Bishop Dr Stephen Dube, Bishop Naison Shava and Bishop John S Moyo led their Deans and other workers from the Central Church Head Office, schools and hospitals to conclude the planning for the cycle. Opening the workshop, the Presiding Bishop Dube emphasised the need for the plans to be translated into action so that there is better efficiency and effectiveness especially in light of the ever diminishing resources worsened by the global economic crisis and recurrent droughts in the region. The Church has not been spared from the negative impact of the crises, he said. He bemoaned the plethora of problems in the country and various institutions such as the church, problems which would be reduced by better planning, implementation and re- planning in a continuous process. The workshop drew in senior pastors, medical doctors, administrators and project workers- all who participated enthusiastically sharing their experiences and plans. A lot of emphasis was placed on clearly articulating objectives, actions, resources, indicators, results, strategies and evaluation. The Strategic Plan would be cascaded to all units in the ELCZ and it was agreed that from thereon, it was not going to be business as usual, but all systems go in line with the Strategic Plan so as to make the Church more relevant to its stakeholders in an ever changing environment. 31 August 2012. |
