AS SEEN BY THE DELEGATION VISITING ZIMBABWE FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE CONFERENCE
July 22- August 6
THE CHURCHES OF THE UCCZ ARE THRIVING! The churches we visited are blessed by dedicated and faithful pastors. Along with the Councils (Ruwadzano, Volunteers, Men’s Fellowship, Christian Youth and children), there is a new local church position called “Evangelist.” The Evangelist has a variety of duties, including leading worship and preaching.
THERE ARE MORE ORDAINED WOMEN SERVING PARISHES AND LAY WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP It seems as if the denomination has fully embraced women in leadership positions, lay and ordained.
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD! We saw homes, offices, schools and churches under construction almost everywhere we went. Also, many homes and businesses have solar power, which keeps the lights on when the grid is down – which it is quite often.
THE UCCZ HAS UNDERTAKEN TWO MAJOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
After years of dreaming, the foundation for the UCCZ-affiliated Gazaland University has been poured, and the church is seeking funding and other support for continuing construction. The University is situated on land outside Chipinge.
The University will be the only higher education institution in the Chipinge District. (The UCCZ already has 17 Primary and Secondary schools.)
The Head Office in Harare, which used to be located in a repurposed home, now uses few finished office spaces in a larger building which is well on the way to completion. There also is an open-air chapel and a fish farm on the Head Office property.
FISH FARMING IS THE UP AND COMING SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS Not only at the Head Office, but also adjacent to people’s homes and at churches, small ponds grow fish for eating and for sale.
PRESIDENT MATIZA IS INVOLVED IN AFRICAN AND GLOBAL COMMUNITIES OF FAITH He has attended conferences in Europe and elsewhere in Africa, including a recent Climate Change Justice conference organized by the All-Africa Council of Churches. Leading the UCCZ since 2021 Rev Matiza has been leading the church with a lot of positive developments witnessed within the church and beyond the country including church beyond the pulpit initiatives.
OFFICIAL UNEMPLOYMENT IS ENORMOUS BUT THE INFORMAL ECONOMY IS THRIVING There’s lots of people selling everything imaginable (Including tombstones) along the highways and in markets.
THE HOSPITALITY OF OUR HOSTS IS AS EXTRAVAGANT AS EVER In churches, we were welcomed with special events. In people’s homes, we were honored guests. While conversations about Zimbabwe’s political situation were rare, our hosts were well informed about American politics and very interested in our impressions of our situation. Thanks to them, our visit truly was a family reunion!
DROUGHT CONDITIONS ARE AFFECTING LARGE AREAS OF THE COUNTRY And the UCCZ has developed an ambitious campaign to meet immediate needs and develop ways to adapt to a drier, hotter climate.
Conditions in some areas of the country are terrible. The UCCZ has undertaken a comprehensive effort to address immediate need and long-term solutions. You can support the effort by giving to this year’s special appeal. Our gifts will be used to buy food for families in need.
WANT MORE? Come to an Ukama celebration at Pilgrim UCC, Brentwood-Kingston on Saturday, October 6 from 2-4 PM. Potluck dinner, singing, great photos, and stories from our delegates about the trip. You will be inspired!