Online Reporter
Michelle Musandinyoze, Zimpapers Writer
A Bulawayo church turned its leaders’ birthdays into a celebration of love and generosity, treating children at Vulindlela Orphanage Care in Mpopoma suburb to a feast and donating essential goods.
Royal Priesthood Solution Ministries leaders, Prophet Joshua Zulu and his wife Penelope Zulu, chose to spend their special day with the 22 children of the orphanage, bringing groceries such as mealie-meal, flour, stationery and sanitary pads.
The event combined the couple’s birthdays, Mrs Zulu’s on 16 July and Prophet Zulu’s on 30 July.
Vulindlela Orphanage Care founder, Ms Patricia Tshabalala (70) said the visit was more than just a celebration, but a sign that community compassion is still alive.
“I am happy that these young church leaders are leading by example to the rest of their congregation and the world at large. I am taking care of 56 children, 22 staying here while the rest were adopted, but I still care for all of them, making sure they have school fees, clothes and food,” she said.
Ms Tshabalala appealed for assistance to build a precast wall around the orphanage, saying privacy and security are critical, especially for the teenage girls in her care.
“I want to protect these girls from anyone in the neighbourhood who might have ulterior motives. It is the mandate of churches to take care of the underprivileged in society, and today this church led by example,” she said.
Prophet Zulu said having grown up as an orphan, he felt obliged to celebrate his birthday at the orphanage.
“We celebrate our combined birthday every July, mine on the 30th while my wife’s birthday is on the 16th. God gave us the inspiration to celebrate with orphaned children because I grew up the same way,” he said.
“By God’s grace, my adoptive parents gave me a home, introduced me to Christ and ensured I got an education. That inspired me to start this ministry.”
The couple has made it a tradition to celebrate their birthdays at different children’s homes each year. Their church also pays school fees for pupils from primary to tertiary level and runs a charity branch, Royal City of Refuge, which feeds people living on the streets every Friday.
“Our main objective is to win souls for Christ, regardless of their backgrounds,” said Prophet Zulu.
