Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana recently in Binga
CHURCHES have been challenged to play a more active role in strengthening family unity, promoting social cohesion and driving community development as Zimbabwe advances towards the attainment of Vision 2030.
Speaking during the 10th anniversary celebrations of Christ Life International Network (CLIN) Ministries in Binga last week, guest of honour Reverend Dr David Mudimba said religious institutions should move beyond focusing solely on spiritual matters and become key partners in nation-building.
Addressing hundreds of congregants gathered for the commemorations, Dr Mudimba said churches have a unique responsibility to restore family values and foster unity at a time when many households are experiencing social and economic pressures.
“If CLIN Ministries becomes a church that puts more value on family-hood and building families, then it will stand out. Today many churches are dividing families because of prophecy where people are told their fathers or mothers are witches. But the church must focus on unity and restoring families,” he said.
Dr Mudimba, a theologian, author and founder of Harare based Growing Africa to Christ (GATCH) and Praise Grace Ministries International Church, said churches should complement Government efforts aimed at improving livelihoods and expanding access to education by investing in community-based initiatives such as Early Childhood Development centres and schools.
“The Government values education and is trying by all means to ensure that everyone is educated. Churches must also contribute by establishing learning institutions because that strengthens the national education grid,” he said.
The religious leader said churches were strategic institutions that could mobilise resources for community development and economic empowerment.
“For a long time, the church has been portrayed as a non-profit-making organisation, yet churches meet several times a week and contributions are made,” he said.
“The church must understand that it is an enabler of development and the money coming in must help communities and not individuals.”
Dr Mudimba also called on African churches to embrace cultural values that promote identity and social cohesion while remaining anchored in biblical teachings.
Meanwhile, CLIN Ministries founder Apostle Israel Mujimba commended the Government for creating an environment that allows churches to operate freely and contribute towards national development.
The anniversary celebrations marked a decade of growth for the ministry, which was established during the Covid-19 pandemic and has since expanded its footprint in Binga and surrounding communities.
