Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure [email protected]
CHURCHES have a special role to play in nurturing communities with love, compassion and Christian values, caring for the vulnerable, strengthening families and guiding young people, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa has said.
Speaking at the 70th Jubilee celebrations of the Christian Marching Church International (CMC) in Zimbabwe, Dr Mnangagwa, a devoted Christian herself, said churches were well placed to bring comfort, guidance and practical support to communities because of their presence across the country.
Her speech was read on her behalf by Deputy Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Dr Jennifer Mhlanga at the oversubscribed City Sports Centre last Saturday.
Dr Mnangagwa said the Church’s philosophy of “Love Thy Neighbour” should continue to inspire acts of compassion, kindness and service.
“The message of ‘Love Thy Neighbour’ remains highly relevant to Zimbabwe today. Loving our neighbour means turning our faith into practical service: caring for the vulnerable, supporting families in difficulty, respecting the elderly, protecting children and contributing positively to our communities,” she said.
“Christianity must therefore be demonstrated not only in worship, but also in how we serve and uplift others.”
Mother Zimbabwe said churches had a unique opportunity to identify the needs of families and communities, bring people together and offer support where it was most needed.
“This is closely aligned with the calling of the Church. Because churches are present in communities across the country, they are strategically positioned to identify needs, mobilise people and complement Government efforts,” she said.
“No community should feel forgotten, and no family should feel abandoned.”
The First Lady encouraged churches to continue nurturing initiatives in social welfare, education, skills development, agriculture, entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, health awareness and community development.
Dr Mnangagwa said churches could also help their members discover their potential by encouraging skills development, entrepreneurship and responsible use of resources.
“Church members should be encouraged not only to seek employment, but also to create employment, establish productive enterprises, develop skills and use their resources responsibly,” she said.
She commended CMC’s focus on financial growth, entrepreneurship, sustainable projects and responsible management of resources, saying such initiatives could improve livelihoods and strengthen families.
The First Lady also encouraged churches to continue investing in education, vocational training and lifelong learning, saying these were important in helping people build better lives and contribute positively to their communities.
She singled out the Ida Wokwako Old People’s Home as an example of how Christian love could be expressed through practical care for vulnerable members of society.
“Initiatives such as Ida Wokwako Old People’s Home show the importance of serving vulnerable members of society with dignity and compassion. I encourage the Church to expand such initiatives wherever it operates, so that ‘Love Thy Neighbour’ becomes visible in practical ways across our communities,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa also encouraged churches to strengthen families and lovingly guide young people towards responsible choices, particularly as they navigate challenges such as drug and substance abuse.
Mother Zimbabwe said every generation had a role to play in building caring and united families, with children requiring protection and guidance, women contributing to families and the economy, men providing responsible leadership and older people being respected for their wisdom and experience.
The First Lady encouraged church leaders to continue setting a positive example through integrity, humility, accountability, unity, hard work and compassion.
“The integrity, humility, accountability, unity, hard work and compassion of church leaders influence the communities they serve. Let the Church demonstrate excellence not only from the pulpit, but also through its institutions, projects, financial management and service to society,” she said.
She encouraged churches to work together with families, communities and other stakeholders in supporting young people and strengthening society.
The message was echoed by Midlands and Matabeleland Bishop Lamec Ruzvidzo, who said churches had an important role in helping address drug and substance abuse among young people.
“It is the role of churches to work closely with the Government to fight drug and substance among the youth,” said Bishop Ruzvidzo.
Head of Christian Marching Church International Archbishop Dr Tendai Banyani Katsande said the church supported programmes aimed at improving people’s livelihoods.
“As a church we are fully behind Government programmes which are meant to improve the wellbeing of the people,” he said.
He commended the First Lady for supporting vulnerable communities across the country through the Angel of Hope Foundation and appealed to young people to embrace Christian values.
“The youth should spread the word of God using social media platforms,” he said.
Reverend Chipo Mahlasela praised the First Lady for her generosity and efforts to promote Zimbabwe’s cultural values through her engagements with communities across the country.
“We have witnessed Dr. Mnangagwa travelling across the nation, teaching communities to embrace our cultural values. As a nation, we can now be identified by our cultural values. We can now be identified by our dressing,” stated Reverend Mahlasela.
Dr Mnangagwa congratulated CMC on reaching its 70-year milestone, saying the church’s journey since its establishment in 1956 reflected faith, sacrifice, perseverance and service.
She said the anniversary theme, “Ebenezer — Hitherto Hath the Lord Helped Us”, from 1 Samuel 7:12, appropriately acknowledged God’s role in sustaining the church throughout its seven decades.
“Seventy years speak of faith, sacrifice, perseverance, service and commitment. Your theme, ‘Ebenezer – Hitherto Hath the Lord Helped Us,’ from 1 Samuel 7:12, is therefore most appropriate.
As we celebrate, we acknowledge that it is God who has sustained the Church throughout this journey,” she said.
Looking ahead, Dr Mnangagwa encouraged CMC to use its next chapter to deepen its service to families and communities, allowing its Christian values to continue touching lives in practical ways.
“The past seven decades have demonstrated God’s faithfulness. The next chapter must demonstrate what can be achieved when faith is combined with responsible leadership, productive participation and service to the nation,” she said.
She also paid tribute to the church’s pioneers, pastors, ministers and members whose sacrifices laid its foundation and enabled it to expand its ministry beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
