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Lisa Shirichena Herald Reporter
The Salvation Army in Zimbabwe yesterday launched its 125th anniversary celebrations by planting a tree at its national headquarters in line with the National Tree Planting Day.
Salvationists in Zimbabwe will celebrate with a territorial gathering between October 13 and 16 2016 at the National Sports Stadium.
Addressing congregates at the church’s headquarters during the tree planting ceremony on Saturday, territorial commander Commissioner Henry Nyagah said the church had become an asset to Zimbabwe.
“The church has been aware of climate change and has been encouraging tree conservation and plantation establishment. To mark our, 125 year celebrations, we are planting 125 trees. We have planted a tree at our territorial headquarters and others to be planted at divisional headquarters, institutions and corps around Zimbabwe.
“We would like to thank the Forestry Commission who partnered with us to fulfil our desire. We hope to forge a long fruitful relationship with them in the future in alleviating global warming through tree plantations with a target of 125 000 trees by next year around Zimbabwe,” he said.
Comm Nyagah planted the national tree for 2016 called Velvet Wild or munzviru in Shona.
“It is an unarmed special tree with no thorns. Likewise, the Salvation Army has given shade to the needy souls needing salvation, sick bodies needing medication and the mind that need the light of education. Its roots are not a threat to buildings neither are we a threat to anyone as the Salvation Army which is cordial to its surrounding.”
He said the Salvation Army had helped in providing water facilities to rural areas.
“We have helped in providing clean water in various communities like Zhombe in Gokwe, Nyautare in Manicaland, Goora in Mount Darwin and we have installed a number of boreholes around the country,” he said.
“Zimbabwe is prone to natural disasters like cyclones, floods and drought. The Salvation Army has not folded its hands, but actively engaged in providing food, shelter, counselling, medical supplies and building material and so on.
“I hope you remember the Cyclone Eline of 2000 especially in Manicaland, Tokwe Mukosi floods in Masvingo. Recently, we helped Muzarabani, Mukumbura and Zvimba flood victims to mention but a few,” he said.
“As we gather momentum for these celebrations, I urge every Zimbabwean including the corporate world to support the Salvation Army as its work is non-discriminatory. We are ready to partner with companies and individuals in this endeavour. For those willing, we accept donations of cash and kind,” he said.
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