Chronicle Editor
Rejoice Sibanda, Chronicle Reporter
THE Seventh-Day Adventist Church in partnership with community members have answered the call of the Bible in Leviticus 19 verse 32 and built a house for a 93-year-old man from the Lochard area of Insiza District.
The verse reads: “Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am Lord.”
After seeing Khulu Tapson Moyo’s poor living conditions, the church decided to rise together with the community to build him a new home.
His old house, which had a leaking roof, was slowly caving in.
The church also donated groceries, clothes and cooking utensils worth over US$265.
Lochard SDA church elder, Mr Mthokozisi Mzingwane, who was leading the project, said he was saddened when he visited Khulu Moyo who lives alone.
He said Khulu Moyo told him he had slept outside in the cold because it was raining and he was scared the house would collapse on him.
When Khulu said those words, the church leader mobilised other church members and the community in order to build a decent home for him.
A ceremony was held early this week to officially hand over the house and the donated items to Khulu Moyo.
In attendance were different church denominations, Khulu Moyo’s neighbours, community members as well as Ward 22 political and traditional leaders.
Khulu Moyo said he lives alone because all his children left for South Africa where they are now based.
He said the roof of the house was now falling apart, which was very dangerous as it could collapse on him at any time.
Khulu Moyo added that the house was no longer safe for him especially when it rained.
“I informed my children about the dangerous state of the house but they didn’t do anything. However, I’m grateful that my church members together with the community noticed the situation I was in and built this beautiful house for me. I’m very happy and thankful for all they have done for me and no words can express how I’m feeling right now,” said Khulu Moyo.
The Lochard SDA church development chairperson, Mr Levison Moyo said the church always fulfils its promises and completes projects it undertakes for its community members.
He said he was excited when the church informed him about the project and he quickly informed other leaders and community members about it.
“The church approached me to inform me about this project and I was very much excited. I then informed other leaders as well together with the community about the work that we were going to do for Khulu Moyo. We also did a groundbreaking ceremony which was led by the SDA church and was well attended by the community. We organised the material together with the church and I’m happy to see that this project has been completed,” said Mr Moyo.
He said Khulu Moyo is the father of all and is loved by everyone in the community.
Mr Moyo urged community members and other denominations to emulate what the SDA church is doing in communities.
He also encouraged them to identify the needs of various community members and ensure that they address them.
Mr Mzingwane said he was happy that he celebrated the official opening and dedication of the house built for Khulu Moyo who is one of the eldest members of the community.
He said the project was funded through free will offerings and labour donations.
“Our theme was, ‘There is a blessing in grey hair’, and we hope to inculcate this spirit of taking care of our elderly people and of ‘ubuntu‘ in our area. Khulu Moyo’s hut was too old and it was on the verge of collapse, thus we then approached the church development chairperson who communicated with the other leaders and community members,” said Mr Mzingwane. – @ReeSibanda
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu