The ManicaPost
Freedom Mutanda
Post Correspondent
REVEREND Caiphas Matinhe, a visually impaired clergy, is a man on a mission.
He wants to transform people’s lives for them to appreciate how God, through His only begotten son Jesus Christ, made the world a better place with His noble deeds.
One looks at the bespectacled man in awe as he delivers the good news in a booming voice.
However, one can never guess that Rev Matinhe is visually impaired.
Young Caiphas was in Grade Four at Masimbe School in Chipinge District when he lost his sight and dropped out of school.
He ventured into preaching the Word of God as he grew up.
At first, according to Rev Tennyson Mucheri, the church found it difficult to appreciate him; but with time, he became a darling of the laity.
The United Church of Christ Zimbabwe (UCCZ) embraced his dedication to evangelism and gave him a platform to preach the Word.
Rev Matinhe was recently ordained by UCCZ president, Rev John Matiza, amid pomp and fanfare.
His wife, Mrs Rosemary Matinhe, signed the ordination papers on her husband’s behalf.
The Gwenzi Church was filled to the brim and other congregants had to watch the proceedings from outside during his ordination.
Mrs Matinhe has been Rev Matinhe’s pillar of strength since the two tied the knot decades ago.
From that blessed union came five children, with the eldest now a university graduate.
Rev Matinhe’s brother, Mr Lincoln Matinhe, thanked his sister-in-law for always being there for her husband.
The eloquent minister was born 62 years ago, but the sprightly man paces up and down on the church’s pulpit at Mundanda Township in Chipinge with the vigour of a young man.
Here is a man who did not allow physical hindrances to define his life. Instead, he rose through the ranks to become an ordained minister of God’s Word.
Members of the church applauded as Rev Matinhe narrated the journey he has traversed so far.
“I joined the ministry because of the deep love I have for God. I am here to win souls and transform people’s lives. I started this journey in 2000 at the age of 40 and I have never looked back ever since then.
“I have served the Mafumise, Gwenzi and Mwacheta churches. I am now back at Gwenzi. Although I have faced financial challenges and criticism from haters, I have managed to conquer them through prayer, fasting and encouragement from other pastors,’’ Rev Matinhe said.
He added: “My best moments were when I preached at the church’s Annual General Meetings. Due to the fact that I am visually challenged, I always need someone to help me in my work. My wife is therefore my pillar,” he said.
Rev Matiza applauded Rev Matinhe for being resolute in serving God.
“Standing before you is a man who can move mountains due to his unshakeable faith. We trust he will oversee the growth that we all want to see at the Gwenzi church,” said Rev Matiza.
He added: “UCCZ accepts and recognises people with disabilities. Rev Matinhe has proven beyond reasonable doubt that disability does not mean one is not capable to do anything. For 22 years, Rev Matinhe has served the church with dignity and humility. Thus, the Ordination Council of the church saw it fit to bestow him with the honorary ordination.’’
Rev Fred Thondlana described the process of upgrading a lay preacher.
He said: “Ordinarily, a person is taken as a lay evangelist and if the church leadership and Synod notice that one has potential, they will recommend that person to be a full time minister.
‘‘That is the case with Rev Matinhe. He started off as a lay preacher but due to his talent and determination, the church leaders saw it prudent to ordain him.’’
Rev Liberty Maadza said Rev Matinhe was chosen by God while he was still in the mother’s womb.
Mr Wilbert Masaka, a church member, was full of praises for Rev Matinhe.
“With him preaching to us in 2009, I began to feel the warmth of a father figure, notwithstanding the fact that he is very much younger than me. His booming voice draws us close to him,” said Mr Masaka.
Mrs Gladys Kashangura, a deacon at the assembly, echoed the same sentiments.
“Ever since he joined the Gwenzi assembly, his powerful sermons are a wonder,’’ she said.
Mrs Rhoda Mabuto praised Rev Matinhe and his wife for their dedication to doing God’s work.
“The couple is humble, down-to-earth and ready to help at any given moment. Although I am now part of the Daisyhill Church, I couldn’t miss this occasion for anything,’’ she said.
During the ordination, the couple was showered with various gifts, including a set of brand new sofas.
