The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
THE United Methodist Church (UMC) has been applauded by Government for its developmental efforts that complement the country’s economic blueprint, the National Development Strategy (NDS1).
In her speech during the official dedication and commissioning of the UMC’s Zimbabwe East Annual Conference head offices in Mutare on Sunday, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Nokuthula Matsikenyere commended the church for working hand in glove with Government to ensure the eradication of poverty.
Minister Matsikenyere said the UMC has consistently shown that it is a church that promotes development.
“You bring development to the people and that is commendable. A lot of institutions are actually struggling to build even a single building but you soldier on while developing your church and your country,” she said.
“You as a church make it easier for development programmes as you help Government. This includes building schools, hospitals, clinics and other infrastructure as we are witnessing here today,” said the Minister.
“A notable milestone was the building of the Lydia Chimonyo Girls High and Mutambara High School which are in my constituency in Chimanimani West. The church has also built church buildings, parsonages and established agricultural initiatives at church mission farms,” she said.
“Government, through the National Development Strategy 1, has put a plan in writing to lay down the foundations of development work. It is exciting to see the churches actively participating in a system that shakes the world.
“As Government, we are happy to welcome you with your plans to work together with us towards the eradication of poverty. When poverty ends, congregants will also bring their contributions to the church and help widows and orphans,” she said.
The Minister further stated that apart from building infrastructure, Government also implores the churches to assist in fighting drugs and substance abuse.
“Teenagers nowadays are engaging in drug abuse and therefore the church has a big responsibility to pray and educate the youths to stop these bad habits. I humbly ask you as a church to make practise these teachings regularly,” she said.
Minister Matsikenyere also applauded the church for promoting peace in the country.
“The UMC is one of the churches with a history of praying for peace. We thank you for that, especially as we heard towards the harmonised elections,” she said.
“Government highly values you as you bring peace into the country by encouraging your congregants and others to live in harmony in their respective communities. We feel very happy with the work that is being done by UMC in the communities.
“When the world becomes peaceful, it becomes easier to do development work,” she said.
Min Matsikenyere further stated that a coalition of churches, including the UMC, recently came together to form the Manicaland Christian Business Forum, which is a group of churches managing businesses in Manicaland.
The building was named after UMC’s Bishop Eben Kunikayi Nhiwatiwa.
A whooping US$1,5 million was poured into the construction of the church.
