By Tapiwa Dzuda
Provision of accommodation for pastors has become a priority in the Zimbabwe Episcopal area. Zimre Park circuit has done just that by building a superb parsonage with a magnificent guest wing, spacious rooms in the $70,000 project that sits on a 1340m2 area of living space within the vicinity of the main Sanctuary.
Hundreds of local members, and invited guests attended the colourful event to raise the remaining US$22 000.00 required to complete the parsonage. The event was held on the 3rd of November 2013.
Reverend T. Madziyire, the Harare East District Superitendent who graced the occasion, strengthened the cheerful audience. “You have become history makers by building such a beautiful parsonage within one year since the ground breaking ceremony was held”. She said.
Mr. J. Mafongoya the guest preacher for the day encouraged the congregants to continue with the good work. “Our duty is to stand up and raise the house of God as God tells the Children of Israel in Hagai1vs1-11.”
“Let’s bring our contributions, fulfil our pledges believing that ‘with God, all things are possible’”. He added.
The Pastor-In-Charge Rev O. Mukahanana and his parishioners comprising of the Building, Finance and Projects committees had pulled the strings from across the whole district and lit the venue with the refreshing presence of the District Superintendent Rev T. Madziyire, the District Lay leader Mrs N. Marwei, officials, church members and the children’s ministry.
Of an unmatched adeptness was the invited guest from Chisipite UMC, Mr. A. Matika who expressed his heartfelt appreciation to Zimre Park UMC and the whole Episcopal area for working hard towards improving pastors’ accommodation and mobility.
“We are also nation builders who are reaching for high standards of good repute, and of paramount importance within the UMC is the strong spiritual drive that keeps us moving forward.” said Mr Matika.
Pastors in the church were living in dilapidated or matchbox environments but with the rate at which new parsonages are being acquired and built it will soon be a thing of the past. In 2012-13 alone Bishop Eben Kanukayi Nhiwatiwa dedicated over 10 parsonages.
Through such programs the church is spurred on with such projects of renovating and purchasing parsonage currently being done by various districts like Mutare, Chipinge and Harare East District’s Parsonage in Mandara.
“We are the people who make it possible for our pastors to enjoy their right and here, Zimre Park confirms what ‘1 Timothy 5 vs. 17,’” added Mr Matika who wrapped up his speech in style by setting the bar at US$1000 to mark the start of the race to the US$22000 target.
The Master of Ceremonies, Mr Mupaya of Mabelreign and Mr Charinga kept the Parishioners’ moods upbeat whilst tapping from the pockets of the bright faced guests who were not disgruntled by the continuous soft rain.
Dr. P. Musuka, whilst complimenting his wife Mrs G. Musuka’s expertise, beautified the south-wing of the estate with an aluminium sliding door and kept the bar afloat; Mr and Mrs M. Mujaji, Mr and Rev. J. Chirowa, the business people and every supporter to this noble cause played a fabulous and admirable contribution.
The District Lay-Leader Mrs N. Marwei who also led her HED-team, the district officials who featured at the ceremony expressed her gratitude towards the successful endeavour made by the record-breaking Zimre Park UMC and successfully bringing the whole district to a ‘National Day of Laughter and Celebration.’
During the celebration Ds. Rev. Madziyire found time to share about the BEB vision. “BEB is ours, let us bring more people to Christ; Brace up for the Ebenezer Convention Celebrations and above all, let it be a blessing to every member to be able to build and complete his or her own house whilst we see the completion of this parsonage together”.
A tour of this magnificent project was led by the Pastor in charge Rev. Mukahanana who also stood firm to see the smooth running of the day’s proceedings.
“Bringing our full attention to the building of this parsonage was not an easy journey as we encountered many hurdles, but I am very grateful for every contribution made by church members who worked hard and fought to have this structure a dream come true. I am especially happy that we have hit this mark debt free.” He said as he waited for the invited guest to have their fair share of viewing the beautiful interior without getting lost in the corridors or one of the rooms.
Meanwhile the G7-G10 Choir kept the drum beating as the attendees received their lunch before end of ceremony and departure of all the guests who left the place with happy faces.