Story By Tapiwa Dzuda
Members of the Harare East District celebrated the re-appointment of their District Superintendent, the Reverend Tsitsi Madziyire at a colourful welcome ceremony at Tafara UMC.
Last year’s ZEAC Annual conference at Old Mutare saw the appointment of Rev Tsitsi Madziyire to serve as District Superintendent (DS) for Harare East District of the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area led by the Bishop Eben Kanukai Nhiwatiwa who said “the DS is a person of integrity and modesty,” and the 2nd of March was a day to welcome and celebrate the special blessing of having a district leader.
Directing the proceedings was the humorous and upbeat Evangelist E. Kamupira who seasoned the programme with music and dance led by the vibrant UMC Chisipite praise team that gave spirit moving praise and worship songs.
Rev. W. Chombo of Main-way Meadows gave the gospel reading (Genesis 18:1-10) in a devotion entitled ‘there is blessing in hospitality’ as she related Abraham’s hospitality to the three messengers from God that brought the fulfilment of God’s promise to the faith giant.
In an interview after the celebrations, Rev. T. Madziyire expressed her gratitude to the whole district saying “I have been moved with the love and unity in the district, the gathering has motivated me and my family, it is a challenge for me as a leader never to waste people’s time as I lead Harare East District, but that I lead people who long to move to holiness and see the face of God.”
The DS also encouraged the District to rally forth and take part in the initiatives set for the whole Episcopal area under the BEB concept by preparing for the upcoming Ebenezer convention. “We must be innovative as organisations in various circuits in order to succeed in our projects, engage ourselves in sound evangelism in order to bring more people to Christ in what John Wesley called a ‘strangely warmed heart.’”
The ceremony included presentation of welcome gifts from the Committee on Superintendency (COS), circuits from across the district and the guest of honour, a devout UMC member and renowned lawyer Mr. T. P. Gambe who was accompanied by his wife.
Mr T. P. Gambe said, “Pastors are ordained ministers who bless and speak grace to all, therefore, it is our duty to look into their welfare with gladness.”
The District Superintendent also received gifts from pastor’s spouses, the children’s ministries, countless individuals and the joyful Tafara Circuit.
In his vote of thanks speech, Rev. O. Mukahanana paid special tribute to the Master of Ceremony Evangelist Kamupira, the guest choir for a splendid performance as well as the host UMC Tafara circuit.
The 2nd of March was a day packed with activity in many circuits across the district as it was characterised by welcome ceremonies for the Pastors appointed for service in various circuits for the year 2014.
After all had been said and done, the celebrations came to an end with congregants enjoying cake and music from the Chisipite praise team.