Story By: Tapiwa Dzuda HED Communicator
Circuits from across Harare East District collected food as well as non food items worth over $33 000 for the relief of the disaster struck families in Masvingo after the Tokwe-Mukosi Dam under construction burst its banks.
Over 2 000 families were left homeless when the Tokwe Mukhosi River burst its banks in January causing untold suffering to both humans and animals in the surrounding areas. The floods submerged homes and caused serious damage to property and domestic animals perished.
The President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Robert Gabriel Mugabe declared a national disaster and the UMC’S Harare East District like many other districts in the UMC’s Zimbabwe Episcopal Area and organisations in the country recognised the need to give a helping hand.
The items collected by Harare East District included 10 tonnes of maize donated by a family in the district. The items became part of the consignment taken by Bishop Eben K Nhiwatiwa as the United Methodist Church’s contribution to help the flood victims who were placed in Chingwizi Holding Camp.
The Harare East District’s Chairperson of Church and Society Mrs Idah Makate said, “We must act to meet the flood victims’ social, spiritual and physical needs. As the Church and Society committee, we greatly appreciate what congregations have brought forward to help the people of Masvingo and this must continue in our communities so that disciples of Jesus Christ are made.”
The Connectional Ministries Director in the district Reverend Andrew Mupfawa said of the collected items, “This is an overwhelming response from the people and will go a long way to save the lives of the people in Masvingo. I am very happy and thanks to everyone who has contributed towards this noble cause.”
Reverend Margaret Bondera of Goromonzi Circuit expressed gratitude and joy for what the district had done on behalf of Harare East District pastors and the District Superintendent Reverend Tsitsi Madziyire .