Story and Image : Munya Matura
On Sunday, May 25, 2025, Bishop GK Machinga presided over his first dedication service as the bishop of the Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and Botswana Episcopal Area. The ceremony took place at Nzira Local Church, part of the Hoyuyu Circuit, situated approximately 25 kilometers off the Murehwa-Nyamapanda Highway, near Janhi Business Centre in Ward 29B, Hoyuyu, Mutoko.
The dedication service drew a diverse crowd, including Ambassador M. Kajese, Professor Kajese and family, and Mbuya Janet Gowe, a 102-year-old matriarch and initiator of the project.
Also in attendance were Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana [Ethiopian Episcopall Church] and his wife, Thoko, from South Africa , and Rev Dr Thomas Muhomba from the Alabama Conference. Members from Chisipiti and Hatfield circuits, local church members, community leaders, and representatives from other denominations joined in the celebration.
The newly constructed sanctuary was dedicated to the glory of God, marking a significant milestone for Nzira Local Church, one of the seven local churches under the Hoyuyu Circuit. Notably, Nzira Local Church is now a beacon for the Murehwa-UMP District, which previously had only one circuit without a dedicated sanctuary.
The construction of the sanctuary was made possible through the generous contributions of the Kajese and Gowe families. The initiative began when Mbuya Janet Gowe approached her family to build a sanctuary at the site where she had worshipped for decades under a tree. Hoyuyu Circuit Pastor-in-Charge, Pastor Chipo Chipungu, worked closely with the family to bring the project to fruition.
During the service, Bishop Machinga delivered a powerful sermon, emphasizing the importance of active participation in one’s faith, encapsulated in the theme “Be a Participant, Iva nechaunoita!” Following the dedication, the bishop expressed his gratitude, saying, “Indeed, it has gone down in my ministerial history, and I truly appreciate and thank God for that.” The dedication service marked a new chapter in the life of Nzira Local Church, providing a sacred space for worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth. The church and community came together to celebrate this achievement, showcasing the impact of collaboration and support. The Nzira Local Church sanctuary stands as a symbol of hope and faith, inspiring generations to come.