By Tapiwa Dzuda, Harare
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he shall not depart from it! Proverbs 22:6 [NKJV]
Saturday 26 April was a big day for the Harare East District youths and children’s ministries as the 13 circuits assembled at the UMC Chisipite sanctuary for a one day revival to mark
the end of a vacation week spent in their respective circuits learning and exploring various disciplines under the theme; ‘ The fruits of the spirit.’
The revival which was meant for the Children’s ministries popularly known as the ‘Junior Sunday School’ and their big sisters and brothers who make up the youth ministries (13-18 years old) saw hundreds of the young people thronging the chapel with intriguing lyrics in their songs of praise among them were Hosanna, Tinosimudza maoko by Goromonzi circuit and Jesu akaoma which left the audience pleading for more.
Children in our homes and the society at large are a source of joy and will undoubtedly brighten our day when we afford to pay them special attention as they engage themselves in their energy and fun-filled daily activities. How much more when they are given the chance to have their rightful place in the church? A chance to lead praise and an opportunity to stand the pulpit and let the whole congregation hear them share the Good news in their own way!
Before splitting the house in to groups in order to suit the discussions and activity to the relevant age groups, the District Superintendent Rev. T Madziyire challenged the whole congregation of 3 to 18 year olds to respond to the love of God by expressing their love through serving God in the way He commanded and how He loved us as shown in the scriptures read from John3:16 and 1 John 2 vs 1-2, she said.
In their respective groups, both houses were in for a series of inspiring activities; the youths with topics and presentations on grooming and deportment by Mrs Mukahanana, several sermons shared by other youth members who indeed are upcoming local preachers, teachers and pastors. 
A presentation on the UMC website was delivered by the communications director Mrs F. Madake who challenged the young people to be innovative and creative in order to put the social media and technological advancements to good use. “Visit useful sites like the UMC website and desist from destructive activities on the internet” she said.
The youth session ended with another exciting career guidance presentation by Mr. Rushwaya who left no stone unturned as he called on the youngsters to remain focused on their studies and also to the candidate classes whose final exams are around the corner.
One would reckon that a day is not just enough a chance for the junior church to pour out all they have to share for Christ. A lot of potential, passion and desire to serve God lie within these superstars who mean serious business and always make the best of every opportunity they get to demonstrate their love for God in praise and worship through poems, drama plays and bible verses recited by heart without missing a word. They displayed great performances filled with great excitement and courage probably as Jesus did in the temple before the scribes as a twelve year old.
Their chance is now and the Bishop of the Zimbabwe Episcopal area Eben K. Nhiwatiwa once said “A vibrant church pays attention to the development of the children, therefore, you adults must forget about yourselves and seek opportunities such as scholarships and more for the children. Even as we foster the BEB concept, whatever we are building, we are doing it for the children whom we must always have at heart because they are the ones to enjoy the benefits of what we build today” (speech at the 13th session of the ZEAC Annual conference, Mutare). Children took turns to lead praise songs circuit by circuit and the preachers delivered remarkable sermons as follows;
•Nicole Muuya of Damofalls circuit presented on Faith and what is faith from Job1:1-22
•Takumborerwa Nyamajiva of Waterfalls circuit presented on obedience from Genesis 6:9-18 and lastly it was
•Takunda Makoni of Windsor circuit Confidence in Jesus from Hebrews 10: 35-39
Children, besides being a source of joy and brightening our days can surely teach us how to serve God and accept His kingdom within us. Whilst they still make the best of the chances they get in such gatherings, giving them more chances for meaningful participation and leadership at the grass roots will certainly strengthen their faith and build their trust and confidence in the Lord.
After all had been said and done, a send off message was given to the whole congregation by the coordinators Rev. J. Mwarumbwa and Mr. Makamba who also called for devotion and keeping the virtue in Christ with faithfulness.