Key points:
- Members of the United Methodist Birchenough Local Church have been worshipping under a muucha tree since the early 1970s, lacking the resources for a sanctuary.
- When Pastor Zondai Chifamba was appointed to the circuit in 2020, he revived the vision of building a sanctuary.
- A skilled craftsman, he and his family laid the bricks of the sanctuary, which was completed earlier this year.
From the shade of a muucha tree to the glory of a sanctuary at United Methodist Birchenough Local Church, Pastor Zondai Chifamba’s relentless faith turned decades of waiting into a living monument of resilience.
The church was planted in the early 1970s by three women who got married in Birchenough and found that there was no United Methodist church. They acquired the piece of land on which the church is constructed today. All this time, worshippers have gathered under a muucha tree, enduring discomfort yet holding onto hope.
“Groundbreaking for the parsonage and sanctuary was done in 1980, and construction of the parsonage was completed in 1990. Attempts to construct a sanctuary in 2005 failed and we continued worshipping under the muucha tree until Pastor Chifamba came,” said Yonah Muzike, finance chairperson for the Gudyanga Birchenough Circuit.
When Chifamba was appointed to the Gudyanga Birchenough Circuit in 2020, he revived the vision of building a sanctuary. A skilled craftsman, he and his family laid the bricks of the sanctuary, working tirelessly and inspiring the congregation.
Completed earlier this year, the sanctuary now stands as a beacon of resilience.
On Oct. 25, Chifamba was recognized during the Zimbabwe East Annual Conference meeting. Bishop Gift K. Machinga, who oversees the Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Botswana Episcopal Area, reflected on Chifamba’s extraordinary contribution.
“When everyone else saw an impossible task, Pastor Zondai Chifamba saw an opportunity to trust God and get his hands literally dirty,” said Machinga, “His efforts inspired others to join in, transforming not only the church building but also the community’s spirit.”
Chifamba’s journey in building the Gudyanga Birchenough sanctuary was marked by sacrifice, resilience and faith.
“Every morning at 6, I would rise to mix mortar and begin the work. My family and church members joined whenever they could,” he said. “When resources ran short, I even sold my car to ensure the construction was completed.”
Upon the completion of the sanctuary, he started lunch-hour services on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the attendance is between 30-70.
“I am a happy pastor because I believe two to three people were uplifted and appreciated my effort,” he said. “There was nothing good I did without the church members. Their support and love made me outstanding.”
Chifamba’s eldest son, Steven, now 20 years old, recalled the mornings spent with his father.
“Whenever there were building materials, my father and I would wake up as early as 6 a.m. and I would mix mortar for my daddy. If I delayed waking up, he would not wait for me, but start the work alone,” he said. “I used to help him during my college holidays and weekends. If I was not around, Mama would help Daddy.”
He acknowledged the challenges of ministry but emphasized the strength of family support.
“Working in the ministry is not an easy job, but it can be easy when you have a supportive family like we do for Daddy,” he said.
Chifamba’s wife, Edith, also spoke of the supporting role the family played in Chifamba’s ministry, letting him know he was not alone.
“We work as a family. He was the one called, but we rally behind him,” she said. “When things became tough, I had to put on a courageous face, pick up the building tools, and stand beside my husband. That alone strengthened our marriage.”
Circuit lay leader Francisca Karumekai remembered the challenges before construction and the frustration that the United Methodist circuit lacked resources for its own sanctuary while three other denominations in the surrounding area completed theirs.
“It was a rough road to gather building materials. Most of the time, few materials would trickle in, hence it took from 2020 to 2025 to complete,” Karumekai said. “Had it not been for the persistent pastor, we would still be worshipping under the muucha tree.”
Florida Sibiya, a retired nurse and the highest benefactor toward the sanctuary’s construction, recalled the hardships of worship under the muucha tree.
“It was taboo in our Shona culture to worship under that tree without permission from the chief. We had to pay. Worse still, the tree harbored poisonous snakes and chameleons, and it was also difficult to concentrate,” she said.
Representing Mubvuwi we United Methodist Church men’s fellowship, Danai Chiromo praised the pastor’s vision.
“I am very happy with the construction of our 1,500-seat sanctuary done by our pastor. He is multifaceted, easy to approach, a good builder and carpenter. He motivated us to have stubborn faith. If he did not have stubborn faith, we would not have completed the sanctuary.”
Even the youngest members of the church have felt the impact of the new sanctuary. Shamiso Rusero, 13, shared her joy and appreciation.
“The sanctuary was well constructed and has brought some respite from the hot Birchenough heat. If you need counseling, you can visit the pastor in his office. People can now wed in the sanctuary. Even funerals are now done here,” she said.
Looking to the future, Karumekai said the congregation wants to put up a perimeter fence and construct a guest house that would generate income.
Sibiya noted that the opening of the sanctuary is somewhat bittersweet, as Chifamba has now been transferred to another circuit.
“I was overjoyed when the construction was finally completed, and my deepest wish was for Pastor Chifamba to remain longer so he could enjoy the fruits of his labor,” she said.
During the Oct. 25 recognition, the Rev. Marian Sigauke, superintendent for the Gudyanga Birchenough district, applauded Chifamba’s tireless contribution.
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“Sacrificial love is embraced much through one’s action rather than only talk. As the district superintendent, I am highly honored to have such a pastor who can offer such a service freely for the sake of carrying out ministry,” she said.
Sigauke encouraged pastors and members alike to embrace creativity and stewardship.
“Let us use our gifts to bless our church and those around us. Whenever we want to have an impact in our ministry, we should learn to use what we have. It is always good to become a creative pastor so that we can stand during financial constraints.”
Bishop Machinga offered counsel to other pastors not to wait for perfect conditions, but to “start with what you have.”
“Pastor Chifamba’s story shows that leadership is not about comfort, but about conviction and servanthood,” he said. “Engage your members, show them by example, and let every brick you lay be a testimony of faith in action.”
Chingwe is a communicator for the Zimbabwe East Conference.
News media contact: Julie Dwyer at newsdesk@umnews.org. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free UM News Digest.
