Key Points:
- The Harare Inner-City Junior Church members donated medical supplies and other gifts for children in the city hospital’s pediatric unit.
- With support from their parents, teachers and other well-wishers, the youth raised $2,500.
- Each age group raised funds for specific donations: plastic dinnerware (youngest students), material for hospital pajamas (grades 2-3), medical supplies (grades 4 and 5), television (grades 6-7) and refrigerator (teachers).
More than 20 Harare Inner-City United Methodist Church children worked together to gather money and supplies to help sick children in Harare Hospital’s pediatrics unit.
“I feel so happy to reach out to kids my age,” 8-year-old Mecala Shombga said. “Our Sunday school teacher taught us to give generously to those in need and pray for them.”
The donation, valued at $2,500 USD, included medical supplies such as gauze, oxygen masks, syringes and zinc cream; an upright refrigerator; two four-plate stoves; a television; plastic dinnerware; individual fruit baskets and textbooks.
“I want to encourage other kids to pray to God,” said Anopa Zaranyika, 9, who was treated at the hospital after a fall at age 4. “I prayed to God for life and believed that Jesus’ resurrection had already brought victory.”
The young givers, ages 4-12, inspired appliance shop salesman Roper Chakava to join the fundraising efforts. “This act of generosity challenged me and my team,” he said. “This act of love reminded us to know where we can channel our funds.”
The Harare Inner-City Junior Church Sunday school class visited various wards at the hospital on May 1.
“We are giving these gifts with love in our hearts and believe that they will bring joy and hope to you here,” said 10-year-old Chitsidzo Zhungu, as he gave a fruit basket to each patient.
“May God bless you,” responded a parent whose son was recovering from a leg fracture. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she received the gift.
Four-year-old Mirainashe Gwara shared fruit with a new friend who, like her, loves long braids.
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Chelsea Chigodora, Junior Church lay leader, said she was grateful to be with the patients representing Harare Inner-City United Methodist Church.
“We know you might not be feeling well right now, but we want you to know that we are thinking of you and we care about you very much. Just like the Bible tells us in 1 John 3:18, ‘Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.’”
She said together with support from their parents, teachers and other well-wishers, the youth raised the funds to buy the gifts.
“We believe (they) will go a long way in making your road to recovery easier. We are excited and humbled by the love of God that has enabled us to bring you two four-plate stoves to help make warm meals for you, a TV for you to enjoy, 150 plastic cups and plates, 76 school textbooks and exercise books for grades 1 to 7, so when you are feeling better, you will be ready to learn.”
She said in addition to the medical supplies, they also provided material to make pajamas and soft bed sheets to help the children feel more comfortable
“We hope that these gifts will bring a smile to your face and make things a little bit easier for you while you are getting better,” Chigodora said. “Remember that God loves you very much, and we are praying for you to get well soon and be able to go home and play. Be brave and know that you are strong.”
She thanked the medical staff for their care. “We appreciate your hard work, kindness and dedication,” she said. “You are doing God’s work by helping these young ones. We pray that God will give you strength and wisdom every day.”
Pfungwa Mhlanga, Junior Church coordinator, said it was a rewarding experience for all involved.
“This was, indeed, a success to see our kids being able to respond to the teachings we give them using our community Bible study material and Bible texts on giving generously, outreaching and making impact to our church and our communities through love and caring.”
Each age group raised funds for specific donations: plastic dinnerware (youngest students), material for hospital pajamas (grades 2-3), medical supplies (grades 4 and 5), television (grades 6-7) and refrigerator (teachers).
“This is just a drop in an ocean,” Mhlanga said. “We will move on to our UMC hospitals and health institutions.”
The Rev. Phanuel Razo, Harare Inner-City pastor in charge, said the values and principles instilled in childhood can have a lasting impact.
“Train children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it,” Razo said. “Our Junior Church members gained a strong sense of belonging and personal fulfilment due to their participation. The children were overjoyed by the opportunity to be connected to the community as they joined the world in making a tangible difference in the lives of those around them by showing them God’s love.”
Representing Harare Inner-City United Methodist’s Connectional Ministries, Stewart Chatsama and Rumbidzai Muzanenhamo noted that the project was a great lesson for the children on how to share faith, build relationships, strengthen social connections and build character.
Phoebe Zuze, Harare Inner-City Christian education superintendent, said the outreach initiative is something the children can be proud of.
“Your act of love, generosity and selfless giving speaks volumes about the work of Christ in your young hearts,” she said. “You have reminded us that age is no barrier to making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.”
Kumuterera is a communicator in Zimbabwe.
News media contact: Julie Dwyer at newsdesk@umnews.org. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free UM News Digests.
