Key points:
- Still reeling from the impact of Cyclone Freddy earlier this year, survivors in Malawi received $35,000 in cash and supplies from The United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe.
- The tropical cyclone wreaked havoc on Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe, killing more than 1,400 people. Most of the deaths were in southern Malawi.
- Stanley Dawa, chairperson for the Board of Church and Society in Zimbabwe, said church members felt called to act after the disaster.
Disturbed by the effects that Cyclone Freddy had on homes, families and livelihoods in Malawi, The United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe donated $35,000 in cash and supplies to survivors.
The Rev. Alan Masimba Gurupira, administrative assistant to Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa, said the gift was a show of solidarity to affected Malawians.
“What prompted us to support Cyclone Freddy victims in Malawi was the painful devastation that we experienced in the wake of Cyclone Idai (in 2019),” he said during a ceremony at the Zimbabwe West Conference head office in Harare, where the goods were handed over to Retired Maj. Gen. Elias H. M. Mpaso, Malawian vice ambassador in Zimbabwe.
Ricocheting across the Indian Ocean for five weeks earlier this year, Cyclone Freddy wreaked havoc on Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe, killing more than 1,400 people. Most of the deaths were in southern Malawi as the weather system brought devastating rains, floods and mudslides.
“We are all with you in these problems that you are facing,” Gurupira said. “Our desire was to come to your doorsteps in show of our solidarity and demonstrate that we are together as brothers and sisters in Christ and as nations.”
He reminded those in attendance that Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia used to be one state.
“We still have those fond memories, especially where states come together and join hands in supporting each other in times of great need such as these,” he said.
Gurupira said the church will continue to pray for the end of cyclones, but he also noted that the church must do its part to protect the environment. “If we act responsibly, then the environment will reciprocate accordingly,” he said.
Stanley Dawa, chairperson for the local Board of Church and Society, said church members felt called to act after the disaster.
“We mourn with those who lost their loved ones, and commiserate with the injured, those made homeless and those that lost livestock, crops and livelihoods. We still remember them in our prayers even as we extend our hand through donations,” Dawa said.
After seeking approval from the bishop’s office, the Church and Society board asked for donations, and the appeal “was cascaded through the church structures down through districts, circuit and to individuals,” he said.
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“We were pleasantly surprised with the positive and prompt response from the laity and pastors. The support was overwhelming.”
People donated cash and items that were on a supply list provided by the Malawian Embassy. Dawa said in less than four weeks, all donations had been collected and delivered to the head office.
Mpaso said the response was unbelievable.
“My wish is for the people of Malawi to know The UMC. What you did is something we never expected,” said the Malawian vice ambassador. “So far we have already delivered some 30 tons of goods from the government of Zimbabwe and we are very grateful (for) the generous support.”
Mpaso also noted climate change in his address.
“I concur with the Rev. Gurupira that we have messed up in managing Mother Earth. It is true that the weather is doing harm to the lives of many people, because of our own making. We need to put in place corrective mechanisms,” he said.
The Rev. John Makaniko, Harare East District connectional ministries director, said United Methodists are well known for their long history of charitable works.
“This time, the church went beyond Zimbabwean borders to prove that it is global in scope though local in thrust. The church acted the same way as the Macedonian generosity (2 Corinthians 8), in which they gave beyond expectations …,” he said.
Makaniko said The United Methodist Church is a mission-centered church with the goal of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
“The church stands with and for the suffering and needy. The UMC's response proves that the church as a caring community should stand in the gap, especially in the hour of need. During the community and people's dark moments, the church should be the shining light (Matthew 5:14).”
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 Daily or Weekly Digests.
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