Zimbabwe Episcopal Area

Amy Carmon, a member of Mary’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Bean Station, Tennessee, gets emotional during the dedication ceremony for Dzobo United Methodist Church in rural Zimbabwe. At left is the Rev. Samuel Dzobo, whose dream for a sanctuary in his home village inspired Mary’s Chapel to raise $48,000 to help build the church. At right is the Rev. Gerald Russell, a retired pastor in the Holston Conference and former United Methodist missionary. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.

Like a mustard seed, tiny gift grows into new sanctuary

After a Tennessee United Methodist gave the Rev. Samuel Dzobo one dollar to help build a sanctuary in Zimbabwe, “miraculous things” unfolded.

Evangelism

Pastor Edward Muchengaguyo (right front) leads a prayer following a soccer match between Hwedza United and the Dendenyore Red Stars in Wedza, Zimbabwe. Muchengaguyo, newly appointed to St. James Hwedza United Methodist Church, is using sports to bring young people to Christ. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.

Soccer helps rural church score new members

A soccer-loving pastor has used his passion to nurture young players’ skills and draw new members to St. James Hwedza United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe.

Evangelism

Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa and his wife, Greater Nhiwatiwa (to bishop's right), attend Jubilee 2024 at a campground in Darwendale, Zimbabwe. The convention was one of two jubilee events that drew some 20,000 church members from the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area on Aug. 8-11. Many in attendance were members of Rukwadzano Rwe Wadzimai, the women’s organization, who were dressed in their signature red and blue uniforms. Photo by Tarisai Mubaiwa.

Church is alive and growing in Zimbabwe

Thousands of United Methodists gathered at two jubilee conventions, showing the church is “active and full of life” in the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area, church leaders say, even as some regions in Africa face turmoil post-General Conference.

Central Conferences

Central Congo Bishop Daniel O. Lunge (from right), East Congo Bishop Gabriel Yemba Unda and other episcopal leaders pray for members of the Africa University community during a worship service Sept. 4 in the Kwang Lim Chapel on campus at the Africa Colleges of Bishops retreat in Mutare, Zimbabwe. During the Sept. 2-5 meeting, 11 episcopal leaders from the continent pledged their support for worldwide regionalization and expressed a commitment to remain in The United Methodist Church. Photo by Eveline Chikwanah, UM News.

African bishops commit to church unity

During the Africa Colleges of Bishops meeting, 11 episcopal leaders from the African continent pledged their support for worldwide regionalization and expressed a commitment to stay in the United Methodist connection.

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