9 April 2025

Africa Region

Zimbabwe

A country with a long history of British trade activity, given the rich mineral deposits to be mined there, Zimbabwe also welcomed British colonists and missionaries in the 1880s. This trade relationship proved to be a political challenge to the unity of the country, and in 1923, the UK annexed its trade holdings south of the Zambezi River, making it the British colony of Southern Rhodesia. The 1930 Land Apportionment Act set in place restrictions on Black land ownership and the establishment of rules that favored the White minority for 30 years. With a declaration of its independence in 1961 and a new constitution, White minority rule was further cemented, and in 1965, the government unilaterally declared its independence from the UK. The British rejected this until 1979, when free elections were held, recognizing the voting rights of the black African majority. Following this, the formal declaration of independence came in 1980. The Church of the Nazarene has been working in Zimbabwe since 1963. It is now part of the Southeast Field of the Africa Region. Work is challenging, particularly in rural areas where HIV-AIDS is prevalent. Zimbabwe is among the top 20 countries in the world for HIV-AIDS infections and deaths. Nearly 40% of the population is under the age of 14 years. The Church of the Nazarene seeks to minister the grace of God to widows and orphans and to demonstrate the love of Jesus in communities that have been hit particularly hard by poverty and the pain of loss.

14,043 Members

71 Fully Organized Churches; 40 Not Yet Organized Churches

50 District Licensed and 104 Ordained Ministers on 3 Districts

Passion for Missions in Zimbabwe East

Last year, the Zimbabwe East District NMI organized heartwarming parties for orphans and widows at the Highfields Church of the Nazarene and the Mufakose Church of the Nazarene in Harare. The primary aim of these events was to uplift spirits and share the Word of God with those who attended.

At the Highfields gathering, 87 children and 15 widows were welcomed, while the Mufakose event drew more than 100 children and 22 widows. Each gathering was filled with joy and fellowship as children were provided with school supplies, widows were given grocery items, and second-hand clothing was distributed to all attendees.

One organizer described the events in this way: “Delicious meals and refreshments were served, and we engaged the children and widows in games that filled the air with laughter. Throughout the day, we also shared messages of encouragement, reminding everyone of God's love and support during life's challenges.

"Witnessing the smiles and joy on their faces was a profound blessing for us. Knowing that we could bring a moment of happiness to their lives was incredibly rewarding. We are grateful to God for the opportunity to organize such a meaningful event and extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this cause. Special appreciation goes to the local NMI presidents for their dedication, as well as to our district superintendent and the District Advisory Board for their unwavering support and passion for missions.

"Together, we are making a difference in the lives of these wonderful individuals, and we look forward to future opportunities to spread joy and hope within our communities.”  

Could You Serve?

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