Global Ministries

From the Zimbabwe Council of Churches

The first case of COVID-19 can be traced back to the 17th of November 2019, according to media reports on unpublished Chinese government data. The report, found in the South China Morning Post, indicates that Chinese authorities had identified at least 266 people who had contracted the virus last year and who came under medical surveillance. Thus the earliest case was that date– which was weeks before authorities announced the emergence of the new virus. It was not until February 14th, 2020 that the first case in Africa was reported, in Egypt. Even then, the first case in Southern Africa was only reported in South Africa on March 5, 2020. By then, Zimbabweans began to realise that they too were at risk. Indeed, on March 20, 2020, Zimbabwe recorded its first case.

26th March 2020,

Dear Fellow Congregationalists,

We bring you Christian greetings from the Central Office of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa at this time when both the Church and society are going through a hitherto unknown public health crisis causing unprecedented challenges at all levels of our existence as people in society.

Out of an awareness of the increase of children who lost parents as a result of AIDS, a group from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe formed the Khayelihle Children’s Village (KCV) in 1992 as a response to this new reality for children. According to UNAIDS, approximately 15 million children have lost one or both parents to HIV/AIDS around the world and many more are living with caregivers who are ill. In Zimbabwe, 74% of orphaned children have lost their parents due to HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).

Founded as a Christian ministry, Showers of Blessing seeks to provide clean water to communities in Zimbabwe. Serving communities regardless of their religion, race, tribe or political affiliation, Showers of Blessing is led by Zimbabweans and works as a liaison with local government and families in local communities.

40th UCCSA Assembly

16 September 2019

The Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD), which includes the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, writes this pastoral message to the Zimbabwean President as head of Government and to all the Citizens of Zimbabwe seeking a lasting solution to the deteriorating human security situation in the context of a deepening economic crisis.

From the Zimbabwe Council of Churches

We mourn the death of one of the remnants of the rare generation of Pan-African and Frontline States leaders. Robert Gabriel Mugabe will be remembered for the great achievements in his earlier period and also the many challenges under his watch in the latter part of his reign.

The State of the Church for the sake of the Nation

This article originally appeared on Disciples News Service

Click here for the latest update from the United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe

Click here for the latest update from the United Church of Christ in Mozambique

Click here for the latest update from the Zimbabwe Council of Churches

Hundreds have died after cyclone Idai hit Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Malawi. Thousands are missing or displaced.  International news outlets report that 1.5 million people are impacted in these three southern Africa countries. 

There are reports that Beira, Mozambique has been hardest hit. Cyclone Idai destroyed 90% of this central port city.  Much of the city is covered in water with some survivors clinging to trees and rooftops awaiting rescue. Beira is the home of the central office of the United Church of Christ in Mozambique, a historic Global Ministries partner. In addition to the United Church of Christ in Mozambique, Global Ministries relates to the Christian Council of Mozambique, Mozambique Synod of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa, and Ricatla United Seminary.  Rev. Marco Cable, Area Executive for Africa, is still waiting on news and information from some partners in Mozambique due to the loss of electricity and instability related to the cyclone. Detailed information related to the cyclone’s impact on partners will be shared as available. However, the Africa office has received this report from the Christian Council of Mozambique:

“I can share with you is that Beira was destroyed by the cyclone. The city doesn't have electricity, water, communication, and roads were destroyed. More than 84 people died in the past 4 days. The cyclone was coming with almost 220k/h of wind. People lost all of their goods, including food. Now many are standing on trees, and more than 6,000 homes were destroyed. Today, we found 11 corpses in the river.

It is still raining in the Tete province. This province is affected by floods, as are most districts, including the capital city. The bridge is closed because the government is afraid that it may collapse. People are suffering as a result of no water, food, and shelter.

Zambezia province was affected by the cyclone specifically in the district called Chinde. More than 400 houses were destroyed. Floods are affecting many districts in that area.”