Global Ministries

The State of the Church for the sake of the Nation

This article originally appeared on Disciples News Service

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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.”

Christian Care Zimbabwe has a long history of working with marginalized people throughout the country, dating back to 1967. The organization has successfully implemented a variety of humanitarian and community development programs. These programs have assisted in the areas of food security, garden production, water and sanitation, child protection, HIV/AIDS, and more. 

from Global Ministries' partner, Zimbabwe Council of Churches

15 When the water in the skin was gone, she cast the child under one of the bushes. 16 Then she went and sat down opposite him a good way off, about the distance of a bowshot; for she said, “Do not let me look on the death of the child.” And as she sat opposite him, she lifted up her voice and wept. 17 And God heard the voice of the boy; and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Do not be afraid; for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. 18 Come, lift up the boy and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make a great nation of him.” 19 Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. She went, and filled the skin with water, and gave the boy a drink. Genesis 21:15 -19

He promises peace to his people, his faithful servants— but let them not turn to folly...’ Psalm 85:8

1.  The Zimbabwe Council of Churches joins the Apostle Paul in encouraging all Christians ‘...first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanks-giving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior...’ (1 Timothy 2 verse 1-3)

Announcing the Launch of the ZCC Election Research Report: ‘Zimbabwe Council of churches (2018), 2018 Harmonized Elections: Prospects for democratic transition in Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe Council of Churches.’

The Zimbabwe Council of Churches announces the publication of an important election research titled ‘2018 Harmonised Elections: Prospects for democratic transition in Zimbabwe.’ Drawn from an extensive research involving 1607 respondents, the research broadly explores the extent to which electoral conditions and citizens perceptions impact on the prospects for democratic transition after the 2018 Harmonised elections. It answers questions such as:

For the past 10 years, Hilltop United Church of Christ in Parker, Colorado has supported Global Ministries through an AID’s benefit called Horseshoes for Cousin. The event is organized by a woman named Pam Sippel in memory of her cousin and best friend who died of AIDS in 1995 at the age of 34. They celebrate his life by hosting a horseshoe pitching tournament on our horse property near the church. Folks come out for a day of FUN and FUNDRAISING!

The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) is calling all Zimbabweans, especially the Christian community, to express their desire for peaceful, free, and fair elections. Organized events are taking place on May 25th, Africa Day, across the country for Zimbabweans to show their solidarity for a new and stronger country and pray for Africa. These events will take place during the ZCC General Assembly, May 23rd to 26th. The theme of the Assembly is “Church Leadership Renewal for Transformation of the Nation.” In addition to encouraging democracy in the country, the Assembly will address the issue of women leadership in church and society, elect a new ZCC board chair and president of the Bishops Council.