Rural churches evolve into development hubs

Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter

IN a significant shift, churches in rural areas are transforming into hubs for community development, thanks to strategic partnerships with national leaders.

A prime example is the Apostolic Ejuwel Jekenisheni church in Mabiya, in Mutare Rural, which has become a beacon of empowerment.

During the church’s Passover conference, ZANU PF National Chairman, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, commended the church’s evolution.

“Churches are no longer just spiritual homes. They are now drivers of development,” she said.
This transformation is largely attributed to the donation of six life-changing projects by the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa in 2022.

Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri, who toured the projects, praised their positive impact.

“The First Lady’s projects here are transforming lives beyond the faith community. I was so impressed to hear that they are benefitting not only the church, but the entire Mabiya community,” she said.

The projects include electrification, a solar-powered borehole, four-hectare farm, goat-rearing scheme, sewing centre, and toilet construction.

 

The church has also partnered with Marondera University of Applied Sciences, to scale up its agricultural projects.

Project liaison officer, Mr Eugene Manhanga, highlighted the church’s expanded role, saying: “We are now feeding, training, and uplifting the community. The church has become a lifeline.”

With members from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa, the church’s impact extends beyond borders.

Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri urged other churches to emulate the Apostolic Ejuwel Jekenisheni Church’s example, championing rural development and serving as bridges between the Government’s vision and grassroots impact.

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