Mothers’ Union in Masvingo
Greetings from the Mothers’ Union members in the Diocese of Masvingo. God has been good to us and continues to guide, protect and bless us as we strive to be his hands in his work.
Lady Day celebrations were held at archdeaconry level in 2015. The theme was Uri kudyarei? Based on Galatians 6 verse 7.In 2016 the celebrations were held at Diocesan level and the theme was Ebenezer, “The stone of Help” based on 1 Samuel7 verse 12. 2016 was special as we co celebrated Mothers’ Union 140 years anniversary and the annual Lady Day Celebrations; Thus far the Lord has helped us. Special material and T- shirts were designed for this occasion. It was indeed a colourful celebration.
AMUZ CONFERENCE
AMUZ conference was held in Bulawayo from 20 – 23 August 2015. The theme was KushandurapfungwadzedumukufambisabasaraKristuichitsigirwanaRomans 12 verse 2. 350 of our members attended and participated in all activities including choir competitions. Diocese of Harare is now chairing AMUZ committeemeetings and the next conference will be held in Harare in 2017.
With Mothers’ Union support, St Agnes, St Benedict and St Veronica guilds held their conferences successfully.
PROJECTS
Projects visits were done at Holy Apostles, Chivhu town, St Michael Mambo, St Matthew, St Faith Gutu, St John Chifamba, St Michael Makonese, St John Magumise, St Francis Shurugwi, St Mary Poshai, St Boniface, St Joseph Maburutse. These are involved in chicken rearing, sewing and money lending. Most of them did profit sharing, some projects have been revived and others have just started. Holy Cross Manyene is constructing a fowl run and St Augustine Chapwanya has been given $200.00 to start paraffin and juice cards selling. 14 people have been trained at Transfiguration Chidzikwe training centre and have been given start up packs.
VISITS
Mothers’ Union President and guild coordinators visited the following areas to fellowship and share ideas and experiences with members. The following 25 Churches were visited in 2015 and in 2016; St Martin Masasa, St Thomas, Holy trinity, St Paul Ndaora, St Monica Makonde, St Bernard Chimvuri, St Francis Chiteshe, Daramombe, Masvingo, Holy Family, Moses The Prophet, Munyaradzi, St Georges, Beitbridge, Ngundu, Holy Apostles, St Paul Nharira, Chiredzi, Zvishavane, St John Chifamba, St Augustine, St Michael Makonese, St Francis Shurugwi, St Mary Poshai ne St Boniface.
OUTREACH
In 2015 the MU outreach gave out school fees amounting to $ 7 561.00 and in 2016 school fees totalling $5 634.00 was given out. Food hampers worth $ 1322.00, blankets worth $594.00 and clothing were given to the less privileged. Goods worth $452.00 were donated to Masvingo General Hospital Children’s ward. Mutimurefu prison and Masvingo remand prison received goods worth $604.00 and food items. Various districts were supported financially in the construction of churches and rectories and these are St John Chifamba district $ 1540.00, St Georges $600.00, St Michael Mambo $320.00, Holy Family $180.00, Moses The prophet $260.00, St Paul Rujeko $350.00, Daramombe $100.00, St Martin Masasa $215.00 and St Mary Mbuyanehanda $307.50
FUNDRAISING
New items introduced during the period were 140 years anniversary material and T- shirts, Mu bags, umbrellas, calendars, hymn books and CDs. Reprinting and reordering of old items was done. Selling progressed during the year at Diocesan and National and Provincial gatherings. Fundraising activities boosted our finances such that we were able to fulfil most of our financial obligations.
BANNERS
Mothers’ Union branches/churches in the Diocese of Masvingo have the same design of banners. This gives us a sense of identity and oneness.
PROVINCIAL
Mothers’ Union President and Community development coordinator attended Mothers’ Union
Provincial Meeting/ conference in Zambia from 7 -11 April 2016. It was a great opportunity to meet
with the Mothers’ Union Worldwide President. They also attended the official opening of ACC meeting in Lusaka, Zambia.
PROVINCIAL
These include our inability to fulfil some of our plans due to economic and environmental challenges. However, challenges make us strong and resilient and we are not troubled as John 14 verse 1 says, “Let not your heart be troubled” Mothers’ Union members do not focus on the troubles but on the victory we have in Christ. “We walk by faith and not by sight” 2 Corinthians 5 verse 7.
CHALLENGES
These include our inability to fulfil some of our plans due to economic and environmental challenges. However, challenges make us strong and resilient and we are not troubled as John 14 verse 1 says, “Let not your heart be troubled” Mothers’ Union members do not focus on the troubles but on the victory we have in Christ. “We walk by faith and not by sight” 2 Corinthians 5 verse 7