Spotlight: Reviving a COVID victim

NZUMA, Zimbabwe — COVID-19 claimed more than lives in this southern African nation. The pandemic also killed churches.

Tinotenda Njeme, a student at the Mutare School of Preaching, traveled to this village in Zimbabwe’s Chikomba District for his field practice. The small Church of Christ, which had stopped in-person worship during the pandemic, had dwindled to three members and wasn’t meeting.

“The existing preacher’s house was vandalized and not conducive for habitation,” with damaged windows, doors and roofing, Njeme said. “I quickly made my evangelism program, visitation program, follow-up schedule. In addition, I started attending funerals in the communities, visiting the sick.” He also spoke at local schools and enrolled students in World Bible School correspondence courses.

The church now has 21 members, Njeme said.

“I appeal for assistance to repair the preacher’s house (and to) purchase benches as members are increasing,” he said. The minister also asked for Bibles and for a borehole to provide fresh water for the church facility.

The Hillcrest Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas, supports the Mutare School of Preaching.

 

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