When visiting Zimbabwe last year, I met with our evangelist friends from the Associated Churches of Christ in Zimbabwe. I spoke with Evangelist Shaky Moyo and heard an inspiring story about Pastor Bhanzi, who planted a church in an old game park!
Evangelist Shaky oversees the evangelistic activities in the region and has experience in planting over 30 churches. Most recently, efforts have focused on evangelism in the country’s north. Pastor Bhanzi is in the north within the Midlands and serves at the Game Park church.
The church was established in 2019 through door-to-door evangelism. “I started home visits, attending funerals, and one-on-one evangelism.” Pastor Bhanzi explained, “After a month, I had three families to gather as a church.” Then, “Revivals resulted in positive results.” The church has grown as a result of this.
Because of increased poverty levels and food insecurity in Zimbabwe, people are forced to move into rural areas, like the Midlands, to survive. They end up living in illegal settlements. The main livelihood activities include mining, farming, and fishing. The community also has a history of suicides, murders, divorces, and drug abuse.
Despite these challenges, Pastor Bhanzi has been faithful to the task of evangelism and sharing God’s Word. The ministry provides encouragement and hope in a challenging time for Zimbabwe.
There is a local dam where Pastor Bhanzi conducts baptisms. He says it is easy to baptise, but “the presence of crocodiles is a threat.” Drought also threatens the church community as baptisms slow down when “waiting for some water to gather in the dams,” he shared.
Pastor Bhanzi gives testimony that “Lives have been changed for the better.” Before one lady was baptised, she experienced nightmares; now they are gone! He also reports that the game park ministry has “brought good morals to the community.”
This year, Pastor Bhanzi reports that he will be planting two new churches while developing the leadership of the Game Park church.
Global Mission Partners supports eight evangelists through the Associated Churches of Christ in Zimbabwe each month.
Thank you for your support of evangelists like Shaky and Pastor Bhanzi. Each evangelist is a gift to their community, faithfully serving and boldly sharing Jesus with those who have little hope.
John Lamerton, Chief Executive Officer