Saturday, April 20
Zimbabwe
Children at a Presbyterian school in Zimbabwe
In Zimbabwe, where unemployment is between 60 and 85 percent, education continues to be a crucial aspect of making progress for new generations. The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa, Presbytery of Zimbabwe, is committed to education on many levels. Through the presbytery’s Presbyterian Education Trust, numerous students are funded for theological college. These students will soon be leaders across the nation, and not just in matters of religion. The trust is also committed to education at primary and secondary levels; it oversees the operation of 10 schools, thereby educating thousands of students around Zimbabwe.
Mr. Morgan Matombo cares for his granddaughter and his grandniece, both of whom are students at Mhondoro Presbyterian School, a boarding school about 90 miles southwest of Harare. “Aside from the exemplary teachers and staff,” Mr. Matombo says, “my favorite aspect of Mhondoro is the care that the chaplain, Rev. Staben Maenda, gives to the children. He cares for them during the week and cares for them on the weekend, with Sunday school lessons.” The goal of the Presbyterian Education Trust is that all students receive spiritual care alongside their normal education.
Despite diminishing resources and increasing needs, the trust is preparing young people whose skills and talents will be greatly needed in years to come. It is wonderful to see the church in action, providing for Zimbabwe’s future.
—Rev. Derek Forbes, former PC(USA) mission co-worker, Zimbabwe
Let us join in prayer for:
Partners/Ministries
Church of Central Africa Presbyterian, Harare Synod: Rev. Libias Boloma, general secretary, Rev. Pattison Chirongo, moderator • Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa, Presbytery of Zimbabwe (UPCSA/Zimbabwe): Mr. Munyaradzi Kwenje, presbytery clerk, Rev. Stanslous Chatikobo, moderator, Mrs. Barbara Mumba, administrator • Zimbabwe Council of Churches: Rev. Dr. Solomon Zwana, general secretary • Lovemore Home for Boys
Presbytery Partnership: Presbytery of Denver, with UPCSA/Zimbabwe
PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Henry Gildersleeve, BOP
Sharon Dunne Gillies, PMA
Let us pray
Gracious God, in all places where darkness seems to prevail, we pray that your light would shine. Raise up your children to share the good news that even when resources seem few, you nourish many. Restore your people that we may know light and life through your son Jesus. Amen.
Daily Lectionary
Morning Psalms 92; 149
First Reading Daniel 6:16-28
Second Reading 3 John 1-15
Gospel Reading Luke 5:27-39
Evening Psalms 23; 114
