Churches Call For Prayers As 8,500 Families Lose Roofs In Masvingo Hailstorm

Churches Call For Prayers As 8,500 Families Lose Roofs In Masvingo Hailstorm

Local   October 12, 2026

Staff Writer -

The Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ) has issued an appeal for prayer and support after a devastating hailstorm left a trail of destruction in Masvingo Province.

In a statement released on Friday, the EFZ said the disaster struck on Monday, 5 October 2026.

"On Monday 5 October 2026, Masvingo Province was struck by a catastrophic and severe hailstorm that left widespread destruction," the EFZ said.

The fellowship said thousands of families were left homeless after the storm ripped roofs off houses.

"Reports indicate that 8,500 families had their roofs completely blown off and severe damage to property, businesses, vehicles and infrastructure was also experienced," the statement read.

The EFZ called on Christians and churches across the country to stand with the affected communities.

"Let's join together to stand in prayer with Masvingo province, families and churches," the church body said.

It also appealed for material support for the victims.

"Let's also pray for open doors as we seek support from different Churches and well wishers for the affected families," the EFZ added.

Gweru Student Shot Dead, Four Others Locked In Room With Body

Gweru Student Shot Dead, Four Others Locked In Room With Body

Local   October 10, 2026

 

By A Correspondent - What was supposed to be a quick trip to town to pick up a mattress turned into a nightmare for Senga KMP caretaker Blessing Nkomo, who came back with police to find four students locked in a room with the body of their friend.

The victim has been identified as 25-year-old Lisedi Nkomo, a Level Four First Semester student at Midlands State University, who was allegedly shot in the forehead at around 5:30PM on Thursday at House Number 1082, Senga KMP, Gweru.

Blessing said she had left home in the afternoon when she received a call from one of the children at the property checking if she was safe and whether she was in her room.

"I was in town when a child who stays here called and asked me whether I was safe and whether I was in my room. I told her that I was not at home," she said.

She told the child to check what was happening. The child then found some doors open and a man in a hooded jacket moving around the yard. When students went out to see what was going on, the man allegedly threatened to shoot them.

"He took their phones and ordered them to get inside. Four of the students were forced into one room, the same room where my tenant was shot. He locked them inside and threw their phones into a bathtub," Blessing said.

The news that the phones had been thrown away made her panic.

"When I heard that the phones had been thrown into the bathtub, I realised that things were not right at home. I told my husband that we should forget about the mattress and concentrate on getting help because I feared for the children's safety," she said.

[

ZCC Stands With Masvingo After Devastating Hailstorm

ZCC Stands With Masvingo After Devastating Hailstorm

Local   October 09, 2026

 

The Zimbabwe Council of Churches says it stands in solidarity with the people of Masvingo Province following the devastating hailstorm of 5 October 2026.

In a statement, ZCC General Secretary Rev Wilfred Dimingu said, "Our hearts go out to families whose homes have been damaged and whose belongings and livelihoods have been lost."

He said the church is concerned about families now living under damaged roofs.

"We are deeply concerned for those now living under damaged roofs or behind shattered windows, as well as for communities facing interruptions to electricity, water and other essential services. We hold every affected person in prayer during this distressing time," said Dimingu.

Rev Dimingu said he acknowledges the declaration of a state of disaster and the ongoing relief efforts.

He said, "As assessments continue, the immediate priority must be safe shelter, food, clean water, medical care and the restoration of essential services."

He added that assistance should be based on need.

"Assistance should reach people based on need, with particular attention to children, older persons, persons with disabilities, and families whose homes are exposed to further rain," he said.

He called for support from churches and well-wishers.

"We call on our member churches, congregations, partners, businesses and all people of goodwill to support the response in coordination with local authorities and disaster management structures. Recovery will require sustained support after the first emergency has passed, including repairs to homes, schools, health facilities and livelihoods," said Dimingu.

He had a message for the affected people.

"To the people of Masvingo: you are not forgotten. The damage is great, but you do not face it alone. Scripture reminds us that God is our refuge and strength. May that hope be made visible through the care we offer one another and the work we undertake together," he said.

"We pray for strength and comfort for all affected families, wisdom for those leading the response, and a recovery in which no community is left behind," said Dimingu.

ZCC Joins Over 700 Delegates At Africa Business And Human Rights Conference In Dakar

ZCC Joins Over 700 Delegates At Africa Business And Human Rights Conference In Dakar

international   October 08, 2026

 

The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) participated in the Africa Business and Human Rights Conference held in Dakar, Senegal, from 29 September to 1 October 2026.

The conference brought together over 700 delegates from 45 African countries to advance dialogue on responsible business conduct, human rights and environmental justice.

During a session convened by the Norwegian Church Aid Advocacy Programme Africa (NAPA) and the Fellowship of Christian Councils and Churches in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa (FECCLAHA), ZCC General Secretary Rev. Wilfred Dimingu highlighted the critical role of faith actors in standing with mining-affected communities.

Rev. Dimingu said churches have a duty to amplify community voices and facilitate meaningful engagement between affected communities, duty bearers and investors.

He noted that the conversation connects directly to ZCC's ongoing work in Zimbabwe, particularly around community participation, responsible business conduct, environmental justice and accountability in mining-affected areas.

As Zimbabwe continues to develop its National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, the ZCC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and accompanying the Government of Zimbabwe in the implementation process.

God Answers Prayer In Mhene: From Crocodile Tears To Living Water

God Answers Prayer In Mhene: From Crocodile Tears To Living Water

Opinion   October 07, 2026

 

 Praise be to God! What the enemy meant for evil, God has turned for good in Mhene Village.

For years, our mothers and sisters in Mhene walked in fear to the Msengezi River, because there was no other water. Between January and April this year, four precious lives were lost to crocodiles. But the Lord saw their tears.

Through the love of Christ, the Seventh-day Adventist Church came not just with the Word, but with works.

It started with an evangelistic campaign by Guruve District last year. The church raised what it could for a borehole. Then God sent His servant, Dr. Alaisa Mbiriri, who came to preach but was moved with compassion — just as Jesus was — when he saw the suffering of the people. He became the vessel to bring sponsors for the borehole and the beautiful Anouya Garden Project.

At the handover, NZC Ministerial Director Pastor Musiiwa reminded us of true Christianity:

"God is looking for those who are concerned about other people's problems," he said. "The church finds joy in satisfying people's needs."

Pastor Chigonero called it "Christ's method" — to first meet the physical needs of the people, just as Jesus fed the 5,000 before preaching to them.

And the joy on the face of Village Head Sabhuku Mhene said it all:

"It is my prayer that this borehole never dries up."

Indeed, it will not dry up, for this is living water from God. The women of Mhene will never again have to choose between thirst and death. Children will drink safely. Families will grow vegetables from the garden and have life more abundantly.

This is what the Gospel looks like when it leaves the pulpit and goes to the river.

To God be the glory!

Violent Hailstorm Hits Masvingo

Violent Hailstorm Hits Masvingo

Local   October 06, 2026

 By A Correspondent -

A violent hailstorm swept through Masvingo City on Monday, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

Several houses were damaged, with roofs blown off, windows shattered and vehicles destroyed.

The hailstorm has left residents counting their losses as they assess damage to homes, vehicles and property.

More details to follow.

EFZ Congratulates New ZAOGA Leaders Archbishop Joseph Joe Guti and Apostle Nyasha Miriam Guti

EFZ Congratulates New ZAOGA Leaders Archbishop Joseph Joe Guti and Apostle Nyasha Miriam Guti

Local   October 05, 2026

 

The Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ) has congratulated ZAOGA Forward in Faith on the consecration of Archbishop Dr Joseph Joe Guti and Apostle Nyasha Miriam Guti.

In a congratulatory message, EFZ General Secretary Pastor Clarah Chiseko said the church was celebrating a historic new chapter for ZAOGA FIF.

She said ZAOGA remains an integral pillar of the EFZ family and has brought enduring unity and a rich legacy to the Body of Christ in Zimbabwe.

Pastor Chiseko said EFZ will continue to pray for and support the new leadership as they advance the Kingdom of God and carry forward the Great Commission across nations.

YOU CAN’T CRY FOREVER

YOU CAN’T CRY FOREVER

Daily teaching   October 03, 2026

 

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”  (Psalm 30:5 KJV)

Life has seasons of pain that bring tears. Some people cry publicly, where everyone can see their brokenness. Others cry privately in their bedrooms, soaking their pillows with tears when no one is watching. Yet others cry inwardly. They smile, go to work, attend church, encourage others, and carry on with life, but deep inside their hearts they are weeping.

Pain comes through bereavement, betrayal, rejection, disappointment, broken relationships, financial struggles, sickness, and unanswered prayers. Sometimes the pain becomes so deep that people refuse to be comforted. Like Rachel in Jeremiah 31:15, they weep and refuse consolation because what they have lost feels irreplaceable.

Crying can be therapeutic. Tears can release emotions that words cannot express. But there comes a time when prolonged sorrow begins to consume the person carrying it. Sleepless nights, constant sadness, isolation, and hopelessness can affect the whole person, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Therefore, we must take prolonged emotional suffering seriously and seek appropriate spiritual, relational, and professional support when necessary.

But hear this message today: you cannot cry forever. Crying is not your permanent portion.

Psalm 30 reminds us that weeping has a night, but morning is coming. Your present pain does not have authority to write the final chapter of your life. God can meet you in your tears, strengthen you in your weakness, and lead you toward healing.

Jesus Himself is our perfect model. At Lazarus’ grave, “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). In Gethsemane, He experienced deep anguish. On Calvary, He endured unimaginable suffering. Yet His story did not end with tears, pain, or the grave.

After the cross came resurrection. After suffering came glory. So cry when you must, but do not surrender your future to your tears. You can’t cry forever. Your morning will come.

To God be the Glory

By Rev. B. Chinhara