United Methodist Church Zimbabwe Episcopal Area

Projects and Communications Coordinator Periodic Report

March 2010 

INTRODUCTION

The month of March has been a busy Month.  The office had to catch with a number of activities.  The biggest up challenge is travelling.  The office vehicle is not breaking down always you hardly do a full trip with it without breaking down.  This is the Mitsubishi Pajero of 1994 meaning it is now 16 years old.  For it to do 1 500 kilometers per week on average is clearly to much for it.  The Board of Trustees have to decide on the vehicle since now it is grounded and not running.  There is need for a new vehicle for the office.  The Pajero can be repaired and be a pool car for the head offices or it can be sold and get a better smaller car which can also be a pool car for the head offices.

BALTIMORE WASHINGTON CONFERENCE PASTORAL SUPPORT INITIATIVE PROGRAMME

There is a Pastoral support initiative programme being coordinated by Rev. Steve Rettenmayer in Baltimore – Washington and the projects coordinator in Zimbabwe.  This programme is to build relationship between the Pastors and local Churches in both Conferences.  The programme is raising a support of US$25 per month per participating Pastor.  In March we received US$825 and was distributed to pastors at us$75-00 PER pastor.

The benefiting Pastors in March were;

•  Pastor Sabina Chikeya – Chegutu West Circuit – Harare Central District Zim West.
• Pastor Margret Mukahanana she was a local Pastor and now discontinued.
• Pastor Kenneth Gondo – Mukuni Circuit Marange District, Zimbabwe East Annual Conference.
• Pastor Charles Hlabiswana UTC Student.
• Rev. Elisha Marange – Mutasa East Circuit in Mutasa – Nyanga District, Zimbabwe East.
• Rev. Lovemore Matewa – Masvingo circuit Masvingo District, Zimbabwe West.
• Rev. Blessing Dzobo – Station Chairperson Lydia Chimonyo – Chimanimani – Chipinge.
• Pastor Lazarus Musakwa – Mhondoro circuit, Harare central – Zimbabwe west.
• Pastor Juliet (Mwafuka) Todhlana – Gomorefu circuit, Marange District, Zimbabwe East.
• Pastor Stewart Nyandoro UTC Student.
• Rev. Themba Siwela, Masvingo Innercity Masvingo District, Zimbabwe West.

SCHOOL KITS DISTRIBUTIONS

The UMCOR kits distribution is still going on.  We distributed 470 kits in Pfuungwe Area working with the schools.  The following Schools benefited, Masunzwa Primary and Secondary Schools, Nyanzou Primary and Secondary School and Chatseka Primary School.   In Marange Gomorefu Secondary School received 540 kits for forms one to four.

Clare Secondary School completion of blocks

Finally we now have two by two classroom blocks completed at Clare Secondary.  All the doors, Window panes and Painting have been completed.  These two blocks are now ready for dedication.  Furniture is now in the two classrooms though this is temporal but children have something to use.

Work for a staff house is going on so that the school can now be registered and be a stand alone secondary School.  We will always be grateful to Mr. John Mangudya and family who supported the greater Part of the work at this school.  Without him and his family Clare Secondary School would have remained a dream.  We have our Local people called by God into the Ministry of Chabadza we need to continue praying that God calls more Christians into this special ministry.

KENSINGTON SECONDARY SCHOOL

The ablution block is near completion.  We now need roof and Plumbing works to be done.

There are two slabs for two by two classroom blocks.  We would like to thank God that our East Ohio Partners have finally made a commitment.  They have send advance US$5 000-00 and more will be coming.  An Advance team comes early March to put in place logistics for the bigger VIM Team coming in July 2010.  They have committed funds to complete two by two classroom blocks, the ablution block and a teacher’s house so that before end of 2010 the school will be registered as a stand alone high school.  We hope that this Partnership will continue being cultivated so that we see the continuous development of this New Mission Centre in the region at Matabeleland.

MARANGE MISSON PROJECTS

The Marange Mission has hired a full time projects manager who has started initiating a number of Projects at the Mission.

The mission in now running a business shop just outside the Mission where they are selling groceries they made a net profit of US$2 000-00 in February alone.

They have other projects like a Grinding Mill and a Barber Shop.

There are plans to develop a Health Centre, develop a Maintenance workshop with a Service Station to sale fuel.

There is a Church building that needs to be completed and also there are plans to develop Boarding facilities for the Mt Makomwe Primary School.

There are a number of Projects they have put on the drawing board and they are looking for support from both local and overseas Partners, these include:-

• A V.sat Internet system.

• Computers, printers, digital cameras.

• Vehicle

• Development of a Private medical facility to service the community developing around the Diamond Mining’s.

NYAMUZIZI PARSONAGE

This project continues to face challenges of the local leadership.  The people with proper motivation can work very hard.  Now the super structure is completed the district hired builders to do the gabours on the building.  Now the house is ready for roofing.  Quotations for roofing and finishing the house are being collected. Meanwhile the circuit is working on plastering the inside as following.

Dinning cum Lounge – The district will do it.

Main Bedroom            -           Nyamuzizi Local

Bedroom Two             -           Nyagure Local

Bedroom Three           -           Nyadzonya Local

Kitchen                        -           Kanyongoro

Bathing room              -           UMYF and MUMC

Toilet                           -           Ruwadzano (UMW)

Roof and plumbing works to be done by the Hope Fund and the project should be completed by Mid May 2010.

There is need to have the Pastoral leadership motivate the people and also carryout the implementation of the plans that have been put in place.  This is another good looking house.

CHEGUTU PARSONAGE

The progress is slow, when I visited the project there have not been progress on the ground.  The funds committed by the district have not have been released and the local church is not progressing enough.  Now, they have to work on fixing the door frames, window frames and start on plastering.  The Quotations for the roof and other finishing works are being secured so that as soon Nyamuzizi is done we will embark on finishing Chegutu.  The hope is that by end of May 2010 this project must be finished and ready for occupation and dedication.

NYADIRI WATER PROJECT

We have held a meeting to map a way forward but UMCOR indicated that they do not have the required funding to move ahead with the project.  So far, now we wait for UMCOR to advice when they have funds to start planning and implementing the project.  Also some work had been carried out without a contract signed by the consultant and concerns were raised in the meeting about the operations and communications channels.

MUTAMBARA WATER PROJECT

The Mutambara Mission has engaged a Mr Chifamba who does irrigation.  The whole Area have been surveyed and a document is to be presented on the water situation and indicating what needs to be done to have the whole systems be revitalized to support the mission water needs.  A Strategic Plan meeting was held on the 27^th of March 2010.  Details will be shared in the next report.  New York Conference have indicated interest to fund the project.

ANOLDINE WATER PROJECT

The ground work has been done and several quotations were submitted the Anoldine Station Executive selected a contractor, a contract have been designed and is being signed by the Station Executive and the contractor.

Meanwhile, we are waiting for the release of funds from GBGM so that work will commence as son fund got available.

Conclusion

I thank God for the support I receive from all projects sites.  We are looking forward to future developments.

God bless you all.

Rev. L. Nyarota

Projects and Communications Coordinator

Zimbabwe United Methodist Church

November 2009 to February 2010

Introduction

    It took a long to produce these reports due to activities slowing down.  In November, I undertook a trip on a GBCS assignment to Freetown, Sierra Leone, where I was attacked by Malaria and had some food reaction ailment that saw me taking some days off sick to recover.  No activities took place in December since we had Annual Conferences. Most activities were reported at Annual Conferences.  After the Zimbabwe West Annual Conference session, I went on leave.  As soon as I returned, we had a visiting team so much of the follow-up on projects took place in February 2010.

Visit from Kansas west conference

    We received a team of 14 clergy and lay people from the West Kansas Conference.  This conference is exploring establishing a partnership with Zimbabwe East Conference.  They visited all the districts in Zimbabwe East where they toured several projects.

    Now they are in the process of writing down a draft memorandum that will be brought before the two Conferences before signed into a covenant relationship.  They have flaged projects they would generally support and also explored District to District, Charge to Change and local church to church relationships.        There is currently an experimental model of Mutare District and Hutchingson District connection in the respective conferences.

Another Visitor from Kansas State

    In January,  we received another visitor from Kansas State Department of Agriculture.  Mr Floyd Dowell came to visit the tractors he has donated to the projects in Zimbabwe.

There currently  are two tractors at Africa University, one at the Fairfield Childrens Home and two at Zimunya Skills Centree – Mutare District.  He came to help with repairs and discuss future support.

Kambuzuma Kitchen Project

    This project has been completed with several kitchen equipments and utensils being purchased to the tune of US$2 500 given by an individual through the General Board on Global Ministries (GBGM.)  The donor is now awaiting a full detailed report on the project completion and this will be prepared and sent during the month of March, 2010.

Bikita Chirorwe Parsonange

    A  state of the art house was built at Bikita.  This has become a Model Parsonage in the Episcopal Area.  Finally, the house is roofed, painted and now a ceiling is being put on so that it becomes comfortably habitable.  This is a must see project.  It is now ready for dedication; ask the District Superintendent about the dedication date.  Just make sure you do not miss this dedication as it is a good demonstration of who we are as United Methodists and also a clear evidence of what Chabadza or partnership, can achieve.  The local people worked very hard with financial support from the Baltimore-Washington Conference (BWC) – Hope Fund and the project was completed on time.

Nyadire Water Project

    The project is still to find its way out of the Confusion of streamlining roles of funding Partners and the local administration of Projects. Efforts are being made to clear the roles and responsibilities so that we can move forward.

Clare Schools Classroom Blocks

    The two classroom blocks at Clare are nearing completion.  We will always thank Dr John Mangudya who has become a local supporter of the project.  When we talk of Chabadza, we do not only look overseas.  We have local families who are engaging in Chabadza as well.  Dr John Mangudya and family supported with Building materials to put-up two by two classroom blocks at Clare High School and a Station Chair’s house at Primary School.  He also roofed one of the Blocks and the other Block was roofed with a Grant from GBGM.  Additionally, plastering, flooring, glazing, doors and painting will be done with the GBGM grant.  The Tabers Family, from Michigan, USA gave 90 bags of cement to help finish the classroom floors and verandas by the first week of March when this work must be completed.

 Additional efforts will be done to see that a teacher’s house at Secondary school is completed so that the school can officially be registered and buildings dedicated.

The Taber’s Ministry

    The Tabers have continued to support education in Zimbabwe.  They continue to pay fees for children at Hartzell High School. They have been supporting 400 children at Hartzel Primary school per year over the past..  In the last year, they reduced the number to 120.  Now due to financial challenges, they are reducing to 25 needy children at Hartzel Primary.  They will continue supporting 21 Children at Hartzel High School.

    At Clare Mission, they have provided text books over the past 3 years for the primary and secondary schools.  The Tabers have also provided for exercise books for all subjects and all children for Clare Primary School to cover the whole 2010 school year.  They are considering building a library at Clare Primary  School.  They also have provided for two printers for the mission and 90 bags of Cement to help the completion of the Secondary School blocks.

Francie Morkham Ministry

    Mrs. Francie Markham, from South Carolina, USA, has also become another big supporter for the Education Ministry in Zimbabwe.  She sent a container with computers, furniture, books, clothes and food.  These have been given to Hartzell Schools, Fairfield Children’s Home, Nyakatsapa Schools, Clare Schools, Chapanduka Secondary School, Bikita Circuit, Nhedziwa Church, Chiringaodzi circuit, to mention a few of the places.  Also, the Education Secretary received a computer set, Marange District a computer set and another went to Mt. Makomwe Primary School.  Clare schools received one each.  Basketball Posts were given to Hartzel High Basketball team.

Chegutu Parsonage

The Parsonage is still on the same level.  The District has given US$2 000 to finish plastering and put in window and door frames.  We will order the roof as soon our Hope Funds are replenished.

Nyamuzizi Parsonage

The super structure is complete.  We are now preparing to order the roof.  I will provide details in the March report.

Hat Cliff Church

A bequest has been given from the late Carol Bateman’s Estate to complete the church building and we are waiting the processing of the funds.  Our South Carolina Partners will be coming during Easter to work with us on this Project.

Containers

We have received two containers, one from Pittsburg that went to Nyadire Mission and one from Kansas City that was combined with an Orphanage in Bulawayo.  Rev. Israel Kamudzandu organized it.  Details will be in our March report.  These containers mainly have medical supplies.

Conclusion

I would like to thank all for the support you give to this office and to the UMC in Zimbabwe.  Looking forward to a blessed year.

Report prepared by

Rev Lloyd Nyarota

Area Projects and Communications Coordinator

Zimbabwe UMC

The Clare Water Project Report

        Clare Mission Center of the United Methodist Church is located along the Harare-Mutare Highway. It is about 50kilometres (31miles) from Mutare.

        There is a primary school and secondary school located at the Mission. The primary school has a pupil population of 650, and the secondary school has a pupil population of 275.

        The primary school has children from the ages of 5 years to 14 years, on average, and the secondary school runs from forms 1 to forms 4, that is, grades 8-11, with ages ranging from 13 years to 17 years, on average.

        Water has been a challenge at this mission center and the secondary school was the worst affected, there was no water at the secondary school and using the water well, pumps and taps at primary school was not possible since the secondary school is across the main highway.

        There was a first attempt to provide a borehole, but it could not work since the contractor failed to operate and due to the economic situation the US Dollar was undervalued and one would need hundreds of thousands of dollars to do a project that would normally costs hundreds of dollars.

Therefore, the initial project could not be undertaken.

What needed to be done?   

        The project was composed of a number of things that needed to be done. A survey for underground water availability, drilling and casing of the water well, capacity test for the well, equipping of the well and installation of a pump and pipes. There was also need to erect water reservoirs on stands and lay pipes to take water to different points of the school, like to the house, the bathrooms and the classes were students could drink from during school hours.

Funding Source

        This project was funded through the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) with funds given from Henning United Methodist Church located in Sulphur, LA, a part of the Louisiana Annual Conference, led by Rev Buddy Frenzel.  They gave a total of US$16,000 to do the water projects at Clare Schools and Mufusire Retreat Camp.

What was done?

        1. A survey for underground water was done at a cost US$400 and it was established that there was water on the secondary school site, therefore, plans to drill a water well were put in place. When the equipment to drill water came, they drilled for 45metres (148 feet) at a cost of US$3000, but they only found out that the water that they had found at 13 meters (43Feet) was the only water underground and was not enough for a water supply to the school or even for domestic use.

        A decision was made not to make a second attempt before we got opinions from other expects on establishing if there was a spot with sufficient water.  At a cost of US$500, it was finally established that the levels of water we had on the secondary school site could not be guaranteed to continue with attempts to sink another borehole or attempting to deepen what had already been drilled.  A decision was made not to continue investing money on attempts were we had no guarantee to achieve our objects to provide water to the school.

        2. The second option was to try to get water from an existing borehole across the high at the primary school site. The study to do that was carried out.  Although it was costly, that was the only option to solve the problem.  A negotiation process was stated with the company that had drilled the first borehole to see if we could share the costs since the first attempt had not yielded the intended results. This was not easy since drilling contracts clearly states that in the event of having no water on the site drilled, the service provider will not be responsible since the work and required depth would have been drilled. However, a compromise was found and we agreed to share the costs of the first drilling; we recovered US$1000 and we gave the contractor another borehole to drill at another site.

        3. The Mufusire Vocational Bible Campsite. A new borehole was drilled at this site using the same source of funds from Henning United Methodist Church, Louisiana Annual Conference. There is a good connection since some of the funds were given from Camp Istrouma were Rev Buddy Frenzel's Son Garth. E Frenzel works. Possibilities of developing a relationship between Camp Istrouma and Mufusire Vocational Bible Camp where another well was drilled with the same funds. The drilling and casing cost US$3000, and then transport and other costs were up to US$1200. The well at Mufusire was only drilled and cased, it was not equipped and no capacity tests were carried out. We need to do a capacity test and install a bush pump so that the community around will have access to the water as well as provide water for the construction of the camp when it finally commences.

Getting water from across the highway:

        The work to get water from across the high was done.  It required piping to a bigger water pump, some valves to regulate flow of water and the reservoir. The bigger pump was purchase at a cost of US$1300. Pipes were purchased to cover a distance of about 550 meters (1805feet).  We discovered that they were already laid some years back by the farmer who used the farm at the place, as there was an attempt to take water to the fields across the other side of the highway, so we just adjusted our line to connect with those points on both sides.

        When the laying of pipes was done, we managed to construct two steel stands for the water reservoir.  These cost US$1750. We than acquired two water tanks, with a capacity of 5000litres, providing us with 10000 litres of water for the high school.  Each of the tanks cost US$800, giving a total of US$1600 for the two tanks.

        With water getting to the tanks now, we needed taps at three major points:  at the classroom blocks, the teacher's house being constructed and the ablution blocks. These were done at the costs of US$1500 and the painting of the metal stands to protect them from rusting cost US$300.

        Finally, we had water at Clare secondary school and the water supply at Clare primary school was improved since the pump is now supplying more water to the tanks at the primary school. The primary students have since stated a vegetable garden since they now have more water being available in their water tanks and reservoirs.

                                             
          New Water Tanks at Clare, UMC                                                              Rev Lloyd drinking out of new

                                                                                                                                      tap at Clare UMC Mission

Conclusion

        We are very grateful to Rev Buddy Frenzel and the Henning United Methodist Church in Sulphur, Louisiana.  In addition, we want to thank the GBGM for facilitating the availability of funds for this project. The total project costs were US$ 16000. There were many travel costs as the project faced challenges at the beginning due to lack of underground water on the secondary school site. Many negotiations were carried out to facilitation projects completion.

        We now want to focus on capacity building of the Mufusire Vocational Bible Camp Project water works.

This report was prepared by

Rev Lloyd Nyarota

Projects and communication coordinator

Zimbabwe UMC

(posted: 22 Feb 2010)

Projects and Communications Coordinator

September – October 2009 Report

Introduction

The Month of September started with the General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) social principles training at Old Mutare and Africa University. We had participants from all over the Episcopal area. This was a rich training.  We hope to continue our partnership with Church and Society as an agency.

Church Buildings

1.    Gudyanga United Methodist Church

Finally,Gudyanga Church is complete after over 15years of building and it is now ready for dedication. We are now in the process of working on the final financial figures. The Baltimore-Washington Conference Hope Fund supported the completion of the project, with funds for roofing, flooring, glazing, doors and locks as well as painting. Now a date will be set by the Bishop’s Office for dedication before the end of the year. This is another success story of the Hope Fund Chabadza Project.

2.   Hatcliff United Methodist Church

Work is progressing well at Hatcliff Church. The section with offices is now at roof level awaiting roofing. The main Church area is at window level. As the congregation continues to work, we are expecting our partners from South Carolina to come and continue with the project during Easter of 2010. To complete the office block we need about US$5000. There is also a water challenge in the Hatcliff area.  The well at the church has many times become the water source for the community. That well needs to be equipped with a pump and a reservoir so as to have clean drinking water for the church and the community.

3.   Dziwarasekwa United Methodist Church

There is progress at Dziwarasekwa UMC.  The church now has roofing steel trusses on it. This was done on a credit line and the congregation is servicing the credit with the company. They are facing challenges to pay the initial deposit so that they will be able to service their monthly payments. They were supposed to pay US$10,000 and they only paid US$5600 and they also have to pay US$1500 per month. This is becoming a challenge.

4.   Gutu Mupandawana

The work here had stopped and we are working with the congregation to start the process again.  The meeting that we had scheduled could not take place since I had two breakdowns on the way.  Another meeting for the project appraisal will be organized.

Parsonages

1.   Chegutu Parsonage

The work is progressing, but there are still some outstanding structural works that needs to be done before the roof is put on. They need to fit door and window frames. The building needs plastering. The congregation is working to have all these items completed. There is so much expectation of support from outside which may slow them down as they are working to be helped.

2.   Nyamuzizi Parsonage

The work slowed down at one point even though they had materials. They could not make bricks to progress. However, now the project is back on track and there is progress. The structure is at window height level. The steel reinforcements for the ring beam were delivered and they are now working on putting the ring beam on and fitting window frames and some remaining doorframes. As soon these are done, they will start working on plastering and the roof will be ordered.

3.   Bikita Parsonage

This project is moving well. The wall structures are all finished and they are plastering the inside of the building. The roofing tiles are now on site. The roofing timber has been ordered and we hope by mid November the roof should be completed. This project may be ready for dedication by end of November 2009.

Water projects

1.   Clare water Project

The Clare water project was finally completed, the water reservoirs were constructed and work is progressing on the well at the secondary site. Water was finally drawn from the borehole at the primary school after two attempts to drill boreholes proved to be yielding nothing. The water pipes were installed and taps at the school, at the teacher’s house being built and the connections to the toilets. This finally was a successful project.  An additional bigger submersible pump was purchased and fitted and the one that was there is being kept as a spare pump.

2.   Mufusire Water project

A borehole is being drilled at Mufusire.  The contractor was paid but since they drilled on the wrong spot they have agreed to drill another borehole at the correct site. Then from there plans will be done to equip the borehole.

                     Mufusire Vacational Bible camp site                               New Borehole will be drilled by the Banana plant

3.   Nyadire Water project

This project continues to go in circles. Our partners seem not to get the local dynamics as they always push for companies after being impressed by talks they have with contractors. Other projects where decisions are being made totally by local people are getting completed. This is one project teaching us and our partners that administrative decisions must be left to the local people and structures and partners need to be funding partners only and can suggest were necessary. Not to try and dominate the decision making processes. Our partners of The Nyadire Connection are so much getting involved in the local administrative issues and this has caused confusion sometimes. Not only with the water project but even with other programs they support. This makes supervision a challenge for the local supervisors of units and programs. It is an unfortunate situation that we are receiving great support from the partners but on the ground there are people who now think they have to report to the Nyadire connection rather than conference structures and systems.

4.   Anoldine water project

An assessment visit was carried out at Anoldine mission and the water system needs attention to supply adequate water at the Clinic and the primary school, also the community water reservoir needs attention. We are now in the process of working on contractor documents to start the project. Work must start in November and have the project completed in a specified time.

Schools Developments

1.   Kensington School

Now there is progress at Kensington;  foundations for two classrooms blocks and an ablution block have been done. A borehole was drilled and needs equipping only. The foundations are expected to be slabed in November. The target is to have these building ready for occupation by January 2010.

2.   Clare Secondary School

Two classroom blocks have been completed and roofed. They are now in the process of working on final touches to prepare them for dedication. There is an example of local Chabadza here Mr. Benjamin Mangudya helped with the support to put the two classroom blocks at the secondary school and also a station chairperson’s house which is at the primary school.

3.   Murewa Dormitory

The surviving child orphan trust dormitory at Murewa primary school is finally going towards completion. The grant from GBGM of US$24,000 has been released to Murewa through the District Office. The dormitory is being roofed and funds should be enough to complete the rest of work in order to have the dormitory ready for occupation by January 2010.

4.   Kambuzuma Pre-School Kitchen project

The project received funding for the equipping of the kitchen a total of US$2500 through GBGM; this is a personal Gift from an individual in the USA.   The stove, refrigerator and other kitchen equipment is in the process of being installed.

                   Caregivers and new equipment                                                     Nap time at the pre-school

School Kit’s distribution

The UMCOR kits programme continued in the months of September and October with more than 1500 kits being distributed in the two months under review. We continue to work with UMCOR to support their education programmes.

Focus in November

We focus to complete Bikita Parsonage and Nyamuzizi parsonages in November, continue kits distributions. Work on the UMCOR medicines container and distribute to Hospitals and Clinics. Complete the classrooms at Clare Secondary and increase progress at Kensington High school.  The following projects have to be completed before annual Conferences:  Bikita, Nyamuzizi and Chegutu parsonages.

Report prepared by

Rev Lloyd Nyarota

Area Projects and Communications Coordinator

Zimbabwe UMC

Projects and Communications Coordinator

August Report 2009

 Introduction

August was a busy month so I have prepared a report for the month.

1.      Kensington Project:  We have released US$10,000 to start construction.  This money was given through the DS’ Office’s Instructions.  The foundations should be started by now.  If we move in good speed, given the resources released, the slab for one class room block must be completed by end of September 2009.

2.      Mrewa Scot Dormitory: The Projects office applied for a grant of US$24,000 from GBGM to complete the Dormitory and we have since received the grant.  Through the DS’ Office, US$20,000 has been collected.  Roofing is almost complete. As soon as this is done, we will move to do the other finishings like plumbing, painting, glazing and the floors.  The dormitory will be completed soon.  

3.      Nyadire Water Project:  We have finally agreed with partners that proper procedures were not followed at implementation.  We are now working on corrective measures so that the projects office will effectively coordinate the implementation and take corrective measures and move towards completion of the project.  We will engage the water committee and put in place corrective systems.  

4.      Nyamuzizi Parsonage:  There is slow progress of this project.  The motivation of the charge is very low.  The spirit of Chabadza that was once with the charge is burning out.  Our pastor on the ground needs to step up motivation for the people so that we are back on track and move forward.

5.     Gudyanga Church:  Roofing was completed and now we are working on final completion so that before the end of September the building will be ready for dedication.  We now need to do doors, glazing, flooring and painting, if we move fast enough our target will be met soon.  Chabadza spirit is on the move here!  

6.      Travel:  I travelled to South Africa and visited with Zimbabwe Refuges at Central Methodist in Johannesburg

to discuss possible partnerships when the time to return Home becames due.  This is an initiative that has been proposed by our partners at several  Baltimore–Washington Conference Churches.  The experiencing was touching and eye opening.   During the trip, I was invited to preach to the Zimbabwean U.M.C. gathering in Johannesburg

.  It was also an inspiring moment to see a growing church.  There were over 200 people in that worship service.  It was a home away from Home as I met with several of our former Districts and local churches leaders who are now leading the congregation at their own initiative.  

7.      Munyarari Clinic:  There is progress toward opening the temporal clinic.  Electrification has been completed and other work has been finalized in getting ready for the equipment and opening of the clinic.  

8.      Nyanyadzi Home of Hope:  This orphan Trust Programme have a partner now being spearheaded by Pastor Art Moore.  They have opened a Bank account now and they are regularizing their constitution to be in line with the BOT draft.  We look forward to good progress.  

Plans:  In September we are looking forward to finishing and closing two projects so that we take on board the projects on Phase Two of the HOPE Fund.  These will be:

1. Gutu Mupandawana Church,
2. Dziwaresakwa Church,
3. Bazeley Bridge Resource and Information Centre,
4. Gwindingwi  Parsonage

These will be worked on one at a time, depending on availability of funds. 

Shalom!

Report prepared by 

Rev. L. Nyarota

Projects and Communications Coordinator

Zimbabwe United Methodist Church

The Projects Coordinators's report for the Period 

May To July 2009

INTRODUCTION

With Mr Jim Gourley in the office, this has been a manageable period with a number of Projects moving forward.  We have also seen a increase in the release of funds by our Baltimore – Washington Conference Partners.  Activities of the period are as narrated below:

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Kensington Project

There is progress at the Kensington project.  The clearing of the grounds has advanced.  A meeting between the District representatives and the Projects Coordinator was done in the period under review.  We are looking forward to starting construction in August 2009.

Clare Project

This Project is progressing well with challenges to receive necessary support from the District.  Two classroom blocks at the Secondary Scjpp; have been completed and they will be roofed in August 2009.

Water

A company was contructed to drill a borehole, but they did not find water.  The District have not taken steps and corrective measures to have the contructor comply with the contract they signed.  No report has been received since the attempt was done.  The Information now suggests there is no water on that side of the property.

Now, we will capacitate the Primary Area well and have reservoirs to serve the Secondary Area.  We hope this will be done by the end of August as we currently have the funds available.

Text Books

The Tabers, from Michigan, have once again donated Text Books worth US$2 000 and they have been delivered to both Schools at Clare Mission.  10% went to the Secondary School and 90% to the Primary School.

School Kits Distribution

Thousands of school kits were received from UMCOR and they have been distributed throughout the Episcopal Area.  We will work on the exact numbers per school.  So far the following have benefitted.

1.  Kensington Primary School and Secondary School – Bulawayo about 600 kits.
2. Chirorwe Primary School, Kudadisa High School – Bikita Chepiri Area about 700 kits.
3. Gutu Mupandawana Circuit about 50 kits.
4. Mutolo Primary School about 400 kits.
5. Nyamuzizi Circuit about 100 kits
6. Clare Primary & Secondary School about 500 kits.
7. Zambuko Circuit about 500 kits.
8. Nyakatsapa Primary and Secondary about 300 kits.
9. Gutsi Primary and Secondary School about 500 kits.
10. Munyarari and Chinyauhwera Secondary about 300 kits
11. Mushunje Orphans Trust Programme about 300 kits.
12. My Makomwe Primary School about 300 kits.
13. Mukuni – Mutanda Circuit about 500 kits.
14. Mutambara Primary School about 300 kits.
15. Lydia Chimonyo Girls High about 200 kits.
16. Nyanyadzi Home of Hope about 504 kits.

CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Kensington School

The real construction is targeted to start in August 2009.

Chegutu Parsonage

The walls must be completed and roof will soon be done as we are preparing the orders with one of serveral construction companies we are working with. By September,  the Parsonage must be ready for occupancy.

Kambuzuma Kitchen

We have funding to equip the kitchen and soon we will be ready to purchase the equipment.

Hatcliff Church

This project is progressing well.  The walls are being put up.  We are hoping to finish this project with support from South Carolina Conference.  A VIM Team will come to put the roof on in April – May 2010.

Bikita Parsonage

The walls are at ring beam level.  We look forward to finishing this Parsonage by the end of August

 2009.

.

Nyamuzizi Parsonage

Progress on this parsonage lagged behind because of builders and materials.  Construction has resumed and more materials will be delivered.   By the end of August, the walls must be completed and then we will focus on the roof in September 2009.

Clare Secondary School

Two classroom blocks have been completed and will soon be roofed.  We will work on the water source and have to finalize by first week of September.

Mufusire Retreat Camp

A borehole has been drilled at Mufusire.  We await a report from the District on how the project will proceed so that we can start raising funds for other development.

Muradzikwa Church

The building was completed and ready for dedication.  The dedication was on the 26^th of July 2009.  This was done by Bishop John R. Schol and Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa.  This was a project that was done in a record time of 14 months.  The congregation worked very hard pushed their work.  This is the best example of how the Chabadza concept works.  If we all get engaged in Chabadza like the people of Muradzikwa, then many projects will be completed faster and we can tap more resources.

Gudyanga Church

Finally, this church will be completed and gotten ready for dedication before the end of August 2009.

Zimunya Skiils Centre

The Zimunya Skills Centre roof has been paid for and will be installed during a Kansas VIM Team visit in August 2009.

Mosquito Nets Distribution

Ten Thousand Nets were brought into the country and distributed mainly in the Zimbabwe East Conference through the following clinics.

1. Chinyadza Clinic
2. Munyarari Clinic
3. Gatsi Clinic
4. Chitora Clinic

The three UMC hospitals were covered i.e. Nyadire Hospital, Old Mutare Hospital and Mutambara Hospital.  Dindi Clinic also was covered with the nets distribution.

Area Pastors School

Our Partners Baltimore – Washington Conference once again sponsored our Pastor’s School.

Zimbabwe Summit

The month of July ended with a historical World United Methodist Church – Zimbabwe Summit.

We had this event at Africa University.  Delegations came from Europe i.e. Norway Conference, Switzerland Conference, Finland Conference.  From the U.S.A.,  we had Baltimore – Washington, West Kensas, Western Pennyslyvania, East Ohio Conference and the Nyadire Connection.  Z.O.E Ministries and also Agencies like GBGM, UMCOR and UMCOM were all well represented at the Summit.  The Zimbabwe Area leadership was also well represented at the Summit.

We are moving toward greater coordinated Partnerships with our Partners.

We are looking forward to future developments and progress.

Rev. L. Nyarota

Projects and Communications Coordinator

Zimbabwe United Methodist Church