Story by Oleen Ndori
THE Government says it will continue supporting the church as it plays a key role in the fundamental building of the nation.
The feast of St Matthew is marked each year on September 21 to remember the life and works of Matthew one of the 12 disciples of Jesus.
To mark this day the parish of St Matthews in Glenview held a celebratory mass that was attended by Acting President, General Rtd Dr Constantino Chiwenga.
In his speech, Dr Chiwenga commended the church for spearheading infrastructure development projects.
“I have been informed of the financial challenges you are facing as a church. Let me hasten to say that, as hard as it may look, in any organisation, I urge you to be resourceful and sustain the development of your church. I am informed that since 2014, the parishioners of St. Mathew have been undertaking various fundraising activities towards the construction of the church. I am happy with the progress that has been achieved to date.
“As the Government’s Mantra says ‘nyika inovakwa nekunamatirwa nevene vayo. What we have witnessed here today is testimony that you are not praying for the nation, ‘asi muri kuyivakawo zvekare’. A moment at this point, to applaud the Church’s visionary leadership and the financial support you gave as congregants, to ensure the success of the church project,” he said.
Acting President Chiwenga also spoke out against drug abuse among the youth not only at St. Matthew but countrywide.
“The nation is faced with the scourge of drug and substance abuse, especially by our youth The City of Harare, and in particular Glenview as a community, is not spared from this prevailing drug and substance abuse menace. These illicit substances have destroyed the mental, physical and psychological well-being of a number of our young people throughout the country. Zimbabwe cannot prosper without the youth.
“I urge the church, to join hands with the Government to fight drug abuse and protect our communities as well as the nation at large from the effects of drug and substance abuse. If we do not join hands to fight against drug abuse now, we are bound to lose generations and generations of our youth. As Government we appreciate the role of the youth in the socio-economic development of the country therefore let us all play our roles in nurturing them to be upstanding and responsible citizens. The future of this country belongs to the youth.”
General Rtd Dr Chiwenga who is also a member of the Roman Catholic Church donated US$10 000
while ZIMOCO contributed US$2 000 towards the project.
Parishioners of St Matthew welcomed the support by Dr Chiwenga.
The church and Government have historically partnered in social development.
