Walking Worthy of our Calling…
The development of Marota Primary School, in Masvingo is a true testimony that the Church is walking worthy of its calling. In a space of a year, Methodist Church in Zimbabwe (MCZ) has completed two classroom blocks (four classrooms) and furnished two classrooms with the state of the art eighty chairs and tables. This work has been possible because of the work done by the members of the church both local and in the diaspora. Special mention goes to Rev. J. Makoti for spearheading the fundraising initiatives in the diaspora. The other block and furniture were funded by Methodist Development and Relief Agency (MeDRA) courtesy of Australian aid. The completion of these blocks was only possible through the benevolence of the presiding bishop, Rev. G. T. Mawire. Under his leadership, the church provided funds to roof one block and funded the outstanding work on the MeDRA block. Funding this project was made possible through financial contributions from other Methodist schools. These blocks were dedicated on the 5th of February and the ceremony was graced by the Presiding Bishop (PB), General Secretary (GS), Acting Mission Director (MD) and Education Secretary (ES), MeDRA National Director, all Bishops and their spouses, the clergy and members of church, School Development Committee (SDC), and members of the community.
In John’s Wesley’s sermon number 74, “Of the Church,” John Wesley challenges the Church to walk worthy of its calling. According to John Wesley the idea of walking is of very extensive signification. It includes all inward and outward motions, all our thoughts, words and action. It takes in not only everything we do but everything we either speak or think. Walking according to John Wesley is the idea of the church maintaining its active role in the community it exists in spreading a positive impact.
The idea of walking worthy of our calling is fulfilled in pursuing the thrust of pillar number 2 of the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe’s strategic plan. It speaks of enhancing corporate social responsibility. It is underpinned on fulfilling Matthew 25:35-40.
35 For, I was hungered, and ye gave me meat; I was thirsty and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in; 36 I was naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison and ye came unto me. 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when we saw thee hungered, and fed thee? Or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When we saw thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39 Or when we saw thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, verily I say unto you, in as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
In walking the journey of faith, the MCZ together with MeDRA has done exceptionally well. They have committed resources in response to the need of people in Marota under Chief Charumbira. The building of the school was a swift reaction to the risk which the children faced when they walked about 10km to school using unsafe routes characterized by disserted roads, forests and mountains. Children were highly vulnerable and were exposed to potential abuse. By building a school in Marota, the MCZ through its members and arms (MeDRA and other Methodist schools) have brought new life and built a solid foundation for the children of Marota area.
The church is committed to seeing progress of Marota primary school. In addition to building two classrooms blocks and furnishing two classrooms in a year. Through the Education secretary, Rev Dr. D. Muzenda, the church has promised to see through the formal registration of the school this year. This is only possible after building a strong room. Hence, it can be concluded that there is a strong commitment by the church for the development of Marota Primary School.
The MCZ is committed to partner the government in providing education. The government has indicated a shortage of 3000 schools. The church has taken this call seriously. This is engraved in Pillar 5 of the strategic plan of the church: Excelling education services. MCZ is not only committed to structural development but boasts of being a champion in producing quality results with all its schools recording 95% plus, pass rate on Ordinary level results.
Marota school has an enrollment of 130 pupils as at the 4th of February 2025. Much is still needed to ensure that the school fully serve the community. There is need for staff quarters, ablution facilities for ECD, fencing, more classrooms and furniture. There is need for all people called by the name of God to walk this path in pursuit of their calling and see the vision of Marota school fulfilled. Let us all walk worthy the vocation of our calling.
By Revd G. Nyabonda
