March 2026 Mission Report: Mushunje & Bazel (Bezeley Bridge)

Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God the Father and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

Overview 

From the beginning until the end of March we received good rainfall. Leal and I celebrated our birthdays on the 4th and 5th, respectively. In the first week I attended an important long-service ceremony; in the second week I was doing personal evangelism at Bazel. In the third and fourth weeks we were preparing for the Manicaland Gospel Meeting, and the ladies attended their urban and rural fellowship. 

I was invited to preach at a fellowship at Concession Church of Christ, and the church at Bazel went to Nyakunu for a big Sunday fellowship. I appreciate the effort from the Elders, Deacon, and the church at large for accepting Bro Rishoni Gushure to be supported financially. 

Long-service ceremony (Glendale, Mashonaland Central) 

On the first day of the month I attended a long-service ceremony for Bro and Sister Dzumbika in Mashonaland Central, at Glendale Church of Christ. Bro Dzumbika was among the first students to attend Bible college at Nhowe Mission in 1958–60. He has worked since then until 1 March 2026. He is 92 years old, and his eyes are growing dim, so he needs someone to lead his way. 

He planted many congregations in Mashonaland Central Province. In 2006, together with Brother Rungano (my classmate and friend), we worked at Bindura, Trojan Mine, and Concession Church in December. I was highly honoured to be present, as I sang songs of praise; we had a wonderful moment. 

Bro Dzumbika was replaced by a young preacher, Br Munhupedzi. Chief Chiweshe was present, and a former headmaster at Nhowe Mission School (a member of the Lord’s church) was honoured and read the church history of how the church came to Africa by Bro John Sheriff. Bro Rungano was also present; he is now working in Mt Darwin at Dotito Church of Christ. Attendance was about 300. I gave $5 as my gift to Br and Sister Dzumbika. 

Family update: school transfer concerns 

My wife is at risk again of being transferred from a nearby school to somewhere we do not know. The government decided to transfer all secondary teachers who are in primary schools. She attended a meeting in town at Mutare Girls High School on the 13th, as they were advised to leave primary school for secondary. In Bazel, the closest secondary school is 4 km away. 

We are worried and disgusted, since everything will change for our kids—uniforms, school, distance, etc. It is a disturbing process; at any time she could be transferred. There is nothing we can do except accept the situation. 

Local ministry, farming, and visits 

I planted early-maturity maize seed in the garden again on the 7th because we received a good amount of rain this month. The variety I chose takes 60 days to harvest. The harvest might not be the same as before, but we will get 10 bags or more. 

Sister Mutsago came to our house stranded for mealie-meal and asked for our helping hand, and we helped her. My garden is quite helpful for my family and the church at large. If I managed to get a walking tractor, it would be efficient for the church yard, fields, and the garden. 

Together with my wife we visited Sister Gwizo, who fell and injured her leg. We advised her to attend a clinic, and we prayed together. We also visited Mutsago, Mutsoni, and Muradzikwa; she is feeling better now. 

Manicaland Gospel Meeting (MGM) preparations 

Together with the MGM committee we finalised preparations for the programme, theme, and participants. I selected Brother Mumba to preach at the fellowship, and he was accepted. 

On the 22nd the team gathered at Dangamvura Church of Christ to advertise our Gospel Meeting. Individual registration was $605 and giving was $210, for a total of $895 to be used at our fellowship in April. 

Community note 

When there is a burial nearby, the village head orders the people to abstain from any gathering. Tinashe Mwandiambira passed away in South Africa, aged 38; about 800 people attended. The United Methodist Church led the proceedings. 

Training and leadership 

Br Tanaka Gurupira is doing a great job at Bazel. He is preaching and teaching both adults and youths. During my absence and presence he has been faithful with his duties. Next year, God willing, he will do his attachment at Bazel; the church agreed and accepted him. 

Ladies’ fellowship 

The ladies at Bazel attended their all-day fellowship at Jubilee Church of Christ on the 28th. Sister Chagoma preached, and Br Kanchefu taught a Bible study. About 220 people attended. Sister Mandianike and my wife were present; other ladies did not attend because of financial issues. 

Fellowships and preaching 

On the 29th, 12 members at Bazel attended a fellowship at Nyakunu Church of Christ. My wife and kids attended. Brother Jephtah Mugweni preached, Bro Manherutse led singing, and Brother Gomwe served at the Lord’s Table. About 300 people attended and the giving was $110. 

I was also invited to preach at Concession Church of Christ in Mashonaland Central on the 29th about the church’s work. I was happy to return again since 2006; only Bro Andreya and family were still faithful, and others I did not find. Other congregations present were Chemutengu, Mazowe, and Glendale. About 80 people attended and the giving was $73. Preachers present were Br Munhupedzi, Manyanhaire Dzumbika, Chitsiga, and Muzoma. 

Attendance (Mushunje & Bazel) 

Finally, I want to thank you, brethren, for the support you sent and your concern for Br Gushure’s welfare. He is a good brother doing a good job at Chitakatira Church of Christ. Thank you for your support. God be with you all. 

Yours in Christ, 

Simbarashe Gondo