Bothwell Chabarika
The Masvingo Division of the Salvation Army celebrated 125 years of its presence in Zimbabwe with a colourful flag ceremony that was held in Masvingo on Sunday, September 4, 2016.
Present were divisional leaders Majors Isaac and Charity Mhembere, Corps Officers from all corners of the Masvingo Division and other congregates. The division stretches from Featherstone to Beitbridge.
The event was graced by a representative from resident minister Shuvai Mahofa’s office, Masvingo Mayor Hubert Fidze and his wife, Housing Director Levison Nzvura and prominent lawyer Munyaradzi Paul Mangwana.
Mlambo, the acting director in minister Mahofa’s office, congratulated the Salvation Army for the feat and encouraged the soldiers to remain disciplined and resilient to ensure the church meets all human needs.
She praised the church for supporting the nation in the education and health sectors by building schools and hospitals in some parts of the country. She also acknowledged the work of the church in helping Mucheke Old People’s Home’s to meet its food and other requirements.
Mjr Isaac Mhembere told the congregation that the Salvation Army is looking forward to plant 125 000 trees nationwide to mark the anniversary. In Masvingo Division, the church will plant around 1 000 trees and the first tree was planted by Mlambo at Civic Centre during the ceremony.
Mjr Mhembere said the flag that was received to symbolise the 125 years of the church’s presence in the country was a blessing for Masvingo, which was one of the first areas to make contact with early members of The Salvation Army in the 19th century.
Mayor Fidze praised the work of the church saying the tree planting drive was a valuable contribution to the economy and development of Masvingo.
He also promised to seriously consider the church’s request for a piece of land to build a school in Masvingo.
Speaking at the same occasion, Mangwana congratulated the church and told the gathering that he supported the church efforts in development.
He went on to donate a security fence for one of the projects the Salvation Army is doing in Masvingo and promised that there will be a Salvation Army boarding shool in Chivi.
The Celebrations later moved to Mucheke Corps hall and the flag was handed over to the Mucheke corps which will then pass it on to other corps around the division. Mega celebrations will also be held on September 29 – October 02 at Glamis Arena in Harare.religious news
