The Sunday Mail
Precious Masakara
With various initiatives taking place ahead of Christmas, the spirit of giving and sharing has gripped the nation.
Christmas is one of the most observed holidays on the Christian calendar.
At a time when diseases, natural disasters like Cyclone Idai, drought and poverty are affecting many communities, several organisations and individuals are putting smiles on other people’s faces through giving.
Harare Children’s Hospital smiles
Last week, staff at Harare Children’s Hospital and children receiving treatment at the institution were given some goodies by New Life Covenant Church (NLCC).
In her words of appreciation, Harare Children’s Hospital’s Matron Lucia Jongwe said such treats motivated her staff.
“We feel very humbled by this event, especially in this economy. It’s amazing that some people remember the nurses’ good work and appreciates us,” Matron Jongwe said.
“Well-wishers who bring gifts to the sick children put smiles on their faces, it eases their pain. Congregants of New Life Covenant Church have become all-weather friends. They have managed to give a helping hand in these difficult times,” she said.
Bed-ridden children received snacks while staff members were handed some toiletries.
The referral hospital assists children from around the country, including those who have been abandoned.
Co-pastor of the Covenant Care Ministry, which spearheads the NLCC’s social responsibility programmes, Mrs Laina Madzinga, said their seven-year relationship with Harare Children’s Hospital is motivated by a need to appreciate the sterling work done at the hospital.
“The hospital’s workforce has to be appreciated as they are doing a great job, hence the small gifts we have given them. It is not easy to take care of day-old babies abandoned by their parents,” Mrs Madzinga said.
Latter Day Saints
lights up the world
From December 1 to Christmas Day, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints will be spearheading the annual Light the World initiative, meant to put Jesus Christ firmly at the centre of Christmas.
Every year, “Light The World” sets out 25 unique activity themes, drawn from and typifying the character of Jesus Christ, with each theme allocated its own day.
Participants are then encouraged to fill each of those days with activities around the specific themes and make Christmas a season of serving others.
“Let us stand up and bless a lot of lives. As we do these things, we will make this world a better place. The Saviour looks for the downtrodden,” said Zimbabwe stake president, Mr Sawman Machakaire.
ZRP remembers its departed staff
The Zimbabwe Republic Police honoured its departed members at an annual event held at Redeemed Church of Christ a fortnight ago.
The event, which is held every first week of December, was attended by orphans and surviving spouses of late service staff of the police force.
Officer Commanding ZRP Harare Province, Commissioner Bernard Dumbura was the guest of honour.
Acting Harare provincial community relations liason officer Assistant Inspector Webster Dzvova said ZRP takes care of surviving spouses and orphans through proceeds generated from activities by police.
Such activities include the Commissioner of Police’s Horse Race and Funfair.
“The 2019 edition of the Commissioners’ church service was unique in the sense that there were three university graduates this year, from different universities.
“These graduates were catered for from their primary education up to university level through the Commissioner -General of Police,” he said.
The three graduates are Ireen Charleen Kupara (Science Honours Degree in Chemistry), Denshed Binikwa (Science Honours Degree in Geography and Environmental Science) and Ordain Mundezha (Finance and Banking).
