When hearts are aligned with God and hands are joined in sisterhood, new possibilities emerge.
That’s the case for Women of Substance, a group of United Methodist women from Chisipiti United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe’s Harare East District. The group comprises single, divorced and widowed church members.
“Singles have contributed immensely to ministry in various ways,” said the Rev. Herbert Mumvuma, connectional ministries director for the Harare East District. “We are actively … ensuring spaces are available and accessible to all without segregation.
“Every individual has a role to play in ministry, and we are intentional about involving all members, especially singles.”
Gift Allowed Singles to Participate in Various Activities
The Women of Substance group reached new heights recently through a partnership with the Indiana Conference’s Northwest District women’s organization, led by the Rev. Lore Blinn Gibson.
A $1,200 gift from church members in Indiana allowed women in the group to take part in mountain prayer retreats, soul-refreshing excursions and training for income-generating projects.
The Rev. Portia Kanoyangwa, associate pastor of Chisipiti United Methodist Church, praised the recent Mountain Prayer Program at Ewanrigg Botanical Gardens as “enriching and deeply helpful to the singles of Chisipiti.”
She noted that unmarried people often feel overlooked in church activities. This retreat offered spiritual renewal and personal reflection.
Kanoyangwa urged women to embrace confidence and leadership. “You must work hard to care for your children, siblings and parents — just like anyone else,” she advised.
She emphasized praying and reading Scripture and expressed hope that women would lead in church, excel in their ventures, instill positive values in their children and pursue education.
“It was powerful to see them open up and inspire each other,” she said.
Mabasa Muzhizhizhi, associate pastor of Chisipiti United Methodist, expressed heartfelt appreciation for Women of Substance.
“I feel privileged and highly honored to be associated with them,” he said. “I have journeyed with them for three years and learned a lot.”
Participants shared testimonies, encouraged one another and discussed income-generating projects.
Testimonies Speak to How Ministry Changed Lives
Cathrine Muchenje, a widow of 25 years and adviser for the United Methodist women’s organization Rukwadzano RweWadzimai, reflected on her journey with Women of Substance.
“We meet for spiritual growth, empowerment and fellowship,” she said. Members are trained in cooking, baking and decor — skills that promote economic independence.
“God is always there for us,” Muchenje said.
She thanked the Indiana Conference and their pastors for their unwavering support.
Sandra Kudzika,vice chair of Women of Substance and a widow of 18 years, expressed gratitude for the group’s ongoing partnership with the Northwest District women of the Indiana Conference.
“We give thanks for the partnership,” she said. “Had it not been for them, we would not have managed to achieve what we have achieved.
Perpetua Kawanza, chair of the Innercity United Methodist Church (Harare West District) Singles Fellowship Union, said she has enjoyed “the spirit of oneness.”
Her group, which includes both men and women, has already celebrated four weddings. “This kind of fellowship can truly transform lives,” she said.
Mumvuma said the Women of Substance ministry at Chisipiti makes the church more visible in society.
“My hope is that they will continue to bloom so that others may be inspired to follow their example.”
Your Generosity Helps Others
By supporting your local congregation’s outreach ministries, you impact lives of your surrounding communities and those around the world. No matter what part of the world we live in, your generosity can reach across oceans and help conferences like Indiana help those that are less fortunate.
by Kudzai Chingwe, communicator for the Zimbabwe East Conference.
This story represents how United Methodist local churches through their Annual Conferences are living as Vital Congregations. The overarching purpose of The United Methodist Church is to "make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world." A vital congregation is one that is effectively engaged in this mission. Together, we become a powerful force for healing, growth, and transformation—living out the Gospel in every corner of the globe.
