The Eastview community in Harare, Zimbabwe, welcomed The United Methodist Church for a six-day crusade in October 2026. People accepted Christ and received healthcare services, including medical assessments, dental care, HIV and AIDS awareness, and family planning.
The Rev. John Makaniko, superintendent of the Harare East District, said the outreach demonstrated the church’s commitment to holistic ministry, sharing, “The crusade was a practical response to this vision and our calling to make disciples of Jesus Christ. The 60 people who accepted Christ and nearly 200 patients who received healthcare demonstrate that the gospel must be both proclaimed and lived.”
A vision for growth
Bishop Gift Kudakwashe Machinga has called for the Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Botswana Episcopal Area to become a shining example of hope, unity and sustainable ministry within The United Methodist Church and beyond. He introduced a “BEACON” Vision for the conferences he oversees, promoting Bold Evangelism, Equitable Clergy Welfare, Active Worship, Comprehensive Spiritual Growth, Ongoing Sustainability and Nurturing Communities.
In keeping with that vision, the Harare East District crafted a six-year ministry plan seeking to establish one new circuit annually.
“Our vision challenges us to pursue 5% annual membership growth,” said Makaniko. “Our priority is not simply to count converts, but to nurture committed disciples.”
The Eastview community was identified as a prospect to plant a new circuit within the next two years.
Above: People wait to be checked by the dentist at Harare East District’s outreach crusade in the Eastview community. During the six-day crusade, 67 patients were helped, including 21 tooth extractions.
‘Our main strategy was prayer’
According to Harare East District Evangelism vice chair Forgive Marimbita, the crusade was inspired by the decision to take bold evangelism into surrounding communities. He said pastors and members of the evangelism team made considerable sacrifices to organize the event, travelling long distances despite challenging road conditions.
“Our main strategy was prayer. We also held lunch-hour services, visited the venue for prayer, raised awareness through the media and hired a powerful public address system to reach the community,” Marimbita said.
Amos Singano of Brooklyn College, which hosted the crusade, described it as a rewarding experience, noting the spiritual impact and healthcare benefits to the community.
“We saw it as the right thing to do, especially because the grounds are centrally located and could help reach many souls,” he said, adding that he was willing to support similar Christian outreach initiatives in the future.
Following up with converts
Pastor Simbarashe Makoni, Eastview Circuit pastor in charge, said a pre-crusade needs assessment identified spiritual challenges, including nominal faith, inadequate discipleship, and youth struggles with identity. Social concerns included drug abuse, unemployment, crime, family breakdowns, gender-based violence, and poverty.
The crusade responded through evangelism, repentance, family teachings, healing, deliverance, and counseling.
“I witnessed mothers bringing their sons to the altar, husbands and wives surrendering together, and young people seeking purpose in Christ,” Makoni said.
Eastview United Methodist Church plans home visits, counseling, and integration of converts into church organizations as well as nurturing them in United Methodist doctrine. Baptism and reception as probationary members are planned for Dec. 14. Monthly revivals, youth skills training, and daily intercession will support their growth.
Healthcare reaches the community
Sr. Dadirayi Mano Manyarara, District Health Board chair and Eastview United Methodist Church member, said many community members could not afford clinic fees or medicines. She observed, “The church took this opportunity to provide holistic services. Resources were mobilized to procure essential medicines, helping 189 people. Eighty patients with ailments were attended to."
Referrals were also attended to online by Dr. John Chingonzo, Conference Board of Health associate chair. He received five referrals from nurses on site, including one patient with a crisis that required urgent action.
“Nurses and doctors complement each other,” Chingonzo said of the importance of telemedicine during emergencies. “Working as a team helps us achieve better outcomes.”
Dr. Florence Kagoro, a dentist with the United Methodist Healthcare Trust, said she attended to 67 patients, 47 of whom were female. The team performed 21 tooth extractions, while other patients received referrals, including one complicated case. Patients also received education on oral hygiene, effective toothbrushing, and available treatment options.
Kagoro noted that church gatherings provide an opportunity to reach people who might otherwise not afford dental care.
Dr. Florence Kagoro, a dentist with the United Methodist Healthcare Trust, assesses the teeth of a teenage girl experiencing a challenge of eruption of wisdom teeth.
Maria Zuze, a 58-year-old widow, said she had struggled with a painful decayed front tooth, but could not afford treatment. She said, “The care I received was good, and I am now free from the pain. I am grateful to the church for bringing this free service closer to us."
Chishamiso Nyakundengwa, 54, said fear and financial constraints had previously prevented her from seeking treatment. She shared, "Through the education I received and the experience of having my tooth extracted, I have gained confidence. I am now happy and willing to visit the dentist for future care."
‘A fulfilling experience spiritually and physically’
In addition to the medical treatment offered, Population Services Zimbabwe provided family planning education and contraceptives, attending to 42 people.
Sibongile Tekeshe, 49, said she had delayed visiting the hospital but “bringing the clinic to our doorstep helped us seek medical attention."
Tekeshe added that the sermons, deliverance ministry, and gospel music uplifted the community, describing the crusade as a fulfilling experience spiritually and physically.
Harare East District seeks to ensure that the Eastview outreach produces lasting transformation beyond the six days of the crusade.
“We are not looking for numbers on paper. We are raising disciples,” Makoni said. “In six months, our goal is that these 60 will not only still be in church, but will each bring one soul to Christ.”
Kudzai Chingwe is a communicator for The United Methodist Church’s Zimbabwe East Conference.
This story was published on November 13, 2026. The contact is Laura Buchanan
