January 2026 Mission Report - Simbarshe and Memory Gondo

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

Weather and Travel

We received good rains in January; rivers flooded across Manicaland and Masvingo Provinces, and Mozambique also experienced floods. During the first two weeks, I was in Mashonaland Central Province (northeastern Zimbabwe), and in the third week, we returned home to continue our exchange program.

Evangelism and Church Work

Brother Manyanhaire, a preacher at Mazowe Church of Christ, is working with Brother Mikirosi, a student preacher at Bear Valley Bible Institute in Gweru, Midlands Province. Brother Mikirosi comes from Glendale Church of Christ, which is about 10 km from Mazowe. Together, the three of us have been doing personal evangelism for several families, including Nati, Mavhiza, Golden, Mavhura, Mutambarika, Mujeki, Chingwete, Chikuri Kamburusi, Murima, Mbodza, Mutambarika, Nesta, Sam, Knowledge, Tanya, Sanya, Chacha, Pedzisai, Mujurunyorowa, Mikirosi, and Brother Author.

A major concern for these families is having a good working environment, dealing with sickness in their immediate families, and ensuring their children prosper in education. Three youths sat for their Ordinary Level examinations last November and achieved outstanding results. We encouraged them to maintain good grades wherever they go and to uphold strong moral values.

Mazowe Church of Christ

Mazowe Church of Christ is small in numbers, with an average of 28 people attending Sunday services. Despite their size, they give generously. The area is a gold mining environment, attracting people from across the country, many of whom are involved in illegal mining. While living conditions are better, cases of violence are high. We witnessed two deaths caused by misunderstandings over money and gold, resulting in knife killings.

The Mazowe Church acquired a stand (a plot of land designated for building or development), but there has been no development so far. They had an opportunity to drill a borehole, but did not find water on the mountain where the stand is located. The church plans to sell the stand and find a better location.

Exchange Program and Baptisms

The whole congregation was happy to be with us for the exchange program. Our theme comes from the book of Acts 17:28. On January 11th, two youths—Brother Kamburusi and Sister Mujeki—were baptized.

Church Challenges and Solutions

After returning home, we visited church members and addressed challenges such as church baptism, absenteeism, and late attendance. During the rainy season, many people go to the fields on Sundays and do not realize the consequences of missing the Lord’s Supper. We encouraged them to value God’s work first and themselves second, hoping this will bring positive change. We emphasized timekeeping, and the congregation agreed to adjust.

Community Support and Gifts

Brother Paida Chidzikwe, a longtime member now working in Harare, showed his love for the church by donating apron dresses for all the ladies at Bazel. These aprons are worn during funerals and meetings to keep clothes clean, reflecting care and respect for tradition. On the 25th, we distributed aprons at our house as per his instructions, since he wanted to avoid spreading rumors. He also gave me a pair of shoes; only children and men were excluded. People were happy and celebrated with joy. We also received wine and bread from him, and he was excited to see the church’s gable finished. He contributed his pledges as well.

Care for the Sick

Sister Betty Muradzikwa is not feeling well. The church ladies, including Sister Chiwedere, my wife, Mashayamombe, and others, visit her regularly. I am sincerely grateful to them for fulfilling their duties during my absence. Sister Betty is 74 years old, with no children, and has worked hard in the fields to sustain herself, but she is now suffering from stress.

Student Preacher and Church Support

Together with the church at Bazel, we applied for a student preacher at Mutare School of Preaching to help us during weekends. His name is Tanaka Gurupira, a dedicated second-year student, 21 years old and single. The church is giving him $7 to cover transport expenses. We decided to take him next year for a full-year attachment, supporting him with $29 per month. I will stay with him, teaching him projects, working in the field, and doing personal evangelism.

Agriculture and Tools

I discovered that a walking tractor is a good tool for our fields. It costs $1,800. Hiring a cow plough is expensive; last year I paid $80 to plough, but using a diesel walking tractor requires 20 liters of diesel, costing $28. Some church members do not have cattle and cannot afford the cow plough, but fuel expenses can help them plough their fields.

Our maize garden produced a bumper harvest—I am expecting over a ton. I irrigate twice using a petrol pump. At the beginning of March, I will plant beans. I bought fencing (1.5m height by 200m) for my garden. I have $500 remaining to buy iron poles and pay labor costs to protect against animals and fire, then I will remove all the thorn hedges.

Education and Gratitude

Schools opened on the 13th, and all my children went to school. Laura is in Form 2, Lowell in Grade 6, Leal in Grade 3, and Lester in E.C.D.A. I am happy we managed to pay school fees, which were $770. I want to thank you for your December support, which covered January to March 2026. May the Lord continue to bless you all.

Yours in Christ 

Simbarashe Gondo