The United Methodist Church of Zimbabwe welcomed Bishop Dr. Gift Machinga as its new leader this past Sunday. He replaced Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa during a special event held in Harare, where many church members gathered to watch the handover. Former Bishop Nhiwatiwa talked about how churches use symbols during his goodbye speech.
"The church works with symbols like the cross. What happened today passes authority to a new leader. He becomes the shepherd for our people," explained the outgoing church head. Bishop Machinga then spoke to everyone at the ceremony about his hopes for the country.
He called the day important for both himself and Christians across Zimbabwe. "My message to all Zimbabweans focuses on peace because Jesus taught peace. We should live peacefully with our neighbors and everyone around us," the new bishop told the crowd.
Dr. John Mangudya, who belongs to the church, seemed happy about the leadership change when he talked to ZBC reporters. "Bishop Nhiwatiwa built a strong base for our church. Bishop Machinga will use that foundation to help the United Methodist Church reach new levels," he explained. Church members expect great things as Zimbabwe's UMC starts this fresh chapter under Bishop Machinga's guidance.
"The church works with symbols like the cross. What happened today passes authority to a new leader. He becomes the shepherd for our people," explained the outgoing church head. Bishop Machinga then spoke to everyone at the ceremony about his hopes for the country.
He called the day important for both himself and Christians across Zimbabwe. "My message to all Zimbabweans focuses on peace because Jesus taught peace. We should live peacefully with our neighbors and everyone around us," the new bishop told the crowd.
Dr. John Mangudya, who belongs to the church, seemed happy about the leadership change when he talked to ZBC reporters. "Bishop Nhiwatiwa built a strong base for our church. Bishop Machinga will use that foundation to help the United Methodist Church reach new levels," he explained. Church members expect great things as Zimbabwe's UMC starts this fresh chapter under Bishop Machinga's guidance.
