News & Updates

---

It all began when she became the first female in the Brethren In Christ Church in Zimbabwe to be installed as a licensed minister. It was in August 2022 that the church witnessed what had never taken place before where a female minister was licensed to serve in the church. Mrs Simangaliso Ncube had been serving in the BICC Church (in Lobengula) as a Pastor for a number of years and at the 2022 General Conference, after her application to be licensed was approved, received the license to minister in the church. 

Ordination- In the following year she was further ordained as a Reverend which was a first of its kind as well. To be ordained in the Brethren In Christ Church means becoming a fully recognised minister who has the responsibilities and privildeges of an official minister in the church.Part of those responsibilities include conducting the sacred services of the church like baptism, burials, Holy Communion and Baby Dedication.

Baptism – Saturday the 16thof November 2024 was a remarkable day as we witnessed her conduct a baptism service for the first time as an ordained minister. This was a notable occasion as she serves as the pioneer for all other female ministers who may desire to get to that level. Talking to her after the baptism service she had this to say, “Holding that service had its own feelings; at some point I was filled with anxiety, wondering how I am going to do it…wondering if I will do it well enough”. She further described the experience by saying, “like one driving for the first time, everyone else may dose off in the car but you remain alert and fully awake and not even feel the fatigue”. I also appreciated the part as well where she acknowledged the help of The Holy Spirit in knowing how to handle different candidates especially those that were nervous and would make it difficult to be immersed in the water. This first experience by Rev. S. Ncube, should challenge other female minsters that there is no excuse to pursuing your God-given call. “…all things are possible to him that believes” Mark 9:23. 

December 2022

The story of Mrs Elizabeth Gegana Ndlovu, who was born on May, the 5thof 1955, in Bulawayo, translated to glory on the day of the Lord, at six after midnight, the Sunday of September 4, of 2022. Her body lay peacefully at Lady Stanley cemetery in Bulawayo on September the 9th.. She is survived by 5 sons, 4 daughters in law, and eight grandchildren, the eighth of which came five days after her burial. Her story embodies a character transformed by Christ, a life of services and empowerment and lived in abundance. Her life was characterised by generosity, humility, integrity, socio-political influence and stewardship.

On the year the Queen of England Elizabeth II visited Zimbabwe, Mr Paulos Ndlovu (Njamba) who was born in Angola at a place called Silver Port had already migrated to Rhodesia, in the late 40s and had settled in Wankie (Whange). In 1954 Mr Paulos Ndlovu (Njamba) as a single man left Whange, came to Bulawayo, where he met the lady named Miss Sabe Ndebele and they got married. The first fruit of their marriage was a daughter, whom they named Elizabeth, after the Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth II who had visited Rhodesia the previous year (1954). 

Although Mrs Elizabeth was born in a family of three, which included siblings, Mary and her brother Simon. She grew up with step siblings from his father and mother. This context in her upbringing laid the foundation that thoroughly prepared her for her future vocation.  Where she offered impeccable service in the areas of marriage counselling, family and positive parenting and leadership mentorship until she was translated to glory. Her father worked for Rhodesia Railways as a general hand. Elizabeth then learnt life skills from a tender age in a context of the difficulties related to scarce resources within an extend family. 

Educationally, Elizabeth, began her primary education at Mpumelelo primary school and proceeded to Mpopoma High School where she completed her Ordinary level. It was not plain sailing for her because in some cases she would miss classes due to meagre resources at home. Due to these financial constraints, Elizabeth could not progress immediately to tertiary education as she had desired.  But, when the chance for her to return to school was availed through Mr Douglas Fuzzy, she grabbed the opportunity and continued to tertiary education. Praise be to God who sent Mr Douglas Fuzzy, a Christian business man and director of Rhodesia Christian Press (RCP), and a member of the Baptist Church. He was keen at supporting young people across denominations. Mr Douglas Fuzzy identified Elizabeth, and facilitated that she enrolled at United College of Education where she graduated as a teacher. 

She met the Lord at Scripture union, the transformation and relationship she valued until she joined her Lord in eternity. Her devotion to Christ was initially influenced by her devout father, a Christian leader who fellowshipped at Christian Mission Church. These Churches had their origin from Angola. Elizabeth’s faith, lifestyle, leadership, love for God and God’s work was well formed, and immeasurably affirmed by a community of believers. She attended church from her childhood, the experience which contributed immensely to her ministry to others, how she personally, richly lived for the glory of God. 

Notably, a missionary, from the Brethren Church, who significantly influenced Elizabeth’s love for scripture, with strong foundation in the supremacy of the word of God, was Leslie Reiney. Elizabeth’s zeal for the Lord and serving God was based on her love for the word of God. At form three she almost left schooling to join Dorothea Mission evangelistic team in Zimbabwe, in pursuit for preaching. But because her roots were not only deep in Scripture and in fellowship with God, but also interconnected, and intelocked with others, especially those of the household of faith who provided wise counsel, due to loyalty and humility she completed schooling without compromising her vocation for Christian ministry.

Her greatest strength in ministry was counselling. She was candid in addressing issues. Straight, direct with wisdom she would fearlessly address sensitive things which the majority would always avoid. 

It was at New Life for All Youth Movement, an interdenominational youth fellowship, where she met the man who was to be her husband, Rev. Dr. Albert Ndlovu who was attracted by her focus, faithfulness, love, service, integrity, openness, stewardship, and generosity with God’s resources. Resultantly, she got married to him, who is also known as uGegena on July 29, 1978. The couple was later blessed with five boys Nkosilathi, Shalom, Nkosikhona, Marshal and Andile respectively. In 1979, her mother in law passed on. In line with culturally praxis, she became a guardian of 3 children left by her mother in law and Elizabeth gracefully nurtured them. She further nurtured her sister’s children, and other vulnerable children sending them to school out of her own compassion and generosity. She got fulfilment raising children, completing her tasks, living inclusively, showing hospitality, serving children from all walks of life, be it spiritual sons, daughters, neighbours or strangers all were God’s people brought to her by the Lord. Her sincere parenting, coaching, leadership, hard work and ministry was characterised by honesty, hard work, integrity and accountability. It was said at her memorial service that Elizabeth had a very big heart and that her positive parenting, mentorship, training and coaching skills were impeccable. 

Elizabeth began her teaching vocation and calling at Nkulumane Primary school, where she says she met a very intelligent girl, now called Dr Ratidzai Takawira Nyenya, who made her popular by then. The child’s parents would say Elizabeth was a gifted, amazing, able, inspiring teacher as they witnessed how their daughter and other children excelled under her teaching. Dr Ratidza who now lives in Canada before having had lived in Norway for 10 years is a plant Biologist. She had this to say upon hearing about the passing on of her grade one teacher: 

I feel humbled to have had a teacher like Mrs Ndlovu, she was my first teacher- am what I am today because she laid a firm foundation-umbalisi wami wakuqala, meaning my first teacher, uMrs. Ndlovu the great! She was Mrs Ndlovu the great!”

From Nkulumane she taught at Lukhanyiso primary school in Mpopoma prior to teaching at Mafakela and Inzwananzi Primary schools where she served until her retirement in May, 2020. 45 years later a teacher representative from Inzwananzi Primary School – where Elizabeth taught until her retirement, speaking at Mrs Ndlovu memorial service said:  

When Elizabeth’s students excelled in their examinations, of which they would often do that anywhere, Elizabeth would proudly say to other teachers: “Ngilibhuqile!” a Sindebele term meaning “I outclassed you all!” 

Elizabeth’s teaching aptitude was not only outstanding but consistent such that both her colleagues in teaching and her students testified positively about her teaching proficiency. Saying “she taught with passion, she assisted students going an extra mile, a giver of love, loving the unlovable at school, a child’s rights defender, paying school fees for disadvantaged students, enabling most students to excel in her hands. 

Elizabeth would always resist being short changed at her work. Her workmates testified that she never participated in industrial action due to low salary. In recognition of her sacrificial services and commitment to education, one of her cousins bought her class enough test-books to alleviate teaching constraints, and to stimulate a reading culture for her learners. At the end of the day she donated those text books to the school, Inzwananzi Primary School. That is how, in short, Elizabeth faithfully answered God’s call as an educationist. 

Mrs Elizabeth served in various communities including Church and society as a wife of a minister of religion, a mother to the motherless, a mentor, a counsellor, a trainer, educationist and a servant of God who understood holistic ministry. Her remarkably ministry began at her home Church- the Church of the Brethren, and under New Life for All Youth Movement in their meetings held on Saturdays. Her home, Church, was not that strong on youth ministry. The majority were the elderly and youths could not fit very well. Though she loved and liked her local Church. She found meaningful spiritual formation through her strong participation in scripture union programs and at New Life for All Youth Movement. These services were more relevant, appealing and motivated her in Christian growth.

Elizabeth’s knowledge of people, their families and community was sincerely personal and individual, she would remember names, use personal names and that earned her genuine friends and respect. Moreover, her generosity and stewardship in resource distribution defiled the myth of scarcity. Up to her death bed – she was faithfully, and consistently offering her tithes to the Lord at Church. She was unwavering in her support to the work of the Church and families. Elizabeth’s love for the Lord overcame her love for the money. She used money generously. During her early years of marriage she earned more than her husband’s salary but she never personalised her money. Her money was for the entire family. Even when things changed, when she earned less than what her husband earned nothing really changed. The family relationship was the most important thing in her life, it mattered most than any other relationship or money. 

Elizabeth viewed her local Church as a community which provided guidance. Meaning that God’s guidance is not simply an individual matter, it is community effort. Acts 13:1-6 reveals that Gifts and talents are discovered and affirmed communally, and roles and responsibilities are defined communally. For Elizabeth the Christian community creates an environment where vision for missions is encouraged. The local Church provided her opportunities for accountability and friendship. Her Church, friends, and community spoke well of her until she went to be with the Lord. 

Elizabeth’s work philosophy went beyond the local community of faith,it touched national and the global community. Elizabeth answered a call to the life which recognizes that we are the product and project of generations of love and we must ensure that the next generation continues with the project. She created an environment for children to survive, thrive, succeed and conquer the world. Her own vocation was affirmed by the like-minded sister, brothers, believers and none believers alike. Her unparalleled commitment to Christ was unquestionably lived in submission to her God, her ultimate vocational director. She is a vocational model inviting us to make the world work. 

Elizabeth saw God’s providence in actions. Although she lived with diabetic condition, she celebrated love, marriage, and the beauty of life. At 33 years into marriage, the family noticing that her health condition was challenging, they threw a wedding anniversary party to lighten her up and as a celebration for the gift of life and marriage. She pulled through eleven more years before being translated to glory grateful to her God who is in charge of the universe. She believed her life experiences was not a bungle of accidents. For example, she saw her family background, education and life experiences as reflection of God’ hand and purpose for her life. She used her personalities, spiritual gifts and talents as God given for a meaningful life. Her identity was critical, it gave her the ability to tell self-story from a theological perspective. CS Lewis explains the life we saw in Elizabeth better: 

“We can never know ourselves as we really are except God’s view of us gained from scripture and the inner affirmation of it. It is safe to know our selves when the primary goal is the glory of God and his will. When a life is turned to Christ, and is given up to Christ’s personality, we start to have a personality of our own. Our inabilities, flaws and weakness revealed to us in every vocational context becomes strength by God’s Grace”.  (2 Corith 4:7 11:30:12:9)

Elizabeth carefully chose her words whenever she opened her mouth to talk because she knew the power of the tongue. Elizabeth’s timeless, inspiring companionship was a cornerstone of God’s ministry to her husband. Frequently criticized and frequently praised, she (Elizabeth) combined the two and supported the work of her husband-the work of the Lord-in earnest prayers, serious planning, preparation, advise, counsel, and deep commitment to her children, her in-laws, extended family, churches, teaching, and vibrant faith in Christ Jesus. Hers was a deep calling as a Christian, a wife, a loyal citizen in every way, she offered wise counsel offering striking support to life, as an excellent companion she will be for ever missed by her husband, family, church, community and to some extent the global family. 

April 2022

“Give honour to whom honour is due…” 

Honorary conferment ceremony for Rev. Dr. Albert Ndlovu

Theme for the education day:   

‘Jesus’ disciple is set to be educated in order to be a fruitful and revered disciple.’    

Theme verse for the day:  

Sunday the 10th of April 2022 will go down as one of the key moments for the year’s church calendar. As the scripture says in Romans 13:7, “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear, honour to whom honour”, this day marked the honour of a man who, indeed, deserves to be honoured. Rev. Albert Ndlovu who served as the Pastor for Brethren In Christ Church Lobengula for over four decades was honoured by being conferred with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Divinity with all rights, honours and privileges. He is now addressed as Rev. Dr. Albert Ndlovu.    

The Sunday Service dubbed ‘Education Sunday Part 2’ was a memorable one as musicians sang songs of Praise to God, congregants danced and ululated in celebratory mood as Rev. Gegana (as he is affectionately called), walked in a grand entrance with a number of leaders in the education sector. These included the Guest of Honour who is the Representative of Promise Christian University Doctor D. Manqoba Dube. Dr. Dube together with The Vice Chancellor of the National University of Science and Technology Professor Mqhele Dlodlo. The educationists had the honour of, on behalf of the President and Faculty of Promise Christian University, conferring the Honorary Degree on Rev. Gegana.    

We had in the programme various speakers in the education sector sharing their solidarity messages.  Dr. Michael McKinney, the President of Promise Christian University (The awarding University), in his honorary speech, expressed his appreciation to Dr. A. Ndlovu and said, “We are very proud of you Dr. Albert for your wonderful work all the years of faithful committed work there in the nation of Zimbabwe and we want to heartily congratulate you and the members of your church, your leaders within your ministry there and the other organisations that you are involved in the nation. I think it’s very commendable. We are very proud of you here at Promise Christian University and in days to come we wish you well and thank God for your work and for your ministry”.   

Rev Ndlovu reiterated the issue of making use of opportunities availed to us as brethren in order to progress in life. He spoke strongly on the need for one to be educated as a disciple. Over and above being a born again believer, one needed to be educated so that one is able to articulate his/her facts clearly, confidently and with depth. Peter and John upon justifying their argument of how they were born again were judged not to be schooled[ Acts4:13] On the other hand, the listeners of Apostle Paul’s argument on the same subject of being saved, did acknowledge the fact that he was surely educated [Acts 26;24]. Education was thus stressed to be important as it empowered  and liberated one, giving one the needed depth in a particular subject, the needed confidence and openness in thought.  

Brethren were encouraged to make sure that their children and anyone under their care received both primary and secondary education as enforced by the government of the country. Education on the other hand does not end, hence the need for a life-long learning approach as a means of ever upgrading one’s self in both skill and knowledge.   

According to Rev A Ndlovu, an educated Christian will always go an extra mile in spreading the word, evidenced by the distribution in authorship of New Testament books by the disciples of Jesus. Luke, the doctor wrote a longer version of the life of Jesus on earth, writing Acts as well. Apostle Paul, who never was physically a disciple of Jesus, wrote the greater part of the New Testament in letters to the many churches that he visited, all because of his level of education.  

Rev A, Ndlovu thus concluded by urging brethren to get educated for empowerment, enlightment and freedom. Education was now available online making it accessible to who-ever from wherever. Brethren were, therefore, challenged to aim at completing something educational by the end of the year.  

As conclusion of the education service, Rev A Ndlovu prayed for all teachers in the house as they stood up to receive that blessing of spreading both skills and knowledge to the empowerment of other brethren in Christ. Teachers were all invited to register their names with Mr. Sizo Maphosa so that a database of all educationists in the church was created in order to assist brethren with educational needs.   

Compiled by Dr. LillieBeth Hadebe 

38 years of dedication to service

Mr. Chester Mlotshwa’s 38-year service to the church is a living example of dedication, commitment and loyalty. At the end of this year (31 December 2021), he will be retiring having served the church as a General Hand since 1983. During an interview (full video interview on YouTube) Mr. Mlotshwa shared in detail his experience working in the church taking care of the church complex.

Mr Mlotshwa worked for a number of years in South Africa in the 70s at a mine which was known as Wenela after which when he returned to Zimbabwe (Rhodesia by then) got employment in the church as a General Hand. His work included cleaning the auditorium in and outside, maintaining the grounds, and doing repairs and maintenance of church property.

Working in the church and being a member of the church has been an interesting experience for Mr Mlotshwa as he was not only an employee during the week but a Sunday School Teacher on Sunday. One of his long serving superiors, Pastor Rev. Albert Ndlovu, said Mr Mlotshwa has been an asset in the church.  His service to the church has been outstanding. He served the church with dedication even though the conditions at times would not be conducive. Mr. Mlotshwa reiterated the same sentiments that at times the working conditions would not be conducive for example working long hours and having less off days. Working in the church as the Caretaker meant Mr. Mlotshwa had to be at work even in times he would have, by right, been already knocked off or be off duty. Due to his tenacity, resilience and love for the service to God he worked under those conditions with gladness and together with his superiors sought for remedies to improve the working conditions.