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Sword & Trowel 2019: Issue 1


CHURCH PLANTING & BIBLE COLLEGE IN ZIMBABWE


P


astor Joseph Soko of Rugare Reformed Baptist Church, Harare has planted three churches outside of Harare, in Matepatepa, Murewa and Chimanimani near the Mozam- bique border. As recently reported in the news, the tropical cyclone Idai has caused widespread devastation, primarily in Mozambique but also in signifi cant areas of Zimbabwe, in par- ticular the town of Chimanimani. Pastor Richard Singedza reports that


there was no loss of life in the church, but some members have suffered fl ood damage to their homes, and in one or two cases, complete loss of the home- stead. Pastor Soko is co-ordinating efforts to provide relief and support for members while they rebuild and to meet their immediate needs. Part of the annual Christmas Day benevolent offering from the Tabernacle has been deployed there. This year’s Easter Conference in Matepatepa, a rural area 70 miles north-east of Harare, was attended by 150 adults, among them pastors from Gweru, Chiredzi, Marondera, Chim- animani and Harare. A number of Dr Masters’ booklets on key issues were available, translated into Shona. These booklets have been translated by a London-based Zimbabwean lady, with editing in Zimbabwe. There has been a great need for a ro-


bust vehicle, to enable visits to church plants several miles outside of Harare and generally to support the pastoral work. The Tabernacle’s overseas minis- try fund has now helped to purchase a


suitable vehicle to cope with the rough roads encountered in many places. Pastor Soko’s health has been a main challenge over the last year, resulting in a number of hospital admissions in connection with his diabetes and to reset a shoulder which had been dislo- cated for some time, but he reports the Lord has been good to him.


Outreach Sunday School The Harare church’s Sunday School


of about 50 children is held before the morning service. Every Saturday there is a Bible club attended by about 50 teenagers. These meetings are held in a purpose-built meeting place adjacent to Pastor Soko’s house. Childcare and basic education classes


are provided throughout the year, run by Mrs Plaxedes Soko, with helpers. Disadvantaged children attend from the local community in Rugare and surrounding areas. Benevolent help has also been given to pay school fees for orphans and less privileged children. Pastor Soko spends much time giving advice and counsel to many parents and grandparents facing severe trials due to the impact upon families of the current economic crisis. Pastoral and theological training continues, with students meeting twice a week for instruction. Pastor Soko studied at the LRBS 1998- 9 and is supported by the Tabernacle’s Overseas Ministry Fund (see page 22 for details).


page 12 Church Planting & Bible College in Zimbabwe


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