MU Project in Zimbabwe Inspires Hope and Prayer

Life in Zimbabwe is not easy these days. Inflation runs at between 1000% and 2000% per year; food, fuel, work and almost everything else is scarce; and, as many people have left the country, families are scattered. Amongst the worst hit areas is the diocese of Matabeleland.

In the diocese the Mothers’ Union is still one of the largest lay organisations which struggles to support the life of the Church, to help the women on whom fall the main pressures of holding the home together, caring for the children and the old people, nursing victims of HIV/AIDS and in general loving their neighbour.

In 1992, when life was ‘normal’, the MU set up a project to use locally produced material to make ‘small linens’ as a way of funding some of the exciting work that was developing in the branches across the diocese. Using members’ sewing skills thousands of purificators, corporals, lavabo towels and palls have been stitched in members’ homes, brought to diocesan HQ and sent to the UK for sale. All the proceeds are returned to the Diocesan MU and much has been used as ‘seed corn’ for new projects. 

Today, in spite of the immense difficulties faced, the sewing continues. With the sewing goes prayer for the ministry that it supports. One of the difficulties, when the postal service is in shambles, is how to get the linens out to Britain, but MU resourcefulness has so far managed to overcome this. In Britain and elsewhere there are many churches, Cathedrals, Hospitals, Prisons and Schools where at every Eucharist, Matabeleland Church Linens and the prayer of the people bring the work of the MU in Zimbabwe to the throne of Christ, as it seeks to share the gospel of his love and serve his people in a time of great need.

 For details of Matabeleland Church Linens send an s.a.e. to:  7 The Daedings, Deddington, Banbury OX15 ORT or contact Canon Hugh Marshall on 01869 337761 or   hughm@fish.co.uk
This article first appeared in the diocesan MU publication, Focus and is reprinted with their kind permission.