SYDNEY MUBAIWA
MASVINGO-In a bold move that blends faith, skills building and economic empowerment, the Roman Catholic Church Diocese of Masvingo recently celebrated the commissioning of its newly procured yellow machines comprising of motorised grader and a JCB, an enterprise aimed to generate income and provide sustainable livelihoods for local residents.
Masvingo Diocese Vicar General Rev Dr Oscar Peter Chagweda confirmed the development in an interview with The Midweek Watch.
“We have procured yellow machines comprising of a grader and a JCB. The machines are ready for hiring at affordable prices,” he said.
He said through the projects, the diocese seeks to provide job opportunities to the Diocese.
The income generated is aimed to support the diocese, families in need and build a lasting source of income for the church community.
Locals welcomed the development saying it will help create jobs.
“We appreciate this development. I can picture a solution for unemployed youths, in and outside the church,” said Innocent Moyo an unemployed Catholic in an interview.
Churches previously focused on their two fold mission of winning souls and shepherding however, a number of churches across the country have realised that it is impossible to achieve the mission without money.
Several churches have now invested funds into some income generating projects, business breakfast meetings and fundraising dinners where experts in business are invited to make presentations on business principles and strategies.
The world is now associated with economic empowerment. In the Old Testament the Levities used to sorely depend on tithes for their livelihoods as directed by God (Numbers 18: 21).
In the New Testament, Jesus encouraged entrepreneurship as evidenced in the parable of talents in Mathew 25:14-30.
Evidently the church has a key role to play in economic transformation across the globe.
The Diocese of Masvingo, established in 1999, serves a population of approximately 2 million people, with around 257, 000 Catholics. It is involved in various initiatives, including social development and evangelization.
