Faith Ndou
MASVINGO-Rehoboth Light House Full Gospel Church, founded by Bishops Dr. Onismo and Dr. Flora Goronga held an early Christmas party for persons with disabilities (PWDs) reaffirming its commitment to inclusion and compassion.
The event took place at the church premises in Rujeko C near Shakashe Primary School where IT donated 40 food hampers and clothing to various disability organisations representatives.
Beneficiary groups included the National Association of the Society for the Care of the Handicapped (NASCO), Disability Amalgamation Community Trust (DACT), National Council of Disabled Persons of Zimbabwe (NCDPZ), COPOTA School of the Blind and the Albinism Community of Zimbabwe (ALCOZ).
Speaking after the donation, Dr. Bishop Flora Goronga said the initiative was meant to show love and remind persons with disabilities that they are valued.
“Today we are showing love to persons with disabilities. Most of the time they are forgotten, yet Jesus loves them. We want to wish them a Merry Christmas,” she said.
Dr. Goronga added that the church holds the event annually, deliberately choosing disability groups because they are often marginalised.
PWDs in attendance expressed joy and gratitude, praising Rehoboth Light House Full Gospel Church for remembering them during the festive season.
Purazeni Jakata, DACT President and Regional Representative of the National Association of the Society for the Care of the Handicapped said the gesture was uplifting.
“This helps keep us going because it shows that there are people who think about us,” Jakata said.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities theme, “Fostering disability inclusion in our communities,” and is also in line with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 which promotes social inclusion and shared responsibility.
Tavengwa Mazhambe, Chairperson of the National Council of the Disabled Persons in Zimbabwe expressed gratitude for the gesture, describing it as meaningful and impactful.
Meanwhile, Taurai Mutoti, representing the Mushandike Disability Agriculture Project said the event encouraged unity among persons with disabilities.
“We learnt about giving to each other. As persons with disabilities, we should support one another and learn to give,” he said.
Rehoboth Light House Full Gospel Church was founded in the United States of America by the late Bishop Franklin Hobbs and Carolyn Hobbs, with Bishops Dr. Onismo and Dr Flora Goronga pioneering the ministry in Africa.
The church was established in Zimbabwe in 2004 and this year marks 21 years of evangelism.
The bishops also run a private institution, RASA College located within the church premises which offers Cambridge education from Form One to Form Six.
