Shouldering The Church: Mathew Muchingami

MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
Shouldering the Church
By
Mathew Muchingami
Edited by Blessmore Mandevhana
Foreword by Dr Paul Shupikai Chimhungwe
i
SHOULDERING GOD’S WORK
Shouldering the church
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be

reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording or otherwise, without prior permission from the
author.
ISBN 978-1-77929-816-4
Copyrights2020@ Mathew Muchingami
Cover design by Kundai Sinoia
First published in 2020
Layout by beyond today

Edited by Blessmore Mandevhana
Published by beyond today
Publisher +263713488018
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ii
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
First and foremost I give my most profound appreciation to God

who saw me through from the gathering of the information, to the
typing and publishing of this work. These processes were
accompanied by so many journeys to and from my base in Gweru.
God has been wonderful.
Great appreciation goes to Campion and Joyce Mugweni who had to

put up with me in the process of gathering the information. Though
Joyce had to depart earlier to be with the Lord before getting the
book into her hands, her contribution and memory of things is
highly acknowledged. Appreciation also goes to some of the
children for providing more insight into some of the issues that were
covered. Campion and Joyce were great record keepers. Most of the
pictures and letters remained intact in their files and these made
things easier.
Several individuals played a part during the information gathering

stage. Some of these are acknowledged as sources in the book.
Some have not been acknowledged in the book but were pivotal in
both confirming and correcting information and expanding my
horizon in this task. To these I am most grateful. The following are
dully acknowledged; Abednigo Mugweni, Mbuya Chitendeni, Percy
Gwini, Martha Muchingami, Brighton Muchingami, Nickson
Chigariro, Godwin Marandure, Sekuru Murevanhema, Cleopas and
Idah Bamu, Edmund and Florence Gwazaza, Tawanda Chimedza,
Christopher Mlauzi, Adam Chamisa, George Mberenga, Pindukai
Makunde, Daniel Goodyear, Lovemore Manyanhaire, Oswald
Rusere, Newman Kanchefu, Dickson Chagoma, Taylor Mukono,
Brighton Mucherera, Laina Chaitezvi nee Mubvumbi, Tawanda
Chimedza, Nyasha Mukondwa, Emmanuel Makarichi and Tendai
Marandure among others. All writers of scripts and emails inserted
in the work, thank you.
Great appreciation to Dr. Paul Shupikai Chimhungwe whose

influence upon me to become a scholar and researcher is beyond
mention. To all my teachers at Mutare School of Preaching (2005-
iii
2007) and School of Biblical Studies, Jos in Nigeria (2007-2010),
thank you.
My wife, Nyasha and daughter, Mitchell, were deprived of my

presence many times as I made constant trips and undertook many
office hours away from them. However, the support from Nyasha in
this effort was overwhelming
DEDICATION
iv
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
This work is a recognition of the work of many individuals in

Zimbabwe who shouldered and have been shouldering the work of
God against all odds. The situation in several congregations
undergirded by weak systems and weak leaderships demands men
and women who stand in the gap so that things may happen. It is
also a recognition of the pains and sorrows that preachers go
through without the basic necessities of life. Several preachers
preach without any financial support but sacrifice themselves so that
the work proceeds. Certain leaders have also claimed their niche in
this quagmire. This work, therefore, is dedicated to these selfless
soldiers of the cross who avail themselves to be catalysts in the
expansion and sustenance of the church.
Editor’s note
The information in this book you’re about to read is more up-to date
than tomorrow’s newspaper. I can say with confidence because the
facts, researches and predictions in these next few chapters are
indeed factual. The primary tenacity of this article is to present the
v
history of the Church of Christ in Zimbabwe guided by and
responding to major questions like: where did the church came
from? Who were the influencers? Who were responsible for its
spread? What determined the current growth? Whats are its current
challenges? What could be some of the solutions to these
challenges?
This, however does not limit the content to those of the Christian
persuasion, but any human being who desire to succeed and jump
over the hurdles, will find this book beneficial. It is my hope that the
joy l experienced while editing this collection will rub off onto you.
The energy zapping through the author as he wrote and researched
his pieces will also be infused into your system and propel you to
action. The only mistake you can do is to read this book and just sit
on the knowledge and wisdom you would have accrued.
Blessmore Mandevhana
Editor │ Author │Motivational Speaker │TV & Radio personality

│Director of Beyond today
Foreword
It is an honour to write a foreword in the biography of Campion and
Joyce Mugweni, anchors of the Church of Christ in Mutare,
Zimbabwe. The Mugweni’s have left ineffable footprints in the
Restoration Movement in Zimbabwe and beyond and this brief
foreword navigates through their spirituality and ecumenism,
evangelistic endeavours, hospitality, educational pursuits, and
involvement in community activities. The couple has been in Mutare
vi
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
since 1964; of course, Joyce passed on in 2019. This brief article

captures the gist of their life as detailed in this book that deserves a
place in every Zimbabwean Church of Christ preacher’s library.
Spirituality Embedded in Inclusivism and Broad Mindedness
The Mugweni’s are known for their deep spirituality, the fulcrum of
all their activities, yet they are also remarkably broad minded. When
the Mugweni’s arrived in then Umtali during the third week of
January 1965, after working with the Dombotombo congregation,
Marandellas, in 1964, they settled in Dangamvura where Moira their
first daughter started schooling. After only a few days, they shifted
to Sakubva, where they started meeting with the Mashoko branch of
the churches of Christ that was being led by Joseph Mafa. Hence,
the first Sakubva congregation had two ministers: the Mafa’s and
Mugweni’s. The congregation was characterised by unbelievable
harmony and exchange of ideas, including music; those years the
Mashoko branch did not use any instruments of uniforms. Mugweni
said, “Our work with Brother and Sister Mafa was an answer to
many prayers because they were experienced and we were just
novices. This is something that our young men and women should
learn—prayer is the key to the success of the Lord’s work.” 1 The
two families knew that both the Mashoko/Dadaya Branch and the
Nhowe Mission Branch originates from Forest Vale Mission,
Bulawayo. They were also aware that the Restoration Movement
was known for its unity with diversity. Regrettably, their unity was
disrupted when a missionary from Mashoko told them that they
could not worship together.
Mugweni and his group started meeting under a mutohwe tree in

Zororo, while Mafa’s group, under the auspices of that missionary,
had a church building constructed in Chinyausunzi, Sakubva, within
a few months. Mugweni’s group stopped meeting under the
1
Campion Mugweni and Joyce Mugweni, The Work of the Church of
Christ in Mutare, Zimbabwe, interview by Paul S. Chimhungwe, August 12,
2011.
vii
mutohwe tree after the Seventh Day Adventists allowed them to use
their church building. Joyce Mugweni was convinced that “it was
the power of prayer that we managed to secure a meeting place
because we were in a desperate situation; meeting under a tree was
not easy during the rainy season.” 2 To strengthen their work, the
Mugweni joined the minister’s fraternity in order to manoeuvre in
the townships those days. Without the support of the denominational
preachers, a minister could not preach in the townships during
colonialism.
Evangelistic Endeavours
The humble beginnings of the Sakubva congregation, currently the

biggest congregation in the churches of Christ in Zimbabwe with a
membership of close to 600 people, shows that church work requires
evangelistic endeavours and authentic leadership. Mugweni and
wife, with the assistance of Loy and Donna Mitchell, knocked doors
in Sakubva every other day during the week. They also visited
prisons and hospitals giving an ear to those on the society’s
peripheral. In addition to this, the Mugweni’s were known for
nurturing young men and women who finally became pillars in the
churches of Christ in Zimbabwe. Noah and Margaret Gonzo, Conrad
and Helen Tsiga, Michael and . . . Zumbika, to name a few, were
partially nurtured and married by the Mugweni’s at Sakubva since
they were one of the two couples that were government registered
marriage officers in the churches of Christ in Rhodesia. (Percy and
Theresa Gwini, who were based in Triangle those days, were the
other couple.)
The Mugweni’s had followers because of their authentic leadership

qualities. This agrees with Kretzschmar’s argument that good
“leaders are people who have willing followers. Authentic leaders
do not need to compel or force obedience. They exercise authority
and influence others. They act and have an impact on the lives and
2
Mugweni and Mugweni.
viii
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
views of people.”3 This captures the evangelistic lives of the

Mugweni’s. There is a contemporary chronic shortage of such
leadership in some of our churches because of the economic
quagmire that characterizes Zimbabwe during the past two decades.
Again, Kretzschmar reminds us: “Africa [Zimbabwe, especially the
churches of Christ] needs leaders of integrity and competence rather
than leaders who are immoral and who misuse or abuse power.” 4
Can today’s young men and women match the calibres of the
Mugweni’s, whose house was open to everybody?
Beacon of Hospitality and Benefactor to all Preachers and

Christians
In Shona, they say, “Musha mukadzi.” A prudent wife is the

foundation of a wholesome family. This epitomizes the late Joyce
Mugweni who opened her doors to all classes: the elite, the rich, the
poor, the wise and even those who were not so good; they were
heartily received at No 24 New Dangare, Sakubva. When the family
moved to the suburbs after Zimbabwe’s independence, Upper Third
Street was open to all and it was Joyce, the beacon of hospitality,
who attracted all of us to her house. It is our prayer that the Lord
may rest her soul in peace.
In addition to hospitality, the Mugweni are known as cheerful

givers. When preachers faced financial crunches, it was the
Mugweni’s who came to their relief. As cheerful givers and
trustworthy couple, Campion and Joyce were entrusted with the care
of many a preachers’ support who were establishing churches in
Manicaland and other provinces in Zimbabwe.
African Mission Fund
3
Louise Kretzschmar, “Authentic Christian Leadership and Spiritual
Formation in Africa,” Journal of Theology for Southern Africa 113 (July
2002): 46.
4
Kretzschmar, 46.
ix
Loy and Donna Mitchell worked hand-in-hand with Campion and
Joyce from 1966 to spread the gospel in Manicaland. They were
close couples who pioneered the establishment of congregations in
remote areas. When the Mugweni’s arrived in Umtali in 1965, there
was only one congregation in Manicaland—Chipinge Area Church
of Christ which was planted by Samson and Padi Mhlanga (Mbuya
and Sekuru Mhlanga) around 1948. The current Chipinge
congregation was established in 1950. However, it was the
combined efforts of the Mugweni’s, the Mitchells, staff and students
at Mutare School of Preaching, and preachers who were partnering
with churches in the United States of America that were responsible
for establishing close to 300 congregations in Manicaland. When the
Mitchells finally left Zimbabwe in 1996, they handed the leadership
button to their confidante: the Mugwenis, who faithfully executed
the duties. The Mitchells, like the Mugweni’s, changed the face of
the Church of Christ in Zimbabwe because they shared their
leadership responsibilities with others. This agrees with Henri
Nouwen’s argument: “If Christian laymen, ministers, and priests
really want to be agents of social change, the first thing they have to
learn is how to share leadership.” 5 The Mugweni’s have now
groomed the next crop of leaders because they are educated,
especially Campion.
The Mugweni’s are Educationists
Campion is known for his insatiable quest for higher education. I

still recall one day in 1982 when the late Xavier Goredema, then
principal of Umtali School of Preaching, read a note in chapel to the
effect that Campion Mugweni has obtained a doctorate and is now
Dr. Mugweni. Some of us were clueless of what a doctorate was,
although Dr. Washington Mhlanga, one of the few brothers who had
an earned doctorate in the churches of Christ, had been introduced to
us during the first post-war of independence Nhowe Mission
Lectureship in 1981. Since 1981 Campion has been known as Dr.
5
Henri J. M. Nouwen Creative Ministry (Toronto: Doubleday, 1971), 85.
x
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
Mugweni and has motivated many young men and women to scale
the academic ladder and obtained earned doctorates. Finally, the
Mugweni’s involved themselves in community activities.
Mugweni—Umtali African Townships Advisory Board
During the colonial era, Africans were allotted advisory positions in

urban councils. Campion was in the Umtali African Townships
Advisory Board from 1967 to 1979. This was an influential position
because the board was responsible for allocating houses to Africans
and attending to issues that had to do with the welfare of Africans in
the townships. Campion was able to scale into these positions of
responsibility because he was a man of God who had a mission: to
win people back to God, although he was not an angel. Noll tells us
that our heroes and heroines are men and women who have feet of
clay, and the Mugweni’s are no exception.6
Conclusion
The Mugweni’s gave themselves wholly to God in order to win

others to Christ and his Church. In order for this to happen, they
acknowledged that they are “sinners without any right to special
attention,” and it is only after this acknowledgement that they
“encounter[ed] our God who calls us by own name and invites us
into his intimacy.”7 Succinctly, we have given you the snapshots of
Campion and Joyce’s achievements, and now we invite you to go
through the book and appreciate how God uses his people to grow
the everlasting kingdom. ~ Dr. Paul Shupikai Chimhungwe
6
Mark A. Noll, Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of
Christianity, Third Edition (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2012), 12.
7
Henri J. M. Nouwen. The Genesee Diary: Report from a Trappist
Monastery (Toronto: Doubleday, 1981), 67.
xi
Contents
Acknowledgments……………….………………..…….……… iii
Dedication………………………………….……..……..……… v
Editor’s note…………………………………..…..……….….…vi
Foreword………………………………………..…………..…..vii
Church of Christ prior to 1960…………………..…..….….…. 1
Upbringing and marriage …………………...…………...….….5
Conversion, training and early work…………………..….…. 11
The early years in Umtali ……………………………………...24
Extension work ……………………………....................…….35
The story of Chikomba and Buhera …..……………..….……44
Education ………………………………………………...……..53
The rise to popularity ……………………….................…….60
The story of Sakubva Commercial College ...…..…………...68
Training others …………………………….…….………..……72
Ordination ………………………………………..………...….77
Roles at Mutare School of preaching …………..…..…......…80
Financial support for preachers………….….…………..…… 84
Construction of church buildings …….…………..…....……..98
Church and government ……………………….…..……...…107
National in thinking …………………………….………...…..118
Welfare to humanity ………………………….…..……...…..130
Joyce’s transition to glory……………….……..…...…………135
References…………….…………………………..……..……...143
xii
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
1
CHURCH OF CHRIST PRIOR TO 1960
T his book traces the life and work of Campion and Joyce
Mugweni within the Church of Christ (COC). It is an attempt
to assess and document their contribution within the church’s
history. It follows that, many native men and women contributed
immensely to God’s work in Zimbabwe and beyond, unfortunately,
no documentation has been done. The work of missionaries has
always been elevated more than that of natives. This treatise is an
antithesis to this prevailing norm. The contributions of local
workers, both men and women, has been immense and need to be
valued by all and sundry. These sacrificed their lives, time, careers,
resources and earthly relationships for their Master in heaven.
Among these, is a couple whose contributions, like others, has been
enormous. This is Campion and Joyce Mugweni.
Before the coming of Campion and Joyce on the scene, a lot had
happened. Much work had been done. This work starts by an outline
that traces such a history till 1960. It is a recognition that there are
several people, with the help of God, who grew and sustained the
church in her history in Zimbabwe. As highlighted above, several
others did their part, but unfortunately nothing was written down for
current and future generations to remember them with. Many more
rose to the challenge within their time and many more will come
after if the Lord tarries. So as not to re-invent the wheel, the
following outline8, by Dr. Paul Shupikai Chimhungwe, is a capsule
8
This outline is used by permission and is inserted here as it is. It is a result
of Paul Chimhungwe’s frantic effort to trace the history of the church in
Zimbabwe. The outline summarises his findings contained in his Master’s
of what transpired before the time that Campion and Joyce appeared
on the scene.
 1897 John Sherriff arrives in Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia

 1900 John Sherriff establishes Forest Vale Mission a school for
indigenous people in Zimbabwe
 He trains three outstanding natives who start the work in Rhodesia—
Northern and Southern—and Nyasaland
o Jack Mukaro Mzirwa from Macheke
o Peter Masiya from Mozambique
o Ellerton Kundago from Nyasaland
o Others were
 George Khoza (originally from Swaziland
establishes churches in South Africa)
 Daniel Shandabvu
 1914 John Sherriff deploys Jack Mzirwa and Peter Masiya to Northern
Rhodesia
o Jack Mzirwa establishes Senkobe Mission near Livingston
but the mission closes due to lack of funding. He comes back
home to Macheke where he establishes a church around
1915.
o Peter Masiya establishes Sinde Mission in Northern
Rhodesia near Livingston
o Ellerton Kundago works in the Blantyre area
 Jack Mzirwa while in Guyu, Mackeke
o Baptises Choto, Mvirimi Makunde, Penny Mpondi and
others
o 1919 indigenous people around Guyu, (Maryland) Macheke
area are evicted to give way to white colonial farmers and
they settle in the Wuyu area
o 1920-1926 Jack Mzirwa, with the help of others establish
Wuyu Mission
 1926 John Sherriff shifts base from Forest Vale Mission to Wuyu
o He builds houses for his family
o He builds classrooms
o He starts working on the church building which he
completes in 1931
o He builds a water well which is still there—“Tsime
raSherriff” paWuyu Wuyu
Thesis, PHD Dissertation and upcoming book that traces such history.
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
o He is accompanied by Ndlukula Nkomo the father of the late

Alex Ndlukula.
 1930 Samson Mhlanga leaves Mbare for Wuyu Wuyu
o As a builder he worked with Sherriff to complete the church
building and other structures
o He was also a teacher
o He was baptised at Wuyu Wuyu that same year
 1930 Dewitt S. Garret family arrive at Wuyu Wuyu to work with John
Sherriff
o He was a pre-millennialist from the word go.
o 1931 Robert Garrett is born in Salisbury, the family is still
staying at Wuyu Wuyu
 1931 William Newton Short arrives at Wuyu Wuyu Mission (he was
previously in Northern Rhodesia)
 1924? Godi Karimanzira is baptised by Mzirwa at Wuyu Wuyu
Mission. He was taught by Chakanyuka Gonzo and others while
working at a farm in Dzivarasekwa.
 1926 Goliath Nchena is deployed by John Sherriff to establish the
Church of Christ in Harari (now) Mbare
o He is originally from Malawi (he is the father of the Nchena
brothers in Mutare)
o He works with many people and starts teaching Samson
Mhlanga, a builder from Mellsetter (now Chimanimani).
Mhlanga had arrived around 1928 in Harari after training
as a bricklayer.
 1932 Garrett family relocates to Borrowdale, Salisbury, and it starts
working with Goliath Nchena
 Nchena establishes a number of congregations around Salisbury
especially in mining areas where people coming from Malawi where
working.
 1933 John Sherriff is forced to relocate initially to Cape Town and
then finally back to Forest Vale Mission because of a terrible skin
disease.
 1934 Sherriff passes on and is buried at Forest Vale Mission in
Bulawayo
 1934 Wuyu Wuyu Mission is closed on 15 October 1934 by W. N.
Short
o He had a sharp disagreement with the indigenous people
over school fees
o He carried all what he could to his farm which he had
bought near Nhowe Mission
o He established a community church and started building
scotch carts
 1939 W. L. Brown arrives to revive Wuyu Wuyu but finds out that it
was beyond repair
 1940 He establishes Nhowe Mission which opened its doors that year
o One of the workers was Zuma Banza
o One of the teachers was Philemon Gezi
 1943 Eldred Echols stays briefly at Nhowe but leaves because he could
not stomach Brown’s racism
 1947 Samson Mhlanga leaves Nhowe for Chipinge because of Brown’s
attitude with blacks. He establishes the Chipinge Town church in 1950
but it was only registered when D. W. Garrett visited in 1952
 1949 Brown goes for a furlough and there is a doctrinal crisis at the
mission—premillennialism—people like Zebedee Tandi were now at
the mission
 1950 Boyd Reese takes over. He is coming from Northern Rhodesia
 He brings with him Alex Ndlukula who had trained as a teacher in
Northern Rhodesia
 1955? L. Gifford is at the mission
 1958 Nhowe Bible School is established with Roy V. Palmer, Loy S.
Mitchell and others
 Some of the first graduates are Michael Zumbika and Ray Mvula
2
UPBRINGING AND MARRIAGE
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
T he Mugweni family originated at Chikwiri Village, in Buhera.

Campion Taonezvi Mugweni Hove of the Dziva totem was born on
the 29th of October, 1939. The Mugweni’s are from the Nenhobvu
lineage and are royalty. He has one brother Abednigo Mandizvidza
Mugweni who has been the preacher at the Maware congregation for years.
Their mother was Emily Toda. Towards the birth of Campion and as per
the Zezuru culture, Emily went back to her village at Mudyawabikwa in
Tsate. It is located in the Njanja area of Chikomba District. This village is
very close to the classes at St. Cyprian School. Her family was known as
Marandure. Some of Marandure’s sons were Masiiwa and Zharare.
Campion was then born at Mudyawabikwa village. After giving birth, the
two, Emily and the new baby Campion, returned to Chikwiri Village in
Buhera.
Campion grew as an orphan. His father passed on in 1945 when he was just
six, while Abednigo was four. Life became difficult for Emily after the
death of her husband. Soon after his father’s death, Campion was taken by
his aunt by the name Mujai, who had gotten married to a man called
Mukumbu, to Wiltshire, populary known as Hwirisha, in the Chivhu area
but returned back to Buhera after a few months. After Campion returned,
Emily and her two sons did not take long in Buhera. Things were not easy.
Emily decided to go back to her family of origin that is the Marandure
family in Mudyawabikwa village. Life had become very difficult. This is
why Campion had to be taken to Wiltshire in the first place. Campion was
then placed in the hands of Mbuya Marandure who briefly took care of him
and was later given into the hands of gogo’s brother.
One issue that exacerbated the challenges of the family was that Emily was
a chigadzamapfihwa when she got married. Her husband’s first wife, who
was her aunt, had passed on. Emily was, therefore, given as a replacement.
Campion’s father was very old at this stage. Three children had been born in
the first marriage. The first son was Luke, the second was John while the
third was called Rhoda. Rhoda stayed in the Chihota area.
On the other hand, Joyce, Campion’s wife was born on the 26 th of May
1940. Her other names were Shamiso and Violet. She was born in a family
of seven, three boys and four girls. Her father was Thomas Gwayi while the
mother was Jesca Gwayi nee Muza. Joyce grew up in this area. Like
Campion, they both attended school at Ruuke School, also known as St
Cyprian. She later went to Dembwa School in 1952 to do standard 2 where
she stayed with Kingstone Nyamushanya, her cousin brother, who was a
teacher there. Another school she attended was Zvamatohwe School to
finish her standard 2. Joyce had everything and had a fortunate upbringing.
She came from a well-developed family. Her father had a big garden where
he grew vegetables and sugar cane. He supplied the whole area of Tsate.
This garden was always a talk of the area.
Joyce and her sister Martha at Gwayi homestead where they were brought
up
For Campion, as an orphan, going to school was, therefore, a challenge as

he had to shift from one relative to another. In 1949, he went to St Cyprian
Ruuke School (now called Damba in Njanja) in Chikomba district. He did
his Sub A, B and standard 1 at this school.
Because of the unfortunate upbringing of Campion, often times, he was

chased away from school due to failure in paying school fees of 2 British
Pence during that time. His mother could not pay the 2 pence needed. In
1951, Campion and Abednigo transferred to Chihota area. They were taken
in by their half-sister, Rhoda. She was now known as Mrs Machekera. She
understood Campion’s challenges as she had grown as an orphan also. By
this time, she had 3 children of her own. This unfortunate upbringing
propelled Campion to want to do well and excel at every turn and this he
did. Campion eventually did standard 2 to 3 at St Lucy-Gukuta in Chihota.
The headmaster there was Mr J B Muringai while the teacher was a Mrs
Musora. Mrs Musora’s village was near Percy Gwini’s village in Chihota.
These two understood Campion’s predicament and went out of their way to
help him. Later on, Campion returned to his mother who was now married
to a Magombedze in the Maware area of Njanja in Chikomba District. This
was about a kilometre from where Campion and Abednigo’s permanent
homes are located currently.
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
Abednigo and Campion as of 11/11/2005
Before Emily and her new husband moved to where the Magombedzes are
presently located, they were staying in the Chibandambira Village near
Torongo next to Mungurau School in Njanja. When the houses they were
staying in got destroyed, the step-father moved and came and stayed at
Parehwa village where Mr Mudhei’s houses are presently located. The
Parehwa village is close to Maware shopping centre in Chikomba District of
Chivhu. Within a short time, they moved a bit down but came up again, but
to the present site. This site became their permanent place. Magombedze,
who had now married a young wife, decided to move away from Emily a
bit. Many things changed because of this decision. Unfortunately, he died
upon his attempt to return.
Campion later went to Chishawasha Mission for standard 4 to 6. This was a

boarding school run by the Roman Catholic. His mother, Emily Toda, was
known among some Roman Catholic priests. She took Campion to the
mission and persuaded the priests to take in Campion as an orphan. After
much persuasion, they took care of Campion. Well known priests who took
care of him were Fathers Coga, Finistone and Davies.
MARRIAGE
In 1954, Campion met Joyce Gwai and a relationship started. These two
were classmates at St Cyprian. Joyce later became the heard girl at the
school. Her contact in class and leadership qualities moved Campion. Prior
to being a member of the Church of Christ, Joyce and some of her family
members were members of the Johane Marange Apostolic sect. Campion, at
one time, went to attend one of their gatherings. Joyce was also there as
usual. There was a difficult question which Joyce answered correctly during
that gathering after everyone had failed to answer. Campion was impressed.
A relationship eventually started between the two and it grew strong leading
to their marriage in 1958.
The marriage took place when Campion was teaching at Edridge farm
known as Dhuvha or Igava before moving to Fells Halt School in the
Wedza area. Igava is now a mission school for the Churches of Christ. From
Igava, Campion moved to Fells School. Campion’s son Edridge enherited
the name from Edridge the owner of the farm. Nobody knew that God was
opening a way for the Church of Christ to settle at Igava after many years.
On the 15th of June 2017, Campion was invited at Igava to open a new
Computer Lab. At this event, he met his old friends including Chief Svosve.
Joyce and Campion were blessed with seven children (5 girls and 2 boys).
The names of the children are Moira, Jefta, Donna, Nannette, Blessing,
Mercy and Edridge. Two of the girls, Blessing and Mercy were born twins.
A picture taken around the mid-80s with the children and others together
with Nelson Rusere at the far left
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
Seated from Left: Campion, Nannette and Joyce. Standing from Left: Jefta, Moira,
Donna, Blessing, Mercy and Edridge
As of December 2019, Campion and Joyce had 15 grandchildren and 19

great grandchildren.
3
CONVERSION, TRAINING AND EARLY
WORK.
C ampion’s conversion can be traced to the efforts of Nicodemus

Mutuma and Loy Mitchell. The first encounter between Loy and
Campion was the starting point of a long relationship which was
going to shape and develop the Church of Christ in Zimbabwe for decades.
On the other hand, besides Campion and Joyce’s history given in the
previous chapter, Campion’s first profession was that of being a teacher. He
started in 1957 after he had completed his standard 6. He first taught at
Edridge Farm where Igava Mission is presently located. One of his co-
workers at this school was Edison Mutangadura. The two later moved to
Fells Primary School in 1958. The school is located in the Wedza area at a
farm that belonged to Bobby Dall. Campion taught from 1958-1960. This
school is still there to this day. He was credited for introducing a boarding
wing at this school. Students were coming from the villages. Those who
came daily and those who stayed at the school had time to work at the farm
since they did not pay fees. As a farm school, examinations were coming
from Chemhanza Mission where a Pastor Manyowa was the principal. The
farm where the school was located later had natives resettled there during
the land reform era in early 2000 but the school buildings are still there.
Some of Campion’s students at Fells included Maud who was later to
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
become Edison Mutangadura’s wife and Idah who later became Cleopas
Bamu’s wife. Maud was very famous as a sprinter and netball player. 9
These two sisters stayed at the farm compound.
It is from this place that Campion met the Gospel that was to change the
whole course of his life. He met missionaries who were coming from
Nhowe. These were Loy Mitchell and Nicodemus J. Mutuma. This contact
was the beginning of a long relationship between Campion and Loy.
Nicodemus and Loy were making a follow up on a certain Christian called
Karirombe who was of Malawian descent. In the process of teaching
Karirombe, Campion and others would come to listen. Campion usually
asked several questions in order to know. Because of this, the missionaries
picked interest in him. In the absence of these missionaries, it would be
Karirombe who would answer questions and provide verses. On the 28 th of
March 1958, Campion was baptised alongside three other boys who had
been convicted by the Word.
No congregation existed in this area around this time. However, one was to
start soon. Unknown to Campion, there was another Christian at Fells and a
fellow teacher by the name Edison Mutangadura. He had already been
baptized when he was a student in the then standard 6 at Nhowe Mission.
He had not mentioned this in their earlier relationship with Campion.
Karirombe and the few who had been baptized started having worship
services at the school. This marked the beginning of a congregation at Fells.
When Edison saw what was happening, he then identified himself and the
church got a strong boost.
Nicodemus Mutuma was the first to mention the existence of a Bible

training college at Nhowe Mission to Campion. Immediately, Campion
picked interest and wrote an application. He decided to leave his teaching
profession and take up training as a preacher. This was in 1960 and the
application was accepted. Training was to start in 1961. Campion arrived at
Nhowe during the night in early January of 1961 and was received by Loy
Mitchell.
Because of the long relationship that was going to exist between Loy and
Campion, a brief on Loy Mitchell is critical.
Loy Mitchell was born November 20th, 1932, in Lawrence, Kansas. His
parents, Owen and Maude Mitchell, had three daughters and seven sons.
Loy attended Central Christian College, Oklahoma Christian College, and
Abilene Christian College. He received a bachelor’s from Abilene Christian
9
Idah and Cleopas Bamu, Interview by Mathew Muchingami
College ……. In 1958, Loy and Donna moved to Zimbabwe (Southern
Rhodesia) as missionaries. Along with Dick Clark, Roy Palmer, and Alex
Clausen, Loy established the Nhowe Bible College in 1958. The name was
changed to Mutare School of Preaching in 1970 when the school moved to
Mutare.10
Loy took Campion to Court Chidowe who was the Boarding Master at the
time. He was to stay with Court Chidowe for two weeks. He then moved out
to occupy his own house, located near the new dining hall on the way to the
old clinic. All married students were later moved to the round houses near
the old clinic since they were scattered all over the Mission. By this time,
there were a total of 45 students at Nhowe Bible College. Some of these
included Joseph Patel, Garikai Chitendeni, Pindukai Makunde, George
Nyaho, Finlay Sibili, Andrew Bamu, John Washen, Shadreck Dhawe and
Siantavhu. Most of the students in Campion’s class dropped. During the
earlier years of the college, many students would come for studies but later
drop due to a number of factors. Some anticipated ready employment and
financial support but the missionaries would tell them that there was no
financial support. As a result, only five remained in Campion’s class. These
are Andrew Bamu, George Nyaho, Pindukai Makunde, Finlay Sibili from
Zambia and Campion himself. They did not have a specific classroom. At
times they would use the round house whilst at other times they would use a
small room near the old church building. The principal of the school was
Roy V. Palmer. The teachers were Lloyd Gifford, Palmer, Loy Mitchell,
J.C Brown, Clayton Waller, Dick Clark, Mark Legg and a Negro missionary
called Monica Steniga who was responsible for teaching the ladies. Gifford
was outstanding. Before Palmer came, Gifford and Clark would take
leadership roles.
10
The Christian Chronicle, July, 2015, Volume 72, Number 27 – pgs 27-28,
viewed 2 January 2020. All sons became preachers and three worked
overseas in Argentina, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Loy and Donna Taylor were
married in 1954 and have four children. They (Loy and Donna) returned to
the U. S. in 1997, where Donna passed in 2002. In 2004, Loy ad Debra
Griffin were married. On June 9th, 2015, Loy passed at their home in
Knott, Texas.
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
The common round house which was used as a classroom. Picture

courtesy of Charles Chibisa.
Campion’s class was the third intake since the college started in 1958.
Things were a bit refined by 1961. At the beginning, so many things had to
be done both on the infrastructure, housing for students and curriculum.
Prior to this, several church leaders had been going to Nhowe on a regular
basis to be taught by the missionaries. The idea was for these to lead and
teach churches better since there were no trained preachers in several
congregations.
Campion’s conversion and application to Nhowe was not known by Joyce.

Joyce was at their rural home at Maware. In December 1960, Campion sent
a message to Abednigo, his young brother to bring Joyce and their first
child, Moira, to Fells in order to go to Nhowe. Abednigo and Joyce were
not baptized by this time. When the message reached Abednigo, it became
an issue in the area. “How can old people go to school?” This was unheard
of. Campion, Abednigo, Joyce and young Moira arrived at Nhowe in
January 1961. After having been taught the word, Joyce and Abednigo were
eventually baptized in early February, a few weeks after arrival at Nhowe.
Campion, Joyce and their first daughter Moira at Nhowe Mission
One of the first graduates at Nhowe was Court Chidowe in 1960. The next
batch that enrolled in 1959 and graduated in 1961 when Campion and Joyce
were in their first year included Rodreck Nyandoro, Aaron Mliru and
Geofrey Nyirenda. Nine were to graduate in 1962. Of this number was
Michael Zumbika who has been preaching at Glendale for decades.
Campion and Joyce witnessed all the first graduations at Nhowe till their
own graduation in 1963.
At Nhowe, each student would work for his fees. Classes ran from Monday
to Thursday. Friday would be reserved for cutting firewood, gardening and
other jobs that would arise. If a student had a prior profession, he would be
given a related job to do. Percy Gwini was a store keeper prior to his
training and was given the same job at Nhowe. Campion was a teacher and
was given the task of taking Primary school students to work at the garden.
At times Campion would go with Loy who seemed to enjoy farming. Those
who were carpenters would be sent to do carpentry work also. As is normal
in any school, there will be those who influenced others not to work.
Pindukai Makunde, one of Campion’s classmates recalls that, “A certain

student called Joseph Patel who was the most educated in the class, up to
standard 6. Many feared him and the missionaries were always wary of him.
At one time he influenced students not to work till their allowances were
increased. In the end it was found out that he was the ring leader.” 11
Notwithstanding, the relationship of Campion and Loy continued to grow. It
is at this time that Loy connected Campion to Rotan Church of Christ in
USA. The congregation was later to financially support Campion and Joyce
from 1964-1968.
Married students cooked at their own houses. They were provided food
items such as beans, fish, and mealie-meal. In terms of money, each student
would get 4 pounds a month. Campion and Joyce started keeping road
runners but without a fowl run. These would sleep in trees nearby. They laid
eggs anywhere. For every slaughtered chicken, they only ate selected parts
and threw the rest in the latrines. However, on the side of sports, students
would also participate in sporting activities. Campion played soccer.
Single students stayed at a Bachelor’s quarters. The dormitory currently

housing the Primary school students and forms 1 and 2 was initially for
11
Pindukai Makunde, Interview by Mathew Muchingami.
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
Bible college students. It had compartments and students lived in pairs. It

was the best at the mission then. It had its separate kitchen and ablution
block.
One of the major challenges for Nhowe Bible School students was lack of
respect from Primary school teachers at the Mission. Pindukai Makunde and
Campion, both classmates, attested to this fact separately. Nhowe
Secondary School was not yet there by this time. The lack of respect was
much on the part of the primary school teachers and at times, their influence
flowed down to the students they taught. These students had the best
facilities at the mission and were well supported by the missionaries. This
could have been a point of conflict. Paul Chimhungwe in his thesis on the
transition of leadership from the missionaries to the natives discussed more
on this acrimonious relationship.12 Only Joseph Patel was hugely respected.
This is because he was much more mature and had reached standard 6
before coming for training. His English was polished. But by and large,
these Bible College students had opportunities to teach at the primary
school and lead in devotions.
12
See Paul Chimhungwe, A Descriptive Chronicle of Transition from
Mission to Indegenous Leadership in 2 Church of Christ Institutions (1976-
1986), (Hamilton: McMaster Divinity College, 2012)
Pindukai Makunde, Campion’s classmate and former Nhowe High
School headmaster
Campion and Edison, who had been co-workers at Fells met each other
again at Nhowe. They had worked well at Fells. Edison later went for
training at Nhowe whist Campion was already there. Edison’s desire to
become a preacher deepened when Campion had made the first decision.
Their relationship was set to deepen. Whilst at Fells, Campion played an
influential role in helping Edison to marry a girl who was in Campion’s
class in 1958. Edison took Maud, his wife and Idah to Nhowe. Idah was to
proceed with her education at Nhowe whilst Edison and Maud were training
to be preachers. Children of preachers received education for free. Idah
faced a challenge as she had a different surname. To mitigate this challenge,
Edison changed Idah’s surname to Mutangadura so that she could learn free
of charge. Even in her old age, Idah has maintained the same surname on
her birth certificate. She was later baptized by Nicodemus Mutuma in
1963.13
Campion and Edison in 2008 at their old age
Students would do some of their practicum during the weekends. They will
be send out in pairs and at times, they were allowed to choose the areas they
would want to go. Campion was privileged to accompany Clayton Waller
13
Idah and Cleopas Bamu, Intreview by Mathew Muchingami
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
many times. One well known team was that of Pindukai Makunde and
Andrew Bamu. This team worked at Arizona farm. One of their contacts
there was Alexander Banza. His wife was a member of the church.
Towards graduation, an opportunity arose for Campion and Joyce to go to

Chiwore in Murewa where a preacher was needed. However, the parents
there wanted one who was both a preacher and teacher. They wanted the
preacher to evangelize in the area but also teach their children. Campion
and Joyce, however, were geared towards preaching. They, therefore,
refused the opportunity and returned to Nhowe. At Nhowe, they started
preaching in the farms around the Nhowe area. This is after they had
worked at Chiwore briefly. Upon their return, they worked at a farm called
Maryland. Some converts there included the Samuriwo and Kanyongo
families. Samuriwo later went to Macheke and was strong in the church.
Edison Mutangadura was to later takeover the work at Chiwore. With all
these movements, things were soon to settle for Campion and Joyce.
Soon after graduation, some of Joyce and Campion’s classmates went for
training as teachers at Umtali Teachers College (UTC). Campion and Joyce
went into the preaching field. His classmates were later to unite with
Campion in Umtali where they were students at UTC. After graduating at
the end of 1963, they were tasked to follow up on students who were doing
their practicum in various areas (commonly referred to as bush
program).The whites could not make such follow ups, a black person was
needed. Campion and Joyce followed many students who were stationed in
the Murewa and other areas. One of the students was Percy Gwini who was
stationed at Maware, Campion’s home area.
MARONDERA (1964)
The overall plan was for Campion and Joyce to Move to Umtali with the
Mitchells. Loy had however, left Nhowe in 1962 to do his Masters in Bible
at Abilene Christian University. By the time that Campion and Joyce
finished their studies at NBS, Loy and Donna were in USA waiting for their
children to finish their studies. When they delayed, a message was sent to
Mark Legg who was then the principal at NBS and other missionaries that
Campion and Joyce should go to Marandelas (now Marondera). However,
prior to this final move, Lloyd Gifford had already began to send Campion
and Joyce every weekend to Marandelas. With this instruction, Campion
and his family moved permanently to Marandelas and were to stay there for
a year.
At Dombotombo, they met a certain man by the name Timothy Makuni who
was working as a gardener at one of the flats in First Street. After many
discussions with Campion, he accepted the word thereby becoming the first
convert in Marandelas. Campion, Joyce and Timothy then started meeting
together under a tree for services. This tree was located next to the current
church stand at Dombotombo.14
Timothy had a fiancee at Homepark known as Margret Napwanya. The

fiancée was later baptized. He rose to become one of the most influencial
members at Dombotombo. Even after the departure of Campion, he worked
well alongside Percy Gwini who had taken over. Around the early 70s after
Percy and Theresa had left for Triangle, he teamed with Paul Timba and
went to Campion who had established himself at Sakubva to request for a
preacher at Dombotombo. From the many young people who were working
with Campion at Sakubva, Jonathan Chitendeni was chosen to go and
replace Percy Gwini.
Timothy Makuni and his wife, Margret
At Dombotombo, they also met a Mr White who had two daughters who
also accepted the word. The main method that was used was open air
preaching through the use a loud speaker at public gatherings and market
places. Here and there Campion would also use slides.
14
Emmanuel Makarichi, Interview, 8 May 2021.
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
Evangelistic efforts took the Mugwenis to nearby plantations and

surrounding farms. Many more numbering over 100 were baptized at Meki
plantation located at the outskirts of the then, Marandelas. A congregation
was established. Most of those baptized were of Malawian origin.
The Mugwenis were blessed with their third child, Donna in 1964, whilst in
Marondera. Whilst at Marondera, Sekuru Rapoz, who was an Evangelist at
Nhowe ran away from Nhowe and came to Marondera and stayed with the
Mugwenis though he was not well. Sekuru Rapoz had a daughter who later
became the mother of Justice Nherera’s grandmother. Justice Nherera is one
of the preachers who graduated at MSOP in 2003. Rapoz had breathing
challenges. He stayed with them for some time. The missionaries were not
happy with this move. As a result, they came with a truck and took him
back to Nhowe.
However, work continued in the farms. At Meki farm, work was easy.
There was a very good song leader by the name Pendeke who was later to
marry Mrs Mutisi who was to be stationed at Nhowe later on. These two
helped a lot with the work. Other congregations were established at
Nyameni, Homepark, Karimba and Grasslands. There was a bicycle which
Campion would use to visit all these congregations. Most of these
congregations were dominated by members who were of Malawian origin.
These proved to be very dedicated members. Campion became very popular
in Marandelas as he was the only trained preacher. He also had the
resources like a bicycle and loud speaker. The Indians supported and liked
him very much that they donated some materials as he was the only trained
minister of the Church in Marandelas. Trained preachers were scarce during
this time. The Indian community who were mainly business people loved
Campion and Joyce. The couple was different form all others in many
respects.
One method that was used in evangelism and in teaching the church, was
the use of slides. These were used in Marandelas and continued to be used
as a tool in Umtali. The same slides were used to teach church members to
do personal work. Historically, Clayton Waller a missionary who was
Campion’s best friend then is the one who started using personal work
charts at Maryland. Some of these charts later on metamorphosed into what
is commonly known as the McKnight chart. Campion would go to
Maryland with Clayton Waller and it became easy for Campion to pass the
personal work course at Nhowe because he was already using the charts. In
fact, Waller rated Campion as one of the best personal work teachers. 15
Some of Campion’s contemporaries reckon that one of Waller’s best friend
was Campion. On the other hand, at Marandelas, Joyce took time to teach
the women on some important issues that women had to know and practice.
This included their roles in church and home.
Campion and Clayton Waller were very close. Waller came to Nhowe in
1963 when Campion was doing his last year. Clayton was an electrician and
a mechanic but he also taught classes. It was rare for a black person to sleep
at a white missionary’s house. Not with Campion and Joyce, these slept
there many times and would spent a great deal of time there. Waller made
several promises to Campion, some of which were not fulfilled due to
certain events that later took place at MSOP, then USOP. These events saw
Waller unceremoniously leaving Zimbabwe for his homeland. When
Campion moved to Marandelas and then Umtali. Clayton sought for a
replacement in 1965. This was found in the person of Cleopas Bamu, who
also got very close to Waller. Cleopas worked with Waller from 1965 to
1976. Clayton Waller had a personal library with over 12 000 volumes of
books. Cleopas was his personal librarian. When Waller moved to Umtali in
1970 to teach at the Bible College, Cleopas also moved with him. 16 Waller
had a house in the Palmerstone area of Mutare.
Missionaries had control over several things including how the church
operated. They also controlled the deployment of preachers. When the
missionaries at Nhowe saw that Loy had further delayed, they moved the
Mugwenis to Umtali in January 1965 whilst waiting for Loy to come back.
They could not refuse because plans were already ripe for Percy Gwini to
take over at Marandelas after his graduation in 1964. The main plan was for
Campion to move permanently to Umtali. The missionaries hired a vehicle
for the family to move their things to Umtali. Before Loy’s departure to
USA, he had found a house in Mutare in the T-Section of Dangamvura at
number 244. When they moved to Sakubva, their fourth born child known
as Nannette, was born. At Dangamvura, just as in Marandelas, Campion and
Joyce were the only trained couple in the area. By this time, there were only
two congregations in Manicaland that is, Jowo and Chipinge. Dangamvura
was going to be the third one.
15
Cleopas Bamu, Interview by Mathew Muchingami
16
Ibid.
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
Campion, Loy and Percy: The three have played a huge role in the
expansion of the church in Zimbabwe. Picture taken in Loy’s house in
August 2002.
Campion’s classmates all became educationists. Pindukai Makunde went to

be the heard at Nhowe High School, Finlay Sibili headed another school in
Zambia, Andrew Bamu also headed Nhowe and Campion headed Sakubva
Commercial College. Nyaho died earlier otherwise he could have had an
opportunity of heading a school. The class loved education and motivated
each other to train as educationists.
4
THE EARLIER YEARS IN UMTALI

DANGAMVURA
F rom Marondera, Campion and Joyce moved to Umtali in January of

1965. Probably, unbeknown to them, this was going to be their home
for the rest of their lives. The stage was slowly being providentially
set for them to become one of the driving forces in the progressive
development of the church.
Upon arrival in Umtali, they stayed at number 244 in the “T “section of

Dangamvura popularly known as “kuma T.” Loy Mitchell had secured this
house before his departure to the USA. Campion and Joyce knew no one in
Dangamvura by this time. Moira, their first daughter was set to begin her
schooling at this time.
In terms of the work, a certain Morgan family in the U.S.A had bought a
loud speaker for them. They had been using it in Marandellas and had
brought it with them. This was to be the major evangelistic tool for the
couple. Open air preaching was, therefore, the first method of evangelism to
be used. There was a small vegetable market near the road junction,
popularly known even today as pa junction, where Campion would go and
start preaching. This place was very close to their house. Many people
would come to buy vegetables and tomatoes at this area. These had an
opportunity to hear the Word. Loud speakers were not common in these
earlier years. Scores of people were amazed by this tool and would hang
around to enjoy its use and potential. The more they stayed, the more they
heard the Gospel being proclaimed. Besides the loud speaker, Campion
would also use Bible slides to spread the Word.
The old market place in the “T” area of Dangamvura as of April 2019.
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
On Sundays, the loud speaker would be put on the window of their house as
they worshipped God. Nothing would stop them from worshiping God even
if no one had yet chosen to accept the Word. Campion, Joyce, young Moira
and a nephew they had would sing and people would hear as if they were
many people inside because of the loud speaker. Some would come and see
only three adults. From that frustration, many visitors would leave. A
certain woman by the name Sister Bere, a nephew of the Makunde family
who had been educated at Nhowe and was already a church member,
recognized the singing and came. She became the fourth adult. Sister
Kuzinya, their neighbour, heard the word, got baptized and became the first
convert in Dangamvura. After her baptism, her family followed in the
waters of baptism also. People continued to meet for worship at this house.
Mbuya Kuzinya, the first convert in Dangamvura

SAKUBVA
Whilst in Dangamvura, Campion heard that there was a man by the name
Nelson Mubvumbi at Sakubva, a former student of Nhowe Primary School.
Nelson had, on previous occasions gone to Nhowe to ask the missionaries to
provide a preacher in Umtali.17 When it took long for a decision to be made
by the missionaries who were at Nhowe, Nelson started worshipping with
the Jehovah’s Witnesses. However, when Nelson heard of Campion’s
presence in Umtali, he immediately left the Jehovah’s Witnesses the same
week.
At Umtali Teacher’s college there were some former Nhowe students also.
These included Nelson Rapoz, Pindukai Makunde, Andrew Bamu and
Hopewell Huni. Pindukai and Andrew were classmates of Campion at
17
Laina Chaitezvi nee Mubvumbi, Interview by Mathew Muchingami.
Nhowe. Andrew and Nelson went to the teacher’s college in 1964 whilst
Pindukai went in 1965 after completing his junior certificate in 1964. 18
When Andrew and Nelson arrived, they started gathering students for
services. Some of these were Church of Christ members. Andrew was much
more active in this than Nelson who was much into soccer. Most Sundays
he would be away. These made up the first congregation at Sakubva when
Campion arrived to begin work in Sakubva.
.
Towards one of the holidays, missionaries talked with Nelson, Pindukai and
Andrew not to go for holidays but stay on to help Campion. This they did
and cemented the work Campion was to begin. Initially they met in the
Chinyausunzi area and then moved to Devonshire where they met under a
Mutohwe tree near where there was a quarry site. Soon after this, Campion
discovered that there was another Church of Christ in Sakubva in the
Chinyausunzi area. This was the Christian Church (Mashoko) which,
however, had continued to use the name Church of Christ. The origin is the
same. It was being led by a certain man called Joshua Mafa. The differences
between these two churches were very minute by this time. Timothy
Mutengwa, the head of Rujeko Primary School then was a member at this
congregation. The church at Dangamvura met in the morning whilst at
Sakubva, they met in the afternoon. Dangamvura grew a bit faster than
Sakubva. By June 1965, 30 were attending at Sakubva. However, it was
difficult to measure the growth of Sakubva because there were two churches
combined into one.
One person who remained close to the Mugweni family is Dr. Calan of
USA. In March of 1965, he found and bought a house in Sakubva at 23
New Dangare and gave it to Campion and Joyce. The couple then moved to
Sakubva and occupied this house. However, they continued going to
Dangamvura to lead worship. The loud speaker continued to be used in both
areas. When Campion established the work at Honde Valley, Dr. Callan and
Rotan Church of Christ provided funds for the construction of the Honde
church building.
18
Pindukai Makunde, Interview by Mathew Muchingami
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
Campion and Dr. Calan
In May 1965, the Christian Church received a missionary by the name

Hostata who was to make a major change for them. There was going to be a
lectureship at Nhowe and Campion had encouraged people to go to this
lectureship. Hymn books were also going to be bought there and many
contributed money for their purchase. Upon their return from Nhowe, the
missionary was now present. It was during a Tuesday worship service at
Brother Ziki’s place where they used to meet. The hymn books were
presented but the missionary immediately rejected them.
On Saturday the same week, Hostata and Mafa came for a meeting at 23
New Dangare. Hostata notified Campion that they no longer wanted to meet
with him and his people but Joshua Mafa, on the contrary, expressed great
need for Campion and his people to continue meeting with them. The
Christian church had less people compared to those who came because of
Campion and Joyce. Campion was ordered by Hostata to leave Umtali
immediately without fail. The voice of a white person was heard more by
the authorities than a native one.
Things were not looking good but Campion stood his ground. Andrew,
Pindukai and Nelson Rapoz were at school and unaware of the difficult
situation Campion had gotten into. However, no agreement was reached
during the meeting. The next day, Sunday, Campion and Joyce attended
service and ready for whatever that was going to arise. Hostata announced
to the church that they were no longer going to meet with Campion.
Campion and Joyce were told to leave whilst everyone else remained. The
charge was if the Christian Church continues to entertain “Nhowe” people,
they will easily take over. Campion, with all boldness, also stood up and
announced that those wishing to worship with him should come to the New
Dangare house by 8.45am the next Sunday. Anyone who comes at 9am does
not belong to the Church of Christ. The next Sunday, 39 came and only 7
remained at the Christian church. This was a huge blow to Hostata but a
vindication to Mafa. As a way of luring people back, Hostata constructed a
church building but it was too late. No one came back.
The Christian Church building in Chinyausunzi build by Hostata. Picture

taken 04/01/20
Due to Hostata’s decision, Campion called Pindukai, Andrew and Nelson

Rapoz from school. After describing the events that had taken place, tears
were shed and prayers made. Because Campion’s house was small to house
so many people, Campion negotiated with the Seventh Day Adventist, at the
popular hilltop area in Sakubva, to use their building. Permission was
granted. The building is located very close to Sakubva Commercial College
and Sakubva Hospital. They only met one Sunday in there but found it
locked the next Sunday by its elders. Campion went and met its resident
pastor by the name Chimwedzi. Chimwedzi wrote a letter for Campion to
take to Nyazura Mission and their council allowed them to worship in their
building and declared that they should be allowed meet, use their benches,
use communion trays and not to pay anything. Florence Gwazaza was
baptized in this building in 1967. Hellen Tsiga, Gondai Chaire and Jonathan
Chitendeni were also youths during this time. When Loy and Donna
Mitchel came in 1966, they also worshipped in the same building. The
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
church worshipped in this building till 1968. Up to this time, no conflict

with the S.D.A authorities arose.
The remains of Seventh day Adventist building (as of April 2019) which
Sakubva Church of Christ used. A new building was constructed a few
metres from this one.
The stand for the Sakubva congregation was acquired in 1967. Loy was
involved in its acquisition. Dr. Calan’s congregation, Rotan Church of
Christ, also made a huge contribution towards the amount that was needed.
This congregation had supported Campion and Joyce when they were still at
Nhowe. It was also the same congregation that financially supported Loy
Mitchel. In 1968, Brother Taylor, the father-in-law of Loy came. He
constructed the Sakubva church building while Brother Tandi put the roof.
The new church building was officially opened by Professor Christopher
Chetsanga in 1968. This building is located along Ollyn Avenue in Maonde.
When all this was happening, Campion and Joyce continued going to
Dangamvura to lead worship services. However, due to increased pressure
of work at Sakubva, a plan had to be made and eventually, Saul Gondai
Chaire became the preacher at Dangamvura.
Transport from 1966-1970. These motorcycles were given to Edmund Gwazaza,

Mukusha, Nhandara, Campion and others for use. On Campion’s part, it made him
popular in Sakubva area as they were rare among black people.
Some of the early church leaders at Sakubva included the likes of Nelson
Mubvumbi, Alexander Murevanhema, Masamba, Gorowa, Hamudikari,
Maphosa, Ngorima, Ziki, Matema, Dhliwayo, Cement, Chinyanda,
Chakanyuka, Muyambo, Ngorima, Chimba, Jim Mafume, Silas
Mapungwana, Susaz Crewe, Makaza, Nchena, Chimbarara, Manzungu,
Mbira, Mukuchura and Mukondo.19 One of the last early leaders to pass
away was Alexander Murevanhema who worked with Campion for 54
years. He passed on the 25th of September 2018.
19
Some of these names were provided by Alexander Murevanhema, one of
the early leaders, during an interview, a month before his demise
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
The Mubvumbi and Mugweni family standing before the Sakubva church
building in 1987 before it was plastered.
When the Mitchells came to Umtali, they placed their membership at

Sakubva. Campion and Loy had an evangelism schedule in homes. They
also held open air preaching services. They would go from section to
section preaching and evangelising. The church grew quickly. Loy would
also use slides in his teaching. Many started knowing the existence of
Sakubva Church of Christ. During this colonial period, there was a clear
separation between blacks and whites. Loy and Donna, however, mingled
freely with blacks and this made an impact to the work at Sakubva and
elsewhere.
Campion in 1977
One of the first converts at Sakubva was Mrs Harahwa. She had five
daughters and one son. The daughters were full grown but accepted Jesus as
well. The first daughter was Naomi. The family lived in the Chitungo area
of Sakubva. The Mitchells slowly became close to this family. Loy often
taught the Bible at Dangare Primary school where some of these siblings
were learning. They would help Loy during his lessons. Loy took these
devotions in schools seriously and that helped the Sakubva congregation
greatly in terms of its growth. The Mitchells and Mugwenis were soon to be
joined by the Crewe family and Brother Swatz before the Jubilee
congregation was established.
Some of the old ladies during these earlier times were Sisters Mubvumbi,
Harahwa, Muchingami, Donna Mitchell, Dhliwayo and Matema.
The Sakubva Church of Christ building as it stood in April 2019
VISITORS AT SAKUBVA
During these early days, several visitors from United States came to visit
Sakubva. Others came later. Some of the visitors included;
1. Rose and Grace Taylor and Parents of Rose Taylor. They

supervised the construction of Sakubva church building.
2. Owen and Maude Mitchell: These were the parents of Loy

Mitchel. They also contributed to the construction of the Sakubva
church building.
3. Dorothy Batry: Dorothy supported Campion and Joyce to start a

feeding center at Sakubva. She came every year but as of 2018
she has not been well.
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
4. Doctor Callan: He came from Rotan Church of Christ. He came

every year because his congregation was supporting the Mitchell
family. The congregation also supported Campion and Joyce from
their Nhowe days. They also paid rentals for Campion and Joyce
when they moved to New Dangare for a whole year.
Campion and Joyce at the Sakubva church building

5
EXTENSION WORK
T here are many congregations that began either due to their direct
effort or influence. Some of these congregations also began as
extensions of Sakubva Church of Christ.
Chinyamanhanzva
In 1967, certain members from the church in Harare visited Campion and
told him that they had a mission to Chinyamanhanzva. The mission was to
accompany a man by the name Tirurapi who had a fiancée at
Chinyamanhanzva. These visitors attended service at Sakubva and Campion
accompanied them to Chabata Bere across Mupudzi River. They spent the
day there. Campion preached to the relatives who had come to see the
visitors. The next day they went back and the girl came with two other
ladies and were baptized. The congregation was named Chabata Bere and
later the chief of the area called Campion and negotiated for a name change
to Chinyamanhanzva which was the central name for the community.
The congregation grew steadily. Kennedy Kondo (MSOP class of 1971)

was the first minister to work with Chinyamanhanzva. He was followed by
Ishmael Matangira (class of 1969) who worked there till he left MSOP to go
and work in Chegutu. Gervas Chikono (class of 1984) took over from
Ishmael. Later on some members from Chinyamanhanzva went to settle in
the Burma Valley area during the land reform era. Gervas Chikono followed
them and a congregation started in Burma Valley. Gervas has been working
with these two congregations till the writing of this book.
Maruru
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
The Sakubva congregation continued with its mission efforts. This effort
was buoyed by the coming in of Loy Mitchell to Sakubva. Each Sunday
afternoon Loy, Joyce and Nelson Rusere would go to Maruru distributing
tracts and teach the Mukono family. The family was baptized and the
church eventually started. Taylor Mukono recalls that this was in 1967. 20
Others in the area were also baptized due to these efforts. Later on, Taylor
Mukono went for training at Nhowe Bible College and after graduation in
1970, went to work with the church at Sharara. He transferred from Sharara
to Maruru and began to work with the church there. Taylor was a classmate
of Abednigo Mugweni. Other classmates included Lameck Karikoga, David
Mubvumbi, Richard Nyamanhindi, Timothy Chimombe and Matthew
Zumbika
Chikanga 1
Chikanga 1 Church of Christ is one of the congregations that grew out of
Sakubva. Because of the many people coming from Chikanga to Sakubva, it
was felt that a congregation had to start in this newest location in Mutare.
Some of the members who were moving from Chikanga to Sakubva include
Benson Nyatanga’s family and Martin Amwari’s family. At first, these were
reluctant but gave in and moved. They started worshipping at Chikanga in
Martin’s house. The present site where the church meets was previously
owned by Campion Mugweni. He had bought the large piece of land with
the intention of building a very big youth center. However, when this new
congregation applied for its own land to the Mutare City Council and the
city fathers were a bit reluctant on the issue, Campion offered this land to
the church for development. As time progressed without the church making
much development, a part of the land was given to a denomination.
On the 6th of January 2019, the church had her first ever eldership. The
elders included Benson Nyatanga, Gervas Chikono, Witness Gomwe and
Joseph Chiwanza. Intrestingly all these were born in 1958, the same year
that Campion was baptized, that is, 28 March 1958. Deacons were Obert
Madzambo and Maclean Jena. Campion had an opportunity of ordaining
these elders and deacons.
Chikanga 3
When construction of houses intensified in the Chikanga 3 area, several
members at Sakubva relocated there but kept on coming to Sakubva for
worship services. Campion and the leadership at Sakubva then came up
with a plan of starting a congregation at Chikanga 3. Families who were
20
Taylor Mukono, Interview by Mathew Muchingami.
coming to Sakubva were then told not to come to Sakubva but start meeting
at Chikanga 3. According to Oswald Rusere’s records, the church had her
first meeting on the 3 rd of September 2003. Some of the families that moved
from Sakubva included Rusere, Mubvumbi, Maraire and Mandizha. Oswald
became the preacher for the congregation. The church met for two months
in David Mubvumbi’s house and then moved to Oswald and Nyarai
Rusere’s house in the same suburb. The church was to continue to meet
there for the next eleven years. In November 2014 the church then moved to
their church stand.21 Most of the funds to purchase the church stand were
organized by Loy Mitchell while congregations in Mutare cooperated
together and raised a small part of it. Though the figure raised by the
Mutare congregations was little, it was a good example of congregations
cooperating together towards a common cause.
Loy Mitchell at the ground breaking ceremony at the Chikanga 3 stand.

Picture courtesy of Oswald Rusere.
Claire
The church at Claire started when Sister Chitakatira, a member at Sakubva,
had moved to Claire farm during the land resettlement era. Sakubva
followed up on her and began a congregation in her house. After that, they
began to meet in a classroom at Claire school. Some of the first members
included the families of Chiremba, Bhasera and Chidzungu. When the
church started growing, Peter Madondo and Oswald Rusere were assigned
there. These were still doing their studies with the short term school that
Campion had established. They went there for 6 years till Oswald was
assigned to Chikanga 3 while Peter Madondo, Ndyarima and eventually,
Tandi. In 2009 Claire became a feeding centre which was sponsored by
Operation Starfish. Around this time Clinton Chimeri (MSOP class of 2000)
21
Oswald Rusere, Interview by Mathew Muchingami
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
was brought in to become the preacher there. This was a mistake which
affected the congregation. He could not give himself totally to the work and
the numbers went down significantly. He left without notice and the feeding
scheme was stopped.
Shephered Kamudimu (class of 1994) took over. Shephered had been

preaching at Arda Transau. Unfortunately, Kamudimu did not have
financial support and the local congregation could not support him and life
became difficult for him. He left due to this situation. However, Campion
and Joyce including the church at Sakubva assisted him here and there.
Liberty Kapfumo took over in 2019. Liberty stays in Sakubva and visits the
congregation every Sunday. Staying away from the congregation has its
negative effects also. The church has a stand and plans are there to construct
a building at that stand. The congregation remains an outreach point for
Sakubva.
The Church at Claire in its early stages in early 2000.
FEDERATION
A certain non-governmental organisation started constructing houses for the

elderly who were staying in Sakubva. These houses were built in
Dangamvura and the location became known as Federation because of the
NGO. Some elderly women at the church in Sakubva became beneficiaries.
These were Mbuya Mary Hwena, Mbuya Chikara, Mbuya Muchingami,
Mbuya Chikotera, Mbuya Musumbu, Mbuya Razemba and Sister
Mashawa.22 A plan was made for them to start meeting with the church at
Dangamvura but they preferred travelling to Sakubva. An option was
presented to them regarding Brighton Mucherera, who was soon to graduate
at MSOP in 2009, to become their preacher. Brighton was an active member
and deacon at Sakubva before going to MSOP. The women preferred this
option. This saw the beginning of the congregation at Federation. Campion
organised financial support for Brighton whist the church at Sakubva
heavily supported this new congregation in other areas.
OTHER CONGREGATIONS
There are many other congregations that Campion and Joyce were involved
with in their establishment. Chikanga 1, Chikanga 3, Claire and Federation
actually began as an extensions of Sakubva. Other congregations that began
directly and indirectly due to the efforts and influence of this couple
includes Sakubva, Dangamvura, Dombotombo, Chiwore, Igava, (during its
earlier years), Maware, Shumba, Damba, Nhedziwa (in Chikomba),
Nhedziwa (in Chimanimani), Mutekedza, Matove, Mushipe, Nzuma,
Mukamba, Zaire, Matsine, Mambondiani, Ndakopa, Chitakatira, Mupudzi,
Derembwe, Ngangu, Birchnough Bridge, Nyanyadzi, Odzi, Bezel Bridge,
Nyakunu, Birchnough Bridge, Abefoyle, Honde, Matiza, Tsvingwe, Manica
(Mozambique), Betera, Machipanda (Mozambique), Murambinda, Dorowa,
Buhera, Sadzi, Marenga, Sharara, Mashayamvura, D.C Mutasa, Watsomba,
Nyazura , Vengere amongst others. When the church at Vengere was
started, Norman Madanhi was then called to take over. In other
congregations, Campion and Loy would target MSOP graduates to take
over whilst some former graduates would be moved to the new areas. In
some of these, Campion combined efforts with Loy and other preachers.
Many visits were made in many of these areas to provide teaching and grow
the church. Sakubva continues to help the church at Sharara and
Mashayamvura with their annual Gospel meetings. Several efforts were also
made at Abefoyle and several converts were made. It is through these
efforts that saw the birth of the church at Honde Valley.
22
Brighton Mucherera, Telephone Interview, 6 January 2020.
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
Joyce with some members from Sakubva on their way to a Gospel

Meeting at Sharara in the late 80’s. In the picture is also Nelson
Mubvumbi (standing-third from left), one of the first early leaders at
Sakubva.
MOZAMBIQUE
As part of evangelism methods, Campion and Joyce would go to Umtali
General Hospital and visit and pray for the sick. In 1972, Campion went
there as was his habit. The intension was to visit sick people and pray for
them. He met a man from Machipanda in Mozambique by the name Aaron
Josanio. In their discussions, Campion established that Aaron did not have
any relative in Mutare. As a result, he offered to take care of him. After this
initial contact, Campion continued visiting him and praying for him. A
relationship ensured. The day he was to be discharged from hospital,
Campion paid Aaron’s medical bills. Upon his discharge, Aaron requested
to be baptized. After his baptism, Aaron went back to Machipanda and
convinced his friends about the Church of Christ. Campion and Joyce
eventually started visiting Aaron at Machipanda. They saw the efforts he
was making in trying to bring people together. Some of his friends were
also baptized. This saw the birth of the congregation at Machipanda.
The church at Machipanda in late 80s.
From Machipanda, Aaron took Campion to Manica where they started a

new congregation. The first converts at Manica were men like Ruraca
(Owen Ruraca’s father), Venecio, Mabinge and others. This congregation
was termed Chipangara Church of Christ. Josanio rose to become one of the
spiritual leaders of this congregation.
To strengthen the work, more manpower was needed. Xavier Goredema, the
then principal at MSOP and bro. Chinyanda, one of the leaders at Sakubva,
were ready to take up the challenge. Around the same time, Campion and
Joyce gave their car to Xavier Goredema and Chinyanda and asked them to
visit Mozambique. However, this car was burnt to ashes by Frelimo
Freedom fighters. Though such a loss was painful, God was praised for
saving the life of Xavier Goredema and Chinyanda. Regardless of this
setback, they continued visiting Mozambique.
Other congregations were established at Messica and Kambudzi. The work

in Mozambique continued to grow. In Manica, the governor requested for a
registration of the church. Campion had to go and register the church in
Mozambique as Egreja De Kristo (Church of Christ). The congregation also
requested that a trained preacher be stationed there and Bernard Kanjike
(class of 1993) was chosen and placed before the authorities. He did the
work. The work in Mozambique was also buoyed by the presence of Alvero
Dos Santos who had decided to extent his business to Manica. He had a
great influence and he contributed to the purchase of the preacher’s house.
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
The church building was eventually constructed and Campion preached at

its official opening.
God was to bless Mozambique as two young men offered themselves for
training at Mutare School of Preaching. These were Christopher Vao
Damessa Simango (MSOP class of 2002) and Owen Ruraca (class of 2005).
When Kanjike left Manica, Simango took over. However, Simango later left
and joined the non-institutional brethren (Anti-Brethren). Ruraca (Owen’s
Father) who was one of the first converts and leaders passed on and Owen
helped the church. In 2015, Kudzanai Mutizira went to take over. He
worked with the church at Manica for 2 years.
Members from Mozambique continue coming to lectureships in Mutare, and

other areas in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Members from Mutare continue
supporting the work in that part of Mozambique by attending their
lectureships as well. The church, however, remains divided. Some
congregations have aligned themselves with Simango (of the non-
institutional allegiance) whilst others with Owen Ruraca. David Mubvumbi
made several attempts in the 90s to preach in Mozambique but failed to get
financial support. He is now based in Canada.
6
THE STORY OF CHIKOMBA AND
BUHERA
A s has been highlighted before, Campion Mugweni is originally

from Buhera but his family moved to Chikomba District after the
death of his father in Buhera in 1945. In 1948 Campion’s mother
Emily Toda moved to her parents around Damba area with her 2 sons
Campion and Abednigo. The two are great preachers in Zimbabwe. The
first Congregation that was established in Chikomba was Maware Church of
Christ, Campion’s home Congregation. It was started in 1964 with the help
of Percy Gwini, one of the most influential preachers in Zimbabwe during
his time. He baptized Joel Gwena and later baptized Campion’s mother and
other members at Maware23.
This work was established in 1964 when Percy was still a student at Nhowe
Bible School. By this time, Court Chidowe had a car and he took Percy to
the area. They were following up on Joel Gwena who had shown interest in
the Word. Joel had a young brother who had picked a tract which had a
Nhowe Mission address. He showed it to his brother Joel. Joel became
intrested in its contents and made contact with those who were at Nhowe. 24
23
Percy Gwini, Interview by Mathew Muchingami
24
Abednigo Mugweni, Interview by Mathew Muchingami.
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
Those at Nhowe saw a need of visiting Joel. When they passed the Save
river, they were directed to the Nhangabwe area where a certain man
offered to take them to Gwena village. Upon their arrival, the man who had
accompanied them left and went back to his village. Joel Gwena and wife
accepted the word but the team had to go to headman Gudo where they
slept. Gudo was a staunch member of the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM).
In their discussions with the headman, they noticed a reluctance in
accepting anything else apart from AFM. To make matters worse, Gwena
was a deacon there. Strategically, Court and Percy devised a plan. Court
remained “padare ra Sabhuku” keeping him busy while Percy slipped out to
baptize Joel and wife. Court was good in convincing people, therefore, the
Headman was kept busy.25
After this incident, Percy and Court returned to Nhowe. Preparations were
then made for Percy and Theresa to go for the bush program at Maware.
After two weeks, the two embarked on the journey to Maware. Joel had
already told the Headman what had transpired and the Headman was
furious. However, upon this return, a man by the name Marimire and
another one from the Gwena family were also baptized. Joel began to go to
Nhowe regularly where church leaders were being trained at a certain
period in the year. Back at Maware, a lectureship was held and Emily Toda
Mugweni, the mother of Campion and Abednigo was baptized. 26 Her sons
did not know of their mother’s decision till some months later.
When Percy was stationed at Marondera, he made some visits to Maware to

teach and evangelise. His spirit kept on being drawn to Maware and longed
for a time when he was to be the preacher there. Unfortunately, some of the
missionaries at Nhowe could have none of it. This never came to be.
Campion later groomed Maware Church of Christ and established other

congregations with the help of Loy Mitchell. Abednigo, after graduating in
1970, also became critical in the work at Maware and surrounding areas.
Campion helped in the establishment of the following congregations;
Matove, Shumba, Damba, Warikandwa, Mutekedza, Nzuma, Mushipe and
Nedziwa. There are eight preachers currently preaching in Chikomba,
Abednigo Mugweni – (Maware), Leonard Mufundisi (Matove &
Mutekedza)[MSOP class of 1996] Maxwell Mukandi (Mushipe)[class of
1990], Nelson Rusere (Warikandwa) [class of 1996], Austin Madzorera
25
Percy Gwini, Interview by Mathew Muchingami
26
Ibid.
(Shumba)[class of 1991] and Givemore Makurudza (Damba)[class of
1994]. Takudzwa Chikuni (BVBIZ class of 2020) serves as an associate
minister at Maware and also works with youths in the surrounding
congregations. This part of Chikomba district is one of the strongholds of
the Churches of Christ in Zimbabwe.
Southwest Contribution
It is worth mentioning about the good work Southwest Church of Christ in

Oregon has done in Chikomba Churches of Christ. In 2000 Campion raised
support for Leonard Mufundisi to start work at Matove. The Church was
established with Leonard Mufundisi as a preacher and Southwest has been
sending Brother Daniel Goodyear who has been visiting Zimbabwe every
year to see the work at Sakubva, Maware, Matove, Nedziva and then
Mutekedza. Daniel Goodyear started coming to Zimbabwe in 1999 till now.
He is encouraging the congregation to grow and to do drip irrigation for
supplementing food.
Maware Contribution- Preachers
Maware Church of Christ in Chikomba produced so many men who trained

as preachers. Besides Campion, these include Abednigo Mugweni, Phibion
Tsoka, Godwin Marandure, Baxter Masiiwa, Canaan Chambwera, Obert
Chitunhu, Nelson Rusere, Oswald Rusere, Mathew Muchingami, Suggest
Machengete, Ngoni Parewa, Austin Madzorera, Maxwell Mukandi,
Tonderal Gonzo, Edridge Mugweni and Takudzwa Chikuni. The oldest
preacher in Chikomba area is Abednigo. He has been at Maware since 1972
and has witnessed the birth of all the congregations in Chikomba.
Stands and Buildings
Campion worked well with the Chikomba Rural Council through a Mr

Huchu who helped Campion to obtain stands for the following
congregations; Maware, Damba, Shumba, Mushipe, Matove, Sadza,
Mutekedza and Warikandwa. Loy raised funds for building Maware,
Shumba and Warikandwa buildings whilst Daniel Goodyear was
instrumental at Matove, Mutekedza and Nedziwa. Campion and Joyce paid
for the Damba Church of Christ building. However, the church building at
Warikandwa remains uncompleted since 2004.
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
A fellowship at Warikandwa congregation in early 2000
BUHERA BREAK THROUGH
To date, there are 8 congregations in Buhera district. Campion and Joyce

had a hand in the establishment and sustenance of these congregations. It
can be recalled that Campion is originally from Buhera. His desire to have
the Church of Christ in his district of origin cannot be overemphasized. A
brief history of some of the congregations is given below.
Ndyarima
On a certain day in 1998 Campion spoke to Pianos Muza on the possibility

of starting a church at Ndyarima. Pianos Muza had worked for missionaries
at the Jubilee congregation for years. New Horizon school which operated
at Jubilee for years was subsequently left in his hands also. Initially, Pianos
was not interested but after Campion persuaded him to allow him to send a
preacher at Ndyarima and use his house to accommodate the preacher, he
accepted. Agrippa Zaranyika agreed to go there in January 1999. Adam
Chamisa and his wife, Nyasha, were the first fruits there and we baptized by
Agrippa. Adam became a companion of Agrippa and started moving around
with him as he evangelized the area. Their first target was Tofesu and Annie
Mutonga, Adam’s in laws. After several lessons, they became convinced
and were baptized later that year. These rose to become some of the pillars
at Ndyarima.27 By the end of the year 2000, Ndyarima had reached the 130
mark in attendance. Around this time, Adam was doing temporary teaching
in the area. However, in 2001, Adam and Nyasha went for training at
MSOP and were to graduate in 2003. They went along with their first son,
Malon.
Campion and Joyce supported Agrippa from their own pocket before he was
introduced to North Brevard Church of Christ in Florida in America. Pianos
Muza replaced Aggrippa in 2009 and is now the preacher at Ndyarima at
the time of this writing.
Murambinda
In 1999, Campion and Joyce initiated the starting of Murambinda Church of

Christ. Sakubva used to go to Murambinda to meet with Sister Mushandike,
the daughter of Brother Manherutse of Chinyamanhanzva. It can be noted
that one of the methods used to establish congregations was to follow up on
a member who relocates to a new place. Several congregations started this
way as preachers followed up on members who would have left for another
place. The Murambinda congregation began this way as a follow up was
made on the Mushandike family. This family allowed them to use their
house for Church services. This took place for 3 years. The Church grew.
Mr Mushandike who was working out of Murambinda was then converted
and became a strong member of the Church. Seeing that the congregation
had grown, Campion raised support from Sister Dorothy Wolfe to support
George Mberenga. Campion and Ishmael Matangira then took George
Mberenga to Murambinda in December 1999. George, however, wept that
he had been dumped there. With time though, George then rose to become a
great preacher at Murambinda. He continues to work with other
congregations in the area without preachers.
27
Adam Chamisa, Interview, 26 May 2020.
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
Marenga
Another congregation quickly started at Marenga, 10 kilometers from

Murambinda. A preacher was also needed there. Campion approached the
elders at North Brevard who accepted to support the preacher who was to be
stationed there. Eriton Musarara’s name was forwarded to them and the
support started coming. Musarara moved to Marenga in April 2002 though
he is now at Chibide in Chihota District. Marenga is a growing
congregation with leaders like Wellington Makumbe who is a teacher at
Marenga. Mutandwa Ndoro (MSOP class of 2008) who is the current
preacher at Igava and Gray Ndoro (BVBIZ class of 2020) come from this
congregation. After graduation in 2008, Mutandwa worked with Nerutanga
and then went and took over Buhera center when Christopher Mlauzi had
left. Mutandwa has since moved to Igava. In the absence of a preacher at
Marenga, Sadzi, Nyamangura and Gosho, George Mberenga assists with the
work. However, James Abraham, a graduate of MSOP is currently
preaching at Marenga.
Muzokomba
The work in Buhera continued to spread. In 2004, Campion took Adam
Chamisa soon after his graduation in December 2003 to go to Muzokomba
to establish a church there. He did and continues to do great work. Adam is
a good friend of Honorable Joseph Chinotimba who is a Member of
Parliament for the area. Adam and his wife started other congregations in
the area besides Muzokomba. One of the congregations is the Zvekare
congregation which they began in 2010, Masasa in 2011 and Zvenyika in
2012. However, challenges arose at the Zvenyika congregation which met at
Zvenyika Primary School as the Jehovah’s Witnesses had bought the
school. Many members were swept away through free food and free
education.28 Adam Chamisa was supported by DR Walker in U.S.A
Dorowa
Dorowa Church of Christ was started by Brother Munengwa through the
help of Paula Leverette who was coming from Southwest Church of Christ
in Amarillo U.S.A. Alvero Dos Santos through his brother Chris Dos Santos
is helping by feeding children at Dorowa through Operation Starfish.
Munengwa did not receive formal training. This has affected the work in
many ways. The work has remained diminutive.
Buhera Center and Other Surrounding Congregations
Another person who came to work in the Buhera area was Christopher
Mlauzi. After graduating at MSOP, Christopher briefly went to Wedza
center to work with Farai Mlambo in order to gain some experience. At the
same time, Campion was seeing a need of establishing the church at Buhera
center. Christopher Mlauzi answered the call and arrived in Buhera in
February 2006. He worked to establish the church at Buhera Center. When
he arrived there, he found that there was a group bearing the name Church
of Christ but were from the Christian Church (Dadaya). He visited their
service when they held a fellowship and noted vast differences including
roles of women, uniforms and use of instruments. He took the village head
aside and some of the leaders and explained the difference. However, this
was not the first encounter of this group with a preacher.
Prior to the coming of Christopher to Buhera, George Mberenga had met

Kerifanos Kudiwa, a village head and an evangelist in the Christian Church
(Church of Christ-Dadaya) in February 2005. They met at the council
offices in Murambinda. Kerifanos had been trained as an evangelist by an
American missionary called John Pemberton. Pemberton was very
influential in the Lowveld and Masvingo area. His influence had also
penetrated Buhera and surrounding areas. Kerifanos was his product and
was in charge of 6 congregations in the area, namely; Gute, Chinyadza,
Gosho, Sadzi, Nyamangura and Ngundu. When the two first met, their
discussion centered on church administration and autonomy. Christopher
Mlauzi also met this men when he arrived in Buhera. Because of the
influence of Sadzi, Campion has been sourcing funds for the construction of
its building.
28
Adam Chamisa, Interview, May 2020.
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
Among the six congregations, the biggest was Nyamangura which had an
attendance of around 150. This is because it had three advantages. Firstly it
had a church building which had been constructed by the missionaries.
Secondly it had a grinding mill which the same missionaries had bought.
Lastly, the church had a soap making project for women. 29
At one time, George was invited to preach at Pfigamwedzi when these six
congregations were having their fellowship. 320 were in attendance. When
George continued going there, some burnt their uniforms and threw away
their musical instruments. Their preacher named Maronga and who by the
year 2020 was preaching at Gutu Mupandawana visited George but no
consensus was reached. In attendance was also Batsirai Machema. When
Maronga made attempts to visit the 6 congregations, he was not
welcomed.30
In the heat of the moment, they agreed to do a three day Gospel meeting to
discuss such differences. George, Christopher and Batsirai teamed up and
the meeting was successfully held at Nyamangura. Another meeting was
also held at Gosho from the 20 th-26th of March 2006. The preacher from
Dadaya, being escorted by members from other congregations came and
threatened this team. Christopher and his team then hosted their won first
meeting at Nyamangura from the 5 th -7th of April 2006. Congregations from
the Dadaya camp came, only the Gwebu congregation did not attend. 31
Christopher began to work with 5 congregations (that is, Buhera Center,

Gute, Nyamangura, Gosho and Sadzi) but with a system of having a
rotational monthly fellowship every last Sunday. Loy, through the AMF,
was also sending drought relief from time to time. Christopher, however,
left for Dimbe church of Christ in Marondera, having worked in Buhera for
5 years.32
29
George Mberenga, Interview by Mathew Muchingami, 13 June, 2020.
30
George Mberenga, Interview by Mathew Muchingami
31
Christopher Mlauzi, Telephone Interview by Mathew Muchingami, 16
January, 2020.
32
Ibid.
7
EDUCATION
B y the time Campion arrived at Nhowe Mission in December 1960,

he had only done standard 6. He had always wanted to further his
studies and the best option was to undertake external studies. The
best way was to study with the then Central Africa Correspondence College
(CACC). Unfortunately, he had no money to enrol with the CACC which
was popular in those days. Campion later asked Alex Ndhlukula who was
the headmaster at Nhowe Mission and who himself had also done his junior
certificate (J.C) with the same college. This was equivalent to Form 2 level
in the present day and he qualified. He gave Campion the material he had
used for this level. Campion studied for his J.C from 1962 and 1963 and
passed outstandingly. In 1963, the London General Certificate of Education
was introduced in Zimbabwe. This is equivalent to the modern day Ordinary
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
Level certificate. He enrolled into it and passed. This meant that Campion
now had his standard 6, J.C and G.C.E. This was not easy. The missionaries
at Nhowe Bible School discouraged students at NBS from such studies as it
distracted students from their core business. Single students faced the
greatest challenge. Campion had it easy as he would study within his house
as married students had their own quarters. The single men’s hostel was too
open for such to happen. Trouble would await anyone who would dare.
Besides the above, Campion furthered his education in the following areas;
1. Campion graduated with a B.A in Bible Subjects in 1985 from

International Bible Institute and Seminary.
2. He earned an M.A Theological Studies in 1986 from Atlantic

South Eastern University in U. S.A.
3. Any preacher of the gospel should be well versed in leadership

concepts and dynamics. As a result, in 1987, Campion did a
Diploma in Leadership with Haggai Institute in Singapore.
Campion’s class in Singapore
4. In 2002, Campion did a short course on missiology with Abilene

Christian University in USA.
5. Campion returned to International Bible Institute and Seminary to
read for a Dr. of Divinity. This he did in 1987.
6. As of 2014, even at an advanced age, his studious mind drove him

to pursue a Dr. of Humanities. This was after many
recommendations, studies and researches. Graduation was to be
16 June 2018 but due to circumstances beyond his control, it
could not be.
Besides Bible related courses, Campion undertook a number of courses,

which helped him advance in several areas.
1. He did Advanced Typing with Pitman. This course helped him to

work as a clerk at Mobile Electrical in 1985. This was on a part-
time basis. At this time, things were not well for him and the
family, he had to undertake the job to supplement on the little
income he was getting.
2. Campion also did advanced bookkeeping with the Institute of

Certified Bookkeepers of South Africa.
3. With this same institute of Certified Bookkeepers, Campion also

did an advanced course in shorthand.
4. The desire to be versed in many areas led Campion to also venture

into salesmanship. He did a course in Advanced Salesmanship
with the Institute of Salesmanship in South Africa. This course
helped him get employment at Niddleskan as a salesman in 1984.
He worked as a freelance salesman.
5. In 1987, Campion did a Diploma in Nursing with the Good

Samaritan Hospital. This helped him to work as an advisory nurse
manager from 1988 to 1989 at Mutare General Hospital. This
was, however, on a part time basis.
6. Campion also pursued a course in Administration and in 1980, he

graduated with a B.A in Business Administration
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
Campion and Joyce believed in Education. They enforced this ideal on to

their children. Though they struggled in paying for their fees especially the
first ones like Moira, Donna, Jefta and Nannette, with determination by both
the children and parents, success was on their way. The Mubvumbi family,
Chinyanda Family and others would also help out with fees when the
situation became dire. By the time that Blessing and Mercy were born
things were a little bit better. The emphasis on education saw all the
children, acquiring diplomas and several degrees like their father. These
children have also risen to become respectable members in society.
Besides the above rich Curriculum Vitae, Campion and Joyce started a
driving school which operated from 1981 to 1984. It was called Star
Driving School and operated from Mudzviti area in Mutare. It ended up in
Chipinge being operated by Samuel Ndlovu (MSOP class of 1972). Samuel
was also working with the Chipinge congregation as a preacher. Besides
this driving school, there was also Star Taxis within the same period. They
had two cars for the taxi business.
In order to supplement income, the couple began making water glasses from
cooking oil bottles. They bought a machine for this. These glasses were
usually send to Alison Mhlanga (MSOP class of 1972) in Honde Valley
who would sale them. This proved to be a profitable undertaking. Each was
sold for $2 with others going for $3. They learnt this trade though
correspondence.
On another hand, Joyce was also industrious in her own capacity. One of
her greatest undertaking was in selling clothes to communities. Besides this,
she also worked at Edgars from 1971-1975. Again, this was to supplement
income as they tried to meet their family needs.
Campion at the Haggai Institute in Singapore. He is the first standing on

the second role (from left) from the back
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
One of the enterprises that greatly helped Campion and Joyce was the
establishment of Sakubva Commercial College. The family benefited
greatly from the establishment of the college. Its history shall be covered
separately. However, proceeds from there were able to acquire the popular
111 Third Street property where they currently stay. This house became
more popular to every preacher, missionary and the general members of the
church. Four other houses were constructed. Rentals from these houses
helped the family greatly. The issue of acquiring properties as a means for
survival was learnt from Dr. Palmer. He constructed cottages at Abilene
Christian University. Though being advanced in age, the Palmers survived
from these as they rented them out to students. His principle was that
preachers need to invest as they preach. These properties become their
pension. In most cases, congregations do not provide pension for their
preachers.
Indeed, most preachers in Zimbabwe suffered when financial support was

withdrawn. They had not been adequately prepared for the future. This has
led to some preachers overworking themselves in their advanced age
because no meaningful investment was made in their earlier yes. The
situation is exacerbated by congregations that neither provide pension nor
medical aid for their preachers. Other congregations have seen preachers
refusing to leave after their contracts would have ended because they have
nowhere to go. No investment had been made. Others would hang in there
despite them being liabilities to the congregation. However, Campion and
Joyce knew they will get old and had to put something in place to help them
in future. At their rural home at Maware, they also constructed a house in
case they would retire and live there.
Joyce and Campion at the Palmer’s house in USA. This visit was a
turning point for the couple as they learnt the need to invest in assets.
In the late 70s and early 80s Joyce joined a sowing and cookery club in
Mutare. The idea was to teach women basic skills that would enable them to
handle their homes well. In the process, several other lessons were learnt
and marital challenges dealt with. Joyce became influential in this club as
she helped many women to handle their homes. She was eventually made
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
the chairwoman. However, the Manyika ladies were not happy to be led by
a Zezuru and she eventually pulled out. The congregation at Sakubva got
some converts this way.
In short, Joyce and Campion believed in education and worked hard to raise
themselves up. They also believed in working using their own hands. They
supplemented their income in several ways. The idea was to avoid
dependency on other people.
8
THE RISE TO POPULARITY
T here are several aspects that made Campion and Joyce to become
popular within the church and community. Some of these are
summarised below;
1. Through their initial efforts, Dangamvura became the first

congregation in Mutare. They planted this congregation and later
moved to plant the Sakubva congregation. These two are some of
the popular congregations in Mutare and Zimbabwe.
2. The couple grew Sakubva to be the biggest congregation

numerically in Zimbabwe with a membership of over 600
according to the church’s register. Each Sunday over 450 people
are always in attendance.
An ordinary Sunday at Sakubva
3. Campion later established other congregations elsewhere. These

were established both with his direct and indirect involvement.
Over 100 congregations bear his footprint.
4. Establishment of Sakubva Commercial College: The College has

enrolled over one thousand candidates for Cambridge and later
on, Zimsec examinations and at one time, it was the biggest
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
examination centre in Manicaland. This is covered elsewhere in

this book. SCC became the college for natives while whites went
to Umtali Technical College.
5. Campion played the role of the church’s representative to the

government in issues that pertain to the government such as
clearance of goods, bringing in of missionaries, and registration of
marriage officers, chaplains and commissioners of oaths.
6. Campion was one of the first registered marriage officers in the

Church of Christ in Zimbabwe. Percy Gwini was the next. For
many years, these two remained the only marriage officers. The
first couple that Campion wedded was Edmund and Florence
Gwazaza on the 28th of April 1968. The wedding took place at
Nyanyadzi in the United Methodist Church building which the
couple had requested to use.
Edmund and Florence Gwazaza at their wedding in 1968. This was

Campion’s first wedding he officiated.
7. Helping Young Ministers: Campion and Joyce have helped a lot

of young ministers to overcome their challenges. These includes
marital, moral, work, financial and other life related challenges.
Several requests to a preacher’s supporters usually went through
Campion and Loy. If supporters wanted someone to verify,
oversee or check the progress of a preacher or project, usually
Campion would be contacted.
8. Campion and Joyce were record keepers. To everyone who went

into their presence or office, there were files and books. In church
settings, services and meetings there will always be a pen and
paper. Joyce would jot points down always. This feat was testified
by many and sundry. Even where others judge a sermon to be
uninspiring, Joyce would always take notes.
9. Ordination of elders and preachers. Campion has ordained elders

in several congregations than any other. He has also been
involved in the ordination of the majority of preachers at Mutare
School of Preaching.
10. Training of Evangelists at Local Level: The Sakubva

congregation became a training ground for training evangelists
and workers in the church. Some like Oswald Rusere, Gift Mhute,
Peter Madondo are preaching in congregations whilst others are
effective in several congregations. Men meet every Tuesday for
Training. A few of these, however, joined the non-institutional
brothers (Anti-Brethren). Those who joined include Russel
Nyarambi, Chikafa, Moses Mvududu and Dumisani Mutemeri.
11. Care for Ophans: Orphans have been kept in their home many
times. Some of them are already elderly people. Those who stayed
longer than others in their house are Charity and Jesca Mabhiza.
12. Sakubva Relief Organisation: This organisation distributes food,

books and clothes to many centres in Zimbabwe and feeds 207
children every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Several
congregations have benefited from these handouts. 2-3 containers
enter the country annually
13. Campion once served as a Board Member for Nhowe Mission and
Mutare School of Preaching.
14. Campion has raised financial support for many preachers from
many of his friends and congregations he has known in the USA
and North Korea. Some of his children have assisted preachers
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
and congregations financially. Besides this, Campion and Joyce

have assisted in the welfare and upkeep of several preachers using
their own resources. In addition to this, Campion was the link
between preachers and Loy Mitchel. All funds were send to
Campion and then Campion distributed the funds to the preachers.
Funds meant for drought relief were also send the same way and
all reached their destination.
15. Campion was chairman of Manicaland Gospel Meetings for many

years
16. Joyce was one of the greatest teachers to the woman and
preachers wives. At many occasions she would be given time to
speak and help women with ideas.
17. Campion was also chairman for the National Gospel Meetings for
years. Unfortunately, these meetings are no longer being held.
18. From the turn of the 21st Century, Campion became an advisor for
the Manicaland Gospel Meeting together with Edmund Gwazaza,
Gondai Chaire, Lawrence Sedze, Cleopas Bamu and Todd
Mazambani. These served in that role for years.
19. Campion was the first chairman for the International Gospel
Meeting (Popularly known as SAIL or IGL) which is held
annually in Southern Africa.
20. Advisory Nurse: The Ministry of Health approved and appointed

Campion to work at Umtali Provincial Hospital as an Advisory
Nurse in 1978. This was a managerial role representing the city
council. Campion became the second black “clergy” to be in
such a role at the Umtali General hospital.
Campion becomes a member of Umtali’s Advisory Council33
21. Umtali City Advisory Member representing Sakubva: Campion

became an advisory member for the city from 1967 to 1979. This
role was more than that of a councillor. To the majority, he was
the representative of the blacks in a white dominated council. This
was a highly influential position. This was the board responsible
for allocating houses to Africans and attending to issues that had
to do with the welfare of Africans in the townships. In fact, he
was the only black person in that council. As of 2018, only 2 city
fathers in the old order were still alive, that is Alderman Lawrence
Mudehwe and Alderman Campion Mugweni. It is through this
role that several people in Sakubva got stands and houses and
some of them became members at Sakubva Church of Christ.
Some were recommended to several council posts and have
always appreciated Campion for his role.
33
This article appeared in the Zimbabwe Times of 25 September,
1978.
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
22. Hospitality: One component that made Joyce and Campion to be

known for is hospitality. Visitors to their residence would usually
be received by a drink or tea with bread. Furthermore, because of
Campion’s role of being distributer of African Mission Funds to
preachers and churches, on behalf of Loy Mitchell, several
preachers frequented 111 Third Street house. Some, who came
from far, would sleep there and always hosted as important
visitors. Preachers, leaders and general members with various
concerns and requests knew the route to go. There would be an
ear ready to listen. The treatment was also the same. Joyce would
always be ready with something to eat.
23. Joyce was chair-woman for the Mutare ladies fellowship for years
and was involved in organising some of the National ladies
fellowships. Even into her old age, she remained a pillar for the
ladies and an advisor too many committees within the ladies
wings in Mutare, Manicaland and nationally. She never missed
these.
Joyce worked hard alongside the wives of missionaries to uplift the lives of
woman in Mutare spiritually and physically. In 1972, a ladies fellowship
started. Some of the first congregations that were part of this included
Dangamvura, Sakubva, Chigodora, Chinyamanhanzva, Chitakatira, En
Evant, Old West (Penhalonga) and Zimunya. Some of the native women
who made this possible include Joyce, Margaret Gonzo and Sisters
Chitendeni, Chaire, Mubvumbi, Dhidhiya and others. Sister Mubvumbi was
the eldest and helped the young woman a lot. Some of the meetings were
organised at Umtali School of Preaching were woman would attend and
wives of missionaries would give lessons. When most missionaries left, the
ladies meeting went on a sabbatical.
The resurgence of the Ladies fellowship in Mutare cannot be complete

without the mention of Joyce, Florence Gwazaza, Margaret Gonzo, Mai
Zengeni, Mai Mukono among others. When Florence Gwazaza started
working at Mutare School of Preaching in 1990 as secretary, having taken
over from Golden Chiziwe who had been elevated to the position of a
lecturer, she enquired regarding a ladies fellowship that once existed. In
Harare, Ladies were also meeting having taken the example from what the
Mutare ladies were doing in the 70s. Florence made a call to Joyce who
accented to the need of meeting together as women. A meeting was called
and representatives of congregations were to meet and strategise. Those
who came include Joyce (Sakubva), Florence (Dangamvura), Mai Zengeni
(Sakubva), Margaret Gonzo (Dangamvura), Mai Mukono (Maruru) and
Mbuya Dhidhiya (Zimunya). These ladies, representing their congregations,
met and decided to start the ladies fellowship in Mutare. 34 The first structure
saw Joyce becoming the first chairperson, Margaret (vice-chairperson),
Florence (Secretary), Mai Zengeni (vice-secretary) Mai Mukono
(committee member) and Mai Dhidhiya (committee member). Joyce was
chosen to lead because of her influence, her experiences of working with
missionaries and was already respected within the community of believers.
National ladies fellowship at Nhowe in 1992
34
Florence Gwazaza, Interview by Mathew Muchingami.
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
The different scenario at a National ladies fellowship in 2014
9
THE STORY OF SAKUBVA

COMMERCIAL COLLEGE
O ne of the well-known colleges in Mutare is Sakubva Commercial

College. Its history is a dignified one. The college started in 1975
and its seed was, however, planted during Campion’s days as a
student at Nhowe. Whilst at Nhowe, students were taught typing skills.
After graduation, Campion was given two typewriters. Whist in Umtali, he
wrote a National Typing examination at a Technical College which was
then located behind the present day OK shops. This course was a preserve
for whites and it was difficult for him to undertake it. Through many
avenues, Campion and Cleopas Bamu were allowed to write the course. As
a way of avoiding conflict with the white community who were sitting for
the same examination, Cleopas and Campion had to enter the exam room
soon after the whites had started writing and left just a few minutes before
they finished writing. They wrote their own examination whilst seated at the
back to avoid being identified.
Because blacks did not have an opportunity to study typing, Campion

started teaching people privately in their house at 23 New Dangare using a
part of their kitchen. The two typewriters they were given at Nhowe were of
great help. Many people got interested and they had to come in groups
because of the limited space and limited typewriters. Seeing the great
potential, Campion quickly bought four more typewriters. This house
became well known in Umtali but especially within the black community. It
became the place for the blacks whilst the whites would go the Technical
College.
Later that year, the Ministry of Education got wind of the goings on at 23
New Dangare. Mr Carbon, a ministry official, came and made all operations
to stop. The place was not conducive for such operations as there were no
toilets and other amenities needed for a school. However, when a person is
determined, no iota of discouragement or force can stop him. Campion had
to move from his place of residence to Sakubva Church of Christ building.
Fortunately, filled with the desire to learn at all costs, people followed him
in droves. The need to regularize operations grew. Campion finally
registered the school as a study centre taking students from forms one to
four. The Ministry of Education agreed to pay the teachers. However, when
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
the same official, Mr Carbon, from the Ministry of Education came to

inspect, he criticized the college for being overpopulated. It was
immediately declared “closed down.” However, after many pleas by
Campion, the school was opened within 10 minutes after its closure.
Mr Carbon, however, went and complained at the City Council. Mr Jordan

who was chairman of the council’s Advisory board and director of Housing
this time made the school to transfer to Beit Hall in 1976. The hall was
owned by Umtali City Council. What Mr Carbon did not know was that
Campion was also part of the Advisory board at the time. Everything,
therefore, worked in the favour of Campion, and ultimately the black
students.
Beit Hall had many rooms. Commercial subjects began to be taught at an

intensive level. Sowing began to be taught as a subject there and more
students could be accommodated. Maria Chimugoro and Chaparika were
some of the students. The study group continued its lessons unhindered.
Laina Mubvumbi taught two years there. The college grew and started
another branch in town in 1984. This branch was located behind Price
Kings in down town Mutare, close to Dangamvura rank. The two centres
operated well. In town, it was known as Mutare Study Centre. Teachers
teaching forms one to four continued to be paid by the government.
Land in Sakubva was bought in the late 1980’s and construction started in
1991. Operations moved to the present cite in 1992 leading to the cessation
of Beit Hall operations. At Beit Hall, the school had become an examination
centre for Cambridge, Pitman, Institute of Bookkeepers and Institute of
Salesmanship examinations. These examinations continued to be written at
the new cite.35 The college has enrolled over one thousand candidates for
Zimsec examinations and at one time it was the biggest examination center
in Manicaland. Oswald Rusere was one of the teachers at the college for a
long time.
The school became a great centre for evangelism. Devotions were being
done every day as long as the school was in session. World Bible School
seminars were frequently done there. Many students were baptized.
Sakubva Church of Christ greatly grew because of this. This college
continued to be associated with the Sakubva congregation such that, to
others, there was no much difference. Several Preachers also benefited
from this college. This include Agrippa Zaranyika, Nelson Rusere, Kelvin
35
Rusere, Interview by Mathew Muchingami.
Mhindirira and Liberty Kafumo amongst many others. These got financial
support from this college as they preached the Word.
In the year 2000, Campion went to U.S.A and Riverroad Church of Christ
bought into the vision of the school. The congregation knew of the college
when it came for an exchange program in Zimbabwe in 1999. Members
from there had also held services at SCC. Because of this association, they
began to raise $1000 every year for needy students. Some of the
beneficiaries of this money were Shamiso Mazenza (nee Bvuma) and Linda
Bvuma, Shame Magaya, Lovemore Manyeruke and Moses Mvududu who
later on went to join the non-institutional brethren.
The college remains a force to recon with in Mutare and has trained many in
Mutare and Beyond. The governemnt recognized the role that SCC played
in the educational sector. In fact many people from Mutare and surrounding
areas who are in public offices, council, education and business are aware of
the impact that SCC made in many people’s lives. Independent colleges
were few around the country then whilst SCC was the only option for
natives before 1980 and continued to be so for the next three decades and
beyond that. However, with the coming of several independent colleges in
Mutare, several options now exist to learners. Despite this development,
SCC’s fame continues.
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
An article which appeared in one of the famours newspapers of the day
10
TRAINING OTHERS
“….and what you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to
faithful men who will be able to teach others also (2 Timothy 2.2).
Every congregation is a training institution. Preachers are the catalysts for

this to happen. Growing churches equip members with knowledge and
skills that enable them to grow According to the words of Bill Newman,
“Most work is badly done because of poor or inadequate training.
Organizations that seek growth focus on “continual improvement” rather
than “static perfection.” 36 Those who lead and preach need constant
training. Members also need training in various aspects such as counseling,
evangelism, and leadership. Rambi Ayala added that, “For too long,
congregations have allowed some spiritually myopic brethren to cage them
in the hollow chambers of their own ignorance by being anti-training in the
name of conservatism.”37 (6). If the leaders and those who lead worship are
not trained, their talk will be dry, boring, dull, and insipid and the church
will languish, become lukewarm, worldly, feeble, weak, and ineffective.
Such a promotion of ignorance and mediocrity does not promote growth
but training does.
Campion Mugweni and Joyce were trainers and advocates of the same. The
Sakubva church is a product of this component. Its worship services are
usually vibrant. Campion’s training instinct started when he was still a
student at Nhowe Bible College. The then missionaries such as Roy
Palmer, accorded Campion the opportunity to train church leaders who
were coming from the villages. These leaders usually came to the mission
in August to October and then go back to lead churches and preparing their
lands for the planting season. Most of the subjects taught were centred on
leadership, preaching, teaching and doctrine. Such training was very
necessary as some of the established congregations were without any
trained men. These leaders usually stood in the gap. Some of these leaders
include Goddy Karimanzira, Mugani, Raradza, Manherutse, Chimutega,
Simango, Nhandara and Zungunde. When sekuru Zungunde passed on the
6th of August 2018, Campion wrote and circulated the following extract
from his email38;
36
Newman, Bill. 10 Laws of Leadership, 105.
37
Ayala Rambi. “Timely Reflection on the Importance of Preacher
Training.” Arise, 6.
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
Morning Church of Christ in Zimbabwe. I greet you in the name of Jesus

Christ. I know that some of you did not know that sekuru Zungunde of
Magunje Church of Christ died last week on the 12th of August and was
buried at Magunje Murewa on the 14th of August. We have lost a great
leader. Sekuru Zungunde attended short-term school of preaching at Nhowe
Mission in 1962 and 1963. Most old men from several congregations were
enrolled in this short-term school. They would come in August to October
each year and I was the teacher of this school. The Missionaries had
assigned me to teach the old church leaders. Sekuru Zungunde was one of
them including Sekuru Bamu, Karimanzira, Muganhi, Raradza, Manheruse,
Chimutega and Simango. All these people helped the church to grow
working with village congregations. Most of them are dead. Their work is
still going on in the villages.
Yours in Christ
Sekuru Dr. Campion Mugweni
Sakubva Church of Christ
All students of this class had by the year 2018 already gone to be with the
Lord. Only Sekuru Zungunde had survived.
Campion moved a step further and established a short term training school
at Sakubva and in Wedza. This was more advanced compared to the one
which was being done at Nhowe Mission. Students undertook lessons from
Rodger Dickson’s International School of Biblical Studies and Campion
was the facilitator working alongside Kennedy Muraicho in running this
school. The two would also grade all tests and assignments. This program
was sponsored by South West Church of Christ in USA through Paulla
Leverett. Notable people who passed through this training at Sakubva
include Oswald Rusere, Peter Naboth Madondo, Matambo, Chikafa,
Misheck Mwamuka and Gift Mhute. Gift Mhute went to preach at Damba
area in Chikomba (supported through Loy Mitchell), Oswald Rusere went
to establish Chikanga 3 congregation (supported by Central Church of
Christ in USA) and Peter Madondo finally went to the Tandi congregation
though initially earmarked to go to Ndyarima in Buhera. He received
support from North Brevard Church of Christ for the Ndyarima work.
38
Mugweni, Letter to Churches, 6 August 2018.
A graduate of this school was given this type of certificate. The late
Christopher Chirimuuta was part of this group before going to MSOP.
One of the areas that dominated this short term school was Wedza. Several
people went through it. Some of these people such as Nyasha Mukondwa,
Danmore Mirimi and Christopher Chirimuuta later went to MSOP for
training. The non-institutional brethren (Antis) took advantage of the
program and took some of the graduates to their fold as preachers and
caused challenges to the work in the Wedza area. Besides the above, many
preachers on internship passed through the hands of this family. Some
staying for a longer time than others. Some of these rose up to be great and
notable workers in the church. Some of these include Conrad Tsiga who
came to Sakubva as a youth preacher. The leaders at Sakubva then, that is,
Matema, Mubvumbi and Murevanhema had requested Conrad to serve in
that capacity. After getting married to Hellen, who was a youth at Sakubva,
Conrad then moved to Kwekwe.
Other young preachers who came and worked with Campion and Joyce
include; Jonathan Chitendeni, Edmund Gwazaza (6 months only), Erick
Simbanegavi, and Nelson Rusere who later went to work with the Mukamba
congregation in Nyazura, then known as Mupeti Church of Christ. Nesbert
Zvinveku is currently working with this congregation. Others worked at
Sakubva were Noah Gonzo, Saul Gondai Chaire, Edson Jongwe and Alison
Mhlanga. Noah Gonzo and his wife later moved to Umtali School of
Preaching. Saul Chaire and his wife, later moved to Dangamvura to serve as
the preacher there. This was because Campion who had started the
Dangamvura congregation was no longer able to work with both
Dangamvura and Sakubva. The work at Sakubva was becoming
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
cumbersome. Of the young preachers who came to Sakubva then, only

Nelson Rusere was receiving something from the church. They gave him
$45 monthly. Preachers such as Saul Chaire, Jonathan Chitendeni, Noah
Gonzo and Conrad Tsiga stayed at Sakubva between the periods of 1967 to
1969.
This trend did not stop as Naboth Peter Madondo officially worked with
Sakubva as an assistant to Campion and Joyce and as a youth minister. Soon
after the departure of Peter (2003-2007), Tawanda Chimedza, currently
preaching at Chiware came to take over soon after completing his studies at
Mutare School of Preaching in 2007. Tawanda Chimedza had his contract
renewed but later went to Chiware congregation near Rusape. After him
came Lovemore Manyanhaire in 2014. Lovemore left in early 2018 and
worked briefly at Cherutombo congregation before moving to start new
work at Mazowe in April 2018. Dickson Chagoma took over from
Lovemore in January 2018 soon after leaving MSOP. Each of these was
given 2 year contracts which were later extended as the church saw fit.
These preachers arguably acquired part of their experiences at Sakubva.
Campion and Joyce also trained the people of Sakubva to fund their
preachers. The preachers who were partly supported by Sakubva include
Tawanda Chimedza, Lovemore Manyanhaire and Dickson Chagoma. Every
Tuesday, men at Sakubva meet for evangelical training and those who
complete their studies are given certificates and regarded as local
evangelists practising at Sakubva. Some of these proceeded to MSOP as
students while others preach at congregations. Some of those who passed
through this class include the likes of Edgar Mushati and Brighton
Mucherera who later on went to MSOP to be trained in 2007. By December
2018, four men from this class were practicing as evangelists popularly
known there as “vavhangeri” at Sakubva. These include Nickson Chigariro,
Calvin Chandipa, Langton Kafumo and Hardlife Matyorauta.
A sewing club made up of Sakubva COC women. Proceeds from this club
would also be used to support the youth ministers at the congregation.
However, the first group that Campion worked with were his classmates at
Nhowe. These were at Umtali Teacher’s College when Campion came to
the city. These were Nelson Rapoz, Pindukai Makunde, Andrew Bamu and
Hopewell Huni. It can, therefore, be noted that at several times, Campion
and Joyce worked with others directly and indirectly. Behind it all, they
became mentors to many through such training.
11
ORDINATIONS
O ne of the greatest tasks that Campion has had in his life was to help
congregations in the ordination of their elders. In some of the
congregations, Campion would be invited to teach the
congregation. Some of the common topics that Campion would teach
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
includes; the scriptural organisation of the church, the work of the elders
and deacons and the role of the church to their elders amongst others.
Campion was called to the following congregations to ordain elders;

Nhowe, Macheke, Dombotombo, First Street (Marondera), Jubilee, Maruru,
Glendale, Chikanga 1, Dangamvura, Vengere, Kambuzuma, Matove,
Bindura, Glendale, Dangamvura, Maruru, Nhedziwa, Mukamba, Manica
(Mozambique) and Bulawayo Central. There are some congregations where
Campion had to go twice such as Jubilee, Dangamvura, Bindura and Nhowe
amongst others.
Campion (on the pulpit) ordaining a set of elders at Jubilee Church of

Christ in Mutare, that is Dave Meikle, Gideon Makoko and Ray Grottis.
Justice Nherera, seated in the background, was the preacher then.
Besides the ordination of elders at the above congregations, Campion has

also ordained elders at Sakubva. Several set of elders were ordained at
various phases of growth at this congregation. Campion was also ordained
as an elder after some cycles.
Some of the first elders at Sakubva-From left- Mathias Nyamatore, Isdore

Mandizha, Barnabas Mubvumbi and David Mubvumbi
Besides the ordination of elders and deacons, Campion has played a pivotal
role in the ordination of ministers. Prior to 2013, most preachers had no
ordination certificates, though ordination was being carried out during
graduations. In the circular world, ordination certificates are demanded in
schools, prisons, police parades, and government offices. These at times,
have been made important than graduation certificates. Some of these
sectors would want to see them before a preacher is allowed to preach or
carry one task or another whilst in other sectors a preacher is just permitted
to preach without any question raised. Preachers came together and
suggested that this be done and Campion, together with a group of elderly
preachers who included Pindukai Makunde, Percy Gwini, Edmund
Gwazaza, Noah Gonzo, Timothy Matangira, Newman Kanchefu, Todd
Mazambani, Abednigo Mugweni, Lameck Karikoga, Michael Zumbika and
Richard Nyamanhindi. These men became some of the signatories and
participating ministers in the ordination of preachers. These certificates
were signed by Loy Mitchell, Campion Mugweni and Percy Gwini on
behalf of all and were backdated to the year that each preacher graduated.
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
Preachers after receiving their ordination certificates at Mutare School of

Preaching
The ordination was finally done at the Preacher’s Lectureship/Refresher

Course in 2013 at Mutare School of Preaching. Several preachers came and
received their certificates.
At most graduations at Mutare School of Preaching, Campion has been

given the task of ordaining graduates into the ministry. Campion has done
this for years. At Bear Valley Bible Institute-Zimbabwe’s first graduation in
2018, he was given the honour to do the same.
Campion ordaining graduates at Bear Valley Bible Institute in Gweru on

the 2nd of June 2018
12
ROLES OF MUTARE SCHOOL OF
PREACHING
O ne of this institution that has been so influential in the growth of the

church in Zimbabwe is Mutare School of Preaching. Campion
served in various capacities at the school. As a friend of Clayton
Waller and Loy Mitchell, Campion worked very much behind the scenes
and times directly to ensure that the training of preachers proceeded well.
However, challenges always stood in the face of progress.
Missionaries who served at Umtali Bible School prior to 1980 included

John Hanson, Loy Mitchell, Dick Boyd, James Petty and Clayton Waller.
There were also some black teachers at this time. These were Xavier
Goredema, Noah Gonzo, Timothy Matangira, Ishmael Matangira and
Miekle Kagoni who served as a librarian. Campion was also given several
roles to play at this institution. The first was that of a teacher in 1971. He
taught the ladies class together with Noah Gonzo. He, however, continued
with his work at Sakubva. Noah Gonzo, on the other hand, was a Bible
correspondence teacher. He also continued with his correspondence
courses’ work. Noah’s offices were located were British American Tobacco
(BAT) offices are in town.
In 1976, the missionaries at USOP decided to sell the school without the
knowledge of the black teachers who were there then. The reasons for such
an action and the events that transpired are beyond the scope of this treatise.
However, for a greater discussion on the goings on at MSOP then,
transitions from white leadership to black leadership and related challenges,
Paul Chimhunge’s thesis is a worthy reference. 39 Black leadership
39
Please refer to Paul Shupikai Chimhungwe theses, A Descriptive
Chronicle of Transition from Mission to Indigenous Leadership in 2 Church
of Christ Institutions (1976-1986), (Hamilton: McMaster Divinity College,
2012)
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
eventually took over with Xavier Goredema eventually becoming the first
native principal in April 1977. His term ended in 1986 and Loy Mitchell
took over in till 1988 as an interim principal. Edmund Gwazaza then took
over in 1988 and worked in that position till 2001.
Campion, as one of the leaders in Mutare, was a man who worked very
much behind the scenes in supporting this new leadership and assisting
locals to believe in the new set up. In short, the following letter to Cleopas
Bamu, from Hillcrest, the supporting congregation, is a capsule of the
transition that was taking place. 40 Paul Chimhungwe in his thesis which has
been mentioned earlier on, highlights several correspondences that are not
highlighted here.
40
McCurdy and Hodges, Letter to Cleopas Bamu, 1 February, 1977.
The letter from Hillcrest detailing the changes after the departure of white
missionaries at UBS
One of the longest serving principals was Edmund Gwazaza who took over
from Xavier Goredema. Edmund testified that the presence of Campion was
handy in the work of God in Zimbabwe and at MSOP. A “no” was not in
Campion’s vocabulary when it came to the work even to the extent of
sacrificing his resources so that things are done.
One of the greatest roles that Campion played was to work alongside the
school, in an informal way, to raise support for MSOP graduates. Some of
this support was raised directly from Campion’s acquaintances and
congregations in USA. In other instances, graduates-to-be would bring
proposals to Campion detailing where they would want to work and
Campion would forward these to Loy with a recommendation. Many
students got support this way. Campion, therefore, acted as a middleman.
To many third year students at MSOP, visiting Campion at 111 th Street in
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
Mutare was, therefore, the normal procedure from 1995 till the closure of
African Mission Fund. Besides raising support himself and helping Loy
locally, placement of some graduates in various areas was one of his
unofficial tasks. Some of the preachers preaching in certain congregations
were actually placed there by Campion. A greater discussion on the issue of
support is made elsewhere in this book.
MSOP staff, Hillcrest COC representatives and board members. Picture

courtesy of MSOP Library
He was appointed a board member and at one time served as the chairman
of the Board of Trustees. He worked with the likes of Isaac Mpondi,
Zebedee Tandi, Jerry Masaraure, Washington Mhlanga, Cleopas Bamu
amongst others. Besides these official functions, Campion remained visible
based on his invisible efforts behind the scenes.
13
FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR
PREACHERS
T he supporting of many preachers in Zimbabwe cannot be complete

without the coming into the picture of Campion and Loy Mitchell.
These worked hand in glove though at times independently. There
are other missionaries and brothers who also sourced support for preachers
in the country. The work of these brethren is dully acknowledged. The
extent of their work is, however, beyond the scope of this work. There are
also others who had opportunities to do the same but never moved an inch
beyond themselves. In Campion and Loy, we see selfless individuals who
had the work at heart.
Before looking at Campion’s efforts, it is essential that we look at the

support that he himself had through time. It is from this financial support
that several other preachers benefited from. Besides regular support that
came to many, when encountering a challenge, some preachers would run to
Campion for assistance and he would help from his own support. Widows
and orphans were also assisted. Those who visited Campion and Joyce’s
house would notice that there would be many visitors at any given time.
Because of this, Campion and Joyce were a source of strength and a pillar to
many.
The following supported Campion in the earlier period.

1. DR Callan – Rotan Church of Christ
2. DR Parker – Knott Church of Christ
3. A.A. Wade – Individual
4. Preston J. – 39TH Street Church of Christ
The following elders supported Campion as a preacher;

MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
1. Thomas Breakfield-Rockledge Church of Christ, Florida

2. Vann Pruit-Auburn Church of Christ, Florida
3. Marion-North Brevard Church of Christ, Florida
4. Fred Benton-South West Church of Christ, Oregon
5. Donald Carswell-Maricamp Road Church of Christ, Florida
6. Sister Lu-Bright -Sunset Church of Christ. As of December 2019,
she was now in a nursery home.
NB: By April 2019, all elders mentioned above had gone to be with the
Lord except Donald Carswell of Maricamp
The following individuals offered some special financial

assistance
1. Steve Cable (1989-2019) -Elmwood Church of Christ
2. Randell Goodman (1989-2019)- Auburn Church of Christ
3. Brother and Sister Smith (1992-2019)- Elmwood Church of Christ. Brother
Smith died but the widow continued
4. Rob Craft (2016-2019) Auburn Church of Christ
5. Tom Gudaskas (2016-2019)-an elder at Auburn Church of Christ
6. Brother and Sister Hoghes (2016-2019)- Elmwood Church of Christ
Steve Cable and his family-he supported Campion for years
Because of the many links above, Campion played a very pivotal role in the
raising of support for preachers in Zimbabwe. He combined well with Loy
Mitchell who did the same. At first, he and Loy were supported by the same
congregation, that is, Rotan church of Christ. Through Campion’s influence,
some individuals were going to be supported later on by this congregation.
These include Isaiah Pasihapaori, Alison Mlanga, now late, and Joram
Maraidza
However, Campion had his own withdrawn earlier own in his life and had
to start working at Mobile Electrical and other companies for survival. Later
on, a certain lady from U.S.A called Lubright came to Zimbabwe. She was
wealthy and was Loy Mitchell’s Sunday school teacher. She got very
interested in Campion and Joyce and the work they were doing. She advised
Campion to resign from where he was working and started supporting him.
At the end of every year, Campion would take 4-5 students who would have
recently graduated at MSOP and recommend to Loy and then to Lubright.
At the same time, he would notify her that Loy knows them. Lubright
would them source support for these. Some of them got financial support
from World Bible School after her recommendation. Some of those who
got such support this way include Lameck Karikoga, Zaccheaus Tizora,
Witness Gomwe and Abednigo, Campion’s brother. This was possible
because Lubright worked with World Bible School. Some of these have,
however, lost their support as it was not meant to be permanent.
Loy Mitchell during one of the preacher’s lectureships at Mutare School of

Preaching
Prior to 1992, Campion had asked Loy to find support for him but Loy was
a bit reluctant because there was Sakubva Commercial College which was
supposed to support him. To him, Campion was better placed compared to
others. However, at that time SCC was not yet financially stable.
In 1992, there was a great famine in Zimbabwe. This is the time that the
government had introduced the Economic Structural Adjustment Program
(ESAP). The famine was devastating. Campion came across a picture of a
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
man from Mt Darwin who had slaughtered a baboon and was carrying it on
his shoulders. He sent the picture to some congregations in U.S.A
describing the hunger crisis in Zimbabwe. Five congregations responded
with money for drought relief. Some of these congregations included
Southwest, North Brevard, Maricamp, Auburn and Elmwood. They started
giving Campion $20 each. That same year, southwest asked Campion to
find a young preacher whom they can support. Leonard Mufundisi was
chosen and send to Matove congregation. After some time, Campion wrote
to North Brevard telling them that the work was growing and that he had
three preachers who are ready to work. These were Peter Madondo, Agrippa
Zaranyika and Eriton Musarara. North Brevard indicated that all these
should go to Buhera, an area they had interests in. It was done and these
went there. Another preacher in the Buhera area of Murambinda, George
Mberenga, also got financial support separately from Mrs Wolf in U.S.A.
Representatives from the congregations mentioned above met

representatives of a congregation in South Korea and told them that they
support Campion. One of the Koreans called James Kim wrote to Campion
specifying that there is an opportunity for support and the first beneficiary
chosen was Tawanda Chimedza who was then at Sakubva. Others who got
this support include Theophilus Tanhera, Timothy Matangira and Tonderai
Gonzo. Campion also sourced support for Taylor Mukono based at Maruru
and Nelson Rusere who was then based at Mukamba. They were getting
their monthly support from the Priston family. Gift Mhute, one of
Campion’s students at Sakubva got support from Gary Wyder and was sent
to Damba Church of Christ. Maxwell Mukandi also got his from Bob Dooty
and is preaching at Mushipe Church of Christ. Caleb Mafusire who had
stayed for long at Derembwe without support wanted to leave and go to
Morris, his home area in Murewa. Campion and Loy worked hard and
Caleb got support and stayed at Derembwe. He was linked to his supporters.
Because Campion had many contacts in America, he was also able to raise
support for the following (though most have since lost their support),
Abednigo Mugweni, Maxwell Mukandi, Partson Maambirwi, Peter
Sarandega, Agrippa Zaranyika , Edgar Mushati, Peter Musongora, Njoma
Masvaya, Theophilus Tanhera, Lovemore Manyanhaire, Madamombe
Gambiza, Dickson Chagoma, Austin Madzorera, Edridge Mugweni,
Tawanda Chimedza, Godwin Tawanda Marandure, Fred Mahari, Kennedy
Muraicho, Panganai Kamutambo, Newman Kanchefu, Tawanda Mwadiya,
Dominique Mazenza, Nelson Rusere, Damson Siwedi and Nesbert
Zvinzveku.
In 2018, Campion had his friends, Milton and Rotton, from Lower Bucks
church of Christ in USA. He had discussed with these two regarding the
possibility of supporting some preachers. These said they have $500 for 5
preachers but would want to use the sharing model. They might increase the
amount later on. Each preacher would get $100 monthly. On the 6 th of
December 2018, 5 preachers got this support that Campion had sourced.
These 5 were officially given their support at Sakubva Church of Christ’s
service on the 5th of December 2018. The following letter 41 was written to
the writer, giving notice of another batch of preachers whom he had helped
to get financial support.
Dear Mufundisi Muchingami
This Month of December I was able to raise support for Nhamo Mumba,
Nelson Rusere, Hope Tawanda karikoga. Liberty Kafumo and Rishoni
Gushure. Many in the field are benefiting from the support I raised for
them. Currently we have 27 in the field who still have foreign financial
support that I raised for them.
In Christ
Dr. Campion Mugweni
Prior to this, Liberty Kafumo had been getting $100 from Sakubva whilst
Tawanda Karikoga would be helped directly by Campion here and there.
Damson Siwedi who is based at Sharara also got support early in 2019.
Damson has since moved to the Mupudzi congregation. Many preachers
after receiving financial support, would write letters of appreciation to
Campion and their supporting congregations and individuals. One of the
beneficiaries, Rishon Gushure, after a few days sent the following letter 42 of
appreciation on the 11th of December 2018.
Dear Brethren,
THANK YOU Brethren for your great love you have shown to us for the
cause of Christ.
41
Mugweni, Letter to Mathew Muchingami, 1 December 2018.
42
Gushure, Letter to Campion Mugweni, 11 December 2018.
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
We did receive the money ($100USD) you send through Dr Campion

Mugweni on Sunday at Sakubva Church of Christ. Brother Mugweni is our
elder and well respected preacher in Zimbabwe, America and other
countries for the work of preaching the Gospel …….
We were also happy on Sunday to meet Brother Mumba, Bro. Takudzwa

and Bro. Tawanda Hope. Brother Rusere was absent due to financial
constraints. He travels 280km from his place to Mutare. We will send you
reports of the work here at Chitakatira Church of Christ as soon as
possible. Once again, thank you brothers and sisters for your concern and
love you have shown to us, your encouragement through the Scripture from
John 16:33.
May God richly bless you.
In December 2018, Campion and I entered a discussion regarding the fate of

congregations in several areas. The discussion also touched on Chikomba
District. Earlier on, Bear Valley Bible Institute had provided Tinashe
Mazhambe to work as a junior minister at Maware. His support came from
children who came from Maware and were now in the cities but decided to
pull resources together to support him. A model worthy exploring locally.
Tinashe has since relocated to the Chiwetu congregation near Chiware in
Rusape and has since been replaced by Takudzwa Chikuni (BVBIZ class of
2020). For the congregation at Damba near St Cyprian, Campion was
sourcing for support with the help of Daniel Goodyear. As of the 28 th of
December, Gary Wyder of Lake Butler Church of Christ in U.S.A and Jefta
Mugweni the son of Campion Mugweni had both agreed to chip in to the
work at Damba. Givemore Makurudza was chosen and told to move to the
Damba congregation. At the Shumba congregation, Jefta had started
supporting Austin Madzorera.
Whenever one gets support, Campion would then link the preacher to the
supporting congregation. Campion would, however, be pained to see some
of the preachers not doing the work. Some of these preachers would then
report falsely to their supporting congregations that they are doing the work.
One of the challenges that Campion faced was that some preachers messed
up the work. When the situation demanded for these to move, Campion
would then spearhead this movement. One of the major challenges of
foreign support is oversight. Some would receive the money without the
knowledge of the local congregation. The local preacher would find it easy
to report to the supporting congregation than the local congregation.
Loy, on the other hand, established African Mission Fund (AMF). He would
visit many congregations and acquaintances and raise support for preachers
in Zimbabwe. A total of 105 preachers received support. Several church
buildings were also constructed. From this pool, some preachers got full
support, whilst others, received what was known as Special Assistance.
Those under special assistance received money but it was not consistent. At
times their money would be from special funds that Loy would have
received and then shared among the preachers. Every year when he came to
Zimbabwe, Loy would go to MSOP and take pictures of graduating
students. As part of reference, potential supporters would be told to ask
Campion for further information.
In the late 90’s, Campion now had good support. He had also established
himself in Mutare. Sakubva Commercial College was doing well while he
now had a few houses where he was receiving rentals monthly. Based on
this, he had to give others financial support that, otherwise, would have
been his. Some of those who benefited back then include Tendai Jana and
Newman Kanchefu. This is why Newman Kanchefu had to move from
Bindura to Masvingo in 2004. He had taken over Campion’s support. His
move was sudden as he was told of the development at a preachers’
Refresher Course at MSOP in December 2004. From Masvingo, Newman
then moved to Jubilee in Mutare with the same support. Newman and
Tendai Jana did not have a direct link with Knott Church of Christ but wrote
their reports to Loy Mitchell who then forwarded them to Knott.
On the other hand, there were certain preachers who got support from USA
through other avenues other than Campion and Loy. From time to time,
Campion would be asked about the work of these individuals and the
progress they are making. At times, informal visits and discussions would
be made. One of the group of preachers who tirelessly worked were
supported by the 29th and Yale congregation. This congregation knew
Campion well. An advocate by the name Steve Heinen who was a member
at this congregation and who knew Campion well was the one who
succeeded in having five preachers get support from his congregation.
These preachers included Farai Mlambo, Percy Gwini, Tawanda
Tendaupenyu, Thomas Maruni and Washington Mambeu. The first 4
formed one of the most formidable missionary teams which also roped in
Tendai Jana and others. Several congregations were established as a result.
For more information about this group of preachers, please see the
upcoming book on the rise of native missionaries in Zimbabwe by this
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
author though more focus shall be on the work and life history of Percy
Gwini.
MSOP also received funding for some of its programs like field program
from this congregation. Owen Ruraca one of the preachers from
Mozambique and who graduated at MSOP in 2005 also got support from
this congregation. However, due to many challenges and low numbers, this
congregation send its last financial support with a note and without notice to
the preachers that this was the last support for them. This was devastating to
the preachers who were some of the powerhouses of the gospel. MSOP was
also affected heavily.
When the AMF closed with the death of Loy Mitchell in 2015, many
preachers lost their support. However, those that had support sourced
through Campion and had been linked with their supporting congregations
remained with theirs. Most of those who were being supported through
AMF did not have any link with their supporters. Only Loy knew them. It
became very difficult after his death. If beneficiaries had received funds
directly, many preachers could have continued with their support. This is
not in a way, lessoning the great work that Loy did. Before its closure, Loy
informed the many supporters of two things. Firstly that AMF was going to
be closed down and secondly, that the Zimbabwe church was now able to
fund its own preachers. Therefore, if there is anyone who would want to
continue supporting, he or she is free to do so. However, since there was not
much of a link between the preacher and the supporter, many local workers
eventually lost their support. The most difficult part was that many local
congregations had not been prepared adequately to take up the challenge.
Another group of preachers who got support through Campion’s efforts

were Oswald Rusere, Farai Mupimbira, Regererai Cassava and Justice
Nherera. These got good support though for just a few years. They were
some of the highly paid among the preachers but however lost their support
due to certain problems beyond their control. After about 6 months without
anything, Campion wrote on their behalf asking why nothing was coming to
the preachers. This is when he was notified of the reasons. Campion then
requested that, if possible, something be sent to the four because no notice
had been given. The congregation then sent three months support to the
preachers, though the late Regererai received more compared to the other
three.
One of the greatest opportunity that led all this to happen was that Campion
went to USA with Joyce every year from the year 2000 to 2006. This is the
time he met with several congregations and individuals and talked about the
work in Zimbabwe, its potential and the plight of preachers. He made a lot
of contacts and build many friendships, some of whom were very
influential. Trust was then built between him and many congregations and
people.
When AMF closed down, several preachers did not believe that it had
closed down. Prior to 2010, Loy had made a decision that AMF was going
to close in 2016. Many preachers did not believe it. Through letters and
yearly visits, Loy continued to remind preachers that AMF was closing in
2016. Since many preachers did not have pension and as a way of weaning
them slowly and preparing them for the closure of AMF, the idea of projects
came up. Several preachers received an average of US$2500 to start
projects. In a way, it was their pension. However, the majority of these
projects failed. Some of the beneficiaries had not been trained in
entrepreneurship skills development. Whilst the economic environment
played a part, survival skills were deficient. Those who did well invested in
education. Some had to send their wives to teachers colleges whilst other
did one program or another. This failure exposed deficiencies and gaps
within preachers. MSOP and Bear Valley Bible Institute-Zimbabwe have
since adjusted their curriculums to cater for entrepreneurship and life
survival skills.
Prior to this, preachers receiving financial support were discouraged from

venturing into business, undertaking small projects, getting employed
elsewhere and developing themselves in terms of their education. Many
were not just prepared to meet the challenges that were to confront them as
they had not been prepared adequately. This is also the reason, as indicated
above, why some projects failed. Whilst Campion, Joyce and other
preachers invested in assets, others do not have anything to show and their
lives are in a sorry state. Some had not been trained towards financial
intelligence and investments. The drop in foreign financial support since
2011 has seen the number of prospective students to local Bible Schools
dropping. From 2011 very few individuals were still receiving new support
and the warning was getting louder that AMF was closing. Further
qualitative research is encouraged to establish the number of preachers who
went for training out of conviction and calling without financial motivation
as a primary factor. The Non-institutional (Anti’s) brethren easily preyed on
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
some of these preachers whose primary desire was money and leading them
to leave the mainline COC and began to sing a different tune for their
supper. Besides those who joined the Ultraconservatives or Non-
institutional brethren, between 2011-2020, around 5 left the COC entirely
and joined their denominations of choice for money.
When AMF fund eventually closed down, the reality was painful. Some
continued to write to Debra Mitchell, thinking that there was something left.
Some preachers also thought Campion was still receiving funds on their
behalf. It was a moment of confusion. On the 5th of December 2017, Debra
Mitchell wrote the following response43;
To Whom It May Concern:
To All Preachers of the church of Christ in Zimbabwe:
Greetings and blessings in the name of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. I
pray that all of you who preach the Word of God are faithful and true in
your work.
It grieves me that I must write to you again to say that the African Fund no
longer exists. Brother Mitchell died on 9 June 2015. A few days before, he
told me that after his death, I must send one last bank wire to the Sakubva
church of Christ and then close the fund forever. I sent the last wire on 22
June 2015.
In early July 2015, I moved to live near my family. I called the bank and
closed the African Fund Account because there was no more money in the
account. No church or individual in the USA is sending support to
preachers in Zimbabwe through the African Fund. If any preachers are
receiving US funds, they receive them from individuals or churches directly,
and I do not know who they are. I do not receive any funds for any
preachers for the African Fund because IT NO LONGER EXISTS!
I am hearing rumours that some of you think Brother Mitchell was paying
Brother Campion Mugweni support and paying him to distribute the funds.
This is not true. African Fund money was sent by bank wire to the Sakubva
church; Brother Mugweni gave funds to the preachers that were listed in an
e-mail sent at the same time as the bank wire. We often received letters of
43
Mitchell, Letter to Preachers in Zimbabwe, 17 December 2017.
thanks for the support that was distributed. Loy Mitchell and the African
Fund did not support or pay Brother Mugweni.
I am saying to you now the same things I said in 2015 and in 2016. The
African Fund is closed and will not reopen.
Brothers, do you think I tell lies? Do you think I am a liar or a thief who
has the African Fund but refuses to send you funds? Perhaps you think,
“We do not know this Sister Mitchell; she is lying about the African Fund.”
If that is what you think, then I wonder, would you dare to think that
Brother Loy Mitchell was a liar? If you think that, then shame on you.
Remember Brother Mitchell said these words at Mutare School of

Preaching:
“The church in Zimbabwe is like an elephant with legs of a goat as long as

preachers rely on American support. Preachers must teach about giving
and be willing to give also. Preachers must find ways to support themselves
and to help one another.”
As Paul wrote in Romans 9:1-2, “I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my
conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, that I have great
heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.” I write to you with tears,
begging you to believe the truth that the African Fund closed in 2015 and
will never reopen. I pray constantly for you as you preach the gospel; I
pray for your families and the congregations you serve. That is all I can do.
In Christ,
Debra Mitchell
USA
In brief, the combination of Loy and Campion played a major role in the
development of the church in Zimbabwe. This relationship dates back to
their days at NBS when Campion was a student and Loy, his teacher. Most
of the funds in the AMF were sent through Campion who will then
distribute to beneficiaries. Even at an advanced age, Campion continues to
find ways and connections that will enable some preachers to get financial
support. Campion and Loy did their part in helping others to preach the
Word.
Besides the support mentioned above, other preachers have not tested
foreign support whilst others got theirs elsewhere. After the closure of the
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
AMF, the situation in some congregations became the same scenario that
Nehemiah captured in 13:10 And I perceived that the portions of the
Levites had not been given them: for the Levites and the singers, that did
the work, had each fled everyone to his field. Some preachers got into
circular jobs and projects in-order to survive leading to a slowdown in
church development. Rural congregations became the most affected.
Congregations were either not ready or were not adequately taught on their
responsibility or the models of support and preacher placement which were
adopted were not compatible with local conditions. Dependence syndrome
became one of the enemies to progress. In Campion’s view, it is pivotal that
local solutions and models be found as a panacea to this challenge. Men,
women, leaderships and congregations need to rise up and take the
challenge head-on.
14
CONSTRUCTION OF CHURCH
BUILDINGS
O ne of the major contributions of Campion was the construction of

several church buildings in the country. One of Campion’s roles
was to recommend preachers and congregations to his American
contacts in the event that they wanted assistance with purchasing of church
stands and construction of church buildings. One of the strongest link
persons was Loy Mitchell. This combination was pivotal.
Whenever a missionary wanted to work in Zimbabwe, Campion as the link

person between the church and government, as per the Zimbabwe law,
Campion had to write a cover letter to the government so that missionaries
get a work permit. This was also the case with Loy Mitchell. One of Loy’s
task was to raise funds for the construction of church buildings. Besides the
raising of support for preachers, one of the terms of reference for Loy was
construction of buildings. Besides Loy Mitchell, there are other contacts
that Campion had that made it possible for other church stands to be bought
and other church buildings, constructed.
Some of the buildings that were constructed through this partnership include
buildings at Sakubva, Chitakatira, Dangamvura, Chipinge, Nyakunu,
Mupudzi, Tsvingwe, Matiza, Bezel, Sharara, Mashayamvura, Mukamba,
Gurure, Ngangu, Chakohwa, Maruru, Nyanga, Derembwe, Chitakatira,
Warikandwa, Nhedziva, Gurure, Nyatate, Nyanga town, Betera,
Murambinda, Sadzi, Mukamba, Mambondiani, Maware, Shumba, Damba,
Matove, Manica (Mozambique), Ngangu, Chakohwa, HotSprings,
Nyanyadzi, Chinyamanhanzva, Ndakopa, Morris, Magunje, Mhembwe,
Rukunguhwe, Ruzawi, Kambuzuma, Mufakose, Mazambara, Hillside
(Masvingo) amongst others. Some projects such as at Magunje, Hillside
(Masvingo), Bezel Bridge, Sadzi, Warikandwa were not completed for one
reason or another. All in all, about 60 buildings were constructed. In some
of these places, local brethren, at times, provided labour whilst others
chipped in with the moulding of bricks and other materials.
The building at Honde Valley had a different funder. When the work was
established there, Dr. Callan and Rotan Church of Christ provided funds for
the construction of the building. Campion had linked Allison Mhlanga, who
was the preacher there with this congregation. Eventually Rotan Church of
Christ agreed to provide funds for the building.
The coming of the non-institutional brethren (anti’s) caused challenges in a

number of areas. Through various shenagrians, they took over some church
buildings. This was the case at Mambondiani in Dora and Betera. In 2021,
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
an attempt was made to the building at Nyakunu. These took advantage of

weak systems that failed to safeguard investments that would have been
made. Such weak systems also saw buildings in Gweru and Kwekwe (these
were not funded through Loy) being sold for reasons best known to those
who did the selling. Even to this day, congregations with stands and
buildings and other assets do not know where the papers of such are. Some
assets and houses end up in the hands of individuals.
The church building which was sold in Gweru
In the case of the building at Betera, a group of preachers from Mutare, who
included Cleopas Bamu, Campion, Edmund Gwazaza and others, went to
the area several times but the issue died a natural death. However, the
church at Dyesburg in USA had to write declaring that they are the ones
who sponsored the construction of the building. 44 Besides this congregation,
many correspondences took place showing the source of funding for these
congregations.
44
Mitchell, Letter to whom it may Concern –concerning Betera building, 19
November 2012.
As the issue at Betera continued to go in circles, more correspondences

continued to be made. Local efforts were frustrated due to the weak systems
which were mentioned earlier. The Mutare team did not have funding to
make constant trips that were needed in the engagement of local traditional
leaderships and the church. Papers to the building, as is the case with some
buildings elsewhere, were part of the challenge. In conflict situations, if the
papers are with the wrong party then the issue usually crumbles. In
congregations with weak leaderships, papers are usually in the hands of a
preacher or an influential person. Many congregations do not have local
policies or constitutions which can help safeguard the assets. Without these,
it is easy for a congregation to lose its case. Some congregations do not
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
even have asset registers. If the preacher or the influential person becomes
the problem, surrendering of the papers or assets becomes a challenge.
These situations can easily be dealt with if strong systems and policies are
put in place so as to safeguard investments made. Debra 45, Stan Mitchell46
and Daniel Goodyear47 had to write the following letters with regards to
funding of buildings. The letters were occasioned by the volatile situation at
Betera and other areas.
45
Mitchell, Letter to whom it may concern-Church buildings, 21 December
2018.
46
Mitchell, Letter to whom it may concern-church buildings, 15 December
2018.
47
Goodyear, Letter to Churches of Christ-church Buildings, 14 December
2018.
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
To Campion, there should be a way out of such challenging situations. They

should be a creation of systems to safeguard investments that would have
been made. Each congregation should keep records of their papers and their
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
location should be known. Small and weak congregations need protection

and there should be a way safeguard their assets from vultures.
15
CHURCH AND GOVERNMENT

Ezekiel 22.30 And I sought for a man among them who should build up the
wall and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy
it;
G overnments and local authorities regulate how entities should

operate. Churches are not an exception. For example, when
churches are to acquire land, they are asked to produce a
constitution. These are also needed when opening bank accounts. Many
people who are ignorant of some of these aspects usually rush to call these
components unscriptural till reality catches up with them. Many times it
calls upon a visionary leader to see where others are not seeing. In Ezekiel
22:11, God always seeks one individual who fills an existing gap so as to
save a people.
The challenge has been a misapplication of autonomy which has been

emphasized at the expense of cooperation. The congregational nature of the
Church of Christ has always seen autonomy being abused. At the end, so
many things have been left undone. In fact, it has crippled the church in
several areas. Several churches have allowed themselves to be caged by
myopic and spiritually ignorant brethren in this regard. However, not with
Campion. He did a lot to save the church from confrontation with
government and government regulations.
One of the legal requirement for churches is registration. When a church

operates without such then it will be operating illegally. Regulations
regarding the coming of foreign missionaries and their work in the country
is regulated by government. These regulations change from time to time. In
the earlier years of Rhodesia, one could come and do his work without
many immigration regulations. This changed with time. Their names would
be kept at the immigration department. However, with time, some of these
changed. When Loy wanted to come back in the late 80s, it was found out
that, as a missionary, he had to have a number that he was identified with.
This was needed before entering Zimbabwe and this was a new regulation.
Campion and Washington Mhlanga moved from one department to another
to find where his name and file could be found. After much effort, his name
and that of other missionaries who had come earlier were found at the
immigration department and the church’s name was entered in as Church of
Christ Nhowe.
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
For Loy to receive his code that he would be identified with, proper
registration had to be done. This was to be done at the Ministry of Home
Affairs. The Church of Christ, was eventually registered there and its
identification number was entered as M20/24. Besides this effort, Campion
had stood for the church at every turn especially where the government is
involved.
At men’s meetings and other meetings for the church, discussions would be
made and the need to regularise issues with government would be
discussed. However, many times these discussions and positions taken
would amount to nothing. Most of these will end up being just talks with no
iota of implementation. But by and large, not with Campion. He took it
upon himself to go where others would not. To dare where others shrink
away. This is despite the negative consequences and wrong image that
would be painted of him. The church just had to respect local laws in so far
as those actions do not violate biblical dogma.
One of the challenges that exacerbated the above is the autonomous nature
of the Churches of Christ. In fact, many men and leaders characterized by
ignorance due to little learning and little training, have abused the word to
mean what it does not say. No much emphasis has been placed on church
cooperation. In fact the Bible has more to say on unity than autonomy. So
little has been done together. With the dwindling of foreign support, the
church is Zimbabwe is reaping the results of lack of cooperation and an
unwritten curriculum in the form of traditions which have slowly turned
into doctrines. Concern for unity and development has had little emphasis.
A little congregation suffers alone to develop whilst no one pays heed to
her. Some congregations are no longer in existence because certain other
congregations did not unite and chip in when it was necessary to do so.
Planting of new congregations has been largely the effort of individuals
who decide to stand in the gap. Considering the number of years the church
has existed in Zimbabwe, so much should have been done if autonomy had
been taught correctly. Autonomy entails self-governing, self-supporting,
self-propagating and self out-looking (where you search for your own kind
and in brief, this is cooperation).
Great tribute needs to go to men and women who has sacrificed their
images and resources as they stand in the gap to get things done. This is
often done when the church is very comfortable in her four corners
emphasizing a small portion of autonomy with the rest of it being thrown to
the dustbin. Campion, however, has always stood in the gap.
As highlighted before, missionaries provided direction to the church in her
earlier phases in Zimbabwe. However, things slowly changed from 1980
when the country gained independence from Britain. For any missionary to
come into Zimbabwe and work, the leader of the church was the one
responsible for notifying the government. Since the COC does not have an
earthly head, it meant no missionaries were going to be permitted to come
and practice in the country. Those who were still in by 1980 could not have
their permit renewed. Due to the many efforts that Campion had with
government departments on behalf of the church, he slowly became the
point of reference, the contact person between the church and government.
Most of this effort was done with his own resources. As a result, whenever a
missionary wanted to work in the country, Campion would write to the
immigration department notifying it of the same. A work permit would then
be granted.
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
A draft letter send to the immigration department for Loy to get a work
permit48
Most people intending to bring in goods from outside the country for the
church and other para-church organisations have met this reality with the
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA). For a container to be cleared
without paying duty, Campion had to get involved. Without this, many
would fail.
The same has been true with marriage officers. For one to be a marriage
officer in the country, the representative of the church notifies the Ministry
48
Mugweni, Letter to the Immigration Department of Zimbabwe, 12 April
1989.
of Home Affairs of this candidate. Many in the Church of Christ have tried
to go it alone and approach the registry intending to become marriage
officers. The first question that is asked is; “Who is the head of your
church? Biblically, Jesus is the head but in government it is not so. Several
said it is Jesus. Upon this answer they will then be asked, “Who is Campion
Mugweni? Even the non-institutional brethren (anti’s) have often sort his
assistance when it comes to dealings with government. Those who are
marriage officers within this group are Brayn Mhembere and Farai
Chingondi. As of December 2020, through Campion, there are 53 Marriage
officers and 27 Commissioners of Oaths in the church. The law has since
changed to allow all Marriage officers to become commissioners of oaths.
Due to the many misunderstandings that crept up because of this role, a lot
of explanations had to be done. This is despite the fact that many church
leaders and preachers were aware of this scenario. One challenge has to do
with semantics where certain designations had to be avoided. But by and
large, Tawanda Karikoga, Campion’s Secretary, with Campion’s
instruction, had to write the following circular49 explaining the issue;
RE: Circular about the Head of Church of Christ: Government of

Zimbabwe (Meeting)
Dr. Mugweni on the 27th of October 2016 had a meeting with the
Government office on behalf of the Church of Christ. From the meeting
deliberations I wish to inform all Preachers and Church leaders, Churches,
Mission Institutions and other arms of the Church to appreciate that Dr
Campion Mugweni is the recognized responsible authority of the Church of
Christ by the government.
Therefore on grounds of the stated information above the following should

be noted with immediate effect:
1. Dr C. T Mugweni is not Head of the church as the scriptures teach

but is a representative of the Church in Zimbabwe at the Government
Offices.
2. All practicing preachers in Zimbabwe should have an ordination

certificate signed by Dr Mugweni to be recognized by the Government
49
Karikoga for Mugweni, Circular to Zimbabwe Congregations,
Leaderships and Marriage Offices. 29 0ctober 2016.
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
3. It is imperative to understand that this arrangement does not

disturb the autonomy of each congregation but elders and committees at
each congregation should first liaise with Dr Bishop Mugweni when going
to Government office so they may not be turned away or asked to bring a
letter from Dr. Mugweni who is a point of contact at Government offices.
Even in some instances our own members who need help from the
responsible authority should feel free to use Dr Mugweni.
4. To those who have been going in the Government office you have
seen that your mention of Christ as Head of your Church is null and void
(In Government Understanding). However, note that Dr Mugweni has
detailed history of record of the Church of Christ in Government offices as
responsible authority and has been helping for years.
5. Note also that boards for institutions such as Nhowe, MSOP,
Preacher’s Welfare, Chivero, Board of Institution just to mention a few of
the will continue as they are but when asked about the leader of the church,
Dr Campion Mugweni name must be mentioned in Government Office. For
example, missionaries such as Loy Mitchell were given permits to work
in Zimbabwe at the invitation of Dr Mugweni on behalf of the Church.
6. To All Marriage Officers of the Church of Christ Please note

following in particular:
a) All your Marriage registers, according to the laws of Zimbabwe, are
kept at the Dr Mugweni’s office and when a book is finished, Dr Mugweni
will write a letter requesting approval for you to be issued with a new book.
b. He also has the right entrusted in Him as Responsible authority to

remove you from the list if found unfaithful.
c. Also it is now mandatory with effect from today that when a schedule to
solemnize any wedding arises either in Church or Outside Church, inform
him or the Secretary of your pending wedding.
In Summary of this special Circular note that:
Dr Mugweni is not a head of the church as scriptures teaches, but one of

the elders (Bishops) at Sakubva who is helping in the advancement of the
kingdom God in Zimbabwe as a whole and is the responsible authority at
Government offices.
If you intend to visit any of Government Offices where his assistance is
needed, please liaise with him so that you can be able to get assistance and
also appreciate that he is responsible authority at Government offices.
If here is any need of clarification on this Circular, do not hesitate to

conduct Dr Mugweni.
Thank you
Dr. Campion Mugweni
Church of Christ M20/24
As the circular went round within churches, some understood it whilst

others did not. This prompted further explanations to be made. Some
enquired directly from Campion, others enquired at lectureships and others
inquired in the corridors as they were hearing the issue for the first time.
Further explanations were needed. One of such explanations that Campion 50
made to his son, and copied to the Avondale congregation and various
committees and Boards is placed hereunder;
Sent: Saturday, November 19, 2016 12:33 PM
Subject: Re: SHARING ONLY MEANING OF THE CIRCULAR TO MY

SON
I am sure you received the circular about Dr. Campion Mugweni

representing the church in Zimbabwe, It was well received but people must
be told that according to the doctrine of Christ, it is not proper for me to
called the Head of the Church because Christ is the only head of the
church. I can represent the church as a preacher, chairman of the board.
elder but not as head of the church because I did not die for it -Acts
20:28.
PROBLEMS FACED BY PREACHERS
50
Mugweni, Letter to Jefta Mugweni and Avondale COC, 19 November
2016.
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
Our Government offices are run by denominations who when our preachers
visit these offices are asked questions like Who is the head of your church.
They answer CHRIST AND THE OFFICER SAYS, “So who represents the
church or who knows that you are a minister of the church? The Church
of Christ preacher answers, “Dr. Campion Mugweni,” then the officer
says, “Yes we know Dr, Campion Mugweni,” and the preacher is asked to
bring a letter from Dr. Campion Mugweni. This is not affecting preachers
only but some members,
COFIRMATIONS
For the past 45 years I have been registering marriage officers and
commissioner of oaths through the Ministry of Home affairs and I have
been referring to myself as MINISTER IN CHARGE. Now the Government
wants to serve or to recognize only ordained ministers. Brother Mitchell
and I ordained the first group and the remaining group was and is being
ordained by me at the graduation time before they go out to preach.
PREACHERS WELFARE BOARD WAS FORMED to help the preachers

to be recognized in Zimbabwe and there must be a representative.
According to the law all register books of marriage officers must be in the
office of the church representative and not Bishops or elders but one who
the Government will work with when they want to find out something. This
arrangement does not disturb Avondale to run its WBS. Chivero
Orphanage, Chirau work, Nhowe Hospital, ZOP (Zimbabwe orphanage
program) or Sakubva running its feeding fund, Clothing drive, drip
irrigation program etc.
On the 27th of October I was called by the Ministry of Home affairs for a
meeting and they wanted to find out our relationship with Mashoko and
Dadaya Churches of Christ. It is because people from Mashoko and
Dadaya were using Dr. Campion Mugweni for them to be registered. I told
them that I recommend preachers from Church of Christ Nhowe Mission.
They opened my file and discovered that I have recommended 53 marriage
officers and 27 commissioners of oaths and the register books of marriage
officers must stay in my office and as the man answerable to them. While in
the meeting I discovered that Stanley Shereni and Farai Mlambo
had problems which i corrected. Mashoko group is represented by Mr
Magwiro who is the Chaplain at the University of Zimbabwe and Dadaya
has one whose name i have forgotten.
It remains doctrinal that each Local congregation is independent with
Elders and Deacons but each congregation fellowships other sister
congregation at universal level.
Christ is the Head of the church till judgement when he will deliver the
church to his father. We are all under Christ and working to advance the
kingdom of God.
Yours
Dr C.Mugweni
Cc
Women’s Fellowship with chairlady,

Youth Fellowship with Chairman,
Men’s Fellowship with chairman,
preachers welfare Board with chairman,
COC institutions Board with chairman,
Chivero Board with Chairman,
Nhowe Board of trustees With chairman,
Msop Board of trustees with chairman
All these ministries above shows we are moving with time and the leaders
above are answerable to the Government if there is a problem and a
constitution is used.
As the sun rises, it must also set. Campion was not going to be a
representative forever. He stepped down on the 14 th of August 2020 paving
way for a new representative to takeover. The Preacher’s Welfare Board,
which had designed a succession plan in this regard, circulated the
following letter on the 17th of August 2020;
Dear Brethren in Christ
RE: CHURCH REPRESENTATIVE TO GOVERNMENT
Reference is made to the above subject matter.
This is to notify you that Dr Campion T. Mugweni who has been the
representative of the church to the Government for over 4 decades has, on
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
the 14th of August, stepped down from that role giving a chance to the next
representative, Dr. Daniel Gwini, to take over. This move has been
necessitated by age.
Therefore all roles that where being superintended by Dr Mugweni on

behalf of the church to the Government such as recommendation for
marriage officers, commissioners of oaths, chaplains to serve in the
Government Departments such as Police, Army, hospitals and prisons,
immigration and ZIMRA issues. Furthermore, foreign missionaries wanting
work permits had to have an undercover letter from the representative.
Containers of goods for the church and para-church organizations from
outside Zimbabwe need the same letter to be cleared by ZIMRA. Where the
government needs clarity regarding the operations of the church of Christ,
the representative steps in.
The Church Representative to the Government does not in any way interfere
with the autonomy or operations of the Local Church in Zimbabwe nor is he
above other elders and preachers. The church of Christ is congregational
in its unique nature and with no earthly head. The representative serves in
the capacities as mentioned above only.
In conclusion, we thank Dr Mugweni and all those who were pillars of

support to him on this role as the Representative. We are most indebted to
his great work. May God bless you and his church always.
Grace and Peace
T.H Karikoga
Preacher’s Welfare Board
Secretary
In brief, Campion has acted as a representative of the church to the

government for many years as the government demands such. To serve as a
missionary, the representative must write to the government. Registration of
some church related organisations is also done with the recommendation of
this representative. This is the same for marriage officers, Commissioners,
Chaplains and other roles which involves the government. Clearing of
goods for the church at ports of entry can only be done again by this
representative. For over 40 years, this had not been made public though
many leaders, preachers and institutions knew of this arrangement and fully
made use of it. This was the work of a man who saw the gap which existed
and had to be filled. Prior to 1980, this was the task of missionaries.
16
NATIONAL IN THINKING
F rom the time that the African Mission Fund (AFM) was closed
down, several preachers who were direct beneficiaries found the
going getting tough. The results were there for all to see. As
highlighted earlier, the situation fitted well with what Nehemiah saw in
13:10 “I also found out that the portions of the Levites had not been given
to them; so that the Levites and the singers, who did the work, had fled each
to his field. Indeed some preachers began to go back to their fields slowly in
order to survive.” Those who remained at their work stations now had less
time for the work. They also began spending more time on menial jobs and
projects so that their families may survive. The non-institutional brethren
(Ultra-conservatives or Anti-brethren) preyed on some who were after
money and took them to their fold.
A brief history of this group in Zimbabwe is important here. In 1957, Foy

Short, the son of Will and Delia Short after being influenced by Ray Votaw
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
in South Africa, settled in the Midlands Province. 51 Will and Delia Short
were the first American missionaries within the Churches of Christ to come
to Zimbabwe, then Rhodesia. The couple came at the invitation of John
Sherriff.52 They arrived around 1931. Foy, their son, began preaching on
head covering, non- cooperation of local churches, ban of eating in church
buildings and a rejection of organizations other than the local congregation 53
(Reese and Walker 69). They are also against the setting up of Bible
schools and have in their camp many untrained preachers. Within the past
twenty years they have become more militant thereby creating more
confusion and suspicion in the churches. They chose to separate themselves
from the mainline Church of Christ. They have been enticing members and
preachers with money, food aid and relief packages. More than 20 trained
preachers and more than 10 congregations have been lost whilst others
(congregations) split up. Church buildings and other properties were taken
and this has led to the death of some few congregations
But by and large, some congregations especially in urban areas, despite

challenges highlighted in the introduction, have tried to rise to the challenge
by supporting their preachers locally. Some individuals have also gone to
the extent of financially supporting some preachers outside their own
congregations and from their own personal resources. Some of these
individuals include the late Joseph Mashika, Jefta Mugweni and the late
Robert Nhondova among many others. Joseph Mashika passed on to be with
the Lord in early 2021 and this was a big blow to the church. Many
preachers were being supported by him. Several congregations had been
assisted as well in acquiring stands and construction of church buildings.
The Harare team of preachers were also being assisted with funding
whenever they team up in evangelism. The same goes to the late Robert
Nhondova in the lowveld. The above three individuals and many others
have been shouldering the work at different levels also.
51
Robert, Reese, and Wimom Walker. “A Survey of Work in Southern
Africa.” 100 Years of African Missions. ed. Stanley E. Granberg. Abilene:
ACU, 2001. 58-79
52
Muchingami, Mathew, “Factors Militating Against Church Gorwth in
Manicaland, Zimbabwe,” B.A Research Project, University of Jos, Nigeria,
2010, 1.
53
Robert, Reese, and Wimom Walker. “A Survey of Work in Southern
Africa.” 100 Years of African Missions. 69
One of the challenges had to do with adopting certain American models that
were problematic locally. One of such models is “the one preacher for one
congregation model.” It worked well when there was foreign support
coming. However, it crumbled and laid bare its weakness when such
support was withdrawn. The alternative model is for a preacher to work
with more than one congregation and these congregations will then pull
resources together for the preacher. This, in turn, ensures that the preacher
survives without going back to “his field.” When local congregations are
able to pull resources together towards a cause, development becomes
possible. However, because autonomy had been emphasized and
misinterpreted, most of the things are left undone. It needs to be understood
that in autonomy there is cooperation. In fact, the Bible speaks more of
unity than autonomy.
Campion fought hard to try and sound warnings by describing the situation
on the ground. In July of 2019, a circular54 was send out and became a point
of debate in many circles. Reading through the lines, one could see the pain
of a man who worked tirelessly for the church. As a thinker and researcher,
he wanted the church to think nationally. To him, such thinking would be a
huge step in developing the church and take it from its doldrums. The
following is the letter.
Dear Brethren in Christ
My name is Campion Mugweni. I am a Christian, a preacher and an Elder

at Sakubva Church of Christ. I have been preaching since 1964. I preached
at Dombotombo, Dangamvura and Sakubva.
I am greeting you all in the mighty name of Jesus Christ who died for us. I
hope this writing will reach you before you go to Men's Annual Gospel
Meeting. We are all praying for the meeting to be successful and that we all
shall be sharing the experience we are facing at our local congregations.
I always think that a Gospel Meeting should be a good time for us to

discuss the problems that are facing the body of Christ. Most of our
Themes are very impressing themes like Men of Vision and other good
themes but we seem not to realize that sitting down together and plan for
the future of Church is very important. I know some of men are coming
54
Mugweni, Circular to Church Leaders, Committees and Institutions, 20
July 2019.
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
from dying congregations and some are coming from congregations that
have no preachers to edify the Church.
You all know that these 5 years since some of our preachers lost their
support after closure of the African Mission Fund or after the death of Loy
Mitchell who left the message to his people in America that Zimbabwe is
able to support their preachers. This has come after Zimbabwe has been
supported by America for over 100years.
The Missionaries did their part of teaching us and opened for us preacher
training schools (Mutare School of Preaching) and another new school in
Gweru, Bear Valley Bible Institute. We have well trained preachers in
Zimbabwe and also very educated Church leaders in our congregations but
our challenge is lack of unity or feeling of collective responsibility or
working procedure at national level. I have discovered that sense of local
autonomy has destroyed the Church. I don't see a congregation of 30
people claiming an autonomy because it cannot stand on its own, it cannot
support a preacher or run outreaches. Sometimes this congregation has 28
women and 2 men. Autonomy means Ability.
Brethren let us practice National Autonomy so that we put our resources

together and be able to support the work in Zimbabwe. Let us learn to part
with our resources and start supporting the Church.
Acts 2:44-45 Acts 4;34-35
All we have from God should be used to advance the Kingdom of God.
God support John the Baptist Mark 1:6
The Israelites supported Aaron, Levites Deut. 18:3
Jesus advised support for preacher Mtt 10:7-10
Paul advised that preachers must be paid for the work of preaching, same
as the soldier is paid, the herd man is paid so therefore the preacher also
need to be paid for preaching just like paying your housemaid, garden boy,
driver e.t.c 1 Cor 9:7, 13-14
Please note that the Preacher is an important person. He does the work of
preaching, he goes to your mothers' funeral, he visits you in the hospital,
you want him at memorials, tombstones, weddings and when there is
trouble in your house but you do not want to pay him. We expect a man in
America to do that for us.
WHY I AM WRITING THIS DOCUMENT
I am writing because preachers are working without support and elements

of life, house, food and clothing. Preachers are giving us spiritual food and
we must give them physical food. 1Cor 9:12
WHAT MUST WE DO?
We can sit together at our gospel meeting like this one on the 22nd - 24th of
August 2019 and plan for the Church to support our preachers. We can do
it. If we are able to open an office for Men's Gospel meeting, Youth's gospel
meeting and ladies Gospel meeting, we can also open a National Mission
Fund from men, youth and ladies and collect fund to support preachers and
building meeting houses.
I have said a National Mission Fund to avoid the word "Central." I know
some people would be crazy but they were not crazy when the fund for the
Youth, Ladies and Men were opened.
What is an office? An office is composed of Chairman, secretary, treasurer

and other committee members to conduct meetings to discuss the efforts of
the organization whether on an open air space or in a building.
National Mission account opened can be used to support preachers, build

Church buildings, preacher’s houses, support widows and orphans, help
the needy, finish the toilets at MSOP and run profitable projects. This office
does not disturb the autonomy of each congregation with Elders and
Deacons. Youth gospel office, ladies gospel and men's annual gospel
meeting are not disturbing the organization of the congregations but can
become weapons of evangelism.
WHERE DO WE GET THE MONEY TO SUPPORT THE ABOVE

ACTIVITIES
We get money from all members of the Church in Zimbabwe, men, youth,
ladies, widow and from local congregations. Say each member can
contribute $1-00 per month and each congregation can contribute $50-00
per month to National Mission Fund. We can support the work of the
Church in few months. Let’s try this in October and see how it works.
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
e.g 40 000 individual members contributing $1-00 per month gives us $40
000
400 congregations contributing $50-00 per month gives us $20 000.
Money from the National Committe Fund can also finish the following
Church Buildings:
- Warikandwa in Chikomba
- Sadzi in Buhera
- Magunje in Murehwa
-Bezel Bridge in Mutare
Please note that, manyadzo kuti toilet iri kuvakwa nemadzimai pa MSOP
inotora 6 years asi isu varume vavo tiripo (it is a shame that a toilet being
constriucted by women at MSOP takes 6 years when we men are there).
Shame on us Church leaders. Did you ever think of giving your wife more
for this project.. If not please help? Did you know that according to the law
in Zimbabwe all the institutions registered under the Church of Christ in
Zimbabwe are entitled to pay a certain percentage of remittance to the
Church of Christ? Please note that if you are operating under Church of
Christ know that Church of Christ is your responsible authority. You must
pay a remittance, our Headmasters knows what remittance is, ask them?
The Church of Christ in Zimbabwe is the responsible authority for the
following institutions:
- Nhowe Primary school to pay remittance

- Nhowe Secondary school to pay remittance
- Igava school to pay remittance to Church
- Folkington to pay remittance
- Mutare School of Preaching
- Bear Valley Bible Institute
- Nhowe hospital
- Morris school
- Mushawiri school
- Chivero
All the above institutions have employees and Directors receiving gainful
salaries and hold good balance sheets every month. They are not non-
profitable, they are profitable because they have a balance sheet.
We appear to be poor because our Church is not organized. Sometime we
forget that Jesus had vision when he said to Peter Mtt 16:19 what is bound
on earth is to be bound in heaven and what is lose on earth is also lose in
heaven. If we all agree to open an account for National Mission work Jesus
will accept. Brethren if you resurrect Paul today because of new
Government, social media, whatsapp, technology, he will edit some of his
writings and like him when he said when he was in Rome he acts like
Roman man. Timothy was not a Jew but was advised to be circumcised by
Paul to be accepted among the Jews.
To my fellow preachers, I advise you to continue being faithful but engage

yourself into some projects, pottery, fishery, agents for some companies e.g
econet, online piece work, drivers, train as a teacher. If you have support
usanyepere kunge usina iwe unayo (do not lie that you do not have). We
know who has support and who has no support. The world is very small or
very short as Indians says. Most of the preachers know why I am forced to
always write to the leaders of the Church in Zimbabwe. I am under
pressure and I know this document is coming at time of bad economy. Let’s
all aim to flood Zimbabwe with the Gospel of Christ
Thank you for reading this document, please comment or help where I
missed a point and help others to start the ball rolling.
May God bless you.
Your Fellow Christian in Christ
DR Campion Mugweni
Elder / Preacher
Sakubva Church of Christ
The above letter was a point of discussion on many social media platforms.
Because of this, the National committee that organized the 2019 Men’s
National Lectureship at Nhowe Mission picked this issue up and took it for
a discussion. Several rose in support of some of the thoughts highlighted
therein while a few saw otherwise. Their major reason was that autonomy
was going to be affected. At the lectureship, the committee saw it fit to visit
Campion so that they understand this position more and also share thoughts
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
together. The visit was done on the 31st of August and a meeting was then
held on the 1st of September 2019. The team comprised W. Manyati, Dr. C.
Mugweni, B. Muchingami, J. Mashika, F. Nyandoro and B. Goredema. The
agenda had issues to do with unity, infrastructure development, constitution,
resource mobilization among other issues. The team had an opportunity of
worshipping with the Sakubva congregation the same day. The following
were the minutes55 from the discussion after the chairman had welcomed the
attendees (Only a section has been taken for the purpose of highlighting
Campion’s thoughts);
Welcome Remarks
Chairman welcomed members present to the meeting. After which members
introduced themselves. He stated that the purpose of the meeting was
premised on the document Dr Mugweni authored and circulated and how
his vision and that of the Men’s National Committee could be aligned.
Church Unity
The Chairman indicated that efforts had been made to unify the church by
engaging the women and youth national committees with a view to share
the same venue and theme for this year’s annual lectureships which effort
bore fruit. This move would foster efforts towards a unified vision and
resource mobilization. Dr Mugweni echoed the same sentiments by saying
these efforts have since time immemorial been spoken of at great length
despite failure to implement them. He added that the issues of autonomy
had been misinterpreted thereby hindered efforts to unite as a church. Thus
the document he authored sought to provoke people to think deeply about
the issue of uniting the church for a single purpose. However, this would
not in any way remove the independence of churches. He likened the
local/independent congregations as parts of the whole body (being the
church). Thus the importance for congregations to unite.
In future should this idea be adopted, combined fellowships and resource

mobilisation should be funded by a mission or board of Trustees.
Institutions
55
Men’s National Lectureship Committee, Minutes of Meeting, 1
September 2019.
Dr Mugweni noted with concern that institutions which had been given to
the church were facing a threat of being repossessed by other churches or
institutions owing to the failure of the church to meet certain obligations.
Of note was Nyashonjwa which was being threatened to be taken over by
Methodist. The church also failed to raise and pay US$500 required to
secure Folkington in Rusape. Mushavire was almost taken over by the
Dutch Reformed Church after failure of the church to maintain it. As long
as the church was not united or collectively giving, it would not be able to
build anything e.g. universities.
Remittances by Institutions
Dr Mugweni highlighted that it was interesting to note that some of these

institutions were built on Church of Christ land i.e. Nhowe Primary &
Secondary School, Nhowe Mission Hospital and Mutare School of
Preaching as such these institutions were to a great extent benefitting from
the arrangement unlike the church. It would not harm for such institutions
to make a nominal contribution towards the church in the form of money
towards infrastructural development and maintenance. However, the
burning question would be where this money would be sent/paid. Thus
posing a great challenge in the absence of a mission office/account or
board of Trustees where such contributions should be made. Issues on
how, when, where these payments would be done or who would be
mandated to effect this payments would be addressed by the constitution.
He also stated that in other church owned institutions, the Ministry of
Education actually requires Mission schools to pay a certain mission levy
to the church.
However, it was also highlighted that some institutions were only affiliated
to the church and not necessarily owned by the church. Cognisance was
also to be made to personal investments and interests and a balance
reached on doing things amicably.
Constitution
There is need for the men, women and youth national fellowships to agree
and come up with an all-inclusive constitution. For the vision of a central
office to come to fruition the development of a constitution would be of
paramount importance. This document would include amongst other issues
legibility of office bearers, administration of funds, etc. It would also try
and incorporate the institutions under the Churches of Christ. It was also
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
suggested that institutions table their constitutions wherefrom a

comprehensive constitution would be developed. The preacher’s
constitution would be used as a basis upon which the constitution would be
developed.
However, the integration of all the institutions would be approached with

due care and done gradually.
These discussions came in the period when most of the institutions in

Zimbabwe were struggling financially. The Hillcrest congregation in USA
that has supported MSOP for a long time started to systematically reduce its
funding beginning in 2014. By 2019, they were going to withdraw their
support. Local congregations and individuals could not pull resources
together to save the school. Of note has been Jefta Mugweni Foundation
which at one time was channeling almost a third of what Hillcrest was
giving. This is a feat which, if many would sacrifice to undertake,
institutions would survive.
Rescuing from closure

Campion has helped some institutions of Churches of Christ from closure.
Mushaviri in Gutu was abandoned, and the Gutu council wanted to
repossess it but Campion used his resources to pay all that was needed for
the school to remain under the Church of Christ. On the 23 rd of October
2019, Folkington Primary School was almost closed by the Makoni Rural
District Council, Campion chipped in and paid all what was needed to let
Folkington continue to be under the Church of Christ. Brethren in Rusape
had tried but without success, to raise this money. Campion paid
ZWL$4000 that was needed. This figure was supposed to come from
Church of Christ efforts or Mission account. Campion was not able to
understand why in America the churches opens accounts for their
congregations and their missions easily but the Zimbabwe scenario is
different. It is not organized. The greatest challenge, therefore, was to
assume institutions without a solid resource base, solid policies and systems
at the national level.
Annual gospel meetings (ladies, men and youths) are run easily with money
being pulled together. The same could be done for institutions and other
areas of need. These annual gospel meetings take an average of 3 days but
they spend more than ZWL$50000. This money was supposed to be in a
mission account and support evangelism. These meetings are important, but
by and large, second thoughts are needed.
Having institutions for the church is a critical step in the development of

message systems for the church. However, at times, taking over institutions
without a solid resource base has exposed the weaknesses of the church in
Zimbabwe. On the other hand, no remittance comes to the church from the
same school. As a result, the church does not financially benefit from the
institution which it calls its own. If this is the case, where does the church
get funds to upgrade the schools? The law in Zimbabwe says the institution
should remit a certain fee to the responsible authority. It then pains such
people like Campion that they have to pay from their own pockets to save
schools from oblivion. It will be a total disaster in the event that many do
not rise up to take up the challenge. The other alternative would be to
reorganize how things are done. One day, more American support shall be
withdrawn. What shall happen to preachers and the work in Zimbabwe?
Where will money come from to run the work in the country when the
majority of members and congregations remain crippled in their giving?
This indeed, has been Campion’s burden.
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
17
WELFARE TO HUMANITY
S akubva Relief Organisation (SRO) seems to be the climax of

Campion and Joyce’s relief work in the church and community.
Organized activities started taking place in 2010 and was approved
and registered by the government as a Private Voluntary Organisation
(PVO) in 2015. It exemplifies the couple’s desire to uplift humanity through
the provision of relief items such as food, clothes, books and money.
However, it took several years in order to get this done.
Whilst Sakubva Commercial College provided income for the Mugweni

family, it uplifted the lives of natives during the colonial era. This was also
cascaded when Campion became part of the Umtali Advisory Council
where he sought to uplift his fellow natives. Several people got houses in
Sakubva. On the other hand, Campion grew up as an orphan and understood
the struggles he went through. Helping others, therefore, became part of the
couple’s life. Several orphans have grown up in the house whilst others
were supported being elsewhere. Several individuals had free education at
SCC. Others had their fees paid whilst they were studying elsewhere. Joyce
and Campion, therefore, sacrificed their resources to uplift others through
education and through fighting hunger.
It has been highlighted previously that in 1992, there was a great famine in
Zimbabwe. Campion found a picture of a man from Mt Darwin who had
slaughtered a baboon and was carrying it on his shoulders. He sent the
picture to some congregations in U.S.A describing the hunger crisis in
Zimbabwe. Five congregations responded with money for drought relief.
This response saw resources being poured in to alleviate the suffering of
many. Food items were bought and distributed widely. Loy Mitchell also
started mobilising and several congregations also benefited in the process.
When Loy went back to the USA towards the turn of the last century, the
idea of drought relief became one of his tasks. Funds were send through
Campion as usual.
With all these efforts, Sakubva gradually became a distribution centre as

Campion slowly searched other ways of enhancing the desire of expanding
relief work. Campion regularized operations with the government and
registered the idea and concept as Sakubva Relief Organisation. Healing
Hands International (HHI) became a partner and several containers have
come into the country as a result.
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
Bible distribution
Children being fed every week at Sakubva. Currently the organisation is

feeding an average of 200 children 3 times a week. Bible lessons are taught
to these children before eating.
The couple established Sakubva Relief Organisation which has seen the
distribution of countless clothes and huge quantities of food to the needy.
Through it, over a million books have been distributed to many schools in
Zimbabwe. Cyclone Idai victims also benefited a lot from this organisation.
Campion with visitors from Healing Hands International (HHI), 17

September 2019.
The president, Art Wood had come with Carl Burkybile, an Agricultural
Officer at Healing Hands International and John Dube (far right) who is
running the Drip Irrigation program for Healing Hands in Zimbabwe and
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
supervises the distribution of food and drilling of boreholes. Campion is the

Director and owner of SRO which provides relief for underprivileged
people in Zimbabwe. The greatest beneficiaries have been COC members.
Outsiders have not been left out also. SRO is in partnership with HHI which
provides containers containing clothes, books, food and various other items.
SRO, after receiving the goods, distributes them to the needy. On this
occasion, Campion met the HHI president for the first time and they
discussed the future of their partnership. In 2019 HHI and SRO helped
people in Chimanimani with food and clothes after the devastation caused
by Cyclone Idai.
18
JOYCE’S TRANSITIONS TO GLORY
T he curtain came down on Friday the 22 nd of November 2019.

Joyce’s life leading to this day was that of ups and downs in terms
of health. She had a heart challenge. It had been over three years in
the situation. To many, this period showed, a real woman of faith and
determination. For many years, church services were a key component in
her life and nothing could pull her back even sickness itself. Despite the
pain and bodily weakness, Joyce would force her way to church services at
Sakubva. Furthermore, besides services, she continued with her charitable
work. Sorting of clothes and food for distribution to the needy continued.
Many will remember her being at the back rooms at Sakubva church
building sorting and overseeing distribution of these things together with
her husband. Despite this challenge of health, Campion stood with Joyce
through and through till the last day. It became a matter of “till death do us
part.”
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
Each Sunday before going for service, the couple would take a photo of
themselves in the house and circulate it among preachers. This was one of
the last photos taken before Joyce’s death.
The Friday that she transitioned to glory, there was an evening service at her
house. The Sakubva congregation holds services in various zones. It was
Campion and Joyce’s turn to host the service. Nannette and Moira, their
daughters, were also there. The service went through whilst Joyce was
resting because of the medications she had taken. She woke up after hearing
noises from the sitting room but unfortunately, the service was over when
she entered. She requested a song and the group had to extend the service
for her sake and they prayed together. After having tea as usual, members
went out but in less than 10 minutes after that, Joyce, seated on her seat,
went peacefully to be with the Lord, to the realm where there is no pain and
sorrow. That night and that moment, Joyce was freed from her earthly,
weak and painful tent.
As an organised person and one who was feeling within her that, she no
longer had much time and the Lord could be calling her, she partially
organised her funeral prior to her death. On the 21 st of November, she called
one of the renowned song leaders at Sakubva, 96 year old Sekuru Fred
Mahari, to prepare to sing one of her favourite songs, Hymn 203 (Rukariro
urwu rwangu)[My Hope built on nothing less] on the 24 th during the Sunday
service. True to her plan, she went to the Sunday service but in a different
state. Her body was taken to the Sakubva church building on the 24 th and
true to her word, the song was sung that Sunday. She had also listed some
of the main speakers and other song leaders. Everything went according to
how she had planned it. Talk of an organised woman of faith.
Fred Mahari singing the song that Joyce had requested
Joyce’s body lay in state at her house at number 111 Third Street in Mutare
on the 24th and then proceeded to Maware on the 25 th of November. Her
body again lay in state in her house at Maware on the 25 th and was buried on
the 26th.
Many people converged at Joyce and Campion’s homestead. Over 500 were
already present at the homestead on the 25 th. Over 1500 were now present
on the 26th. It was a funeral with a difference where who is who in the
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
Church of Christ and community including Chief Tambaoga came to bid

farewell to one of the greatest contributors to the success of the church in
Zimbabwe. Whilst it was a funeral, many came to celebrate the life of this
heroine. She was a mother to many and this was laid bare on this day as
speaker after speaker outlined how she had played the role of a mother to
each speaker’s life. Many nephews did not also refer to her as gogo
(grandmother) but as mum. The following pictures are a capsule of her
journey till the burial. These pictures are provided courtesy of Lincoln
Mandengu, the photographer and one of the grandchildern
Grand children carrying the casket
Thousands came to give their last respects
Grand children and great grand children

MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
The children
Martha Muchingami, sister to Joyce

Petros Gwai, brother to Joyce.
Celebrating a life
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
The final resting place
The work of Joyce was recognized in Zimbabwe and beyond. Several

visitors from many countries remember her for her hospitality during their
visits. Food was always served in abundance and she attempted to keep
them comfortable. Nina Goodman of Auburn Church of Christ summarised
by saying, “She was truly a great servant to the suffering and a beloved
friend to all who shared their lives with her. We were privileged to sit at her
table and glean from her wisdom when we visited you in Zimbabwe. Our
thoughts and prayers for your strength and consolation are ever in our
hearts.” To God be the glory.
WORKS CITED
INTERVIEWS
Bamu, Clepas and Idah. Interview by Mathew Muchingami, 27 April 2019.
Chaitezwi, Laina. Interview by Mathew Muchingami, 13 April 2019.
Chamisa, Adam, Interview by Mathew Muchingami, 20 May 2020.
Gwazaza, Edmund and Florence by Mathew Muchingami, 7 January 2019.
Gwini, Percy. Interview by Mathew Muchingami, 20 May 2019.
Makarichi, Emmanuel. Telephone interview by Mathew Muchingami, 10 May 2021.
Mugweni, Campion and Joyce, The Work of the Church of Christ in Mutare,
Zimbabwe, interview by Paul S. Chimhungwe, August 12, 2011.
Makunde, Pindukai, Interview by Mathew Muchingami, 21 May 2019.
Mukono, Taylor. Telephone Interview by Mathew Muchingami, 10 January 2020.
Mlauzi, Christopher. Telephone Interview by Mathew Muchingami, 17 January 2020.
Murevanhema, Alexander. Interview by Mathew Muchingami, 28 August 2018.
Rusere, Oswald. Interview by Mathew Muchingami, 14 April 2018.
LETTERS
Goodman, Nina. Letter to Campion, February 2020.
Goodyear, Daniel. Letter to Churches of Christ-church Buildings, 14 December 2018.
Gushure Rishoni. Letter to Campion Mugweni, 11 December 2018.
Karikoga Tawanda for Campion Mugweni, Circular to Zimbabwe Congregations,

Leaderships and Marriage Officers. 29 0ctober 2016.
McCurdy J.C and Joe Hodges. Letter to Cleopas Bamu, Umtali Bible School, 1
February 1977.
Mitchell, Debra. Letter to Preachers in Zimbabwe, 17 December 2017.
Mitchell, Debra. Letter to whom it may concern-Church buildings, 21 December

2018.
Mitchell, Loy. Letter to whom it may Concern –concerning Betera building, 19

November 2012.
MATHEW MUCHINGAMI
Mitchell, Stan. Letter to whom it may concern-Church buildings, 21 December 2018.
Mugweni Campion, Letter to Mathew Muchingami, 1 December 2018.
Mugweni, Campion, Letter to the Immigration Department of Zimbabwe, 12 April

1989
Mugweni, Campion. Letter to Jefta Mugweni and Avondale, 19 November 2016.
Mugweni, Campion, Letter to Church Leaders, Institutions and Committees, 20 July

2019.
Mugweni, Campion, Letter to Churches, 6 August 2018.
MINUTES
Men’s National Lectureship Committee, Minutes of Meeting, 1 September 2019.
PUBLICATIONS
Ayala, Rambi. “Timely Reflection on the Importance of Preacher Training.” Arise. 2

(2006), 6-7.
Kretzschmar, Louse “Authentic Christian Leadership and Spiritual Formation in

Africa,” Journal of Theology for Southern Africa 113 (July 2002): 46
Newman, Bill. 10 Laws of Leadership, Benin City:

Marvelous Christian, 1997.
Nouwen. J. M. Henri, Creative Ministry (Toronto:

Doubleday,1971).
Noll, A. Mark, Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the

History of Christianity, Third Edition (Grand
Rapids: Baker, 2012).
The Eastern Star, Zimbabwe Times Eastener, 25

September 1978, 6.
The Zimbabwe Times, Black on Advisory Board, 25 September 1978, 5.
Reese, Robert and Wimom Walker. “A Survey of Work

in Southern Africa.” 100 Years of African Missions.
ed. Stanly E. Granberg. Abilene: ACU, 2001. 63-86
INTERNET
Hazel Street Church of Christ, Zimbabwe Sakubva Church of Christ,
http://geocities.com/heartlandoaks/7710/zimbabwe.html
The Christian Chronicle “Loy Stanley Mitchell Memorial”, 72:27 ( 2015) 27-28,
https://christianchronicle.org>loy-stanly-mitchell-memorial/, viewed 2 January 2020
DISSERTATION
Paul, Chimhungwe. “A Descriptive Chronicle of Transition from Mission to

Indigenous Leadership in 2 Church of Christ Institutions (1976-1986)”, M.Th Thesis,
McMaster Divinity College, Hamilton, 2012.
Muchingami, Mathew, “Factors Militating Against Church Gorwth in Manicaland,

Zimbabwe,” B.A Research Project, University of Jos, Nigeria, 2010.

Shouldering The Church: Mathew Muchingami

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Shouldering The Church: Mathew Muchingami

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

MATHEW MUCHINGAMI

Shouldering the Church

Edited by Blessmore Mandevhana

Foreword by Dr Paul Shupikai Chimhungwe

Shouldering the church

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be

Layout by beyond today

First and foremost I give my most profound appreciation to God

Great appreciation goes to Campion and Joyce Mugweni who had to

Several individuals played a part during the information gathering

Great appreciation to Dr. Paul Shupikai Chimhungwe whose

My wife, Nyasha and daughter, Mitchell, were deprived of my

This work is a recognition of the work of many individuals in

Editor │ Author │Motivational Speaker │TV & Radio personality

since 1964; of course, Joyce passed on in 2019. This brief article

Spirituality Embedded in Inclusivism and Broad Mindedness

Mugweni and his group started meeting under a mutohwe tree in

The humble beginnings of the Sakubva congregation, currently the

The Mugweni’s had followers because of their authentic leadership

views of people.”3 This captures the evangelistic lives of the

Beacon of Hospitality and Benefactor to all Preachers and

In Shona, they say, “Musha mukadzi.” A prudent wife is the

In addition to hospitality, the Mugweni are known as cheerful

African Mission Fund

The Mugweni’s are Educationists

Campion is known for his insatiable quest for higher education. I

Mugweni—Umtali African Townships Advisory Board

During the colonial era, Africans were allotted advisory positions in

The Mugweni’s gave themselves wholly to God in order to win

 1897 John Sherriff arrives in Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia

o He is accompanied by Ndlukula Nkomo the father of the late

T he Mugweni family originated at Chikwiri Village, in Buhera.

For Campion, as an orphan, going to school was, therefore, a challenge as

Because of the unfortunate upbringing of Campion, often times, he was

Abednigo and Campion as of 11/11/2005

Campion later went to Chishawasha Mission for standard 4 to 6. This was a

As of December 2019, Campion and Joyce had 15 grandchildren and 19

C ampion’s conversion can be traced to the efforts of Nicodemus

Nicodemus Mutuma was the first to mention the existence of a Bible

The common round house which was used as a classroom. Picture

Campion’s conversion and application to Nhowe was not known by Joyce.

Pindukai Makunde, one of Campion’s classmates recalls that, “A certain

Single students stayed at a Bachelor’s quarters. The dormitory currently

Bible college students. It had compartments and students lived in pairs. It

Campion and Edison in 2008 at their old age

Towards graduation, an opportunity arose for Campion and Joyce to go to

Timothy had a fiancee at Homepark known as Margret Napwanya. The

Timothy Makuni and his wife, Margret

Evangelistic efforts took the Mugwenis to nearby plantations and

Campion’s classmates all became educationists. Pindukai Makunde went to

THE EARLIER YEARS IN UMTALI

F rom Marondera, Campion and Joyce moved to Umtali in January of

Upon arrival in Umtali, they stayed at number 244 in the “T “section of

Mbuya Kuzinya, the first convert in Dangamvura

Campion and Dr. Calan

In May 1965, the Christian Church received a missionary by the name

The Christian Church building in Chinyausunzi build by Hostata. Picture

Due to Hostata’s decision, Campion called Pindukai, Andrew and Nelson

church worshipped in this building till 1968. Up to this time, no conflict

Transport from 1966-1970. These motorcycles were given to Edmund Gwazaza,

When the Mitchells came to Umtali, they placed their membership at

The Sakubva Church of Christ building as it stood in April 2019

1. Rose and Grace Taylor and Parents of Rose Taylor. They