General Conference

• Organized Free Methodist Churches: 31
• FMC Membership: 3,179
• Ordained Ministers: 25
• Ministerial Candidates: 5
• Bishop: Abner Chauke

Origins

In 1938 the Ralph Jacobs family was appointed to Zimbabwe. Large numbers of people were converted over the next two years. Work was centered in two main areas, Chikombedzi and Lundi. Village schools, medical work and a Bible training school supplemented the outreach of the church in the years that followed.

Guerrilla warfare broke out in 1976. All missionaries were withdrawn, with the exception of one couple. Although many entire Christian villages were destroyed and the people forced to flee, the church continued strong in the faith. In 1980 the people began returning to the villages and rebuilding. The mission hospital at Chikombedzi reopened in 1981 under the direction of the church.

Present Ministries

The hospital, clinics and Lundi High School are all under national leadership. An active women's program is spearheaded by national women. Wesley Bible College, in the city of Masvingo, trains national pastors for urban ministry and is led by a Zimbabwean. Zimbabwe became a General Conference in September 2004 and elected Abner Chauke as their bishop.

Outreach

The church in Zimbabwe has sent a missionary to Botswana.

Opportunities to give to Zimbabwe ministries

Learn more about Zimbabwe