Women of Substance members sing during a Mountain Prayer Program at Ewanrigg Botanical Gardens in Harare, Zimbabwe. The group comprises single, divorced and widowed church members who participate in training in income-generating projects, prayer retreats and other excursions. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.
UM News | Oct. 27, 2025
Key Points:
- United Methodist women in Zimbabwe’s Harare East District are discovering new ways to connect with God and each other through a partnership with the Indiana Conference.
- Called Women of Substance, the group comprises single, divorced and widowed church members. The women participate in training in income-generating projects, prayer retreats and other excursions.
- Member Beauty Baruwa said the group feels like family and has been a lifeline for the women.
HARARE, Zimbabwe — When hearts are aligned with God and hands are joined in sisterhood, new possibilities emerge.
That’s the case for Women of Substance, a group of United Methodist women from Chisipiti United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe’s Harare East District. The group comprises single, divorced and widowed church members.
“Singles have contributed immensely to ministry in various ways,” said the Rev. Herbert Mumvuma, connectional ministries director for the Harare East District. “We are actively … ensuring spaces are available and accessible to all without segregation.
“Every individual has a role to play in ministry, and we are intentional about involving all members, especially singles.”
The Women of Substance group reached new heights recently through a partnership with the Indiana Conference’s Northwest District women’s organization, led by the Rev. Lore Blinn Gibson, previously a district superintendent and now appointed to Wabash First and Roann United Methodist churches.
A $1,200 gift from church members in Indiana allowed women in the group to take part in mountain prayer retreats, soul-refreshing excursions and training for income-generating projects.
Beauty Baruwa sits with God in prayer during a Mountain Prayer Program at Ewanrigg Botanical Gardens in Harare, Zimbabwe. The retreat was an activity planned by the Harare East District’s Women of Substance. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.
The Rev. Portia Kanoyangwa, associate pastor of Chisipiti United Methodist Church, praised the recent Mountain Prayer Program at Ewanrigg Botanical Gardens as “enriching and deeply helpful to the singles of Chisipiti.”
She noted that unmarried people often feel overlooked in church activities. This retreat offered spiritual renewal and personal reflection.
“There was time to hear the word of God and quiet moments for prayer,” she said.
Participants shared testimonies, encouraged one another and discussed income-generating projects.
Kanoyangwa urged women to embrace confidence and leadership. “You must work hard to care for your children, siblings and parents — just like anyone else,” she advised.
She emphasized praying and reading Scripture and expressed hope that women would lead in church, excel in their ventures, instill positive values in their children and pursue education.
“It was powerful to see them open up and inspire each other,” she said.
Sandra Kudzika (center) and Franscisca Madondo teach Women of Substance members to prepare relish and bake buns during cooking classes. Members of the organization in Harare, Zimbabwe, are trained in cooking, baking and other skills that promote economic independence and personal empowerment through a partnership with The United Methodist Church’s Indiana Conference. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.
Mabasa Muzhizhizhi, associate pastor of Chisipiti United Methodist, expressed heartfelt appreciation for Women of Substance.
“I feel privileged and highly honored to be associated with them,” he said. “I have journeyed with them for three years and learned a lot.”
Affirming God’s presence in the women’s lives, Muzhizhizhi said, “Our God is the father to the fatherless and to the widow; he will never leave them alone. May these women prosper, never look back and continue to aim high.”
Beauty Baruwa, a Women of Substance member, testified to the group’s unwavering support during a challenging time in her life.
“In February 2025,” she said, “I fell seriously ill and was hospitalized. I underwent a surgical operation on my back.”
During her recovery, the group rallied around her with compassion and generosity.
“They supported me with nearly $170 in cash, grocery items and, most importantly, prayers,” Baruwa remembers. “Their help went a long way in enhancing my health.
“It was love in action. It was God showing up through my sisters. Women of Substance is not just a group. It is a lifeline. It is a family.”
Zivorashe Mujaji and Charlotte Kubara exchange a gift during their assignment as prayer partners during a Women of Substance retreat at Lake Chivero in Harare, Zimbabwe. The organization, which partners with the Indiana Conference, invites participants from neighboring districts to build connection and unity across regions. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.
Cathrine Muchenje, a widow of 25 years and adviser for the United Methodist women’s organization Rukwadzano RweWadzimai, reflected on her journey with Women of Substance.
“We meet for spiritual growth, empowerment and fellowship,” she said. Members are trained in cooking, baking and decor — skills that promote economic independence.
“God is always there for us,” Muchenje said.
She thanked the Indiana Conference and their pastors for their unwavering support.
Charlotte Ruth Kuziwa Kubara shared how the Women of Substance members united to support their late adviser Evamae Katedza during her illness.
“We rallied around her — visiting, praying and offering practical help,” she said. They even shelled and stored her maize and contributed financially to her hospital care.
“These small acts of kindness brought her comfort and peace,” Kubara said. When Katedza died, the group helped with funeral arrangements and supported her loved ones.
Sandra Kudzika, vice chair of Women of Substance and a widow of 18 years, expressed gratitude for the group’s ongoing partnership with the Northwest District women of the Indiana Conference.
“We give thanks for the partnership,” she said. “Had it not been for them, we would not have managed to achieve what we have achieved.
“In our activities, we have invited participants from neighboring districts like Chitungwiza Marondera, Harare East, Harare Central and Harare West as a clear sign of our commitment to inclusiveness and unity across regions,” Kudzika added.
Member are paired with prayer partners and exchange gifts to build connection and encouragement.
“Above everything,” Kudzika said, “we socialize over meals and drinks, and we release stress through dancing. It’s a joyful and healing experience.”
Mabasa Muzhizhizhi, associate pastor of Chisipiti United Methodist Church, raises his fist in triumph after ziplining during a Women of Substance retreat at Lake Chivero in Harare, Zimbabwe, as a group member congratulates him. Women of Substance includes Chisipiti United Methodist Church members who have never married, are widowed or divorced. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.
Perpetua Kawanza, chair of the Innercity United Methodist Church (Harare West District) Singles Fellowship Union, said she has enjoyed “the spirit of oneness.”
Her group, which includes both men and women, has already celebrated four weddings. “This kind of fellowship can truly transform lives,” she said.
Sekai Tsokotsa, chair of Harare Central District Singles Ministry, recalled a recent retreat that brought renewal and hope.
“We went to Karumazondo Campsite for three days of prayer,” she said. “In December, we are celebrating a wedding. Truly, we serve a faithful God, especially for widows and single parents. God loves us, no matter what the world says.”
The Rev. John Makaniko, pastor in charge at Chisipiti United Methodist Church, applauded Women of Substance for empowerment through growth-focused initiatives.
“Your strength and resilience inspire us all,” he said.
He blessed their efforts, adding, “May God grant you wisdom, courage and determination.” Quoting the ode to a woman of strength in Proverbs 31:25, he also reminded them to follow John Wesley’s rules to “do good, do no harm and stay in love with God.”
Mumvuma said the Women of Substance ministry at Chisipiti makes the church more visible in society.
“My hope is that they will continue to bloom so that others may be inspired to follow their example.”
Kudzai Chingwe is a communicator for the Zimbabwe East Conference.