At the only pediatric cancer ward in Zimbabwe, a remarkable transformation unfolded recently. The ward, which is often filled with tears of pain and uncertainty, was suddenly full of laughter and smiles when The United Methodist Church Harare East District Laity brought gifts of chemotherapy medication, toys, and food.
Children’s faces lit up as dolls and toy cars were handed out, while parents, who have endured long hospital stays caring for their children, expressed heartfelt appreciation, saying, “Thank you for remembering us.”
For families burdened by illness and distance from home, this act of kindness was more than a donation – it was a lifeline of hope.
Love put into action
Dr. Walter Mutindori, Health Secretary of the Zimbabwe East Annual Conference, captured the spirit of the moment, saying, “I commend and sincerely appreciate the Harare East District Laity for this meaningful donation. This is more than material support; it is a demonstration of our Christian calling to stand with the vulnerable, to bring hope where there is pain, and to serve God’s people through compassion.”
He emphasized that children battling cancer are among the most vulnerable, requiring not only medical treatment, but also emotional, spiritual, and social support. He observed, “By reaching out, the laity reminds families they are not alone. Our health ministry promotes wholeness – body, mind, and spirit… May this act of love bring comfort, dignity, and hope.”
The theme of the day was “Faith That Sees, Cares, and Serves,” which was embodied in every prayer, gift, and smile.
Gratitude from parents
Petronella Chiweshe, who traveled more than 200 miles with her four-and-a-half-year-old daughter, shared, “We have been admitted for a month now. When Rev. Makaniko arrived, my child was crying in pain, but after receiving a dolly and a prayer, her tears dried up. She named the doll Elizabeth, a biblical name, and smiled. I was very happy because I was longing for that smile for too long. The joy of your child is your joy too. I thank the church for its kind donation and thank God for the improvement of my child.”
Benedict Tabarirwa, whose ten-year-old son needs medication that is unavailable in Zimbabwe, said, “We have spent three weeks in hospital, and the journey is difficult. The United Methodist Church’s donation has been helpful, bringing support, medicine, toys, and food. We are grateful for this kindness.”
Edinah Godobo, whose five-year-old child suffers from sickle cell disease, testified, “My child was admitted with dangerously low blood levels. Long hospital stays require support. I am very grateful for the church’s donation.”
Josephine Ncube, Harare East District Lay Leader and event organizer, said, “We are here because love must be seen in action. Each year, as laity, we assess our communities and ask where we can make a difference. This time, we have come together as a district to visit this special ward, to spend time with the children and staff, and to appreciate the work being done here.
“We care about the children, we stand with the parents, and we support the medical professionals who serve tirelessly. Love is not love unless you do something, because the foundation of Christianity is love. Jesus showed us love on the cross, and we are bound to show love in return.
“[As 1 John 3:18 says], ‘Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue, but with action and in truth.’ That is why we are here — to put love into action.”
The Rev. John Makaniko, event organizer and district superintendent, explained, “Our ministry is not confined to the pulpit, but must reach hospitals, homes, and communities. When we hunger and thirst for righteousness, as Matthew 5:6 declares, we find true blessing. In serving others with love, we serve Christ Himself.”
Investing in health partnerships
“We are very happy with the donation and the medication because childhood cancer is highly curable. Survival rates can reach 85%, but sometimes they drop due to treatment interruptions, religious beliefs, or families abandoning treatment,” explained Dr. Vongai Dondo-Mashoko, one of only three pediatric oncologists in Zimbabwe. “If children follow the treatment protocols, most cancers can be cured, and we must treat them well because they are the future of this country.
“[The medicines] will help us avoid interruptions, strengthening our protocols so children heal. The toys and food also bring joy and strength. We are grateful for your generosity.”
Pamela Makanjera, Program Manager at KidzCan Zimbabwe, one of the organizations supporting cancer patients, added, “The United Methodist Church [was] practical, choosing to pray and also help children with tangible support. Cancer treatment is long term, so donations must not be one-time gestures. Continued gifts of medicines, toys, and food will raise survival rates.”
Lay people are transforming the world
Maxwell Mironga, Zimbabwe East Annual Conference Lay Leader, expressed his thanks for the laity community. He said, “This outstanding act of love, compassion, and service demonstrates laity at work — faith expressed through action… May we renew our calling to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously, faithfully serving Christ, the church, and our communities.”
Kudzai Chingwe is a communicator for The United Methodist Church’s Zimbabwe East Conference.
This story was published on September 23, 2026. The contact is Laura Buchanan.
