Key points:
- For over three decades, Janet Gowe urged her son to construct a permanent United Methodist church where she and others could worship.
- Gowe initially organized worship under a Mungoza tree with a handful of people and later achieved a milestone by building a temporary shed.
- Newly elected Bishop Gift K. Machinga dedicated the new Hoyuyu United Methodist Church sanctuary alongside Gowe and her family and friends on May 25.
For over three decades, Janet Gowe — a devoted mother and now centenarian —urged her son to construct a place where she and others could worship.
In 1989, Gowe relocated to Hoyuyu, where there was no United Methodist church. With unwavering faith, she planted a church and initially worshipped under a tree, later transitioning to a temporary structure.
Throughout the years, she never lost hope for a permanent sanctuary.
Gowe’s prayers and determination bore fruit on May 25 with the dedication of Hoyuyu United Methodist Church’s Nzira Sanctuary.
The joyous occasion was shared by her family and newly elected Bishop Gift K. Machinga, who began leading the Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Botswana Episcopal Area on April 1. He emphasized the importance of a willing heart in achieving such a project.
“What Janet Gowe did was an act of a willing heart. It did not require money, only faith and determination,” he said. “What we need to do is unlock what is within us, and the blessings of God will flow.”
As he cut the ribbon, Machinga recognized Gowe’s enduring legacy.
“She will not live forever, but those with faith believe that we die and will resurrect. Even as we leave this world, our legacy continues. She will always live within this community, as long as this sanctuary stands.”
At 102 years old, Gowe reflected on her long journey of faith.
She was born in Pfungwe District in Chitsungo, worshipping in the Chidhakwa Circuit of The United Methodist Church. When she married her late husband, she moved to Nyamukoho and continued worshipping with him in a United Methodist church.
However, as land became scarce, she and her family bought a small farm in Hoyuyu, only to realize there was no United Methodist church in the area.
“I mobilized others, and we started worshipping in homes. One day, I gathered the courage to attend a village meeting and requested land for our church. When permission was granted, the whole community rejoiced,” she said.
“We began worshipping under a Mungoza tree with a handful of people. … We later on achieved a milestone by building a temporary shed. At least we had a roof over our heads.”
With the eagerness to have the best, Gowe then approached her first-born son, Kingston Kajese, and his wife, Caroline June, about her dream of constructing a sanctuary.
“It took time, but eventually, my dream became a reality. I am grateful to God that I lived to see this day,” she said. “My eldest son took my plight seriously, and now we are here today. I am also grateful to my daughter-in-law, who had a generous heart and encouraged her husband to build the sanctuary.”
Kajese highlighted the combined efforts of the Kajese and Gowe families, noting that although he and his wife were deeply involved in the daily progress of the project, the spirit and support of both families made it possible.
“We built this in memory of the legacy of our mother. What we are today is a result of her prayers, and those should never be underestimated,” he said.
Reflecting on the progress of the Hoyuyu Circuit, the Rev. Paul Mazumba, superintendent for the Murewa Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe (UMP) District, shared during annual conference in September that only two circuits remained without sanctuaries: Hoyuyu and Nyadora.
“Just a month after the conference, the pastor of Hoyuyu Circuit brought incredible news: The Kajese family was seeking permission to construct a sanctuary for Hoyuyu,” Mazumba said. “It was as if they had attended the conference and were fulfilling what had been discussed. But we know that, in the fullness of time, God makes everything beautiful.
“Now the church awaits another family or community members willing to step forward to build Nyadora Circuit.”
Cathrine Nzungu, Murewa UMP District lay leader, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the Kajese and Gowe families, calling their work an act of divine wisdom. She also recognized the local community’s contributions, noting their role in providing locally available materials and preparing meals for the builders.
“No one imagined that by today we would be here, dedicating such a state-of-the-art sanctuary. But in the fullness of time, God made it possible,” she said.
Sherian Makuyana, Hoyuyu United Methodist Church lay leader, echoed that sentiment.
“As Hoyuyu Circuit, we are overjoyed. We feel the warmth of everyone who came together to bring this beautiful vision to life. This is a great accomplishment, and we are filled with joy,” Makuyana said.
Kajese also acknowledged the importance of collaborating with the pastor-in-charge, Pastor Chipo Chipungu, stating that without her honoring their efforts, this achievement may not have been possible.
Chipungu said it is the first sanctuary dedicated under both her and Bishop Machinga’s leadership. She also celebrated that all financial obligations have been fully settled.
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“This sanctuary was completed within six months, and everything that needed to be paid for was taken care of by the Kajese family to the tune of $200,000 — with no debt remaining,” she said.
Chipungu said that despite challenges, God’s grace carried them through.
“Some church members were fully involved, others remained spectators, but I had to press forward like a woman in labor, enduring pain yet rejoicing at birth,” she said.
She hopes to one day add a borehole, parsonage and early childhood development facilities on the church grounds to serve the community, she said.
Ethiopian Episcopal Church Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana and his wife, Thoko — family friends of Gowe’s — traveled from South Africa for the dedication. They equated Gowe’s story to Luke 18:1-8, comparing her persistence to that of the widow seeking justice from an unjust judge.
“Janet tirelessly appealed, not for personal gain, but for the glory of God,” Mpumlwana said.
Gowe spoke of the Mungoza tree under which the community first worshipped, explaining that it never sheds its leaves, whether in summer or winter.
Reflecting on this, Mpumlwana said, “If the Mungoza tree continuously provided shade, it became a sacramental symbol of God’s unwavering presence and protection.
“That tree of hope has now become a tree of fulfillment. The promise has been realized, and we are witnesses to this great work. Gowe, we are grateful to you.”
Gowe’s granddaughters, Tinashe and Tanyaradzwa Kajese, traveled from the U.S. to be part of the festivities.
Tinashe spoke of her family’s unwavering faith, their ability to see challenges as calls to action and their dream beyond reality.
“The very vision my grandmother held under the Mungoza tree is the same dream guiding us today: to grow, rise and become greater,” she said.
Tanyaradzwa honored her grandmother, parents, uncle and cousins “in deep gratitude” and said, “I recognize this moment not just as a celebration of the past, but as a commitment to a hopeful future.”
The Rev. Portia Kanoyangwa, associate pastor for Chisipiti United Methodist Church, celebrated the achievement alongside her congregation, which includes the Kajese family.
“Chisipiti at large is honored to support one of our members in this milestone. What an amazing accomplishment. May God bless you for your dedication and hard work. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed. They are reflected in the remarkable sanctuary standing before us,” she said.
She closed with a powerful reminder from Galatians 6:9: “You are a blessing to the church. Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the right time, you will reap the rewards.”
Machinga called the dedication of Nzira Sanctuary “a testament to faith, perseverance and unity,” honoring Gowe’s legacy.
“As the first sanctuary dedicated under my leadership, it symbolizes hope, growth and God’s blessings,” he said. “May it remain a beacon of worship, community and service, inspiring future generations. To God be the glory.”
Chingwe is a communicator for the Zimbabwe East Conference.
News media contact: Julie Dwyer at [email protected]. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free UM News Digest.
