Through the inspiration of Rev. Mark Conard, pastor at Hutchinson First UMC, the clergy of the Hutchinson District began a partnership with the clergy of the Mutare District in 2008. Churches in the Hutchinson District have caught the vision for partnerships between congregations and now many of the district's churches are partnered with congregations in the Mutare District.
The Mutare District is located in a mountainous area in the eastern part of Zimbabwe. It has 25 circuits, 13 rural and 12 urban. The district's churches are challenged by unemployment, HIV/AIDS, droughts, and distances between congregations for pastors to travel.
Of the 12 urban circuits, 7 can sustain their monthly budgetary obligations. Four of these congregations are still in the building phase, which means most of their financial resources are being funneled into building their churches. The other five are struggling because they are young and small congregations.
The 13 rural circuits have the challenges of distance. One pastor may care for two to five congregations that make up a circuit and may have to travel many miles between them. The rural areas were hit especially hard during the country's economic troubles. Roads were not repaired and living conditions were bad. Continuing droughts added to the economic problems in the area. Many of the church buildings remained unfinished for a decade, leading to a sense of hopelessness.
The total membership in the district is approximately 15,616 members, and it is growing every day. The urban church claims about 10,500 members, and the rural areas claim about 5,116 members. About 7,200 are women, 3,266 are youth, 1,150 are men, and 4,000 are children.
Despite the challenges of their settings, the churches in the Mutare District have many opportunities:
