Streamview United Methodist Church

The Streamview United Methodist Church is located near Mutare in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe. This congregation is the one with which First United Methodist Church in Hutchinson, Kansas is seeking to build a relationship. This is part of the "Mutare Connection," which links the pastors, people, organizations, and ministries in The Hutchinson District of the Kansas West Conference with our counterparts in the Mutare District of the Zimbabwe East Conference.

The Streamview United Methodist Church is officially known as the Chikanga East circuit, being located in the township of that name. There is actually a stream near the church site, but it only has water in it during the rainy season. The current pastor is the Rev. Tafadzwa Benny--"T B"--Murauro. He is completing his second year of service.

The Streamview congregation currently numbers about 1,000 people in worship each Sunday. Worship typically lasts around two hours, but no one really keeps track of the time.

The Streamview Church does not yet have a building. They use a temporary slat-sided structure. They have backless benches, but there are typically so many people that some have to sit on the ground while others stand outside the shelter. A major emphasis at the present time is to build a permanent structure. They have a "Building Fund" offering every fourth Sunday of the month.

Rev. Murauro describes his congregation as "one of the most vibrant churches in this district of Mutare. If a person comes to this congregation he will not love to miss the rest of the Sunday services."

This is the congregation where I will be privileged to worship (and preach!) on Sunday, July 26.