PRESENT MINISTRIES

For several years the nation of Zimbabwe has endured turmoil. the economy is precarious, with the world's fastest rate of inflation. Information about the Free Methodist Church is limited.

ORIGINS

In 1938 the Ralph Jacobs family was appointed to Zimbabwe. Large numbers of people were converted over the next two years. Work was centered in two main areas, Chikombedzi and Lundi. Village schools, medical work and a Bible training school supplemented the outreach of the church in the years that followed.

Guerrilla warfare broke out in 1976. All missionaries were withdrawn, with the exception of one couple. Although many entire Christian villages were destroyed and the people forced to flee, the church continued strong in the faith. In 1980 the people began returning to the villages and rebuilding. The mission hospital at Chikombedzi reopened in 1981 under the direction of the church. Zimbabwe became a general conference in September 2004 and elected Abner Chauke as their bishop.