The United Methodist Church (UMC) bishop Gift Machinga has offered words of comfort to the families and the nation after the untimely deaths of 17 people following the Chitungwiza road fatal accident.
In a letter seen by ZimGospel Magazine, the clerical leader has moved to show the church as a shoulder to lean on as the nation has been plunged into mourning.
The accident has since been declared a national disaster by the president. He has since called for stricter road enforcement to reduce the road carnages.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) during the 2025 Easter and Independence holidays recorded 384 accidents with 24 fatalities and 178 injuries, showing how worrisome the statistics are.
In the dark moment of July, the United Methodist Church has lit a candle to shine in the enduring moments of the 17 families and the nation.
“It is a profound sorrow and a heavy heart that the United Methodist Church, through the Office of Bishop, conveys its deepest condolences to the nation of Zimbabwe and most especially to the bereaved families and communities affected by the tragic road accident that occurred on July 22nd, along the Chitungwiza road,” the letter reads.
With the growing and increasingly worsening number of road accidents, the families, the communities, and the nation are left with losses, too heavy to deal, as Bishop Machinga says, words are not enough to comfort the families.
“The loss of so many precious lives in a single moment is beyond heartbreaking and we recognize no words can truly soothe the pain of those who lost their loved ones,” the letter reads.
Christian death is not an ending, but a transition. It’s a separation of body and spirit, followed by judgment and the promise of eternal life for believers. While death is grieved, it is ultimately seen as a gateway to a new and glorified existence with God.
As the church stands and speaks about death, it’s also prepared to be a shoulder, a shelter, and an umbrella to guide parishioners in the painful times of death.
“We mourn with you. We weep with you. And we lift you in prayer during this time of great anguish and national mourning. As the body of Christ, we stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters during this time of sorrow,” the letter reads.
From the accident, two people survived the deadly crash, as the church moves to pray for them. “We pray for the injured.”
The United Methodist Church quoted the song of David (Psalms) 34:18 in comforting the families. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in the spirit.”
