“My name is Gift Mudzingwa,” the letter begins. “I am 36 years old. I am a father of two small children—Nigel, 7 years old and Vimbai, 6 years old. My wife Miriam is 28 years old. I am writing this letter on suggestion of Chido Muzorewa, who you all know as Charles. He suggested that I write to all of you for assistance and help.”
Charles Muzorewa is a friend of Gift and a member of Christ Memorial, Madison. Charles knows firsthand what life is like for families like Gift’s. Charles’ father was in the same circumstance and, thanks to the grace of some missionaries in what was then Rhodesia, he was able to come to the United States to pursue higher education. Charles was born in Nashville, Tenn., while his father was studying at Scarritt College.
Gift Mudzingwa (right) and his family hope to come to Madison so he can study computer systems. |
“...The hardships brought on by our Zimbabwe dictator Robert Mugave’s oppressive Marxist/communist regime have affected all of Zimbabwe’s citizens,” the letter continues. “The government here is structured after the Chinese and North Korean system… My reason for contacting you all through Charles, with permission from Pastor Jeff Meyer [of Christ Memorial] is to ask you all to please help me financially to attend Madison Area Technical College (MATC) for 24 months to study IT computer systems.”
Zimbabwe has seen a great deal of turmoil over the last half century. The consequences of this political upheaval have been severe. As Americans, we take pride in our right to an education. In Zimbabwe, not everyone has that right. While all children can start out in school, only those whose parents are close supporters of the government officials, or who can afford to pay bribe money, can continue their education. Christians are especially under fire by the government, and no one may speak openly about the abuse they suffer.
Gift and his family do not have the right “connections” or the money for further education, but Gift does have talents and the desire to help correct the wrongs of his country and make life tolerable for its citizens. The members of Christ Memorial wish to help Charles bring the family to Madison so that he can attend MATC for two years. While they are here, the congregation also hopes and prays that Gift and his family will grow stronger in their faith and become courageous witnesses for Christ and his saving grace.
This is a huge commitment and they are asking others to join in supporting this effort. So far, the members of Christ Memorial have committed to covering much of the cost for the family’s living expenses for at least ten months. They have also promised to pay $5,000 per year towards Gift’s tuition for the two years. Some of this is being raised through fund-raising efforts. Some of it is in the congregation’s budget.
Gift will need to get a visa through MATC, and that will come only after MATC has $7,000 in hand toward his tuition. He needs the help of many people to make his dream for his family and his country become reality. If you can help with a financial commitment, please contact Dan Haupt, director of operations at Christ Memorial, 2833 Raritan Rd., Fitchburg, WI 53711. You can call him at (608) 271-2811 or e-mail dhaupt@ christ-memorial.com.