Bakground
A home-missionary, deserted by his denomination, continued in church planting and faithfully laboured in isolation in the church in Chikombedzi, shepherding this small congregation. Recognising the great need for the gospel and preachers to reach the many villages in the district, he was burdened with the need for a church-based Bible College to train and equip men and women to accomplish this mammoth task. But he needed help. God brought him and Christ Baptist Church together in the year 2012.
The Need
The need is to help build into the life of this small church and plan the establishment of a Bible College to serve this rural area with the gospel through equipped gospel workers. When the apostles heard about the new believers in Antioch, they sent Barnabas (son of encouragement), to determine if this was a genuine work of God and to help strengthen this new church—and he even went to find Saul to help. By God’s grace and favour, the Chief Shepherd Bible College was established in August 2017.
The Vision
Chief Shepherd Baptist Church desires to be instrumental in equipping men and women to plant Bible-teaching, Christ-focused churches in the rural southeastern district, from the Runde River to the Limpopo River, which is predominantly Shangaan/Tsonga people.
The Team
The pastor of Chief Shepherd Baptist Church Chikombedzi is Simon Vuragu, husband to Emily and father to three sons: Takunda, Takudzwa, and Tafadzwa. He studied at Baptist Theological Seminary Zimbabwe (Dip.Th.) and Christ Seminary (B.Th).
The missionary sent by Christ Baptist Church is William Vaughan, husband to Sharyn and father to three sons, two daughters-in-law and five grandchildren. He studied at BTC of SA (BA [Hon] Missions) and has served in missions since 2003.
Partnership Opportunities
Here is how you can partner with Christ Baptist Church in this church strengthening opportunity.
Prayer Partnership
- Pray for Simon and Emily to remain strong in the Lord.
- Pray for the church’s commitment to sending out their own missionaries.
- Pray for the growth of the Bible College and its impact in local churches and the region.
Other Partnership
Consider sending a short-term team to encourage, work alongside, and learn from others.
Contact
Pastor Joseph Mahlaola