SEVENTY-TWO-YEAR-OLD Lameck Ngorima’s eyes welled up with tears as he clutched the keys to his new home, a modest three-bedroomed house that symbolises hope and redemption.
For years, Ngorima, his wife Esnath and their three children, had been living in a dilapidated thatched hut in Gombakomba village, Mutare South constituency, shunned by the community and forgotten by the world.
But recently, their fate changed for the better.
The Anglican Church, led by reverend Gilbert Sambona and his wife Hazvinei, including some church sections and partners, had taken it upon themselves to build a decent home for the Ngorima family.
In an interview on the sidelines of the official handover ceremony held at the Ngorima homestead last weekend, Sambona said there was need to assist the family.
“What prompted me to build a house for Sekuru Ngorima came after we came here for his son’s funeral. I was touched by the situation at the homestead,” Sambona recalled.
“I realised that they were living in squalor, under delapidated huts. I felt that there was great need to assist the family.
“I then decided to build a decent and modest home for him. I mobilised resources within the church. We had different parishes that supported the idea and we had local partners and others from the diaspora that came in and supported the initiative.”
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Other notable partners included Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises minister Monica Mutsvangwa and Fungai Mbetsa, a director in the Local Government ministry.
Mutare Rural District Council chairperson Hopewell Muzayeni also chipped in with some resources.
Anglican Church sections that played a pivotal role include Holy Name Matsika and St Faith’s Madetere from Rusape.
Others are Holy Name from Sakubva, St Agnes from Chikanga, St Monica from Penhalonga, St Mark’s Matinde and St Mathius Tsonzo.
In the spirit of solidarity and love, other churches including Methodist Dzangare, Zaoga, Apostolic Faith Mission, Zion Church, Guta RaJehovah and others also played a part.
Moved by compassion, Sambona and his wife initiated a project to build a modest three-bedroom home, complete with a kitchen and a gazebo, a sanctuary for Ngorima and his family.
“At first, we had doubts whether the project will succeed. But we persevered until today. We are happy that the house has been completed and handed over to the Ngorima family. I want to thank everyone who supported this initiative. This shows the love of God,” Sambona said.
Eight people from the community assisted by building the house free of charge.
It took five months for the builders to construct the structures.
Women and men from the community fetched water from water sources afar for free in show of the spirit of camaraderie.
As the huge crowd gathered to witness the handover, the atmosphere was electric.
For years, Ngorima and his family lived in a dilapidated thatched hut, their lives marked by struggle and neglect.
The family’s existence was a daily battle against poverty, with the children often going without basic necessities.
The couple, once vibrant and full of dreams, found their spirits crushed under the weight of hardships.
The day of the official handover was marked by emotional speeches, laughter and inevitably, tears.
As the sun rose over the village, so too did a sense of community spirit.
The huge crowd gathered to witness this historic occasion, which was not just a celebration for the Ngorimas, but a beacon of hope for the entire village.
“I never thought I would see this day. This house is a gift from God. For the first time, we will have a safe place to live,” a teary Ngorima said.
“I never thought I would live to see the day where I would have a decent roof over my head. Thank God for the Anglican Church. I want to give thanks to Reverend Sambona and the team behind all this. I am overwhelmed with gratitude. He has given me a reason to smile again.
“This house is more than just walls and a roof. It is dignity, it is hope and it is a new beginning.”
Headman Gombakomba described the construction of the house a first of its kind in the community.
“What has happened here is something big. I have never seen something very good like this. This is pure wisdom from the church and its leaders and everyone who was involved in the building of this beautiful house. Wisdom is very important,” he said.
“In a long time in my area, I have not seen something like this. There are some people who are greedy and do not do things correctly, but what we have seen is different.
“It is not easy for someone like Ngorima’s humble beginnings to become a proud owner of a good home. We had community engagement and they took this project as their own thing and played an important role in making this project a huge success.”
The event was further enriched by the presence of friends and partners from the diaspora, who had generously donated equipment and funds to help realise this dream.
Their support underscored the importance of community and the difference that collective action can make in overcoming adversity.
Esnath, overwhelmed with emotion, hugged her husband tightly, tears streaming down her face.
Their children, eyes wide with excitement, danced around their new home, the promise of a better future glimmering in their innocent gaze.
The day concluded with songs of praise and gratitude, as community members shared in the Ngorima family’s joy.
Sambona’s wife, also donated groceries and blankets to the Ngorimas.
Other church members donated cash, clothes and goats to the family.
It was a testament to the power of kindness and the profound impact of giving back, reminding everyone present that no one is truly alone if people stand together.
In Gombakomba village, Ngorima’s story serves as a powerful example of hope, resilience and the transformative power of community.
What began as a tale of neglect has blossomed into a symbol of hope, inspiring many to extend a hand to those in need.
