‘The farm that became a great problem’: Epworth Mission Station and the manifestation of mission in crisis in post-independence Zimbabwe

Abstract

Mission stations were created to radiate the light of Christianity to the surrounding communities. However, as time passed, what was meant to be the light became an eyesore to the noble intentions of the initial founders. Epworth Mission Station brings together the manifestation of a failed mission vision, as exemplified by the challenges and the squalid conditions of what was once a promising mission. This study explores the origins and challenges faced at a mission station and in particular Epworth of the Methodist Church in Harare. It looks at the challenges of the 19th-century mission approach in a post-colonial era. With the changes in political and religious terrain in Africa, mission work has suffered.Contribution: Using qualitative methods, which included desk research, archival and ethnographic approaches, the researcher sought to uncover the latent sources and nature of the mission problems and ended by suggesting what new approaches can be used to salvage respectability of mission in a post-colonial era. These include missional orientation and decolonisation of the African mind.

Social and Environmental Determinants of Diarrheal Diseases among Children Under Five Years in Epworth Township, Harare

“…The study was conducted in Epworth Township (characterized by an informal settlement setting) b within the city of Harare, Zimbabwe. A highly dense impoverished township with limited primary health services, access to water, sewage services and cleaner energy (12,13). The population is estimated to be 167 462, according to the 2012 census survey (14).…”

“…A highly dense impoverished township with limited primary health services, access to water, sewage services and cleaner energy (12,13). The population is estimated to be 167 462, according to the 2012 census survey (14). The study population was selected because of the living condition, lack of access to services and diarrheal cases reported in other studies with similar conditions.…”

Social and Environmental Determinants of Diarrheal Diseases among Children under Five Years in Epworth Township, Harare

“…In this study, children aged 0 to 5 years presenting with complaints of diarrhoea were targeted. Epworth Township is a highly dense impoverished township with limited primary health services, access to water, sewage services, and cleaner energy [16]. The population is estimated to be 167,462, according to the 2012 census survey [16].…”

“…Epworth Township is a highly dense impoverished township with limited primary health services, access to water, sewage services, and cleaner energy [16]. The population is estimated to be 167,462, according to the 2012 census survey [16]. The township and study population were selected because of the living conditions, lack of access to services, and diarrheal cases reported in other studies with similar conditions.…”