As We Go Missions is excited to be part of a project to complete a medical clinic in rural Zimbabwe. A church and a school were constructed at Rushangarumwe in 2005, following a survey conducted by John Mark Pemberton. The addition of a badly needed clinic was part of the vision for the region. Construction began in 2015, but unforeseen circumstances halted progress on the buildings before they could be used. They have remained incomplete.
That is where As We Go Missions comes into the story. In 2021, a team visited the church at Rashangarumwe to conduct teaching on stewardship. While there, we made a tour of the partially completed clinic buildings. These had stood unoccupied for eight or nine years. They were in remarkably good shape. The seed of completing this badly needed clinic was planted in us.
During that inspection, the area chief’s headman approached Sherry Thacker and said, “The chief wants to know why you haven’t finished his hospital!” It was not a nice inquiry, but an accusatory statement. He expected an answer. Sherry quickly replied that this was our first trip here, and we knew nothing about why. Because of that encounter, members of that first team began concerted prayers, seeking God’s desire and direction.
A second team visited the clinic in 2023. The condition had not changed and a second headman came and asked Sherry the same question. (She is not sure why it was always her who was confronted, but she was.) And that seed which was planted on that first trip was watered.
Then in late 2024 and early 2025, the pastor of the Rushangarumwe church reached out to our mission about the possibility of us finishing construction and equipping the clinic. That planted seed began to spout. Leanne Pemberton Nesbitt, John Mark’s widow, and Donna Stroop, the secretary of As We Go Missions, began talking about the possibility of competing the task. Members of that original church became part of the discussion.
The Need
We are seeking to raise the funds to bring the buildings to usable condition. This means water from a new well, and electricity, window glass, doors, painting, and tile for the floors are among the items on the list. We have a contractor estimate of $80,000. With teams from the US, our engineer believes that this can be completed for maybe half that amount.
We will also be raising $10,000 for the furnishings, tables, sinks, desks, beds, mattresses, and instruments.
Once the clinic is ready, the government will provide the staff required to run it. Mashoko Christian Hospital, under the leadership of Dr. Bungu, will oversee the medical clinic and staff.
An ongoing need will be a monthly operating expense for the clinic. Drugs and other supplies come from the Zimbabwe government, but because of the rural nature of the clinic, we will offer a stipend for the staff to encourage them to remain with the clinic.
More Than Medicine
The clinic is more than medical, however. Mashoko Christian Hospital has an outstanding evangelism program associated with the hospital. A team of chaplains conducts daily devotions and ministry to patients while at the hospital. After discharge, each patient is visited, continuing the sharing of the message of Jesus. These patients are encouraged to invite family and friends to hear the message as well.
The Impact of Your Support
This Clinic Will Provide:
- Essential Health Care Services: Preventive care, maternal and child health services, and treatment for common illnesses and injuries.
- Safe Environment: A place where families can receive care and education about health and wellness.
- Healing: A lifeline for those who currently have no access to medical care. Your support will literally help to save lives.
- Hope: A light to shine the love of Jesus through healthcare, No longer referred to as a “dark corner.”
How Can You Help
- Donate: This is a big challenge, but we believe God planted the seed originally and will help bring it to harvest. We need your help.
- Share: Let your church, your family, and your friends know about this great opportunity.
There are several ways to share in this project. You can donate through this website. Just click on “Donate” at the top of the page.
You can send a check to As We Go Missions, 127 W. Roosevelt St., Shelton, WA, 98584, and designate it “Rush Clinic.”
We also have Venmo and Zelle accounts.
Rushangarumwe Brochure