Mvurwi Church Visit

On October 13, 2024, the Mvurwi Christian Community Church welcomed William Tom, a trainer for Foundations for Farming International, to lead a financial training session centered around the African Money Map Game. The event was an impactful opportunity for the congregation to explore biblical principles of finance. “It was a blessing to fellowship and serve their congregation,” William shared, expressing his gratitude for the invitation and the warm reception.

This particular training session was significant for William, as it was the first one he conducted with his family present. After a time of worship, the session began with a focus on two foundational scriptures: Matthew 6:24 and 1 Timothy 6:10, which set the tone by encouraging the group to prioritize serving God rather than money.

Participants were seated in family groups, with a mix of young and old to ensure inclusivity, especially for children whose parents were not part of the church. The game started at a slow pace, with one group carefully deliberating over how to allocate their resources. Their patience paid off, as they were later recognized as the most profitable and generous team.

Robert, one of the church leaders, was so impressed by the impact of the training that he expressed a desire to extend it to the Mvurwi pastors’ fraternity. “This is a wonderful tool to reach families and encourage them to work together on finances,” Robert noted. He also saw potential in translating the Money Map Game for marginal tribes in the community, further extending its reach. The elders of the church echoed his sentiments, remarking that while it was presented as a game, the lessons learned were profound and applicable.

Tabernacle of Worship Couples Retreat

A few days later, William and his wife, Doreen, were invited to speak at a couples’ retreat at the Tabernacle of Worship Church. The event was focused on managing finances within the context of marriage, and many attendees were surprised to hear that the Bible contains over 2,350 verses on money and possessions.

William introduced a framework for handling money according to God’s economy, emphasizing the importance of working, giving, saving, spending, and investing. Drawing on examples from a presentation he had given in Eswatini, William challenged the participants to reflect on their own financial habits. When asked if they followed the biblical order of priorities, the crowd responded with a resounding “No! We work and spend.” One woman jokingly added, “My husband works, and I spend.”

The conversation also touched on how many in Zimbabwe tend to give only when there is leftover money, prompting a reflection on God’s call for first fruits and the importance of giving from the best we have. In the Zimbabwean context, William noted, many families are caught in a cycle where spending comes first, leading to debt before any money is earned. “How should I save when I don’t earn enough?” asked one participant, highlighting the practical challenges many face.

The discussion also delved into whether a wife’s earnings should be part of the family budget or if she should manage them independently, given the traditional expectation that men provide financially. By the end of the retreat, many felt they had gained valuable insights, especially on the topic of debt. “Freedom is more important than future wealth,” William emphasized, encouraging attendees to prioritize settling debts.

Reflecting on the event, William expressed his gratitude: “It was my first time speaking at a couples’ finance platform, and I am so humbled by the feedback and response.” Debt became the most-discussed topic after the session, with participants also appreciating the lesson on saving, inspired by the habits of ants. The retreat left attendees more mindful of their financial habits and encouraged to make meaningful changes.