Men’s union vital for charity

The Diocese of Upper Shire of the Anglican Church has formed a father’s union which will provide a forum for men to engage in charity. JAMES CHIMPWEYA talked to interim chairman of the union Michael Matewere to get more information about the group.

What is the Father’s Union all about?

This is the gathering of men in the church doing some charity work as women do. We will be cheering the sick, visiting hospitals as well as orphanages and give them the much needed support. As Christians, we believe in Jesus Christ who was doing all sorts of charity work. Our foundation is Mathews 25 where it records: “I was in prison and you did not come and see me, I was in hospital and you did not come and cheer me and I was an orphan and you did not care about me.” And for us to prosper in this union, we will be contributing to the noble cause of reaching out to the poor for the Bible says God blesses the hand that gives than that receives.

What prompted you to form the union?

All along, charitable work in the church was being done by women, but creation started with man. The Bible says God created the first man Adam but what is happening now is that women are taking the leading role in charity work. Most men after knocking off from church were going out for unnecessary activities.

So far, we have drafted our constitution. Our duty is to make men active in the church and do charitable work.

Who are eligible to be members of the union?

Membership is open to all men, especially those whose marriages were officiated and are 21 years of old. This age limit was chosen because maturity starts from this age. We need people who are mature spiritually for the promotion of God’s work and church growth.

Works of charitable need money. Where will you get it?

First and foremost is unity. When there is unity, you don’t doubt where the money will come from because members will contribute. Apart from individual contributions, we will also be holding fundraising activities to keep the union growing and meet its mandate.