Martin Luther Church Drug Campaign Lights Up Harar...

Martin Luther Church Drug Campaign Lights Up Harare

Patricia Mashiri—ZimNow Reporter

The atmosphere at Martin Luther Church, Fife Avenue, was electric this past Saturday as a crowd gathered for the launch if the church’s Drug and Substance Abuse Campaign — a day filled with energy, compassion, and the determination to reclaim lives from addiction.

What began as a call to awareness quickly transformed into a festival of hope. From the community run that set the tone with laughter and sweat, to the pulsating Zumba session that had everyone dancing in unison, participants left with more than exercise — they left with a renewed sense of belonging.

https://zimbabwenow.co.zw/articles/17221/run-dance-heal-from-drugs

Faith Meets Action

Board Chairperson Dr. Sibusisiwe Nkomo reminded the gathering that the church’s mission extends far beyond Sunday sermons.

“As a church, we recognize the devastating impact of drug abuse on individuals, families, and our community. We are committed to playing our part in addressing this social ill… Together, let’s work towards creating a community that supports recovery, promotes awareness, and empowers individuals to make informed choices,” she said.

Her words drew applause as congregants and visitors alike nodded in agreement, knowing too well the cost of Zimbabwe’s drug crisis.

A representative of the police narcotics division took the gathering through practical lessons of the drugs and substances that are available in Zimbabwe as well as some of the nuances of the law.

Sister Beauty Moyo from Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals gave a frank and down to earth talk on how many young people are only reaching out for help when it is too late to reverse the physical damage of drugs on the body.

“Conscientize, Correct and Collaborate”

Pastor-in-Charge Dr Rev A. Siwela Jr. laid out the church’s bold vision captured in the three Cs of Conscientize, Correct and Collaborate:

“Our strategy was to bring together those already in the fight. We have put our team to task to create real ground for recovery. The very spaces once used to peddle drugs must now become drop-in centers for healing. We are moving away from labeling people who use drugs — our role is to help.”

Dr Rev Siwela said that the young people must recognise that access to drugs does not equate to automatic permission to try them and that the test comes before use when one chooses to abstain because they already know the effects.

Youth Voices, Youth Solutions

For many, the highlight was hearing from the young people themselves. Takaedza Tafirei, Youth Advisor, struck a chord by urging parents, guardians, church leaders and all other older people to get out their comfort zones in order to meet the young people on their own turf:

“The youth are the most affected. To reach them, we must speak their language — embrace their technology, their music, their pace. Only then can we guide them to better choices.”

It was a reminder that the fight against drugs is not about lecturing but about walking side by side.

More Than a One-Day Event

Organizers made it clear: this was just the beginning. The Martin Luther Church has already extended help to affected youths through activities that build confidence and resilience.

Other plans include turning the former drug peddling space outside the church into a youth zone with gainful activities that the young people can enjoy as they find a safe hangout.

Organisations like Childline and Zimbabwe Council of Churches were also part of the event.

With partnerships like Lutheran Development Services and support from sponsors and the wider community, the campaign promises to grow into a series of programs that sustain the fight.

Editor’s Note

At Zim Now, we salute the Martin Luther Church and partners for stepping boldly into this space. Zimbabwe’s drug crisis is a national emergency — but events like this prove that solutions are possible when faith, community, and action come together.

Share this story if you believe in a drug-free Zimbabwe. Let’s spread the message of hope far and wide.