2012 Claremont School of Theology Alumna Dr. Mazvita Machinga first earned a Master of Theological Studies, with a concentration in Pastoral Care and Counseling, then a Ph.D. in Practical Theology, with a track in Pastoral Psychotherapy and Counseling.
Claremont School of Theology is one of the 13 United Methodist seminaries supported by the Ministerial Education Fund apportionment of the United Methodist Church.
Serving in Zimbabwe, Mazvita said, “I’m proud to be a practical theologian, pastoral psychotherapist, and mental health specialist. It has always been my passion to be able to journey with people and create space for them to share their life experiences. Through the Clinebell Institute at CST, my training in psychotherapy and counseling taught me how to integrate psychological, theological, ethical, and spiritual frames of reference when offering counseling.”
Mazvita works hard and wears many hats. She teaches ministerial and social science students and serves as the University Counselor at Africa University. She said, “I feel very humbled to share my skills and knowledge with students who will in turn go back to their countries and offer care and counseling.” Mazvita previously served as a Dean of Student Affairs at Africa University, caring for students from a variety of backgrounds.
In addition to teaching and counseling, Mazvita volunteers her clinical services as a Psychotherapist at Pastoral Care and Counselling Services (PCCS) in Mutare, the only such registered center in a province of over 1.9 million people..
Mazvita shared, “My dream is to have a pastoral care center [building]. Because my ministry is not profit-making, we cannot afford to build a center; currently we use space that has been donated. My prayer is that one day we secure some [financial] assistance that will help us build a Pastoral Care and Wellness Center within our province which would take care of people’s emotional and psychological welfare. I kindly ask you to join me in prayers for this dream to become a reality.”
Mazvita continues this sacred work by providing pro-bono psychotherapy and spiritual care services for the patients and staff at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital and other hospitals in the city of Mutare.
One way Mazvita has been inspired recently is by the ways denominations and faith leaders have been engaging mental health knowledge and awareness through an initiative of the counseling center: “Working with churches has been very fulfilling to me. People turn to churches to find safety and help in times of need. Thus, church leaders need capacity in understanding mental health issues. It has been exciting to see lives being transformed when the church takes its position.”
Mazvita is grateful to Trinity UMC Pomona, East District, and the California Pacific Annual Conference for their support in her deacon candidacy process. She is also indebted to her United States friends and supporters—especially professors at CST and her spiritual director in Claremont who has been journeying with her since 2010.
Although the pandemic has brought challenges, the ministries in which Mazvita is involved continue to provide invaluable hope to the community: “The Lord has been helping me to do what I can with what is there, and we are grateful for where the Lord has taken us thus far. I am doing my best to ensure that the education I got from CST is helping me to make a difference for our people in Zimbabwe and in Africa.”
Claremont School of Theology, Claremont, CA
One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the Ministerial Education Fund is at the heart of preparing people for making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The 13 United Methodist seminaries help students to discover their calling through the challenging curriculum. The fund enables the church to increase financial support for recruiting and educating ordained and diaconal ministers and to equip annual conferences to meet increased demands. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Ministerial Education Fund apportionment at 100 percent.
