Christian ministry leader Willard Matiza shares on his experience on OM’s Afrika Trek discipleship mission trip last year. Info about this year’s Afrika Trek, next month, is at the bottom of this page.
In April last year, I embarked on a journey that reshaped my understanding of faith, community, and mission. I joined the Afrika Trek team — five people from different nations — on a two-week adventure in Chiredzi, south-east Zimbabwe, near the Mozambique border. The journey itself was a vivid picture of perseverance: a bus ride, a boat crossing, and finally a motorbike to reach our destination. Each step reminded us that the Gospel often requires effort, endurance, and creativity to reach people in remote places.
We were warmly hosted by a local church in Chambuta, living among the Shangaan people in a cultural village. Arriving just before Good Friday, we stepped straight into an Easter conference. Each day, one of us had the privilege to teach or preach, sharing the Word of God with believers hungry for encouragement. We also spent time with teens, opening Scripture together, playing games, and building bonds that transcended culture and language.
After the conference, our mission expanded into evangelism. Dividing into two groups and accompanied by members of the host church, we went door to door — meeting families in their homes, in the fields, and at local shops. We reached seven villages, some nearby and others so far that we borrowed bicycles to ride nearly 20 kilometers. Every encounter was not just an adventure, but a divine appointment. We saw God at work as hearts opened to the Gospel.
Hospitality marked our days. Visiting members of the host church, we were welcomed with cultural foods prepared as an honour for guests. At night, we sat together under the moon and stars, sharing meals and stories. These simple moments of fellowship reminded us that the Kingdom of God is built not only in pulpits but also around tables, under open skies, in laughter and shared bread.
Each morning, we reflected individually and as a team, grounding ourselves in prayer and Scripture before stepping out again. And in between ministry, we marvelled at God’s creation in Gonarezhou National Park — a reminder that the Creator we serve is both mighty and beautiful.
On our final Sunday, after days of evangelism, we witnessed a powerful sight: the church filled with new faces, people drawn by the message of hope they had heard during the week. It was a living testimony that when we step out in faith, God multiplies our small efforts. As Scripture says: Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us (Ephesians 3:20).
The Afrika Trek is more than a journey — it is a call to step out in faith, to cross rivers and ride into unknown places with the Gospel of hope. If your heart longs for adventure, fellowship, and the joy of seeing God at work in communities, consider joining the next Afrika Trek which will include time in Zambia and Tanzinia. Together, we can be part of stories that remind the world that Christ’s love knows no borders.
Our next Africa Trek is happening from June 8 to August. The Trek is for young adults from the age of 18-28 years. The cost is $2 175 (R35 684). If you are keen on joining us for this incredible experience and witnessing God at work in Africa through ministry, discipleship, adventure and community, email africa.trek@om.org by May 22 to get more information.
Willard Matiza is a Christian ministry leader, communicator, and Missions mobiliser serving with OM South Africa while based in Zimbabwe. With a background in media and communication, he blends storytelling and outreach to highlight God’s faithfulness and the power of missions. His passion is to mentor believers to live out their calling and to mobilise churches to engage in God’s global mission.
Please help us to keep on publishing news that brings Hope in Jesus:
>> Donate >> Become a Super Subscriber
VISIT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/gatewaynews100
COMMENTING GUIDELINES
You are welcome to engage with our articles by making comments [in the Comments area below] that add value to a topic or to engage in thoughtful, constructive discussion with fellow readers. Comments that contain vulgar language will be removed. Hostile, demeaning, disrespectful, propagandistic and off-topic comments may also be moved. This is a Christian website and if you wish to vent against Christian beliefs you have probably come to the wrong place and your comments may be removed. Ongoing debates and repetitiveness will not be tolerated. You will also disqualify yourself from commenting if you engage in trolling.
