Chrissie Chidzaro

After being in the nursing profession for more than a decade, Chrissie Chidzaro, founder and senior pastor of Chrissie International Ministries talks about her life as a nurse and the work the ministry is doing to help orphans, juveniles and the elderly. She shares her story with PAIDA MPASO.

Tell me about Chrissie Chidzaro?

I am a nurse by profession, but I have retired and I am a full time minister of the Lord. The Spirit of the Lord led me to open Chrissie International Ministries in 2003. Under it there is Bethsaida Pool International Ministries, which comprises a church, school and an orphanage centre. We also have feeding centres where we are taking care of the elderly.

Where have you come from professionally?

I did my nursing school at Likuni Nursing School in the early 1980s. From 1983 to 1988 I worked for Blantyre City Council as a nurse before being transferred to Nguludi Mission Hospital. I worked there for at least two years and finally resigned from the nursing profession in 1990. I received Jesus Christ in 1987.

Why did you resign as a nurse?

I believed I had served my time. I felt I needed to do what my heart was longing for. I had been dreaming of looking after children, transforming their lives. I decided to pursue my calling of becoming a minister of the Lord.

What did you do after resigning?

I loved to travel to different churches where I prayed for people in villages. I did this for three years and it was great. It was eye opening. In 1994, I attended Bible school at Assemblies of God. From there I would preach as a student pastor at Kanjedza. I was with the Assemblies of God for more than eight years and then I resigned.

Why did you resign?

I told you, was taking care of children. When I presented the idea of a children’s school to the leaders, they were fine with it. But then I thought of what would become of the school in case I got transferred. So, in 2003, I established Chrissie International Ministries.

At what point in your life did you discover that it was a calling to become a minister of the Lord?

Apart from the dreams, I had been having, I also noticed that God was using me during the time I was a nurse. There was a time, a boy who had died, was raised back to life by the Spirit of God working in me. I also saw a lot of things happening.

How many branches does the church have?

We have eight branches. We have one each in Mwanza, Dedza and Ntcheu; two each in Mulanje and Phalombe.

What are some of the challenges you encountered when your church began?

Most people thought I would not make it while others accused me of being satanic. But I forged ahead. I told myself that if I get discouraged by what people were saying, I would indeed fail. I had to follow God’s plan. The insults drew me closer to God.

How many members did you start with?

I did not have many members except my two children, my husband and just a few people. Our first premises were in a house and we were located in Chigumula, Blantyre. In 2005 we moved to Nkolokosa and that is where we have built our foundations.

Tell me about the school?

The school was established some five years ago. It’s a school which keeps children who are perceived as trouble makers. I am talking of juveniles. We hold counseling sessions for them while sending them to the school in the hope of shaping them to become better citizens.

Many of them have changed and are concentrating on school. We have 300 pupils. There is boarding school for both the juveniles and other pupils. We also have students whom we are supporting and are currently in secondary schools.

What motivated you to have passion for children?

As a woman I know the joy a child brings. Likewise the pain a child brings if he or she is a trouble maker. Most of the times children are what we make them to be.

What about the elderly project?

This is a project which was started in 2008. We have three feeding centres for elderly people and orphans. We have recruited people who are in charge of these places. The centres take care of 48 elderly people. It’s our way of giving back to the society.

How has your husband supported you?

He has been my strongest pillar. These projects can take a toll in one’s life. I am grateful for everything he has done. He has helped me construct these buildings. Let me point it to you that this is my second marriage. My first marriage did not work out.

When did you meet him?

I met him at the Bible College.

Tell me about your background?

I was born in Mzimba, T/A Mzukuzuku. I went to Vangara Primary School and from there I went to Nkhamenya Girls Secondary School. For my forms Three and Four, I went to Malosa Secondary School. Later on I was selected to Likuni School of Nursing.

How was your growing up like?

We were four children: Three boys and one girl. Life in the village is not easy. We go to the field, go to school on an empty stomach. But I think what matters is the vision parents have for their children. My parents encouraged us to go to school.

How do you want your children to remember you?

I want them to realise that God is the ultimate source of our happiness. And that hard work and kindness pay. I want my children to know that good things in life are not hard to get. I want them to appreciate the importance of being there for one another. I may have given them education, but the rest lies with them and the choices they make.

How do you balance family and ministry?

I have told myself that once I am away from church, that chapter is closed until the next day. When I am at home I am a mother and a wife.

What message do you have for fellow women?

Love yourselves. Have confidence and always have something good to say. It’s the small things in life that matter.