The Khumalos have been working at Mbuma Mission Hospital for nearly 17 years. It’s time to make their acquaintance.
Kindly introduce yourselves.
Michael: We’re Michael and Miriam Khumalo, and we’ve been working at Mbuma Mission Hospital since 2006. We have seven children: the eldest is 27 and the youngest is eight. I was born and raised in Nkayi, an hour’s drive from Mbuma. After attending school in Nkayi, I went to Bulawayo in search of a job. I worked at a supermarket for four years, then as a gateman for a further six. When the economy went downhill, I lost my job, so I went back to Nkayi. I was a postman and post office guard there for a few years, until my grandfather, James Mpofu, let me know they were looking for a gateman at the entrance to Mbuma Mission Hospital. I applied and was appointed in May 2006.
Miriam: I was born in Kwekwe, but early in childhood I went to live with my grandmother near Mbuma. In the course of time, I was asked to go and work for Dr Hak making fruit juices for patients. I asked to be sent on a Red Cross training course too, and I was delighted to find that the funding was available for me to do that. After three years in hospital housekeeping, I started as an assistant nurse in December 2006.
What’s it like to work at the hospital?
Miriam: I love looking after the patients, and in a hospital, you’re very aware that you’re working in the sight of God.
Michael: I am glad to be at the Mission’s service, guaranteeing security and keeping things in order. What’s special about Mbuma is morning and evening worship and the Bible studies. These are personally valuable, and it’s well worth studying Scripture together and discussing what the Lord is saying in the passages of His Word.
Is there a Bible verse that is particularly meaningful to you?
Michael: A key text for me is Hebrews 11:6, where we learn that without faith, it is impossible to please God, but also that God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.
Miriam: Ephesians 6:1 tells us: Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. My grandmother would always say that if you obey your parents, God will bless that, and that doing so helps us to learn obedience to the Lord. As a mother of seven, I hope and pray that my children will obey God, will walk in His ways and will do good to their neighbours.
What are you most grateful for?
Michael: For the Lord’s blessings. As we both have a job, we have been—and still are—in a position for all our children to attend school.
Miriam: We are grateful to you for your support. I saw a photo of Dutch children collecting for Mbuma Mission. My special thanks to you for that!