Chaplain Christine Makurumidze, affectionately known as Chaplain Phiri, has an incredible journey that showcases God's amazing grace and power.
From a life filled with hardships, including being an orphan, a widow, and a sex worker, to finding redemption and purpose in the church, her story is a testament to resilience and personal transformation.
The Early Struggles:
Born in Rusape, Zimbabwe, and raised in difficult circumstances, Chaplain Phiri experienced the challenges of poverty and instability from a young age. With her parents divorced and her mother working as a domestic worker to support the family, she often had to forego school to care for her siblings.![]() |
From Darkness to Redemption: The Inspiring Journey of Chaplain Phiri! |
Nights spent outside or sleeping in a disused vehicle were unfortunately not uncommon for Chaplain Phiri and her family.
Tragedy and Accusations:
After finally completing her Ordinary levels, Chaplain Phiri's life took another devastating turn when her husband, a pastor, passed away in a car accident. Accused of witchcraft and faced with false allegations, she was forced out of her home and left homeless, spending nights under a bridge in Mutare, Zimbabwe. It seemed as though life had dealt her another cruel blow.Faith and Redemption:
Amidst the hardships, Chaplain Phiri's life took a positive turn when she encountered a supportive church community. Through their assistance, she found temporary respite from prostitution and was eventually introduced to entrepreneurship. With newfound hope, she applied for a job at the Zimbabwe Prison Services and secured a position as a prison officer. Her perseverance and prayers had paid off, and she eventually married, adopting the title Chaplain Phiri.Overcoming Adversity:
Despite her newfound stability, Chaplain Phiri's journey was not without its challenges. She faced health issues, including a mild stroke and a brain tumor diagnosis. However, her faith remained unwavering, and she drew strength from her relationship with God. In 2010, while undergoing treatment, Chaplain Phiri also experienced the tragic loss of her siblings.From Prostitution to the Pulpit:
Determined to channel her life experiences into a positive force, Chaplain Phiri pursued chaplaincy at Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services. This marked a turning point in her life as she began using her platform to deliver powerful and life-changing sermons, accompanied by her melodious Zimdancehall tunes. Her story is a powerful example of transformation, resilience, and the boundless grace of God.Chaplain Phiri's journey from a life of hardship, including prostitution, to her current role as a revered chaplain is a remarkable testament to the power of faith and personal growth. Her story serves as an inspiration to others, showing that no matter the depths of one's past or the challenges faced, God's grace can bring about redemption and a brighter future.
Chaplain Phiri's unwavering faith and commitment to spreading the message of hope make her an extraordinary example of God's unfathomable grace at work.