On the 29 July 2000 the Matthew Rusike Children's Home celebrated 50 years of service to the children of Zimbabwe. This was a time to celebrate the home's survival despite difficult economic conditions. It was also a time to reflect on the past and in the following letter, a former school teacher, Mrs Lorna Graaf, remembers Mr and Mrs Rusike:

"It is a wonderful thing that the Matthew Rusike Home has now been established for 50 years - a great reason for 50th celebrations! All those who have contributed in any way in work, time and money are much appreciated for their efforts. The news of children both past and present which tells of new life and new hope, is a real reward for those contributions.

I first met Mr Rusike in 1956 when he was a minister at Kwenda Mission and I had newly arrived from England to teach in the school under Mr Phineas Muchatutu. Mr and Mrs Rusike gave me a lovely welcome when I went to their home. I remember him as a kind, patient man with a delightful sense of humour which showed in his eyes. Mrs Rusike was a really motherly lady and at the time I did not realize that the children I saw around were not the Rusikes' own. Looking back now I remember how naturally they all belonged together as a family. Later I learned the facts about Mr Rusike's life.

Mr Rusike was born in 1896, became a teacher, then an evangelist, then a minister. He served in what is now Zambia, at Chipembi, then returned to serve in other circuits here, including Kwenda. In 1937 when he was 41, he became Superintendent of Makwiro Circuit - the first African Superintendent to hold the office.

In 1950 he began his great work of taking children in need of care into his home. Urbanization and the breakdown of the traditional extended family system caused many social problems. He and Mrs Rusike devoted themselves to looking after their enlarged family of 16 children and in 1958 he was awarded the MBE.

Most ministers retire at some stage but Mr Rusike applied only to retire from the active ministry so that he could give full-time care. Not only that, but he embarked on the establishment of the Children's Home - a venture of faith. Today's residents know what a marvelous success this venture was. He and Mrs Rusike kept on together for many years and eventually he did retire to Makwiro but never lost his concern for young people. He appealed locally for books in order to establish a library and reading room for unemployed youngsters who were trying to further their studies by correspondence courses.

The Rusikes had come to our wedding in 1958, but in 1977 we were very sad to hear of his death. He was then aged 81. On 1 November 1990, Brandon and I went to the Home for Christmas celebrations. Mrs Rusike, then elderly of course, greeted me, 'My sister! Come and sit beside me.' She put her arms around me and we gave one another a big hug! It was a privilege to know them both and when I heard of her death I felt I really had lost a sister."