By Cimba Shepherd Nhamo

Every year, September brings with it a special fragrance of joy, gratitude, and celebration within the United Family International Church (UFIC) and far beyond its walls. It is the month that gave us Mhamha Prophetess Ruth Makandiwa—a woman whose life has been defined by faith, integrity, and compassion.

She is not only the spiritual mother of UFIC but also a guiding light to many across nations. A woman whose influence extends far beyond the pulpit, reaching into homes, communities, and the hearts of those society often forgets.

“Prophetess Ruth Makandiwa: A mother, a pillar, a giver.”

When people speak of Prophetess Ruth Makandiwa, one of the first things that comes to mind is her heart for others. Through Agape Family Care (AFC), she has been the quiet force behind initiatives that care for the vulnerable, feed the elderly, and give dignity to those in need. To many who have received her generosity, she is not just a prophetess; she is a mother who sees, listens, and responds with love.

Her charity is not staged, nor is it for recognition—it flows naturally from who she is. Those who have encountered her kindness testify that it is genuine, refreshing, and deeply transformative.

“Agape in action – her heart beats for the vulnerable.”

No great vision is ever sustained without strength behind the scenes, and in the remarkable journey of Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa, that strength has been Prophetess Ruth.

From their humble beginnings—in How Mine, where Prophet Makandiwa faithfully served as a young pastor, to the days of Hebron Assembly in Chitungwiza, and later the monumental founding of United Family International Church (UFIC)—she has been right there, unwavering and steadfast.

Her quiet strength has been a source of encouragement to her husband, enabling him to focus on his divine calling. She has walked the journey with him, not in the shadows, but as a visible partner who uplifts, prays, and leads by example.

“Behind a great man of God stands a great woman of faith.”

Prophetess Ruth’s life embodies the timeless words of Proverbs 31. She is dignified, clothed with strength and wisdom, and her works praise her at the gates. In a world often distracted by fleeting values, she remains grounded in spiritual principles.

Together with Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa, she has demonstrated what a Christ-centered family looks like: raising children in the fear of God, leading with humility, and showing that true greatness is found in service.

“A virtuous woman, rare and priceless.”

The celebration of her birthday has transcended borders. Her spiritual father, Prophet Victor Kusi Boateng of Ghana, took to his social media platforms to honor her, describing her as a daughter of great faith and wishing her well in her new year.

From believers in Zimbabwe to sons and daughters of UFIC scattered across the globe, the outpouring of love has been overwhelming. Social media has been awash with tributes, testimonies, and the trending declaration: “September to Remember.”

This phrase has become more than just a birthday slogan—it captures the undeniable impact Prophetess Ruth has made in the lives of countless people. For many, her birthday is a time to reflect on the blessing of her existence, the lessons she teaches through her lifestyle, and the example she continues to set.

“Loved at home, celebrated worldwide.”

What makes Prophetess Ruth’s life remarkable is not just what she has already accomplished, but the legacy she is steadily building. Her works through AFC, her influence as a mother in the faith, and her devotion to her family and ministry will echo for generations to come.

She is proof that greatness does not come with noise but with consistency, love, and the courage to walk faithfully with God.

“Her life is a sermon. Her works are a testimony.”

As we celebrate Prophetess Ruth Makandiwa’s birthday, we do more than mark the passage of time—we honor the life of a woman who has allowed herself to be used by God as a vessel of love, faith, and transformation.

Her journey reminds us that the world needs more women of her kind: women who stand firm in their faith, who give generously without expecting applause, and who nurture families and communities with Christ-like love.

Happy Birthday, Mhamha Ruth Makandiwa. Truly, September is to Remember.