ABSTRACT
This chapter has a dual approach of outlining the context of Zimbabwe and defining disabilities. The beliefs about disabilities are contextual. The church exists in multiple contexts – its own religious environment (inside) and the social and political environment (outside). Inevitably, the outside environment has a bearing on the church. Therefore, the context of Zimbabwe affects African churches ministering “to and with” persons with disabilities. By exploring the social, economic, and political setting in Zimbabwe, this chapter provides the reader with the context of Zimbabwe where African churches are ministering “to and with” persons with disabilities. Disability is a complex phenomenon that is notoriously difficult to understand. The chapter uses models of disabilities as theoretical lenses which frame understanding of disabilities.
