Chaplain Christine Phiri Biography | Background, Age, Children, First Marriage and Challenges, Second Marriage and Divorce, Education, Career, Awards, Books
This is the biography of Christine Phiri, also known as Christine Madeyi, a Zimbabwean pastor who serves as a Chaplain for the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services.
Background
Christine Phiri was born into a challenging family situation. Her parents divorced when she was 12 years old, and she had to take care of her three siblings as the oldest. With her mother working as a housemaid, Phiri took on the responsibility of looking after her siblings.
Unfortunately, Phiri’s mother turned to prostitution, which often forced the children to sleep outside the house to accommodate her clients. Tragically, Phiri’s mother passed away when she was 17, leaving her as the head of the family.
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Age
Christine Madeyi was born on April 6, 1979.
Children
Christine Phiri has a son from her first marriage.
Education
Despite these difficulties, Phiri persevered with her education. After three attempts, she successfully passed five Ordinary Level subjects. However, before she could pursue a career, Phiri married a pastor at the age of 21.
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First Marriage and Challenges
Phiri’s first marriage was marked by tragedy when her husband died in a car accident just four months after they wed. Pregnant at the time of her husband’s death, Phiri faced accusations from her in-laws and the repossession of their belongings by the church her husband had served.
As a widow and expectant mother, Phiri found herself in dire circumstances and turned to prostitution to support herself and her unborn child. However, she later repented and embraced Christianity with the help of a friend. Through a ZAOGA pastor, she received support from the church’s Widows and Singles Mothers Conference and acquired entrepreneurial skills.
Second Marriage and Divorce
Phiri went on to marry a second time but eventually divorced due to irreconcilable differences.
Career
In 2003, she joined the penal services as a prison officer and later underwent training to become a chaplain.
Awards
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to church development and nation-building, Christine Phiri received the Exemplary Servant Leadership and Outstanding Contribution to Church Development and Nation Building award from the Zimbabwe Christian Ministers Association in December 2021.
Car Gift from Wicknell Chivayo
In February 2023, Christine Madeyi received a Mercedes Benz C200 and a US$10,000 cash gift from businessman Wicknell Chivayo for her support of First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa’s Angel of Hope Foundation.
Health Issues
In December 2023, Chaplain Christine Phiri was hospitalized for an undisclosed illness. The news of her hospitalization came to light when gospel musician Dorcas Moyo visited her.
Books
Christine Phiri authored a book titled “My Life, A Great Testimony” in 2019.
