Q&A with North Pine Anglican Church parishioner and Ichthus camp leader, Tapiwanashe Masvaure
Spotlight Q&A
Meet Tapiwanashe Masvaure and find out about her faith journey, what person inspires her the most and why, her thoughts on the 2022 Diocesan theme ‘Being Together: Embracing Joy’, where she does her best thinking and what she does in her free time
Tapiwanashe Masvaure is a proud North Pine Anglican Church parishioner and AYCF Ichthus camp leader. Her family is originally from Zimbabwe.
How long have you been involved in the Anglican Church and in what roles?
I started as a kid’s’ church volunteer at North Pine Anglican Church in 2017 and have been an AYCF Ichthus camper since 2016, and an Ichthus leader since 2019.
Tapiwanashe Masvaure helping out at Primary Ichthus Camp in 2021
What is your current ACSQ role and how does this role contribute to the Church’s mission?
One of North Pine Anglican’s core values is ‘Youth & Children’ – the intentional investment in children, young people and families to see them grow in their love of God. My current role in children’s ministry as an Ichthus leader and as a kids’ church volunteer enables me to advocate and practise this mission for children in the wider community. It gives me the opportunity to watch kids grow in their relationship with Christ and, most importantly, learn from them to continue setting a Christ-like example to follow.
What has been one of your highlights as a parishioner of North Pine Anglican Church?
Often it is easy to fall victim to the commercialised side of Christmas, so my fond memory of our North Pine Christingle service in 2019 gives me hope that though we currently gather in smaller numbers, the presence of the Lord is very much felt, just as it was in Bethlehem on that holy night. Amongst the fragrance of a sweet citrus decorated in lollies and covered by cascading melting wax, stood a small group of people united in song celebrating the birth of a newborn who saved humanity. With the warm glow of both the candles and the fairy lights decorating the altar’s cross, the unexpected feeling of peace I felt all around me made this one of the best memories I have had as a North Pine parishioner.
“Often it is easy to fall victim to the commercialised side of Christmas, so my fond memory of our North Pine Christingle service in 2019 gives me hope that though we currently gather in smaller numbers, the presence of the Lord is very much felt, just as it was in Bethlehem on that holy night” (Tapiwanashe Masvaure)
Can you tell us a little about your personal faith journey?
My parents’ example in giving back to the community helped me learn from a very young age that putting others before one’s self is the best way to adhere to and ‘live’ Christ’s teachings. This has led me to volunteering at North Pine Anglican Church, participating in interstate service mission trips during school holidays and volunteering to lead at Ichthus camps.
What is your favourite scripture and why?
“He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names.” (Psalm 147.4
This scripture fits North Pine Anglican Church’s core value of “Together”, especially the importance of celebrating how our community is diverse in age and cultural backgrounds and that though we are many and unique, we (like the stars) are wonderful masterpieces who are deeply loved by our Creator and made in His image.
What person of faith inspires you the most and why?
My mother is my source of inspiration – a modern day ‘Good Samaritan’. Her dedication to working in non-governmental organisations back home in Zimbabwe and in Australia and her never-ending participation in her community, whether it be through Mothers Union or through her ‘open door policy’ to those in need, are what have inspired me to help. Without her nurturing care and passion to help others, I would not be doing what I am doing today, I am very grateful to have grown up with such a strong and God-loving woman as a role model.
“My mum (Evis) dad (George) and me in 2004” (Tapiwanashe Masvaure)
2022’s Diocesan theme is ‘Being Together: Embracing Joy’. What are some practical ways that we can celebrate the way differences help to make us whole and the importance of diversity in our unity?
This theme is integral to one of my personal missions. To me differences are like puzzle pieces – only by uniting in our uniqueness’s (like jigsaw pieces connecting), can God’s full picture of love be portrayed. There is beauty in diversity, and unconditional love to those around you helps keep hope alive.
What are the primary strengths of the Anglican Church and what is the best way to make the most of these for the benefit of our communities?
One of the primary strengths of the Anglican Church is the importance placed on practising what you preach and praying in our everyday lives. This aligns with one of my favourite North Pine Anglican Church core values of ‘Going Deeper’ by seeking to encounter God daily through respectful honest conversations, authentic relationships and Biblical exploration. I believe that going deeper in one’s personal faith allows one to be accepting and provides opportunities to reach out to others.
What is the kindest gesture you have ever received or witnessed?
My parents left all they knew and their loved ones in Zimbabwe to seek a better life for their children. They instil in us traditional values and teach us about the importance of remembering our cultural roots and how far (as a family) we have come. They have taught us the importance of embracing differences and resilience through community and family support.
“My mum (Evis) and sisters (Tino and Tadi) and me at my school formal in 2021” (Tapiwanashe Masvaure)
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received and who gave you this advice?
My great grandmother told me, “Tapie, in everything that you do and in everyone that you meet, love. No matter the challenges, no matter the hardships, no matter the anger that you may feel towards the person or thing, do all things in love. For in love, the Lord will keep you and bless you.” Every day I aspire to live by that advice.
What’s your best childhood memory?
Spending my school holiday breaks at my grandparents’ farms, climbing and eating in mango trees with my cousins and playing with the animals.
Tapiwanashe and her family on the Masvaure family farm in 2017
What do you do in your free time to recharge and relax?
In my free time I love to read and paint. I am currently reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and I would highly recommend it! As for the painting, I live by the motto that the best artworks take centuries to complete.
Where do you do your best thinking?
I feel most at peace when I am drawing or painting. It is when I can truly express myself without the need to filter words.
Tapiwanashe Masvaure enjoys drawing in her free time
If you are having a bad day, what do you do to cheer yourself up?
Start a new art/craft project, without finishing my previous one.
What day would you like to re-live and why?
My parents’ wedding day in because I saw a plethora of different people from all walks of life and backgrounds come to support wonderful human beings as they wedded.
What’s your unanswerable question – the question you are always asking yourself?
If not now, then when; if not you, then who?
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