Freedom Mupanedemo, Midlands Bureau
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday commended the Zion Christian Church’s (ZCC) commitment to holistic development and its role in the country’s struggle for independence In a speech read on his behalf by the Minister of Defence Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri addressing thousands of ZCC members who had gathered at the annual Zuva raSamere Conference at Defe Dopota Shrine in Gokwe North
President Mnangagwa emphasised the importance of faith and perseverance, drawing inspiration from the Bible and the Church’s history “We stand guided and motivated by the word of the Lord,” he said, citing John 1 verse 12, which highlights the right to become God’s children “Further, Joel 2 verse 26 assures us in summary that we will have plenty, we will praise the Lord our God who works wonders for us, and we will not be shamed,” he said
Bishop Dr Nehemiah Mutendi President Mnangagwa urged the ZCC to continue holding on to its teachings, particularly in making disciples and observing the Lord’s commandments He highlighted the Church’s contributions to the development of the Defe Dopota area and praised the visionary leadership of the church noting that the church’s commitment to holistic development aligns with the national philosophy of empowering communities “I commend you, Your Grace Bishop Mutendi, for your visionary leadership, which continues to preserve and promote the legacy laid down by our revered father, the late Rev Samuel Mutendi
Through your unwavering faith, tireless efforts, and divine guidance, you and the ZCC have built a thriving spiritual and prosperous community “Going forward, and in line with Matthew 28 verses 16-20, I urge you to continue holding on to the teachings of this church, particularly to make many of our people disciples and observe what the Lord has commanded us,” said President Mnangagwa Defe Dopota, he said, has undergone significant transformation, with infrastructure, settlements, and agricultural activities standing as a testament to the church’s dedication “The development we have witnessed here at Defe Dopota, including the infrastructure, settlements, and agricultural activities, stands as powerful evidence of the church’s commitment to holistic development
This further dovetails well with our national philosophy, ‘Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/ ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo’ The transformation is an inspiration and worth emulating You are like the light of the world and a ‘city’ on a hill which cannot be hidden,” he explained The President also reflected on the church’s history, recalling the persecution faced during the colonial era
Despite brutal suppression, the ZCC, he said, persevered, drawing strength from its faith and the ultimate victory of the people of Zimbabwe President Mnangagwa said this shared chapter in the nation’s story of resistance and liberation serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity and determination “We, thus, gather today, not just as a large assembly, but as the living manifestation of a divine vision We recall with admiration the prophecy delivered in 1976 by the late Rev Mutendi, where, God showed him multitudes converging here at Zion, Defe Dopota
This gathering, thus, attests to the fulfilment of that sacred prophecy and indeed a profound moment in our nation’s spiritual history, “ he said Quoting Jeremiah 1 verse 12 which reads, “I am watching over my word to perform it,” he said truly, His words come to pass, and He watches over them to ensure their fulfilment “The journey of the Zion Christian Church is intricately connected to and resonates deeply with the struggle and ultimate victory of the people of Zimbabwe over colonial oppression During the dark days of the colonial epoch, the ZCC faced relentless persecution
Your faith, gatherings, and Pan African identity, which placed the interests of our people at the centre of your evangelical work, were deemed a threat by the settler regime “Church services were disrupted, leaders were harassed and imprisoned, schools were destroyed, and your God-given right to worship freely was denied This mirrored the brutal suppression faced by our freedom fighters, including detention, imprisonment and restrictions, for daring to demand our land, Independence, freedom and dignity, “ he said As the church and Government stand united, pursuing people-centred and peaceful development, President Mnangagwa said the future looks promising
The President expressed pride in the collaborative relationship between the two institutions, highlighting the enabling environment created for economic stakeholders to thrive With the ZCC’s thriving spiritual and prosperous community, Zimbabwe, he said is poised for a brighter future, driven by faith, unity, and determination “When our churches speak with one voice, their collective wisdom and concerns carry significant impact My Government welcomes and appreciates this unified approach
It is pleasing that the Zimbabwe Indigenous Inter-denominational Council of Churches continues to provide a vital platform for dialogue, allowing the rich tapestry of our churches to engage constructively with my Government,” he said President Mnangagwa said the Government commits to working together for the nation’s benefit, ensuring no one is left behind He urged the church and citizens to follow 1 Peter 3:8-12’s principles, promoting unity, sympathy, love, and humility, while seeking peace and righteousness “The Church and citizenry in general are called upon to stand on 1st Peter 3 verses 8 to 12, which says in summary:
‘Finally, all of you have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart and humble mind
Do not repay evil with evil, but on the contrary, bless others, for to this you were called , whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit let him seek peace and pursue it, For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are open to their prayer,” he said Share on Facebook
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Originally published on Business Weekly
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Source: Businessweekly
