President Mnangagwa sees churches playing a pivotal role in
helping create a “peaceful, prosperous, corruption-free united nation”.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 49th International
Pastors Deeper Life Leadership Conference at the Zimbabwe Assemblies of God
Forward in Faith Ministries’ Africa Multinational for Christ College in Harare
yesterday, President Mnangagwa, who is enjoying his leave, stressed the
positive role churches could play in building a better social fabric that
unites people.
As early as 8am, gaiety was written all over the AMCC
Centre as thousands of ZAOGA Forward in Faith pilgrims from across the globe
joined in song and dance praising God and celebrating the successful end of a
week-long leadership training conference.
While some were celebrating the end of the conference, some
were showcasing their business acumen through selling wares to local and
international dignitaries at an exhibition.
The workshop was attended by pastors from 150 countries. ZAOGA commands a large following the world-over.
President Mnangagwa, who was invited by the church leader
Archbishop Professor Ezekiel Guti, gave a sermon stressing the positive
contribution churches could make to society.
The church went wild as the President started preaching
while quoting scriptures.
Quoting Matthew 5 verse 9, the President said: “Let us be
peacemakers. I expect all churches to be identified as transformers of people’s
lives, builders of dreams, places and bridges of hope.
“The voice of the church must continue to inspire,
motivate, guide and to harness, men, women and the youth as we gird and
strengthen ourselves to grow our economy, to rid ourselves of corruption and
end poverty.
“We must uphold a culture of hard work, determined to plant
and reap what we would have sown. For the scriptures say we shall eat the
labour of our sweat.”
He praised the church for partnering the Government in
empowering citizens and responding to national needs.
This comes after some churches last year contributed
towards helping victims of Cyclone Idai that hit parts of Manicaland, Masvingo
and Mashonaland East provinces.
Turning to ZAOGA FIF, which will be celebrating its 60th
anniversary this year, President Mnangagwa said the church is one of the
torch-bearers in the provision of education and health services.
“Your church has also proved to be a reliable partner in
empowering our citizens as well as responding to national needs. As Government,
we are grateful for the contributions you made towards Cyclone Idai victims
early last year.
“We also recognise the hospitals, schools and university
which you have established. These will go a long way in providing medical care
and quality affordable education to our people. It is our hope as Government
that other church-administered schools nationwide will emulate you and charge
reasonable school fees. As we converge at church assemblies, schools, hospitals
and universities we come from diverse family backgrounds, social groups and
political persuasions. Eventually, we become a family united by the blood, love
and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,” he said.
He called upon churches to mould society’s moral values and
bring peace among the people.
“We depend on the church to help mould society’s moral
values, respect, humility, unity and help to improve the quality of life of our
people. Archbishop Guti, let the church help us in bringing up youths who are
disciplined, respectful and full of love for one another and for their country.
After all, God created all of us in his image not as Shona, Ndebele, Karanga,
Zezuru, Ndau.
“We are one nation, indeed one family, we must leave in
peace and harmony. Since we were all created in His image, we should resist the
temptation to be violent towards one another. It is not our Zimbabwean culture
to be violent, to hate and do evil to one another.”
The President said Zimbabwe was founded on basic principles
which recognise and respect the nation’s diverse religious values and freedom
of worship.
“In that regard, I reiterate my Government’s commitment to
upholding the constitutionally enshrined right to freedom of worship. For those
who now have higher responsibility and senior positions in church, I challenge
you to be good shepherds for we are in a season where we need God-fearing
leaders, those who are visionary and can take the church and the nation to
another level. Let the church be the church that demonstrates how it can
contribute towards a peaceful, prosperous, corruption-free united nation,” he
said.
President Mnangagwa declared 2020, the year for
Productivity and Trade.
“We must be masters of our destiny. No one else but
ourselves can take our nation forward to attain the goals we have set. In that
regard, ZAOGA Forward in Faith must increase its visibility and relevance in
national programmes. Notably through continued preaching of the word of God,
you must encourage congregates to be hardworking and diligent for the word of
God says “faith without works is dead”.
“Our thrust as Government through the Devolution policy is
never to leave anyone behind, including churches as we pursue inclusive growth.
We are empowering the youths and women through institutions which address their
concerns,” he said.
The President told international delegates who attended the
conference that Zimbabwe was committed to engaging and re-engaging with the
rest of the world.
Archbishop Guti said the gathering provided a platform for
spiritual leaders and pastors to be groomed, nurtured and raised to advance the
kingdom of God.
He urged pastors to uphold their Christian values through
respect, uniting the people, humility, love and unity. Herald
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