Online Reporter
Mashudu Netsianda, mashudu.netsianda@chronicle .co.zw
THE Apostolic Faith Mission of Africa (AFMA) has stepped up preparations for its upcoming evangelistic outreach crusade in Bulawayo, as momentum builds ahead of what organisers expect to be a major spiritual gathering.
The four-day event, dubbed the “Mother of All Revivals”, will be held from May 22 to 25 at White City Stadium and is expected to draw thousands of congregants from across Zimbabwe, the Sadc region and beyond. As part of the build-up, the church has rolled out an extensive publicity campaign this week, including roadshows across several suburbs in Bulawayo. The initiative is aimed at inviting worshippers and raising awareness of the revival.
Church members have been moving through communities such as Emganwini, Sizinda, Nketa, Nkulumane, Tshabalala, Rangemore and Pumula, preaching, singing gospel music and distributing information about the event.
AFMA overseer and president Reverend Rosewell Zulu, who is hosting the gathering, said the revival is open to everyone, regardless of denomination or background.
“Starting May 22 until May 25, we will be hosting a major revival dubbed the ‘Mother of All Revivals’. We are inviting everyone to come and listen to the Word of God and we are trusting God to minister to people in every area of their lives.
“The Word of God is alive and active. It is sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow and judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. God is willing to repair your soul freely.”
Rev Zulu said the event will include gospel music performances from various choirs and musicians to create an atmosphere of worship and spiritual renewal.
He added that the church has made arrangements to assist visitors travelling from outside Bulawayo by providing accommodation and meals.
“We will provide both spiritual and physical food. Those coming from outside Bulawayo simply need to register at the reception and our staff will assist them. We look forward to welcoming everyone with open doors and a burning message. Come and receive salvation freely,” said Rev Zulu.
The revival is also expected to attract international delegates, including visitors from the United Kingdom, highlighting the church’s growing reach beyond Zimbabwe.
Rev Zulu said preparations are now at an advanced stage, with organisers aiming to host one of the largest revival gatherings in the church’s history.
“This revival will bring together people from across Zimbabwe and beyond. It will be unlike any other gathering we have hosted before. The focus will be on spiritual renewal, healing and deliverance, with Jesus Christ at the centre of all activities,” he said.
He said White City Stadium was chosen because it can accommodate large crowds expected at the event.
“This is an open invitation to all. Anyone seeking spiritual transformation is encouraged to come and be part of this historic moment,” said Rev Zulu.
The revival is also meant to promote unity, faith and hope at a time when many people are facing social and economic challenges.
AFMA was founded in 1955 by the late Reverend Morgan Sengwayo and has grown into one of the region’s well-known churches, with members across Southern Africa and beyond. Following Rev Sengwayo’s death in March 1982, leadership passed to the late Reverend Philemon Sibanda, who served until 2008. He was succeeded by the late Reverend Tony Tshuma until 2016, when Rev Zulu took over. The church traces its roots to the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles in 1906, a global Pentecostal movement led by African-American preacher William J Seymour, which influenced churches around the world.
Bongani Ndlovu