Trust Khosa
Lifestyle Senior Writer
IMAGINE leaving the comfort of your home in one of Harare’s leafy suburbs every Friday night to preach and worship on hilltops and in spacious chapels.
Consider humbling yourself to become an ordinary person who can go unnoticed, despite commanding a huge following, or being remembered as a modest yet fully anointed preacher who has shaken hearts through his dedication to spreading the Word of God. Consider also offering free counselling and unpaid entrepreneurship training to those in need.
This is the life televangelist Apostle Blessing Chigodora has vowed to lead. A marriage counsellor, preacher, motivational speaker, and business adviser, Chigodora has inspired his peers to prioritise God in both good times and challenging moments.
At 35, Chigodora, who leads all-night prayer sessions every Friday, has changed the narrative among modern-day preachers by offering free lifestyle guidance and counselling to congregants, new converts, and non-believers. He does not discriminate against his congregants based on their backgrounds or circumstances, welcoming all who wish to worship.
An instant problem-solver for those in despair, struggling with depression, or determined to transform their lives through prayer, Chigodora has become a source of hope and inspiration. As a motivational speaker and empowerment consultant, he has turned the house of the Lord into a sanctuary for those seeking spiritual guidance and personal growth.
Beyond preaching, Apostle Chigodora has been promoting a culture of hard work, urging people to complement prayer with practical efforts to improve their lives. For him, prayer alone is not enough for the lazy; rather, it serves as a catalyst for those who work hard, helping them unlock opportunities and improve their fortunes.
The Herald on Saturday Lifestyle desk recently sat down with Chigodora, who has made prayer a way of life.
“I am a modern-day preacher who has defied the odds in my quest to become a biblical teacher and lifestyle coach. It is something I chose to pursue in life,” Chigodora said. “I gave my life to Christ when I was still very young after losing my father at an early age. My father, Beaven Chigodora, died in 1992, which prompted me to turn to God at a young age.”
The charismatic preacher, whose online following is steadily growing, has also embraced technology to spread his message.
“I engage both old and new converts through platforms such as TikTok and Facebook. This has enabled me to connect with my congregants and those willing to learn life skills. The proper use of technology has helped us transform lives and attract large gatherings of people seeking deliverance. For me and my congregants, group prayer sessions, whether online or in person, continue to change lives,” Chigodora said.
He vividly remembers how his calling has enabled him to reach out to many people, offering hope to those in despair and providing free counselling.
“Growing up in Mbare along Zata Street, I always wanted to be a unique resident who feared God. At one point, I played drums at Great Harvest Ministries, but more was to come as I continued to grow spiritually. I became a full-time preacher while I was in Form Three. By 2009, when I sat my Ordinary Level examinations, I had already reached another level spiritually. I experienced spiritual growth as I participated in several crusades across the country. For your own information, I used to hold afternoon sessions every day along Seke Road, near the Coca-Cola plant,” he recalled.
Unlike some preachers who place considerable emphasis on dress codes, Chigodora, who ministers to congregants from different denominations, believes worship should not be overshadowed by petty issues such as dressing.
“I always tell my congregants and new converts to dress in a way that makes them comfortable while remaining mindful of how they present themselves in society. As an emissary of God, I believe I was sent to redeem lost souls and bring them back to Him. Through my church, Grace Life Network, and the interdenominational group Hebrew National, we are simply serving the Lord with distinction.
‘‘I have chosen to serve as a preacher, motivational speaker and counsellor, with a difference. Most of the people I counsel for free seek guidance on troubled relationships, courtship and marriage. I also offer business advice that can make a difference in their lives.”
One question many people may be eager to have answered is why he spends his Fridays ministering away from home.
“God speaks to me in a unique way, which is why I make sure that every Friday I minister somewhere, both locally and in neighbouring countries. I know people have the freedom to choose how they worship, and Christianity is the path I have chosen. During our services, people who have been blessed by God often come forward to share their testimonies with others.
‘‘Regarding my family, sometimes I take my wife for all-night prayer sessions, while on other occasions I make sure she remains at home with the children, attending to their needs and taking them to school,” he said.
Despite his busy schedule, Chigodora makes time to visit sick congregants and fellow pastors as part of his networking efforts.
“In God’s work, it is not only about preaching the Word but also about building one another up by sharing tips on how to survive and thrive. We then pray and fast, asking God to bless our hustles while ensuring that we remain focused on our goals,” he said.
With divorce cases on the rise and some people struggling with depression as a result, Chigodora has devised ways of encouraging those who find themselves single after the breakdown of their marriages.
“I care for single people by encouraging them to work hard and, through prayer, find suitable partners if they wish to start afresh. Some of these people lost their marriages because of infidelity, domestic violence or death, but life should not stop there. We encourage them to remain rooted in God’s ministry, which can help them rebuild their lives and start afresh. Unfortunately, some single people are too shy to open up about their problems, yet a problem shared is a problem half-solved,” Chigodora said.
Known for mobilising Christians for all-night prayer sessions at sacred places such as Domboshava and Mount Mutemwa in Mutoko, Chigodora believes he is helping to instil a renewed culture of prayer.
“I have seen people benefit from group prayer sessions, with some finding new opportunities through networking and forging partnerships. This movement has taken Zimbabwe by storm, with several other pastors also embracing the practice. In our case, we are not competing for congregants. I believe God’s anointing is sufficient to draw people to Him,” Chigodora said.
Recognising the challenges associated with the younger generation popularly known as Ama2K, Chigodora has also made efforts to engage them.
“For your own information, some of these young people are not as bad as we tend to assume. They need to be understood and guided firmly but tactfully. During my last session with them, more than 2,000 attended, and many revealed that they felt they were unfairly labelled a cursed generation.”
On a lighter note, Chigodora revealed that he was once a talented footballer who gave up the sport for his spiritual calling.
“I was a gifted footballer and played well in two positions — striker and goalkeeper. I played alongside the likes of Moses Muchenje, who featured for CAPS United, Harare City and Yadah Stars, but I could not pursue football professionally,” he said.
A father of three — two boys and a girl — Chigodora paid tribute to his wife, Memory, for her unwavering support.
“Besides being a preacher, counsellor and financial literacy coach, I also make time for my family. I would like to take them on holiday in December when we close for two weeks ahead of the crossover services. I cannot wait to change more people’s lives through prayer, counselling and the sharing of entrepreneurship tips,” he added.
