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Victor Maphosa, Mashonaland East Bureau
The late Archbishop Loveless Matarirano Manhango, the founder of Bethesda Apostolic Church, has been described as a humble, loving and caring man and husband.
This was said by his widow, Mrs Tsitsi Manhango in her speech at his burial on Saturday.
Archbishop Manhango died on November 5 at his home in Borrowdale, Harare. He was 104. He was buried at his church headquarters in Chikomba District on Saturday where thousands of people from diverse backgrounds converged at Chiwiriri Shrine to pay their last respects to the man of God. A sombre atmosphere engulfed the Chiwiriri community during the burial, which was also attended by ZANU PF and Government officials.
Mrs Manhango said she was not ashamed to say publicly that her late husband had abundant love for her and that she learnt a lot from the revered Archbishop.
“My husband was a prayerful person who feared God. I believe that he was being guided by the Holy Spirit in whatever he was doing.
“That is why you see that he managed to establish this church and also made it possible for the church to be united and strong. He was a servant of God. The most important thing is that he loved me. Ours was a union made possible by God so that we could be together by grace to the end of life. In his last days, the Archbishop did not stop praying. He would always say to me, ‘Mai Nyasha, let us go together’.
“He wanted us to die together. At one point he said after I die, you should also die within two hours of my death. And I told him I could not do that because I had to see our children grow. This was the extent of his love for me. He loved me unconditionally. He was a humble person,” she said.
She thanked the Government and President Mnangagwa for the assistance in burying her husband. “In his last days also, he prayed for three days asking God to welcome his spirit. He would also refuse to eat anything as he was fasting. My prayer is for the church to remain united and pray without ceasing.
“To President Mnangagwa, thank you for the assistance in burying the Archbishop.”
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs for Mashonaland East Dr Applonia Munzverengwi, who was the chief State mourner, said the late Archbishop, besides praying for the church, also gave unwavering support to the Government. Hence the Government accorded a state-assisted funeral for the Archbishop.
“The Archbishop supported the Government. As a leader, he also impacted positively on many people. I want to thank President Mnangagwa for when he assumed office he told church leaders that they have freedom of worship,” she said.
Dr Munzverengwi took the opportunity to urge youths who were present to shun drug and substance abuse. She appealed to the church to pray for the youths. Archbishop Manhango left behind his wife and six children.
Online Reporter