Chronicle EditorPatrick Chitumba, [email protected]
THE African Seventh Day Adventist (ASDA) Church has been lauded for its unwavering commitment to promoting transformative initiatives that align with the Second Republic’s socio-economic development agenda, contributing to the realisation of Vision 2030.
Speaking at the ASDA annual camp meeting held at Industrial Sands in Gweru last Friday, Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Owen Ncube, praised the church for its holistic approach to development.
He highlighted how ASDA’s efforts to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of communities are also significantly advancing the nation’s broader development goals.
“The African Seventh Day Adventist mission is, therefore, a call to action and a reminder that our faith should not remain a mere concept, but should be translated into tangible acts of service, compassion, and dedication to improve the livelihoods of communities,” said Minister Ncube.
Quoting James 2:17, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead,” Minister Ncube emphasised that the camp meeting aimed to empower church members to serve God, apply the Word of God in their lives, and be productive citizens of their country.
He pointed out that the ASDA Church’s divine initiative aligns closely with the Second Republic’s commitment to accelerating economic growth in pursuit of achieving an upper middle-income economy by or before 2030.
The camp meeting, held under the theme; “Practical Religion, Rising and Shining,” was described by Minister Ncube as both inspirational and revolutionary, marking a shift from traditional religious discourse that focuses on a better life after death.
He noted that the theme resonates with the New Dispensation’s inclusive modernisation and industrialisation trajectory, which aims to leave no one and no place behind, with an emphasis on production and productivity across all sectors of the economy.
Minister Ncube also underscored that the ASDA Church’s founding principles reflect the shared values of the church and the Government.
He highlighted that President Mnangagwa has convened several national prayer sessions at the State House and the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), demonstrating the importance of the Word of God in the lives of citizens.
“Our Constitution recognises Zimbabwe as a Christian country and provides for freedom of worship and association as a firm foundation for social cohesion. The Second Republic shares the same vision which manifests as an unquenchable appetite for love, unity, peace, development, and preservation of our history and identity as Zimbabweans known for our resilience,” said Minister Ncube.
He said despite the illegally imposed economic sanctions on Zimbabwe by the USA and its Western allies, the Second Republic under the stewardship of President Mnangagwa, has made tremendous strides in creating an enabling environment for business development and growth supported by a private sector-led tourism, trade and investment strategy.
“The mantra Nyika inovakwa igotongwa, igonamatirwa nevene vayo provides the impetus for self-belief, innovation, and inward-looking resource mobilisation and project implementation,” said Minister Ncube.
“Indeed, with God’s grace and favour under the Second Republic, challenges turned into opportunities, as proclaimed in Philippians 4 verse13: ‘l can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’.”
Minister Ncube said the ASDA church as an indigenous institution with deep roots in the culture and heritage is well positioned to harness opportunities presented in the form of modern infrastructure, land, minerals, wildlife, water, technology and human capital.
“I urge all business-minded church members here present, to leverage opportunities presented by the Second Republic to start and improve their businesses.
“I pledge my maximum support to the African Seventh Day Adventist Church and its empowerment programmes that anchor the growth of our Provincial GDP,” he said.
“I appreciate and commend your support towards the attainment of a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society earlier than 2030 under the stewardship of President Mnangagwa.”
Online Reporter