Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
THIS year marks the first time since 1980 that Independence Day and the Easter holiday coincide, representing a divine moment in history, a church leader has said.
Apostle Stephen Mangwanya, of the New United Apostolic Faith Church said this emphasising the profound connection between Zimbabwe’s Independence Day and Easter Sunday during a recent sermon.
“It is a divine year considering that the bottom line of both Independence and Easter is about the shedding of blood.
“We never observed the two together since 1980 when Zimbabwe gained Independence from the colonialism.
“Sons and daughters lost their lives for us to enjoy this freedom.
“They sacrificed their souls, took guns and faced the political, economical, social enemy for the benefit of the whole nation.
“In the same vein, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who is above all, died a matyre death on the Cross for the forgiveness of sins and deliverance of everyone under the earth.
“By the blood of innocent souls who joined the liberation struggle, we gained Independence, by the blood of the spotless sheep, Jesus Christ, we gained our salvation.
“We regained our lost Sonship, inheritance, freedom, access to natural resources due to the foreign hand.
“It is that sacrifice done by our living and fallen heroes and heroines to be what we are today.
“We must not forget our history like the Biblical Pharaoh who forgot about how Joseph had helped the Biblical Egyptians from experiencing the effects of drought.
“The church, which is the people, must not forgot their history, the Mosaic law that left many in bondage up to this day.
“Death of Jesus Christ brought unmerited favour that through Him we receive salvation,” said Apostle Mangwanya.
He highlighted that both occasions symbolize sacrifice through bloodshed, the blood of fallen heroes for national liberation and the blood of Jesus Christ for spiritual salvation.
Mangwanya stressed the sacrifices made by both the heroes of the liberation struggle and Jesus Christ.
He drew parallels between the physical and spiritual battles faced by these figures.
“War destroys human rights, infrastructure, freedom and open gates of enemies to plunder wealth hence the need to preserve peace.
“Every leader needs loyal and faithful people to work with.
“If you cannot be faithful in little things you will never be faithful in bigger things.
“The spirit of rebellion will ever be with those who are ever after criticising without taking their responsibilities,” said Apostle Mangwanya.
On national and spiritual unity, Apostle Mangwanya he urged church members to remember their history and the importance of faithfulness and loyalty within both the community and the government.
Apostle Mangwanya’s message serves as a reminder of the intertwined nature of historical sacrifice and spiritual redemption. He urged individuals to reflect on their roles within both the community and the church.
Apostle Benjamin Joseph Murata of New Life Pentecost church narrated the rules and regulations upheld during the liberation struggle as similar to those observed during Easter.
“Kunenzira dzemasoja dzekuzvibata nadzo, such songs were observed during the war,” said Apostle Murata.
“In the same vein, there are rules and regulations observed when partaking the Last Supper, breaking of bread.
“Jesus Christ warned his disciples about the leaven bread of the Pharisees which is hypocrites.
“After partaking the Holy Communion, we expect people to grow in the spirit of love, building and not destroying.
Apostle Murata highlighted the importance of youth in nation-building particularly the need to combat substance abuse.
“Our youth must stop drugs and substance abuse for nation building,” he said.
Apostles Mangwanya and Murata both called for the preservation of peace, warning against the destructive nature of war and rebellion.
