adminTrust Freddy
Herald correspondent
IN response to calls by President Mnangagwa for a concerted fight against drug abuse churches are implementing a number of youth-focused programmes to take them off drugs.
This comes at a time when Government has declared war on all drug dealers nationwide, with at least 4 310 people having been arrested as of March 26 as part of the “no to dangerous drugs and illicit substances” campaign to achieve Vision 2030 by creating a drug-free society. As an important stratum in society, the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) of Zimbabwe has joined other churches in leading from the front in rallying youth to desist from drug abuse and focus on nation-building.
Speaking at a Youth Empowerment seminar held at AFM of Zimbabwe Faith Alive Church in Westgate, Harare over the weekend; Kingdom Life Centre pastor and Harare West province overseer Reverend Panaganai Vitalis Makarichi said they feel obligated to play a part in cultivating a generation that is empowered and actively participates in nation building.
“The church has a task to preach a wholesome gospel that ministers to all spheres of life and we are taking this drive gear up with the ongoing youth empowerment seminars. Over 300 youth attended the first edition in Norton and today we have over 500 in attendance.
“We want to mould our young people into responsible future business people, political leaders and captains of industry and the programme seeks to identify young people with talent and potential so that we expose them to what is in the marketplace through role modelling with the various business leaders and brands speaking and exhibiting here,” he said.
Speaking at the same event, Pastor Ngonidzashe Chimbwanda implored young people to desist from a culture of complaining and blame game but work to better their lives.
“Our young people content with a lot of challenges but that must not be the reason for them to just sit and complain. Through these seminars, we are raising a power generation that takes matters into its hands and works to change its situation.
“As a church, we are going for the wholesome gospel that ministers hope and purpose-driven living. We are encouraged by the turnout at both the Norton and Westgate programme and we hope to continue rolling out the seminars across Zimbabwe,” he said.
A member of AFM of Zimbabwe and businessperson Clive Chisenye of Steelmate Investments who spoke at the seminar said life is full of possibilities and young people must learn to seize opportunities as they arise.
“Challenges are commonplace even in the most successful nations but I want you to awaken yourself to possibilities and start working towards achieving your dreams.
Success favours the brave and from my experience, nothing is impossible as long you work hard to achieve your dreams. I am grateful to the church for such a noble initiative and it is my hope that you take advantage of such free empowerment programmes,” he said.
Renowned young businessmen and women exhibited their brands and took the young people through their life experiences in business highlighting that success is possible as long you work hard and avoid such vices as drug and substance abuse.
Online Reporter