Churches key to development. . . Bulawayo joins the world in Easter celebrations

SCORES of Christians in Bulawayo yesterday streamed into churches, open spaces and prayer camps dotted across the city, marking the Easter season with devotion and quiet reverence as they joined millions of believers around the world in celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

From the early hours of the morning through to the evening, local churches held special services, revival meetings and extended prayer sessions, with some congregations dedicating the entire long weekend to fasting, worship and deep spiritual reflection on the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ.

In Cowdray Park, the apostolic sect led by Emmanuel Mutumwa of Johannes Masowe WeChishanu marked Easter through an extended church camp that began on Thursday, transforming the area into a place of fellowship, prayer and reflection as worshippers gathered under canvas and open skies.

“Easter is the foundation of Christianity and gives us an opportunity to reflect on our behaviour and the way we live our lives against the price that was paid for our redemption through Jesus Christ. We have been camped here in Cowdray Park to celebrate the Easter holidays together with the rest of Zimbabwe,” said Prophet Mutumwa.

Beyond spiritual reflection, Prophet Mutumwa said the gathering also created space for discussions on national matters, including the proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No. 3 Bill, underscoring the church’s role in engaging with issues beyond the pulpit.

“Our church members are also citizens of Zimbabwe who have a right to understand the direction the country is taking, so they must appreciate the benefits of the Bill. As a church, we are in full support of the proposed changes because we trust in the leadership of President Mnangagwa,” he said.

In Lobengula Extension, Easter carried an added layer of significance for members of the Apostolic Faith Mission of Africa, as the season coincided closely with the church’s milestone anniversary celebrations, amplifying the sense of gratitude and continuity within the congregation.

“Easter is a time of reflection, prayer and unity. Our celebrations included revival services, fasting and regional camp meetings. This year is also significant as we celebrate 71 years since the founding of our church in April 1955 by the late Morgan Sengwayo,” said Reverend Ndlalifa Ncube, the pastor in charge of the church’s headquarters.

The wider Christian community echoed similar sentiments, with the president of the Council of Churches in Africa, Bishop Rocky Moyo, describing Easter as one of the most sacred moments in the Christian calendar, transcending denominations and social boundaries.

“Easter is not just a holiday. It is a time when Christians from all walks of life observe the death and resurrection of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Other churches go to camps to teach and learn how to lead a Christ-like life away from worldly influences,” he said.

Bishop Moyo said the solemnity of Good Friday, symbolising sacrifice and redemption, finds its fulfilment in the joy of Easter Sunday, which celebrates victory over death through resurrection and renewal of faith.

For the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa Zimbabwe Synod, the Easter period unfolded as a carefully marked spiritual journey, blending worship, tradition and reflection across the country.

“Our Easter preparation included Lent fasting, Holy Week services and commemorations beginning with Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. We welcomed worshippers at various centres nationwide, including our synod headquarters in Bulawayo,” said Rev Sikhalo Cele.