Churches pray for nation

Lovemore Chikova and Paidamoyo Chipunza
Prayers for the well-being of Zimbabwe, President Mugabe and the country’s entire leadership dominated proceedings of most churches during Easter conferences held in various parts of the country which ended yesterday.

Some churches took advantage of the conferences to pray for a quick turnaround of the economy which has been affected by the West’s illegal sanctions regime.

At the United Family International Church’s convention held at the City Sports Centre in Harare, Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa led the congregation in praying for the nation, President Mugabe and the leadership.

In the weeks preceding the conference, Prophet Makandiwa had emphasised to his church members the importance of praying for the country’s leadership and especially President Mugabe since the Bible instructs Christians to respect authority.

He also said it was not proper for Christians to despise the country’s President.

This was then emphasised by Prophet Makandiwa’s spiritual father and Ghanaian acclaimed Prophet Victor Kusi Boateng who spoke at the UFIC conference urging Christians from all denominations in the country to pray for those in leadership.

Prophet Boateng said churches should continue to play their role in communities.

The UFIC Easter conference was attended by thousands of people from Zimbabwe and others from Malawi, Zambia, South Africa, Botswana, Canada, United States, Britain and Australia.

Meanwhile, Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries head of humanitarian Mrs Cathrine Nyangoni said the main word throughout their Easter celebrations was on hope as represented by Jesus’ resurrection.

“Prophet Walter Magaya’s message was centred more on hope, saying every situation, whatever it is, can be overcame similar to the resurrection of Jesus from death,” she said.

Faith Ministries’ Pastor Shingi Munyeza said they took advantage of Easter to ask God for quicker economic turnaround for Zimbabwe.

“We had an Easter conference throughout our churches,” he said. “Our focus on Zimbabwe was that our turnaround will be sooner than expected.

“We also prayed that we do not look to man for solutions to our problems, but that we look up to God.

“We prayed that our spiritual leaders will become accountable so as to set the example to political leaders.”

The Faith Ministries conference was held under the theme “Advancing Kingdom Territory”.

Anglican Diocese of Harare spokesperson Mr Precious Shumba said they took the opportunity during their Easter celebrations held at the Harare Gardens to dedicate the country to God.

“It’s a tradition within the Anglican Church that there is a prayer for the nation all the time,” he said. “So, as per tradition we had prayers for the country during the Easter celebrations.”

Family of God spokesperson Pastor Shuvai Wutawunashe said their Easter conference held at the Aquatic Complex in Chitungwiza and attended by delegates from different countries dedicated a special service on Saturday afternoon to pray for the “resurrection” of the country’s economy.

“Yesterday (Saturday) afternoon we had a special service where we prayed for the President’s health and continued wisdom,” she said.

“We also prayed for the resurrection of the country’s economy, our continent and an end to all social ills in today’s life.”

Pastor Wutaunashe said Zimbabweans had a role to play in the resurrection of the country’s economy through hard work in different areas of expertise as well as through prayer.

Zaoga Forward in Faith Manyame district pastor Jabulani Zondo said although they pray for the country all the time, Easter provided a unique opportunity to re-affirm the prayers.

“Jesus Christ died for our sins on the cross and resurrected from the dead on day three,” he said.

“His resurrection brought salvation to the people and we hope through continued prayer our country will be delivered.”