adminTendai Gukutikwa
WHEN members of the Evangelical Anglican Church International decided to take the bull by its horns by breaking away from the main Anglican Church a few years ago, many people gave them the faintest of sniffs that they will last the distance.
However, the Bishop Elson Madoda Jakazi-led church has defied all odds and members are walking with springs in their steps as their numbers are increasing by the day.
Last week saw hundreds of EACI women’s fellowship members gathering at Toronto just outside Mutare for a three-day conference which was oversubscribed.
A carnival atmosphere filled the usually serene Toronto environs, with members praising the Lord for the special gift of life as well as continuous showers of blessings being received in the church.
The three-day event was graced by Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs, Cde Mandi Chimene, who hailed the church for its anti-homosexual stance.
“The decision that you took as a church was not a very easy one and I know how hard it may become because I have been there too, but it was a very strong decision to take. It is not easy to come out in the open denouncing homosexuality. What you did is the same decision that a lot other heroines and heroes of this country and I took when we decided to fight for this country in the liberation war.
“We decided to fight for this country regardless of the fact that a lot of us were still school-going children and still needed being looked after,” she said.
“Our Government is fighting the same war against homosexuality as you are doing.
“You are all heroines and heroes, the moment you decided to step out of bondage and denounce the evil acts of marriages between same sexes was the moment you became heroes for this country and for Jesus Christ. Homosexuality is evil and should be shunned as we are doing in this country and as you are doing in this church,” she added.
Cde Chimene encouraged women in the church to be self-reliant.
“Do not live your life on behalf of someone. Live your life as a woman the way you want to and do not stay with an abusive husband and in an unwanted marriage just because you have children with the man.
“Understand that it is time to get your groove on and move on, start a small business. Use your hands and always think positive of yourself for no one is superior to another just like no church is superior to the other,” she said.
In her vote of thanks, Mrs Victoria Jakazi, thanked Cde Chimene for gracing their event and said that her wise words were a motivator to all women.
“Hopefully the wise words that you have imparted to us today will go a long way and help us solve some of the challenges that we have been facing in the church and in our homes as women,” said Mrs Jakazi.
She also encouraged fellow women to avoid exposing their weaknesses and vulnerabilities to everyone, stating that it could lead to their enemies coming as wolves in sheep’s clothing.
Online Reporter