Firm Faith set for dizzy heights

However, lack of funding and equipment seems to be one of their major handicaps.
Comprising 12 members, the group came together during a university semester break in 2005 after realising their musical talents and formed a powerful acapella group which goes by the name Firm Faith.
I am sure thousands of their fans, mainly from the Seventh Day Adventist Church, would cheer at the mention of their 15-track debut album “Maria”, which they recorded in 2007.
After considering the name Firm Faith, one would probably be drawn to ask what is faith anyway.
I was reading an article on the internet by one theologian, Hobart E. Freeman, who defined faith as a means by which we receive the things we hope for and also that it is the evidence of things not seen. The article reads as follows:
“Faith is the means by which we receive those things we hope for. Neither is faith sight. Faith is the evidence of things not seen. Faith can only operate in the realm of the invisible concerning those things we hope for and do not yet see.
“Faith cannot exist in the visible realm. When the things we hope for are manifested to our sight, then faith, the invisible ‘substance’ having done its work, is supplanted by the visible substance, that is, the things we hope for. When the actuality comes into view, then the image (faith) vanishes.” (Faith, P4).
The Bible supports this definition of faith in Hebrews 11 verse 1, King James Version where it reads: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”.
The name Firm Faith should therefore become interesting as it indicates a higher form of faith which I believe is best explained through the music of this acapella group and its motivations which drive them to preach the gospel for God through music.
Bradley Mberi, who is the group manager, said his group is premised on the word of God and aims to preach the message of faith and hope which are important elements in a Christian.
He added that his group was comprised of students who came together to form a gospel musical group after realising that as students they shared the same interest in preaching the word to God through music.
“Our main aim is spreading the word of God through music to the world so that we may all be saved and that none may be lost. As humans we are commissioned in the Bible where in Corinthians 16 verse 13 it reads be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be of courage, be strong
“We came together as a group of university students during our attachment to form Firm Faith in 2005 aiming to reach out to the world with a message of hope to people in hopeless situations so that they may hold on to God’s promises and have firm faith.”
After its creation in 2005 Firm Faith has recorded a 15-track album titled “Maria” which is popular among thousands of their fans mostly from the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
After recording their album Firm Faith took some time off the studio to concentrate on live performances due to lack of funding.
“Our biggest challenge is getting funding to record our music. I think to overcome this problem, gospel music should be supported by corporate companies and by the Government since it promotes positive behaviour among people,” said Bradley
Although facing financial problems, Bradley said his group will continue with music adding that their fans should expect their second album which they will record soon.
Members of Firm Faith include Marshal Matsilele, who sings tenor; Banard Madembo, who doubles as group member singing tenor and group director; Spencer Hungwe on tenor, Phillip Machokoto bass, Eva Jura soprano, Idah Maunde alto and Russel Gosha bass.
Despite appearing young and still upcoming, Faith has travelled to many different places where they have preached the word of God through music.
Among some of their shows include their performance at the recent Festival of Choirs which was held at Joina City in December this year.
Other shows were at the Donnie McClurkin concert, Thamsanqa’s album launch, Reps Theatre International Stage and The Hope channel’s Festival of Hope among several others.
Probably one of their main programmes which should be commended by Zimbabweans are their charitable performances where they have sung at orphanages such as Harare Children’s Home, Simbaredenga Children’s Home where besides entertaining orphans with their refreshing music, they were able to inspire the children with the word of God which they delivered through music.
Other programmes include their Botswana Border Ministry which they started this year where they sing free for to travellers at the Botswana border and another programme which they call their Home Music Ministry where they visit people in their homes to share their music and give them hope.