Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
JOHANNE Masowe eChishanu members are pioneering a different approach to health and wellness by actively integrating health professionals into their gatherings.
During a recent three-day prayer meeting in Highfield, various white garment groups, unified under the Vapostori 4ED banner, collaborated with health workers to prioritise the well-being of their congregants.
The event featured prominent church leaders, including Madzibaba Moses Gwasarira, the national chairperson, Madzibaba Owen Chingondi, Harare provincial chairperson of the Velvet group and Madzibaba Simba from Chitungwiza.
They all stressed the critical importance of the health and safety of their members during such spiritual gatherings.
Three ambulances from Discovery Company were stationed at the shrine, while a dedicated tent for registered nurses and nurse aides provided immediate medical support.
Madzibaba Moses highlighted the significant shift in how they approach health issues.
“Diseases require medical attention, while spiritual ailments need prayer.
“We have recognised the importance of both. Gone are the days when white garment members were exposed to harsh weather conditions during prayers.
“We are committed to creating a safe environment for our congregants.
“We engaged qualified health workers to educate and attend to our members on issues to do with health.
“Tinonamatira vanhu vachipora pamarwadzo asi kune zvirwere zvinokonzerwa nekushaikwa kwehutsanana, izvozvo zvinoda vezvipatara.”
He added:
“Some patients get confused when medical doctors fail to detect their problems but feeling the pain, that is sickness, caused by spiritual attacks.
“So at this three-day prayer meeting we had some medical workers who included paramedics. We thank God that we had no recorded medical cases during the prayers.
“The health workers we engaged had time to educate our mothers on issues to do with their menstruation hygiene.
“Vapostori are more disciplined, prayerful and honour their political and spiritual leaders.
“We are preaching peace, praying for national prosperity, healing and urging people to repent and value their national identity.”
He said they now needed more space to cater for their growing family at such gatherings.
“We are expanding our facilities to ensure we can accommodate more members.
“It is one of our prayers for local authorities to consider providing us with more space to build better shelters for our members.”
The event culminated in a vibrant march through the streets of Highfield, where members urged the community to seek divine healing and unity.
David Munowenyu, the Discovery Ambulance Services CEO, donated US$20,000 to support self-help projects for the church members.
President Mnangagwa’s Special Advisor, Dr Paul Tungwarara, advised the congregation that the President donated US$200,000 to empower the church’s initiatives.
This gathering drew thousands from across the country and beyond the nation’s borders.
