Light of the World Prophetic Ministries Member Speaks Out Amid Persecution

Melinda Ncube, Sunday News Reporter

A member of the Light of the World Prophetic Ministries has reached out to the media, expressing deep distress over the ongoing persecution faced by their church and its founder, Blessing Elisha Sibanda.

The church member revealed that the situation has escalated to the point where Sibanda has gone into hiding, fearing for his life.

“The church was initially forced to shut down in our original location in Magwegwe suburb, Bulawayo,” the member explained.

“Our growing popularity, especially among members of the Mthwakazi Republic Party, led to us being targeted and viewed more as a political gathering than a place of worship.”

The church’s affiliation with the MRP, alongside its members’ participation in peaceful rallies, made it a target for authorities and supporters of the ruling Zanu-PF party.

The member recounted the harrowing experiences faced by the church, stating, “After numerous attacks and threats of arrest from police for allegedly holding political rallies under the guise of church services, Blessed Elisha was forced to shut down the church and flee to South Africa in 2018.”

Once in South Africa, Sibanda continued his ministry but adapted to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic by holding online services. In 2022, he successfully relaunched the Light of the World Prophetic Ministries for physical services at Ebony Park, Midrand.

However, the resurgence of the church brought new challenges.

“In August 2022, we faced xenophobic attacks as Blessed Elisha was discovered to be an illegal immigrant, and our church was falsely labeled a hub for illegal immigrants, particularly from Zimbabwe,” the member disclosed.

Currently, the church member emphasized that Sibanda is in hiding, stating, “He is caught in a difficult situation; while he is being attacked in South Africa, he is also unwanted back in Zimbabwe.”

The ongoing persecution has left the church community in turmoil, with members calling for support and understanding as they navigate these trying times.