Makandiwa, the other side

being talked about. Given his young age of 34, Makandiwa has managed to make headlines in social scenes, electronic and print media and in church circles.
Some pastors complain that he has stolen their church members and that he has become the main subject in many pulpits instead of appreciating the possibility of mass evangelism in their ministries.
I remember discussing with the prophet during the early days of his ministry and among other subjects he mentioned his passion to have an effect on the whole city.

He once said: “Imagine, the shaking brought in the city by world musicians. What are we lacking as preachers to turn our city right side up?
“It is written in the bible that the apostles shook the whole city.”
I vividly remember his faith in God to bring such revival. Even if you listen to his sermons, he usually mentions the secret behind his success.

There is too much negative criticism regarding Makandiwa’s involvement in politics.
Firstly, Makandiwa is a man of God; secondly he is a Zimbabwean citizen entitled to exercise his rights.
Like any other citizen he is allowed to make his independent choices in an independent country without fear of criticism.

Obviously his choices will not please everyone. But there are several businesses that have found fortune in Makandiwa.
Newspapers are making headlines out of him to make high sales volume. You will agree with me that he is the current newsmaker.
With reference to the Anti-Sanctions Campaign, several clergymen attended, but there was only an outcry over Makandiwa! In most cases the doings of God are far beyond our comprehension because he uses politicians to fulfill his will. Ref: Luke 2:1-7

Jesus was supposed to be born in the town of David his ancestor to fulfill scriptures, so God used the power of a politician to decree a census and everyone had to go to his hometown.
The politicians thought they were doing a national duty but to God prophecy was being fulfilled.
So politics of that time enhanced the proper birth of our Saviour Jesus. Politicians are used by God to issue certain decrees that may be contrary to public opinion but fulfilling God’s agenda.

If Makandiwa denied involvement he may have denied the assignment of God.
I am sure every prominent man of God may suffer from two choices (1) pleasing God by displeasing men or (2) displeasing God by pleasing men.
Maybe Makandiwa chose the first option that is why opposition is intense. But if he had chosen the second option, opposition was definitely going to be minimal.
Our callings and gifting are different, let Makandiwa fulfill his calling.

I do not know whether I call it an African problem or a Zimbabwean problem where a pastor is rendered a spiritual suspect by interacting with politicians and yet in western countries it is a common occurrence that does not raise uproars. Evangelist Billy Graham was named friend of senior politicians and for sure he was accorded platforms to speak to them in parliament.
It is my prayer for Makandiwa to be accorded such a status in our country.
Proverbs 22:11 “He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend.”

I have personally listened to Prophet Makandiwa’s speech and it is surely gracious and that is why he has attracted crowds of more than 30 000 people and obviously kings admire such influence.
Proverbs 22:29 “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.”
This man of God has been elevated from ministering to obscure men but now has access to minister to people of influence which is an opportunity desired by every critic.

Romans 13:1-7(1) Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
(2) Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
(3) For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.

(4) For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
(5) Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities. Paul is declaring the mind of God on the subject of utmost importance to the peace of the world, a doctrine that does not exclusively belong to any class of people, order of the community, or official situations, but to every soul.

Let every man (including all the critics) be obedient to the civil government under which the providence of God has cast his lot. (For there is no authority except that which God has established) – Since God is the origin of power, and the supreme Governor of the universe. He delegates authority to whomsoever he will and though in many cases the governor himself may not be of God, yet civil government is of God.
For without this there could be no society, no security, no private property, all will be confusion and anarchy. The habitable world would soon be depopulated.

Wisdom from God has taught me never to participate in any conversation that aims to undermine authority placed to me by God. Reference Acts 23:5 “…; for it is written do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.”

If we are forbidden by scripture to speak against a ruler of a nation, then how much does the scripture forbid us to speak against the man of God? Surprisingly most business owners have found a fortune in Makandiwa’s huge gatherings. Newspapers are making headlines tracking Makandiwa’s every movement.

For example: “Car sales linked to Makandiwa; Makandiwa flees the country; Makandiwa turns down Zanu PF etc.” Almost every paper seeks to destroy him without mentioning their fortunes in sales volume and increased readership. Some journalists must thank Makandiwa for sustaining their jobs. I sometimes wonder if there was no Makandiwa what substance they would present to their papers.

For another quick reference, ask taxi drivers and kombi drivers about the volume of business they get from Makandiwa’s church members. Negative reports may be said about him but that does not nullify the fact that he is currently the most influential man that every politician may seek to befriend for political advantages. Obviously those that fail to be closer to him will seek to destroy him.