Online Reporter
Mashudu Netsianda, [email protected]
THOUSANDS of worshippers, vendors and transport operators thronged White City Arena in Bulawayo over the weekend as the four-day Apostolic Faith Mission of Africa (AFMA) evangelistic crusade, dubbed the “Mother of All Revivals”, ended on a spiritually uplifting and economically impactful note.
The usually quiet surroundings of White City Arena were transformed into a busy hub, with roads leading to the venue filled with congregants, informal traders, taxis and food vendors as more than 10 000 people from across Zimbabwe and beyond attended the revival.
Organisers described the crusade as a life-changing event that saw more than 200 people give their lives to Christ, while also bringing hope, unity and a boost to local economic activity.
Hosted by AFMA overseer and president Reverend Rosewell Zulu under the theme “The Lost Sheep”, the revival attracted believers from across the region, including South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique and the United Kingdom.
Inside the packed arena, gospel music echoed through the stands as worshippers sang and prayed together during powerful sermons and performances that many described as uplifting and inspiring.
Long queues of congregants seeking prayer and counselling were a common sight throughout the four-day event, with many sharing testimonies of healing, restoration and renewed faith.
In an interview yesterday, Rev Zulu said the success of the crusade could not only be measured by numbers, but by the transformation seen among attendees.
“I would like to thank all those who responded to the call to attend the Mother of All Revivals, which the Apostolic Faith Mission of Africa organised through the persuasion of the Holy Spirit. By God’s grace, this has been a very successful revival.
“The success of this revival is measured by what God has done and the works that He has wrought among the people. Since the Word of God was preached in its fullness under the theme ‘The Lost Sheep’, we witnessed lives being transformed.”
Rev Zulu said the theme carried a message of hope for people seeking salvation and a renewed relationship with God.
“God is merciful and His love endureth forever and through Christ, our Lord and Saviour, God is reconciling man to Himself. We are ambassadors of Christ and we are urging people to get reconciled to God, for the Son of Man came to seek and save lost souls,” he said.
He said the title “Mother of All Revivals” reflected both the scale and inclusiveness of the gathering.
“This was not an event for a select few. It was an open invitation to all people seeking transformation in their lives.
During the revival, we witnessed people repenting from their sins and our attendance reached 10 600 people from all walks of life. We had 255 people who were born again during this revival, while others received salvation while following our services through our social media platforms.”
Rev Zulu said White City Arena had been chosen for its capacity to accommodate large numbers of people.
He also expressed gratitude to the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) for providing the venue and commended the police for maintaining peace and security throughout the “Mother of All Revivals.”
“We are equally grateful to schools in the surrounding suburbs for opening their doors and providing accommodation to congregants during the revival. Their generosity and hospitality truly reflected the spirit of unity and compassion, and we pray that God richly blesses them for this noble gesture,” said Rev Zulu
Beyond the spiritual impact, the revival also brought business opportunities to nearby communities, with vendors and transport operators recording brisk trade throughout the event.
Outside the stadium, vendors selling food, drinks, airtime and church merchandise lined the roads, taking advantage of the large crowds gathering for each session.
Ms Nomsa Moyo, who was selling roasted maize and soft drinks near the entrance, said business had been good from the first day.
“People started arriving very early and many were buying food and drinks while waiting for the service to begin. For us as vendors, gatherings like these help us put food on the table. We wish it would continue like this,” she said.
Another trader, Mr Themba Ndlovu, who was selling second-hand clothes, said the turnout had exceeded expectations.
“I normally sell at football matches and music shows, but this revival has brought huge crowds. Business is moving well and we are grateful,” he said.
A taxi driver, Mr Hloniphani, said transport operators also benefitted from the steady movement of worshippers travelling to and from the venue.
Among the congregants was Mrs Sibongile Ncube from Nkayi, who said she had travelled overnight with fellow church members to attend the revival.
“I came here carrying many burdens. Life has become difficult and I needed a place where I could reconnect with God and regain hope. God worked miracles in my life and I am grateful that I attended this revival,” she said.
Mr Brighton Dube from Cowdray Park said the atmosphere inside the arena reflected unity among worshippers.
“The scale of the gathering left me overwhelmed. You can feel the unity here. People from different places, backgrounds and ages have gathered with one purpose, to seek God,” he said.
The revival also highlighted the growing role of churches in providing spiritual and emotional support to communities facing challenges such as crime, social pressures, and rising drug and substance abuse among young people.
Bunjiwe Mkwananzi
Colletta Dube