Online Reporter
THOUSANDS of worshippers defied cold temperatures and persistent rain to fill Harare Gardens on Saturday night last week for Call to Worship Global’s 18th Anniversary Worship Night, transforming the venue into a powerful gathering of praise, prayer and Christian unity.
Held under the theme “Ishe Ngavavongwe” (Be Exalted, O Lord), the event drew believers from different churches and denominations who remained in worship for hours despite challenging weather conditions.
For Call to Worship Global co-founder Pastor Philip Pike, the turnout was a powerful testament to the ministry’s enduring vision of bringing Christians together through worship.
“We are deeply grateful to God for what happened at Harare Gardens,” Pike said.
“To see thousands of people brave the cold and rain and remain gathered in worship was deeply humbling. After 18 years, moments like this remind us that this has never been about us or about putting on a show. It is about creating a place where the Body of Christ can come together, lift up the name of Jesus and encounter God. We give all the glory to Him.”
The worship experience featured a lineup of local and regional worship leaders, musicians and prayer ministers who guided the congregation through an evening of praise, worship and spiritual reflection.
South African gospel artiste OnceMore Six was among the standout musicians, leading worshippers through popular songs including “You Are Alpha and Omega”, “There’s No Other Name” and “Open Heaven”.
His ministry produced some of the evening’s most memorable moments as thousands of voices joined together in worship and prayer.
Earlier in the programme, Zimbabwean worship leader Blessing Jeduthun energised the gathering with songs such as “Paye Patinoti”, helping set the atmosphere for the night.
A major highlight was the Call to Worship Global Choir, a combined ensemble of more than 80 singers and instrumentalists drawn from diverse Christian backgrounds.
The choir blended well-loved worship songs with new compositions, showcasing months of preparation and collaboration.
The evening reached its spiritual climax during a session of prayer and declarations led by Bishop Asa Gurupira, with worshippers joining in collective prayer and reflection.
The anniversary marked another milestone for the ministry, which was founded in 2008 by Pastors Philip and Charlotte Pike as Call to Worship Zimbabwe before later expanding its reach and rebranding as Call to Worship Global.
Reflecting on the significance of the 18th anniversary, Pastor Pike said the event demonstrated that the ministry’s founding vision remained as relevant today as it was nearly two decades ago.
“What we witnessed was the Church coming together as one, and we saw people choosing worship despite the weather and every other challenge,” he said.
“That is what Call to Worship Global has always stood for – bringing people together across denominational lines and creating a platform where worship becomes the common language.”
