Online Reporter
Zimpapers Reporter
MEMBERS of the Unshakable Pentecostal Church have been urged to remain steadfast in the teachings of love, unity and faith left by their late leader, Apostle Professor Haney Resten Sawasawa, whose memorial and tombstone unveiling service was held at Lady Stanley Cemetery in Bulawayo yesterday.
Speaking during the service, Pastor Godfrey Nyoni, a board member of the Unshakable Pentecostal Church, described Apostle Sawasawa as a faithful servant who walked closely with God and led with humility and vision.
“Prof Apostle Sawasawa was not only a leader but also a living example of one who, like Joshua, declared, ‘As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord’ (Joshua 24:15),” said Pastor Nyoni.
“His life was marked by humility, love, integrity and a tireless commitment to the work of Christ. He gave selflessly—not for recognition, but for the advancement of God’s kingdom.”
Pastor Nyoni said the tombstone would stand as a permanent symbol of Apostle Sawasawa’s sacrifice and service.
“It will speak of a shepherd who embodied Christ’s model of servant leadership. He taught us unity, righteousness and unwavering faith — and those teachings will continue to guide us.”
Apostle Sawasawa, who passed away in October last year, was among the pioneers of black-led Pentecostal churches in Zimbabwe. Ordained in 1964, he went on to establish the United Pentecostal Church movement in 1967, beginning with humble services held under a tree in Mpopoma. From those beginnings, his ministry expanded to over 300 churches across Southern Africa, and spearheaded the formation of many church across the world.
He later founded the Unshakable Pentecostal Church, which initially held services at Mabuthweni Hall before relocating to Old
Magwegwe, where the congregation acquired land to build its own auditorium. Church members described Apostle Sawasawa as a man who radiated love and peace.
“He made everyone feel special when he spoke to them,” said one church member. “He loved people deeply and treated everyone with kindness and respect.”
Apostle Sawasawa’s children also paid emotional tribute to their father, echoing his lifelong message of love and unity.
“He loved people and taught us to love everyone,” said Anna Sawasawa, speaking alongside her brother Victor.
“At home and in church, he always preached about love and unity. Today we stand together as a family in love and unity and we pray that the whole church will also stand together and keep his legacy alive.”
At the graveside, where people arrived in ten buses and scores of private cars, Pastor Calvin Sawasawa, one of the children of the late Apostle, delivered a moving sermon centred on love, goodness and faithfulness.
“This headstone will be a visible reminder of a life that touched ours and ministered to God, who holds all life in His hands,” he said.
“Though we feel the absence of a father, pastor and bishop, we have the presence of the Lord — and that is our greatest comfort.”
Pastor James Sawasawa, another child of the late Apostle, said everyone had a role to play in church and they must keep the legacy of love and unity alive and follow the teachings of God which were dear to his late father.
