Online Reporter
Mkhululi Ncube, Zimpapers Reporter
PROMINENT Bulawayo-based Prophet, Dr Thabiso Ngwenya, yesterday celebrated a milestone in his gospel ministry, marking 40 years of special testimonies at his Faith in Christ International headquarters located in Pumula South suburb.
Dr Ngwenya, who hails from Zenka area under Headman Mpande in Nkayi District, rose to fame through his “bombing” miracle style, which has remained his unique way of operation in helping the people.
He has since grown his gospel ministry empire beyond the borders and has received accolades including honorary degrees in recognition of his positive influence.
Yesterday, Dr Ngwenya celebrated the milestone with scores of his congregates where he ministered and shared testimonies.
“I started my ministry in 1985 when through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, at just 10-years-old, I prayed for a married woman who had been chased from marriage by his husband,” he recalled.
“I prayed for water, which I gave her and within a period of two hours the husband had followed her at a bus stop and called her back home and they continued together.”
Dr Ngwenya said he started off as a member of the Twelve Apostolic Church before branching off to form his Faith In Christ International Church with branches through-out Zimbabwe and beyond the country’s borders.
He said November 12 holds a special place in the life of the church as it is known as the “Special Testimonies Day”.
“This is a day of special testimonies because many people witnessed special testimonies on this day. Ever since, we have remembered the visitation of God on this day that is why we have a full service,” said Dr Ngwenya.
The list of people who have passed through his church for prayers include footballers Marvelous Nakamba, Teenage Hadebe, Brian Mlotshwa and artiste who include Chichi (Mboe Mahocs) who stares in one of the most viewed South African television programmes.
“Over the years, I have helped too many people with prayers and my secret is that if you want to receive your answer you must have faith. We celebrate this day annually with a special worship service that includes special prayers for more miracles,” said Dr Ngwenya.
He said he has remained faithful to his calling, which has seen him shy away from scandals associated with some prophets and maintaining a simple life despite his popularity.
During the event, a number of congregates shared some of their testimonies.
“I’m from Gwanda but currently based in South Africa. I visited Dr Ngwenya last year on November 19. I had never met my father for 19 years and, four days after the prayers, I had my miracle with my father, a Chinese, coming from Botswana where he had met my mother and is based, coming to look for me and we have been together ever since,” said 20-year-old Pretty Liang.
Mrs Happiness Ndebele from Plumtree happily flouted her pregnancy to the shouts of Hosanna before the congregates as she gave her testimony on challenges she faced getting pregnant. She said she had struggled to conceive for eight years.
“I had struggled to conceive for eight years and I came to Dr Ngwenya and he gave me water and I performed the bombing ritual.
“Before long I got pregnant, as you can see and this has really made my marriage strong. My husband loves me so much because he had been stressed when we could not have babies,” said Mrs Ndebele.
Footballer Brian Mlotshwa who is from Nkayi and plays for Highlanders Football Club said he had struggled to make a breakthrough until he visited Dr Ngwenya and his fortunes changed.
Mlotshwa said he had lost hope at some point in time as he could not make it into the first 11.
“I had stayed for four months without playing but after visiting Dr Ngwenya things have changed. I have been named man of the match for two games and even been on the score sheet,” he said.
“I am happy even of my relationship with the coach.”
Some members gave testimonies about how their romantic relationships were helped after receiving prayers from the prophet. Nyasha Mkwakatera from Chidzimamoto in Karoi said she visited the Prophet Ngwenya when her relationship had challenges and was restored.
“My boyfriend had called quits on me but I could not manage to live without him and had to come here because I could not understand what was happening,” she said.
“Two days after I received prayers he contacted me and apologised and we have been together again and he is planning on marriage.”
Mr Joel Sibanda from Mberengwa celebrated restored health saying he had a physical sickness, which tormented him for a long time.
He said he came all the way from Mberengwa to mark the day as it has always had a special place in his heart.
Others testified of how Prophet Ngwenya helped them in their businesses and life breakthroughs. Over the years, Dr Ngwenya has been honoured for his work after being awarded two doctorate degrees.
Two United States-based Universities awarded him a Doctor of Divinity Honorary Degree and a Doctor of Social and Leadership Management Honorary Degree, in recognition of his outstanding works in the community.
In May this year, Prophet Ngwenya, graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Christian Leadership from the United States-based Logos University.
—@themkhust
