Vusumuzi Dube
Mashudu Netsianda, Deputy National Editor
ACTING President Kembo Mohadi is today expected to grace the ninth edition of the National Thanksgiving and Dedication Service, an interdenominational prayer gathering in Bulawayo as churches seek divine intervention in the country’s development trajectory.
The annual service, organised by the Faith for the Nation Campaign, will take place at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) Hall 4 and brings together church leaders and congregants from across the country and beyond.
Held at the end of each year, the National Thanksgiving and Dedication Service provides a platform for churches to give thanks for national progress while committing the coming year to God.
The event was first convened in December 2017 following the advent of the Second Republic and has since become a fixture on the national religious calendar. President Mnangagwa has graced the service since its inception.
This year’s gathering will run under the theme: “Acknowledging Divine Providence in the Progress of our Nation.”
Speaking during a media briefing yesterday, Faith for the Nation Campaign founder and chairperson, Prophet Andrew Wutawunashe, said the service underlines the importance of collective prayer and national unity.
“This is our ninth edition of the National Thanksgiving and Dedication Service, which started soon after the advent of the Second Republic when we agreed with His Excellency President Mnangagwa that, year by year, we would dedicate the nation to God for the coming year and give thanks for the progress made,” he said.
“Each year, we have a different theme that focuses on a particular area of national life. This year, we are acknowledging divine providence in the progress of our nation. We come together to worship God, enjoy music and fellowship as church leaders and as a nation. Everyone is welcome.”
Prophet Wutawunashe said the church had a critical role to play in supporting national economic growth and development.
“As the church, we are witnessing what God is doing in developing our nation. This is thanksgiving for tangible achievements, counting our blessings as a people,” he said.
Prophet Wutawunashe added that the church’s prophetic role aligned with the Government development programmes, including the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which feeds into the attainment of Vision 2030.
“The church is participating in national development. Beyond prayer, we are involved in concrete projects such as building schools and clinics, and identifying opportunities where we can contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s economic development,” he said.
Prophet Wutawunashe noted that this year’s service would emphasise accelerated development and the need to galvanise national aspirations to attain upper middle-income status before 2030 through unity, commitment and prayer.
He also said the church remained a key partner in addressing social challenges, including drug and substance abuse.
“The church is the greatest weapon against drug and substance abuse. We are complementing Government efforts by teaching the Word of God and promoting positive alternatives such as sport among the youth,” he said.
“The voice of the church is important in boosting national morale, especially in the face of prophets of doom.”
He said this year’s service has attracted Christians from as far afield as the United Kingdom and Kenya, highlighting its growing regional and international appeal.
The event is being hosted by the Faith for the Nation Campaign in association with the Zimbabwe Indigenous Interdenominational Council of Churches (ZIICC) and will be broadcast live on ZTV and various social media platforms. Several gospel musicians and groups are expected to perform.
Online Reporter