Packed August for Zim pilgrims

IT’S that time of the year when various religious groups host their annual gatherings, bringing together tens of thousands of people.

THERE are no boundaries along the lines of denominations or faith; August is the month when excitement builds for spiritually-inspired gatherings.

Already, the popular Today’s Woman - hosted by Apostle Eunor Guti of Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (Zaoga) closed its curtains yesterday.

Running under the theme “Walking in the Kingdom, Having it”, the conference was graced by Vela International chief executive Mrs Nolwandle Mboweni.

Also gathered were members of Johane Masowe eChishanu Apostolic Church in Seke for the memorial service of Madzibaba Sandros Nhamoyebonde who died on July 30, 1994.

Madzibaba Nhamoyebonde was the sect’s third emissary after Johanne (Shonhiwa Masedza) and Madzibaba Emmanuel (Mudyiwa Dzangare).

The memorial service started with an eight-hour listening of Madzibaba Sandros’ recorded sermons in Zimbabwe and Israel, followed by a church service from midnight till dawn.

Today the programme proceeds to Madzibaba Sandros tomb where family, church members and friends are expected to give eulogies.

Another highlight is on this Friday at the City Sports Centre in Harare when New Life Covenant Church leaders, Bishop Tudor and Pastor Chichi Bismark, host the annual Jabula Conference.

The conference, which will feature Minister Michael Mahendere and Zimpraise, is running under the theme “Establishing Generations”.

Of note is the message being brought by Ghanaian preacher Dr Mensa Otabil, who has attended this event consecutively for more than a decade.

Dr Otabil is the founder and chancellor of Central University College in Ghana.

The Anglican Mothers Union of Zimbabwe are getting together from August 10 to 13 for their bi-annual event, which is themed “Anglicans Against Gender-based Violence”.

Members of the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe are in for a grand celebration of their 40-year autonomy celebrations slated for August 17-20 at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.

Also converging are women from the United Methodist Church who will be having a series of events running under the banner of Ruwadzano Rwemadzimai.

The theme is “Therefore Go”, taken from Matthew 28:19, and the conventions will run concurrently in Odzi and Murewa from August 16 to 20.

These will be followed by meetings in Mvuma and Mutambara Mission on August 23.

The events are organised by the church’s Zimbabwe West Annual Conference and Zimbabwe East Annual Conference.

Victory Power International Ministries, led by Bishop Believe Paradise, will host their Moment of Champions Conference from August 21 to 27; while Grace Unlimited Ministries converge on September 2 for the Rizpah Annual women’s conference at Harare Gardens.

Apostle Pride Sibiya takes Tiyambuke International Christian Convention to Chitungwiza; and Heartfelt Ministries International host Catch the Fire Conference from August 28 to September 3 under Apostle Tavonga and Pastor Chipo Vutabwashe at their International Overflow Centre.

For Catholics, there is also much to look forward to as the Archdiocese of Harare Mbuya Anna kickstarted with a three day congress which ends today.

There will also be the National Inter-University Catholic Society in Bulawayo as well as the National Catholic Music Course hosted by Chinhoyi Diocese from August 11 to 16 at Kutama Mission.