The Sunday Mail (Zimbabwe)

‘Women, intercede for nation’

- Tanyaradzw­a Rusike

ZIMBABWEAN women should intercede for the nation to fight the scourge of drug and substance abuse, Mashonalan­d West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo has said.

Speaking during the United Family Internatio­nal Church (UFIC) annual ladies conference in Chinhoyi recently, she said women have the power to break Zimbabwe’s curses.

“Today, l will speak on the importance of women. Consider yourselves as Ruth, whose country had been cursed for 10 generation­s. Place yourself in this current world or in Zimbabwe and consider the problems of drug and substance abuse. As a woman, you can pray so that the curse can be broken because you have the power, you are underestim­ating your power,” she said. Arise women, arise and intercede for your country’s victorious women. I don’t preach. l am a politician but, please, pray for us, too,” she added.

Minister Chombo commended UFIC

co-founder Ruth-Emmanuel Makandiwa for uniting women to pray.

“Ruth Makandiwa, you are blessed; you are a lesson to us all. Don’t underestim­ate your powers. These women gathered here have a lot to do in their lives but they heard your call and

they left everything so that they can be here to fellowship with God,” she said.

In her remarks, Ruth said the church will intensify prayers to fight drug abuse.

“As victorious women, we will join you in fighting this demon of drugs. Yes, we were praying but because you said so, we are going to pray more and we will fight this together. It’s so painful but we believe in our Almighty God; with Him, everything is possible. Our streets will be safe again,” she said.

“What an honour to have the resident Honourable Minister and Member of Parliament, to be here with us! Thank you for encouragin­g us to believe in ourselves as women. You will see the results,” she added.

Thousands of women from the United States, Canada, India, Australia, the United Kingdom, Botswana, Zambia, South Africa Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda Cameroon and Zimbabwe, among other countries, attended the week-long conference dubbed “Against All Odds”. Situations such as barrenness and marriage challenges were addressed by Ruth .

Speakers from the region and beyond also took to the podium to minister the Word of God during the conference. Experts such as doctors and lawyers addressed issues affecting women.

 ?? ?? Minister Marian Chombo addresses congregant­s at the ladies camp UFIC meeting in Chinhoyi recently
Minister Marian Chombo addresses congregant­s at the ladies camp UFIC meeting in Chinhoyi recently
 ?? ?? UFIC’s Ruth-Emmanuel Makandiwa ministers to women at the conference
UFIC’s Ruth-Emmanuel Makandiwa ministers to women at the conference

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