Easter: A time to renew hope, faith

TODAY is Easter Sunday, an important day on which Christians commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

This year’s Easter festivities are, however, being dampened by the prevailing drought conditions.

Reverend George Mawire, the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe presiding bishop, said as Christians commemorate Easter, they must also pray for the rains.

He also urged Zimbabweans to use the example set by Jesus Christ in the face of adversity.

“Jesus Christ went through a lot of challenges. He, however, faced the challenges with faith and boldness. With the impending drought, Zimbabweans must be bold and have faith in Jesus Christ, our saviour,” Rev Mawire said.

The Methodist Church in Zimbabwe’s Easter theme is “Ambassadors for Christ”.

For the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) Mandadzaka, Easter is a time of prayer and fasting.

“For us, Easter is the time to pray and ask for peace and fulfilment. Jesus died for us so that we get happiness and joy,” said Pastor Maduviko Manyise, the ZCC Mandadzaka international chairperson.

The church will today donate goodies to vulnerable members of society.

For the Catholic Church, this year’s Easter commemorations is being run under the theme “Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless, clothing the naked when you see them”.

Father Kennedy Muguti, the Archdiocese of Harare vicar-general, said the commemorations are being held at a time when the country is facing a myriad of challenges, including drought.

“We are faced with a drought . . . The drug and substance abuse scourge is also destroying young people. Easter must be a time for us to pray against these evils,” said Fr Muguti.

The Jesus Christ International Ministries founder, Apostle Egefa Makotore, said Easter Sunday focuses mostly on the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.

The church is marking this year’s Easter by praying for strength to fight the challenges being brought about by erratic rains.

“We are praying for the country to remain resolute as we face drought. Easter is the perfect time to go before the Lord and ask for strength,” said Apostle Makotore.

Family time

Some families are taking advantage of the Easter holidays to visit friends and relatives.

For them, this is the time to bond and discuss important family issues.

Special meals are set to be dished out today, with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks being served.

Fungai Phiri, a Harare-based vendor, will today take time to chat with family members.

“We are expecting some family members who are based in the diaspora to come. For us, this is the perfect time to gather as a family and discuss issues,” Phiri said.

Spiritual diversity

For traditionalists, Easter is the time when families conduct memorial services and other traditional rituals.

“This is the time when most family members will gather and conduct memorial services and unveil tombstones,” Chief Chundu (born Abel Mbasera),” said.

Time for giving

Many people use the Easter holidays to show love by giving.

Throughout the country, individuals and organisations will today and tomorrow donate to the less-fortunate members of society.

But for most believers, the Easter holiday is a time to renew their hope and faith.