The Sunday News
From Walter Mswazie in Masvingo
THOUSANDS of Zion Christian Church (ZCC) congregants thronged Mbungo in Masvingo to mark their record 101st Easter Conference yesterday, with Vice President Joice Mujuru expected to grace the main event today.
Addressing the congregants from across Zimbabwe, Bishop Dr Nehemiah Mutendi expressed concern over the increase in divorce cases among young couples in the church and bemoaned the decreasing number of weddings he presides over.
The conference also saw the bishop solemnising 30 marriages, amid pomp and fanfare.
“I am going to preside over a couple of weddings today. However, I am concerned with the way weddings decrease in number. In fact, we are witnessing more divorces than weddings and yet the opposite should happen. We expect more young couples to engage and wed, that is what God wants,” said Bishop Mutendi.
He underscored the importance of marriage and urged men to love their wives.
“I have seen a number of couples walking hand in hand during love offerings and I was happy. Let it be a culture for husbands to love their wives. Some of you do not feel comfortable to walk while holding hands with your spouses to show that undying affection. I urge you to be with your wives everytime,” said the bishop.
Bishop Mutendi also called on congregants not to behave as fans of Jesus Christ but His followers.
“You should not be like fans of soccer teams because if you are a fan when your team keeps on losing, you can easily leave. If you are a follower you have a commitment towards something. We expect Christians to be followers, not fanatics of God. We want those who are committed to God not just fans. A follower is one who shows commitment to the Lord, you should be committed followers.
“You are showing your commitment by following proceedings here and some of you have been sitting on the ground since morning as you are still listening attentively. You do not show mere involvement like fans. If you are just involved you will easily quit when it gets hard but you are remaining steadfast,” he said.
Speaking during the same occasion, church spokesperson Sanction Mutendi said the moral behind the day’s sermon was the investment that the church is undertaking. “The Bishop’s sermon is based on the big investments we are involved in. We are building a learning and worship centre in Belverdere in Harare and we are doing it without any external donations.
Congregants are already contributing towards this building project and we believe that it is going to be completed within the given time frame. We are taking a leaf from the transfiguration of Peter who initiated a number of building projects and let people enjoy while he remained outside,” said Sanction, who is also son to the Bishop.
Today is the church’s big day which will see a number of invited dignitaries attending. The church celebrated 100 years of existence in 2013.
