The Sunday Mail
ONE of the oldest indigenous churches in Zimbabwe — Independent Africa Church (Mushakata) — will celebrate it’s 70th anniversary in ministry today. The celebrations are being held in Mbare where gospel musicians Charles and Olivia Charamba as well as social commentator Dr Rebecca Chisamba will grace the occasion.
In a statement, the church’s Bishop Stephen Dangarembwa, said turning 70 is a milestone worth celebrating.
“By the grace of God, the church has scored immeasurable growth in all facets numerically, financially and spiritually.”
He said biblically, the number seven means completion. He said for Mushakata, attaining 70 years means completing a life and getting into a period of re-birth.
“This is what the Lord says through the Prophet Jeremiah, “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,” he quoted Jeremiah 29 v 10-11.
He called upon Zimbabweans from all walks of life to join the Mushakata family in giving thanks to God for all the grace they have received through the years.
“Our founders sought to prove that God was and is still not for a particular race or colour but that Jesus came to free everyone from the bondage of sin.
“Indeed, over the years, many souls have been brought to Christ who proclaimed that He came so that we may have life in abundance,” said Bishop Dangarembwa.
He added: “Our fathers stood by the word of God in John 3 v 16 which says, “For God so loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.
“Mushakata has been known to be a church built on love and this love has been shared on both members and non-members. Our prayer is that we may continue with the same spirit.
He said through the culture of love, many assemblies were established around Zimbabwe and beyond the country’s borders.
“We still pray for assemblies in areas like Masvingo, Gweru, Kwekwe, Beitbridge, Hwange, Victoria Falls, Bindura, Kariba and many other areas that are still not entered,” he said.
He said Mushakata’s founders envisioned a church that does not rely on foreigners. However, he said time and technology now requires them to partner foreigners so that the gospel can go far with speed.
He added that when the founding Bishop Solomon Chada Machingura died, Mushakata had to endure periods of leadership vacuums and antagonism.
“Many times, our constitution has been abused by overzealous people who have not sought God’s face and voice but exploited church members for their selfish gains.
“This has worked against the vision of the founders. I call upon members and leaders of the church to seek God’s guidance in this area so that this sickness can be eradicated from the church,” he said.
Mashonaland District Superintendent, Reverend Aaron Tom said they will honour their founding fathers during the celebrations.
