The Sunday Mail
Outgoing Ambassador for Malawi, Jane Kambalame (centre) shares a lighter moment with her sister Daisy and Pastor Gibson Botomani at her residence last week.
Religion Reporter
While August is a month set aside to remember the nation’s heroes, most churches also hold their Holy convocations during this month.
In that light, a number of programmes have been lined up to invigorate the Word and entertain the Christian community.
To kick off the month of festivities, the Jabula International Annual Conference will run under the theme FaithFest at the City Sports Centre from August 4-9.
United States based Dr Bill Winston who is known through his Believer’s Walk of Faith television and radio broadcasts which reach more than 800 million households worldwide will be part of the conference.
Dr Winston is the founder and pastor of Living Word Christian Centre, a multi-cultural, non-denominational church with more than 20 000 members located in Illinois.
Under his belt, he also has the Joseph Business School (JBS) and The Joseph Center for Business Development for entrepreneurs and business leaders. Dr Winston is therefore expected to impart his vast knowledge which is based on experience.
Ghana’s Dr Mensa ‘the Genius’ Otabil; a pastor, lecturer, author, consultant and a motivational speaker will also grace the event.
Dr Otabil is the founder and general-overseer of the International Central Gospel churches, which has a network of local assemblies in Ghana, Europe, the United States, Canada and other parts of Africa.
A chancellor of Ghana’s premier private university — The Central University College, Dr Otabil pastors Christ Temple, ICGC’s mother church in Accra.
To complete the line-up of international guests is Dr David Molapo from across the Limpopo who speaks on subjects that include entrepreneurial skills, team building, leadership, affirmative action, and accepting change. Some of the books he authored include ‘Growing Up Spiritually’, ‘The 10 Exciting Keys to Success’, and ‘If You Are Not Growing, You Are Dying’.
ZimPraise, renowned South African saxophonist Hiram Koopman and Micah Stampley from California will provide entertainment.
Koopman has worked with the likes of Elvis Blue and Benjamin Dube. Stampley, on the other hand, makes his debut in Zimbabwe at the FaithFest. His music is a fusion of R&B and hip-hop.
Leader of the Jabula New Life Ministries International, Bishop Tudor Bismark said the invited speakers have vast knowledge on how to achieve certain things as they have built significant ministries.
“They are not just ministering from their Bible knowledge, they are using their experience as well. When somebody doubts the possibility of building a school, Mensa Otabil can point to his university. Bill Winston can say it is possible to have a business model that can achieve certain goals. Then they can show us what they have done with the mall.
“They have an amazing model within the ministry. They have a large water purifying company, they have a very large real estate company, they have a very large publishing house.
‘‘Their point of reference will actually stretch people. Our goal is not once off deliverance, people should live their lives enriched and totally blessed,” Bishop Bismark said.
Meanwhile, Zion Christian Church returns to Defe in Gokwe for the 39th anniversary of the death of founder Samuel Mutendi who passed away in 1976. The annual memorial will see Zionists meeting in August.
ZCC education secretary Raymond Muringani said, “While people will begin to assemble as early as August 2 at the shrine, the event will reach its peak between August 7-9,” Mr Muringani said.
Famed for their dancing skills, ZCC members are set for another memorable conference.
Bethsaida Apostolic Christian Church which is led by Archbishop Loveless Manhango will also focus on a youth conference to be hosted in Chivhu from August 7 to August 9.
Adding to the jamboree from August 9 to August 16, the Seventh Day Adventists will host a series of camp meetings at Nyahuni Mission in Murehwa, Nyazura and Sunnyside, among other areas.
Judgment Night 3 makes a comeback on August 28 at the National Sports Stadium as United Family International Church dubs the all night prayer ‘A Night When Power Meets Power.’
From August 26 to August 30, The Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe celebrates 100 years of existence in Masvingo under the theme ‘focusing on returning to the foundations’.
AFM president, Dr Aspher Madziyire said, “We are saying we have walked the 100 years of experience of what our forefathers did when they were crossing Jordan River they put a pillar of stones. We are celebrating the 100 years to explain to our children to go back to the foundations.”
A year after Jehovah’s Witnesses held their first international convention in Zimbabwe, the local chapter hosts a series of three day country-wide conventions for ten consecutive weeks. The programme began last Friday.
Apostle Freshman Gwasira’s Assigned Ministers Ministries International will host a symposium on August 30 at Long Cheng Plaza. Apostle Gwasira said they will launch their anointed water for innovative inventions on the day.
“We are saying that anointed water is a medium through which God can impart a thought for an innovative invention,” said Apostle Gwasira.
For those who suffer Monday blues, there is a ‘Catch The Fire’ conference slated to start on Monday, August 24. It will run up to August 30.
Apostle Tavonga Vutabwashe’s Heartfelt Ministries will host the International Annual conference.
