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Nqobile Tshili Chronicle Correspondent
ACTING President Phelekezela Mphoko has called on the people to look up to God to spare Zimbabwe the effects of hot weather conditions being experienced countrywide.

Cde Mphoko said this yesterday during a church service at the Family of God (FOG) church in Bulawayo where he pleaded with Christians to pray for the rains during national prayer sessions that started on Saturday, ending January 17.

He said President Mugabe called on the nation to pray for rains after realising that most parts of the country had not received meaningful rains since the beginning of the agricultural season.

“When you go out to the rural areas, it’s so dry with no meaningful agricultural activity. This can plunge the country into severe drought. So we briefed President Mugabe who’s on leave about the situation. He said we should call on the people of Zimbabwe to pray for rains,” he said.

Yesterday afternoon, the second day of the weeklong prayers, rains fell in Bulawayo and surrounding areas. The skies were overcast for much of the afternoon into the evening, ensuring that the city experienced a welcome respite from the extremely high temperatures of the past six months.

Cde Mphoko however said President Mugabe was not forcing people to pray for the rains.

“He didn’t command that people should pray but he made an appeal. We’re appealing that people pray for the rains. Wherever we are, we should pray for rains. Let’s kneel down and pray because God can answer our prayers,” said Cde Mphoko.

He explained to the congregation that Zimbabwe is not the only country experiencing harsh weather conditions because of El Nino.

“Other countries are also experiencing severe weather conditions because of El Niño. We understand that countries in South America like Bolivia are experiencing heavy rains. But for us we’ve to pray for normal rains,” said the Acting President.

FOG founder Apostle Andrew Wutawunashe said the church felt challenged to be approached by the government to pray for the rains.

He said it was encouraging to see the country’s leadership recognising the importance of God.

Apostle Wutawunashe said the Zanu-PF government had shown that it is a God fearing party by documenting in its political manifesto its belief in Christ.

He said the country should remain united even in the face of challenges. The FOG leader said pointing fingers at each other will not bring desired results.

FOG Reverend, Paul Damasane, who is also the Principal Director in the Ministry of Rural Development, Preservation of Culture and Heritage said praying was essential as God is the one who sustains lives.

“We need to look up to God and pray for our nation for He’s the sustainer of our lives,” he said.

He said the church has welcomed President Mugabe’s call for prayer and churches all over the country have pledged to pray for the rains.