Zimpapers Logo

Fairness Moyana in Hwange
A FORMER cop turned cleric has released a seven-track gospel album meant to give hope to a world ravaged by the impact of Covid-19.

Apostle Petros Masiyambiri launched his debut album titled ‘Hamukundikani’ at a colourful ceremony at the Colliery Golf Club on Saturday.

Gospel sensation, Methias Mhere attended the event as a guest performer.

Born on November 28, 1992 in Hurungwe, Masiyambiri joined the police force where he rose to be a chaplain before landing a part in the Matabeleland North police band choir. He finally traded the uniform for the robes in 2019 to pursue his calling as a full-time minister of the gospel.

“I came here in Matabeleland North as a police officer where I was working as a chaplain at Hwange. By the grace of God, I received a calling to become a pastor and I left the organisation two years ago to be in full time ministry.

Because of the pandemic and things that had been going on, I discovered that a lot of people need healing and comfort. The only thing that can touch the heart of a man is music as it speaks to the soul. So, during the lockdown period, I composed these songs on my album giving hope to the people telling them that Jesus is there for us. Remember as a result of the pandemic people lost jobs and livelihoods were affected.

The songs therefore speak of hope in times of peril and strife. I worked on the album together with some young women from different churches,” said Apostle Masiyambiri.

Apostle Masiyambiri said he drew inspiration from the gaps that the pandemic created when it came to ministering the gospel.

“What inspired me to come up with this album was during the lockdowns churches were closed and it was very difficult to reach out to 5 000 people at once especially crusades so the fast and better way in reaching to people all over was through music,” he said.

Methias Mhere, who gave a brief performance in support of the album, described Apostle Masiyambiri as a rising star.

“I’m very happy for him, he should keep on doing this good thing. Music is a journey and you face different challenges that end up shaping you into a success.”

Apostle Masiyambiri is the founder and leader of Faith Apostolic Church International, which has since opened several branches in Hwange urban and rural, Victoria Falls, Kariba, Bulawayo and Plumtree. He is married to Precious, a police officer.

The couple has two sons.

He challenged the youths to be positive and persistent in realising their dream.

“I would like to encourage everyone, especially the youths, by saying that it sounds like impossible, but it is possible.

I have seen it and it’s doable, you need to believe in yourself, persist and push harder. Nothing defeats the power of a positive person let’s create jobs through what God gave us.”

The Hwange Local Board secretary who was the guest speaker, Pastor Ndumiso Mdlalose said the gospel of salvation should target youths.

“The youth of today is our Joshua generation; we need to target them with every effort. Most of our children today live inside their cellphones and similar gadgets. We need to take the word to them and crowd out other messages.

Music, because the youth love it, is a powerful tool for ministry. We must therefore package it to appeal to the contemporary tastes of our younger generation,” said Pastor Mdlalose.