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Chitungwiza, Marondera and greater Harare – for a one-day event: World Day of Prayer national commemorations. This was after the March 4 world event.
To some, it might also sound awkward that other than coming together to pray for Zimbabwe, the gathering was interceding for Chile (South America), the country all 170 nations in the World Day of Prayer movement are praying for this year, according to how the events are organised.
In 2009 it was Papua New Guinea under the theme “In Christ there are many members, but one body.” Cameroon was the 2010 country of focus and the theme was, “Let everything that has breath praise God”. Next year it will be Malaysia under the theme, “Let justice prevail”.
On Thursday hundreds of women from the Church Women United (Mubatanidzwa) converged at the United Methodist St Mark Church in Old Highfield for the national World Day of Prayer commemorations.
The inter-church event saw women from the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe, United Methodist, Anglican and Catholic Churches, Salvation Army, Independent African Church, Baptist, Presbyterian, Greater Life Ministries, Jerusarema Church of God (Bulawayo) and many more.
The leadership of these various churches – bishops and pastors graced the occasion, including the WDP leadership.
Guest preacher was Mrs Jane Mackenzie, while the guest of honour was Reverend (Mrs) Gobvu, a former leader of the programme.
Prayers for Zimbabwe were led by Pastor Sibongile Mabundu of United Methodist Church; while Pastor Sarah Marere of Jerusarema Church of God led prayers for Chile.
What is World Day of Prayer?
According to information on an Internet site
http://www.wicc.org/, the World Day of Prayer is “a worldwide movement of Christian women of many traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer each year, and who, in many countries, have a continuing relationship in prayer and service.
“The movement is in more than 170 countries and regions . . . symbolised by an annual day of celebration – the first Friday of March – to which all people are welcome.
“Through World Day of Prayer, women around the world: affirm their faith in Jesus Christ; share their hopes and fears, their joys and sorrows, their opportunities and needs.
“The motto of the WDP movement is ‘Informed prayer and prayerful action . . . Since 1812, women have encouraged one another to engage in personal prayer and take leadership in communal prayer within their mission auxiliaries and associations.”
According to Mrs Sylvia Marowa, Zimbabwe’s WDP public relations officer, the March 4 commemorations were held, “but we also set aside this Thursday for our national commemorations.”
How many loaves do you have?
Guest preacher Mrs Mackenzie preached on the 2011 theme: “How many loaves do you have?” derived from the Gospel of Mark 6: 30-44. It was a message of encouragement, admonition and hope.

The message that resonated was that despite the statistics that Zimbabwe is a Christian nation, it looks like people are playing church. How else do we explain the myriad of problems in the church’s midst: street kids, orphans, widows, and the sick while those that have are not willing to share.
Highlights of Mrs Mackenzie’s message:
l “Seek first the kingdom of God and Hid His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6: 33)
l Uniforms, singing and dance praising the Lord are in order, but do they align with Kingdom principles?
l Jesus is concerned with people’s spiritual and natural needs and the church should do likewise. Women should also act likewise. It is the church’s responsibility to look at people’s spiritual and natural needs.
l Pretending or playing church has no place in the body of Christ.
l On our own, we can’t do anything, but with God, everything is possible.
l Just as the Lord instructed the Apostles to feed the multitudes, the church should also follow instructions. However, today’s Christians doubt Jesus Christ and the power of God.
l It is by God’s grace that women today are now able to preach the gospel.
l Women should learn to share what they have amongst their families, communities, churches, the nation and internationally. “But because we are selfish, we do not . . . Learn to share. Munhu akati ane nzara haasi kuda munamato. We are greedy. As Christians tinoda kuzviunganidzira. Learn to share so that the Lord blesses you even more. Hapana asina. How many things do you have which you can share with those who do not have?”
l If women in the church “learn to share then they will have spiritual discernment which will direct them to needy areas. If we learn to share, Zimbabwe will be transformed and restored.”
Thanks giving
They sowed a lifestyle and reaped benefits. WDP recognised the role the elderly members played and continue to play by presenting them with certificates and T-shirts. Citation on the certificates read: “Award in appreciation of long service to the Lord Almighty and will continue to do so in earnest. World Day of Prayer wishes you many more years of commitment and dedication”.

Forthcoming Events:
Event: Revival – Grace Unlimited Ministries International Interdenominational
Dates: March 26
Venue: Dutch Reformed Church, Samora Machel
Hosts: Apostle Florence and Apostle Langton Kanyati
Contact: 0772311276
***
Event: Partners Conference – Jesus for Africa Evangelistic Ministries
Dates: March 25-26
Venue: Celebration Centre
Theme: Ultimate commission
Hosts: Evangelists Paul and Winnie Saungweme
Time: 5:30pm-9pm (Fri); 8am-9pm (Sat)
Contact: 0772638905
***
Event: Music extravaganza
Date: March 27
Host: Rev C Chidimuro
Venue: Hatfield Worship Centre, Cnr Elgin and Kilwinning Rd Hatfield
Time: 10am to 1pm
Contact: 0773296 818/0772674850
***
Event: Prayer and fasting retreat
Date: March 26
Time: 8:30am-4:30pm
Venue: 20 Robert Mugabe/Cnr Harare St
Host: Apostle Tose Ndebele, Redemption Ministries International
Contact: 0774165511/0712407908
***
Event: Breakfast success seminar
Date: March 26
Venue: Bronte Hotel
Time: 8am-11am
Hosts: Apostle Florence Kanyati
Contact: 0772311276
***
Event: Call to Worship Zimbabwe
Date: April 1
Theme: Shekinah Glory
Venue: ICC, Rainbow Towers
Time: 5:30pm
Hosts: Ebenezer World Outreach Ministries
Contact: 0772275782/077270193
***
Event: Worship – with Donnie McClurkin
Date: April 2
Venue: Glamis Stadium, Show Grounds
Hosts: Ebenezer World Outreach Ministries
Time: 2pm
Contact: 0772275782/077270193
***
Event: Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe – Amazing Grace Family Fun Day
Date: March 26
Venue: Ellis Robins, Mabelreign
Time: 10am-4pm
Theme: John 13 v 34-35: “A new commandment I give unto you: that you love one another as I have loved you, by this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have loved one another.
***
Event: Back to God revival – Church of God Apostolic Ministries
Date: March 26
Time: 5:30-8:30pm
Venue: School of Social Work, Chinhoyi Street
Theme: 2 Chronicles 7: 14
Speakers: Evangelist M Chisvo; Apostle P Chisvo; Evangelist W Gambura
Contact: 0772341477
***
Event: Greater Harvest revival meeting with Evangelist Paddington Kazingizi
Dates: March 31-April 2
Host: God With Us Evangelistic Ministries
Venue: Dema Growth Point, Seke
Time: 5:30pm-9pm1730HRS-2100HRS
Speaker: Evangelist Paddington Kazingizi
Contacts: 0714474883/0772860371/0733294963
“But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16) To the Lord Jesus be the glory and honour – Amen!
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