There are several diseases that medical science has classified as beyond cure.

These include HIV and cancer as well as chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.

Many people afflicted by these ailments, having lost hope in medical science, have turned to God. Although the issue of faith healing has courted a lot of controversy since time immemorial, with sceptics questioning its validity, there are people whose life stories read like fairy tales.

Among these are those who had been given up and left awaiting death to knock on their door.

Some found respite after encountering men of God who walk in the spiritual giftings of healings and miracles and use various medium such as anointing water or oil. Testimonies at some prayer meetings recently revealed unbelievable incidents of healing.

One particular all–night prayer meeting organised by the Prophetic, Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministry, where hundreds and hundreds of people attended, was one example where people discovered new-found health after prayers. A 25–year–old woman testified that she had been healed of breast cancer which had spread in both her breasts after administering anointing oil which she was given about two weeks ago.

“Both breasts were lumpy, and the left one had a big hole that was going deep into the chest.

After using the oil, the lumps started disappearing. I dropped the oil into the deep sore and I am now healed completely,” said the young woman amid cheers from the crowds.

The doctors had given up on her and said there was nothing they could do about her condition. Subsequent medical examinations confirmed the healing. A church member, identified as Patricia, said when this young woman came less than a month ago, she exuded a pungent odour that attracted flies.

“It was such a terrible stench and sight, but here she is healed by the power of anointing oil,” said Patricia.

Another woman also testified that both her husband and she had been bed-wetting for over 15 years.

“I administered this anointing oil around my genitals and the bed-wetting stopped immediately that night. When my husband returned from a trip to South Africa, he also said the bed-wetting had stopped.

“This is such a relief for both of us because we had stopped sleeping at funerals or visiting relatives for fear of wetting their bedding,” said the woman.

The founder of the church, Prophet Walter Magaya, is barely 30 years old. He was a member of the Catholic charismatic group called Blood of the Lamb Christian Community (BLCC) for many years in Chitungwiza, but later branched out to start this ministry about two years ago.

“I had just finished school and started a company trading in information technology when I realised in 2010 that I had to drop everything and go into fulltime ministry.

“I have travelled around Africa preaching and praying and even came face to face with TB Joshua of Emmanuel Television who told me that I had a lot of work to do in Zimbabwe. That was on April 14. When I returned, over 120 people were waiting for me and 90 manifested all sorts of demons.

“The numbers continue to swell at each and every prayer meeting that I now conduct,” Magaya said.

Magaya says many people are afflicted with demonic spirits that have hindered their progress.

At one of his sessions, known as the Voice-Anointing Session, where he commands the stomach to throw up any evil stuff that was ingested, a woman vomited a raw chicken leg.

Another vomited two chunks of livers; and another person 23 grains of maize seed, a button, and two razor blades. Last year in November, a woman delivered a foetus–like substance measuring 23cm long with no labour pains. All these incidents are captured live on camera.

“Recently a woman discharged black and red pieces of cloth tied with human hair and an old Zimbabwe 10 cent coin. We have witnessed disabled people walking straight up without crutches, and conditions like HIV, Aids and TB disappear,” Magaya said.

“I always advise the sick to bring their medical records before deliverance and go back to the doctor and get retested.”

One woman threw up a huge chunk of steak which was described by a medical practitioner present this could only have been ingested after being chewed.

But there it was staring at the video camera for all to see on the screens that were dotted around the grounds. As the name PHD says, Magaya is a vibrant preacher of the Word called into the ministry of prophecy, healing and deliverance.

In a related story, Chiredzi–based John Chibwe, founder of It Is Well Ministry, recently told his Mt Pleasant church he was neither a pastor nor a prophet and neither was he part of Prophet TB Joshua’s Synagogue Church of All Nations (Scoan) as some people had insinuated.

“I am just a vessel that God is using to deliver Zimbabweans. Please tell every Zimbabwean that this is not TB Joshua’s ministry. Yes, I need to respect the office of that prophet. I am not a wise man from Scoan. What I am doing here is as instructed to me by God.

“Our weapons are not carnal but spiritual. I trust the word of God. When you fight the gift, you are also fighting the giver of that gift. I don’t care what people say about me. I urge you not to follow titles, but the fruits of the works,” Chibwe said.

Chibwe prescribes anointing water and testimonies from followers are also just out of this world.

TB Joshua, owner of Emmanuel Television, is a world-renowned Nigerian prophet who commands millions of viewership around the world.

Thousands of Zimbabweans have visited Scoan for healing from all sorts of afflictions.

Jehovah’s Witnesses are perhaps best-known for their zealous door-to-door proselyting efforts with their Watchtower and Awake magazines.

But, more of their trademarks include usually constructing their local Kingdom Hall church buildings in just a few days, their three-day annual district conventions and an accompanying campaign to invite the public to attend each year.

All three of these characteristics will be highlighted by the strong membership of Witnesses, who will attend the three-day district conventions in various cities, towns and districts across Zimbabwe.

The first convention will be held at the Harare Assembly Hall on August 2. Subsequently, a series of conventions will continue throughout the country each week through October 20 in 21 towns and districts, including Bulawayo, Checheche, Chinhoyi, Mutare, Masvingo, Mutasa, Murehwa, Gweru, Karoi, Gokwe, Hwange, Mahuwe, Mt Darwin, Zvishavane and Gwanda among others.

An estimated 82 000 people of all ages, races and backgrounds are expected to hear thought-provoking talks and interviews designed to encourage all to desire to understand why “God’s Word is the Truth”.

The 36 three-day conventions will be held in seven different languages — Zimbabwe Sign Language, Shona, Ndebele, French, Swahili, Chinese and English. Morning sessions at the conventions begin at 9:20 am each day, and attendance is free.

Spokesperson for the Witnesses Lloyd Likwide yesterday said: “We are very excited about the programmes. The conventions always feature practical and timely information for all who attend. We were pleased with the response last year and are confident that those who attend this year will be equally gratified.”

Of particular interest will be a keynote address titled God’s Congregation—A Pillar and Support of the Truth on the first day while the public discourse on Sunday will centre on what the Truth is, according to the Bible scriptures.

The second day will feature a baptism ceremony after the talk Continue Walking in the Truth while the final talk that day, Walk Straight According to the Truth, will scrutinise current events in the light of the Bible and reveal their meaning.

Other bible-based talks to look out for are: Help Your Children “Go On Walking in the Truth”; Jehovah’s Promises Always Come True and a full-costume drama presented on Sunday at the conventions is always a favorite. Another drama on Friday will feature the flight of Christians in the first century whose theme will be: Prepare Your Heart for the Trials Ahead.

Likwide said: “The convention theme this year is significant because it underscores a core family value for Jehovah’s Witnesses. Witness families embrace the Bible as the most trustworthy guide and source of advice in these troubled times. And, we feel that the public will likewise benefit from and enjoy the varied and practical programme.”

He noted that personal Bible study was a priority for Jehovah’s Witnesses. Each week, Witness families devote an entire evening to Bible study and research, which they call “Family Worship.”

“The convention this year will provide families and individuals with fresh new resources for family and personal Bible study.

“And this is the ‘something new’ that Witnesses anticipate receiving each year from our convention programs,” Likwide said.

One misconception some people have about Witnesses is that they don’t believe in Jesus Christ.

“We absolutely believe in Jesus,” Likwide said, quoting from a key statement in the Watchtower magazine, explaining that Jesus is the Son of God and his death and resurrection makes salvation and eternal life available to us — they are a Christian congregation.

The entire programme is based on the scriptures and will offer encouragement to individuals who are troubled by recent world events and declining moral values.

In view of the current spotlight on the role of religion in world affairs, the Witnesses intend to make clear to all how true Christians should conduct themselves in a world of changing values

As the nation hurtles towards the crunch elections this coming Wednesday the church in Bulawayo has shunned all forms of political violence through prayers and urging the electorate to vote in peace.

Prayer for peace is the buzz word for churches in the second largest city as churches fear a repeat of bloody 2008 polls where hundreds of Zimbabweans were allegedly injured due to post election violence.

As the custodian of peace and unity in the society, the church in Bulawayo has taken the burden of praying for the elections even though the political environment has been predominantly peaceful.

Harvest House International (HHI) is one such church which has held special prayers for Zimbabwe.

Speaking during a Tuesday prayer vigil, co- founder of the church Apostle Sarah Nyathi, urged congregates to pray for peaceful election.

“Zimbabwe is desperate for restoration. In the year of Jubilee things will be restored,” Nyathi said.

Pastor Anglistone Sibanda said Zimbabwe should rid itself of violence, address the past and let justice be served in a way that will leave the nation at peace.

“Zimbabweans have had a history of violence from the liberation struggle and it is now inherent culture. We need to dismantle that culture by revisiting the past, telling the truth about what happened and have justice where possible,” Sibanda.

Nyathi said her church is in a season of Jubilee where Zimbabwe’s economic fortunes will be restored. She also said that the families which were disintegrated because of the diaspora effect will be restored.

Many Christians were fortunate to get registered in the mobile voter registration as the Christians; Civil Society Forum (CCSF) encouraged them to exercise their right to vote.

Therefore the Christian vote in Bulawayo will be a determining factor in these elections as many believers have been subtly involved in the electoral processes.

See related reading:

Prayer for Zim elections on cards 

27 June is the fifth anniversary of the Zimbabwe presidential election run off in 2008 in which there was great violence, including killings, disappearances and rape. Zimbabwe will hold elections again very soon.

Action for Southern Africa, the Trades Union Congress and the Zimbabwe Vigil are marking the anniversary of the 2008 presidential election run off with a protest and message, Never Again! to brutal violence in the run up to elections and to support the calls of Zimbabweans for free and fair elections.

The vigil was scheduled to take place outside the Zimbabwe Embassy, 429 Strand, London, WC2 0RJ from 1-2pm.

The Constitutional Court has ordered elections by 31 July but the Southern African Development Community has called on the coalition government to ask for a delay so that security, media and other reforms can be made.

The protest was intended to call for: Zimbabweans to have the right to vote freely for whom they wish without fear or favour; An accurate and up to date voter roll; Fair access to and coverage by state controlled media; Impartiality by institutions of the state; Domestic election observers and truly independent external election observer missions in place well before the elections.

Following the protest, members of the Zimbabwean diaspora were going to carry a ‘Tree of hope’ to Southwark Cathedral. The tree will be covered with messages of hope for free and fair elections, written on red paper roses. Red roses are used as a symbol of peace in Zimbabwe by the women’s movement.

Tony Dykes, Director of Action for Southern Africa, said: “Five years after the terrible violence of 2008 we have seen very little of the essential reforms that are needed for free and fair elections. We are calling for Zimbabweans to have the right to elect their leaders without external interference and without internal repression, without the fear of violence, harassment or an electoral system that is rigged to favour one party over another.”

The TUC said: “The people of Zimbabwe should be allowed to exercise their democratic right to take part in the forthcoming elections without fear. It is the duty of the Government of Zimbabwe to ensure free and fair elections in a peaceful environment without violence and intimidation and in strict compliance with international standards. We do hope that the elections will usher in a new era of peace, prosperity and justice for all.”

Ephraim Tapa, Zimbabwe Vigil spokesperson, said: “As things stand free and fair elections are very unlikely because of intimidation and vote-rigging. We fear the election results will be cooked by Zanu-PF. The European Union must not allow its business ambitions to override the human rights of the Zimbabwean people.”

The Zimbabwe Vigil has protested outside London’s Zimbabwe Embassy for free and fair elections and an end to human rights violations since October 2002. 

Southwark Cathedral has a longstanding link with Zimbabwe. The Diocese of Southwark has ties with three Anglican dioceses in Zimbabwe. 

A member of the clergy at Gokomere Mission, one of the most revered Roman Catholic centres in the country has been implicated in an adulterous relationship with a married teacher at the school and the matter has since been taken to the church superiors.

Sources at the school said the husband of the teacher discovered the affair when he suddenly pitched up from South Africa on July 6 2013 and noticed love messages in the wife’s phone coming from a member of the clergy. Fr Walter Nyatsanza who is the Church spokesperson cut off calls several times when our news crew raised the issue with him.

Vimbai Wekare Mushava, the lady teacher alleged to be in the adulterous affair warned our news crew against publishing the story. She said election time was dangerous and anything could happen to our news crew staffers if they went ahead with the story.

She however, at one stage said she was not Mushava but when our news crew asked whether the number did not belong to Mushava, she said she stayed with Mushava under one roof and she was just holding her phone. She then demanded to know the person who gave our news crew her mobile number.

When asked why she was commenting on behalf of Mushava, she said this was because she knew that the story was false.

She however, at some stage said our news crew must back-off the story because the Church had already resolved it. She then said she had lawyers and she would take our news crew to the cleaners.

“You must remember this is election time and therefore don’t regret when something terrible happens to you if you publish that story. Be warned because Masvingo is small. But in any case why do you want to proceed to publish that story when the church has resolved it,” asked Mushava.

Brother Erazmas Mundende who is accused of dating Mushava professed ignorance over the incident and referred questions to the lady teacher.

“I cannot comment on that but what I can say is that it is not true that I have run away to Gweru. I had gone there for some other business and now I am back at Gokomere. I don’t know what you are talking about but I think that woman can give you more details,” said Brother Mundende.

Sources close to the matter revealed that Brother Erazmas was seeing Wekare for a long time while the husband was in South Africa. Lucky ran out of the two love birds when the husband came back to Zimbabwe.

Unaware that, the husband was in the country Brother Erazmas was sending love messages on whatsup to Wekare who spent most of her time on the phone replying his messages raising suspicion to the husband who promptly took away the phone. Erazmas continued to send messages and even airtime but received no reply prompting him to phone his lover and was answered by the husband according to the sources.

Hell broke loose as the husband who was constantly refrained by some of his relatives threatened to beat up the man of the cloth. After discovering the affair, the husband allegedly brought members of his family to the Priest in charge Vincent Muzenda and the deputy head and threatened to dump the wife there. However, after a meeting some settlement is said to have been reached as the Priest vainly tried to patch up the crumpling relationship. He was demanding five herd of cattle but we are told they settled for US$2 000, revealed the source.

Local churches have embarked on a water project that has brought relief to Kuwadzana and Dzivaresekwa residents getting safe and clean drinking water.

Residents in most parts of the city have had to endure long water cuts for the past six years or as due to council failure to supply water.

The churches include Kuwadzana United Methodist Church and Dzivaresekwa Moslem Society.

Residents who spoke to RelZim, at Kuwadzana United Methodist Church expressed gratitude to the authorities for coming up with the initiative.

“We thank the United Methodist and its partner for assisting us with clean safe water. As you know hygiene at home begins with safe water, now that we have clean borehole water our families are now safe from water borne diseases,” said Tafadzwa Mudini.

Another woman Nothando Matambo encouraged other churches in the area to come up with similar initiatives.

Kuwadzana United Methodist Church official who preferred anonymity said the water was not only for church members.

“We invite everyone in the surrounding communities to come here and get water. As a church we have the mandate to help the community and this is part of our efforts,” he said.

MSF Water and Sanitation coordinator Huggins Madondo said the organization was working in collaboration with the Harare City Health Department in the provision of safe drinking water through setting up of mini water treatment sites in affected areas as well as rehabilitation of already existing boreholes.

“We have targeted 12 institutions such as clinics, schools, churches and Mosque. We are providing these institutions with 20mc water tanks, in-line feeder with slow releasing chlorine tablets, 4.5KVA generators for power back up, submersible pumps and water taps which are installed outside the premises to minimize interruption of activities in these institutions.”

Unicef and other donor organisations partnered City of Harare to drill as an emergency response to 2008/9 cholera outbreak which affected 52 out of 62 districts in Zimbabwe and resulted in 98 531 and 4282 deaths.

Baba Jukwa’s profile picture

Faceless Facebook character Baba Jukwa has revealed that popular prophet in Zimbabwe TB Joshua a Nigerian prophet has prophesied that MDC-T presidential candidate will win the polls that will be held on Wednesday.

However it was not clear when and where TB Joshua uttered this prophecy as well as the exact words uttered.

It was not clear when and where TB Joshua uttered this prophecy as well as the exact words uttered.

“Dear Zimbabweans. TB Joshua prophesied victory for the opposition and foresee bloodshed of thousands of people all over the country. On the 9^th of August the new government and President will be inaugurated marking the end of the old system.Siyabonga!!Asijiki!!! Baba Jukwa,” reads Baba Jukwa post on Saturday Morning.

Zanu PF presidential candidate Robert Mugabe has been president of Zimbabwe for the past 25 years.

The Nigerian prophet is well known for some of his prophesies that have come to pass-the prophesies including the death of Malawian president Bingu Wa Mutharika and also prophesied the death of the US pop singer Michael Jackson.

See related stories:

Baba Jukwa overtakes Makandiwa on FaceBook, fourfold 

Ivy Kombo-Kasi posing for a photo with his husband Admire Kasi (photo: T. Marwizi).

Gospel musician Ivy Kombo last week obtained an LLB Law Honours Degree with the University of Bedfordshire in England.

Kombo, who is now based in Luton with her husband Bishop Admire Kasi, said she was ecstatic about her latest achievement.

“Thanks to my hubby Addy Kasi, my mentor and everyone’s favourite law tutor. I will sing the Lord a new song. Thanks to all my fans who stood and prayed for me. I owe you one,” she said.

She added that the encouragement she got from her fans was overwhelming saying she owes them something.

Though she was not clear whether she will be releasing a new offering anytime soon she said she is working on something for them.

Kombo, one of Zimbabwe’s most successful female singers, propelled to national stardom by hits such as Sammy Joe and Handidzokere Shure.

Meanwhile another gospel musician Charles Charamba on Friday got his first degree in Music at the Zimbabwe College of Music.

Charamba said he was happy to be getting the degree saying it will help him in ministering the word of God through music.

Kombo, who is now referred to as Prophetess Kombo-Kasi, joins her husband Pastor Kasi in the church’s rank and file.

Her new church position, which has been indicated at her websites and social networks, comes hard on the heels of her controversial marriage to her former guardian Kasi, shortly after her marriage to Edmore Moyo.

The two were defrocked by the ZAOGA church following revelations of their secret liaison. Some years back, Kasi insisted his affair with Kombo started only after her “marriage failed”, avoiding a question if Kombo was divorced when they got together.

People waiting outside a polling station in Highfields Harare (photo:M.Chibaya).

Church bodies Wednesday hailed Zimbabweans for starting ongoing elections in Zimbabwe in a peaceful way.

Speaking in an interview, Reverend Solomon Zwana the secretary general of Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC), said his organisation, which has deployed observers across the ten provinces of the country, is happy with the peace that is prevailing across the country.

“Generally we are happy with the peace that is prevailing in the country. We are grateful because this is what we have been prevailing for,” Zwana said.

There are 6.4 million voters in the nation, which is slightly larger than Germany. Zimbabwe has 12.9 million people.

Voting officials at one suburban Harare shopping centre said their line of at least 1,000 people was expected to move more quickly as staff became more proficient in finding names on pages and pages of lists of voters, and verifying identity documents.

Union for Development of the Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe Africa (UDACIZA), through Reverend Edison Tsvakai, said everything is going well.

“We are in Mashonaland East at the moment in the morning we were in Harare though the queues were long they have no disappeared. Things are going on well,” Tsvakai said.

After a violent poll in June 2008 that resulted in the death of close to 200 MDC-T supporters, there has been fears of violent polls in Zimbabwe. Churches have held various prayer and church meetings for peace to prevail in Zimbabwe.

The official state election body has admitted that administrative, logistical and funding problems have hindered voting arrangements, but said they had been resolved and voting was ready to go ahead at more than 9,000 polling stations across the country.

People waiting outside a polling station in Highfields Harare (photo:M.Chibaya).

African Union poll observers said the country’s crunch election Wednesday had so far passed off peacefully.

With polls open for around half their allotted time, the 69-member observation team issued an update report about the conduct of the vote.

“The processes at most of the polling stations observed by the AU observer teams were proceeding in an orderly and peaceful manner,” the organisation said in a statement.

Elections in 2008 were marked by bloodshed and widespread voter intimidation.

The AU mission – which has been criticised by President Robert Mugabe’s challenger Morgan Tsvangirai for painting a rosy picture of vote preparations – is led by former Nigerian leader Olusegun Obasanjo.

He visited polling stations in Harare.

But Tsvangirai and non-governmental groups have voiced concern that the electoral roll, which was not released until the eve of the vote, is ripe for manipulation.

It is alleged the list contains many duplicate and ghost voters.

The Election Resource Centre, an NGO which is collating reports of problems, said it had received multiple reports of ballot papers running out people finding their names were not on the register.

About 600 foreign election observers, mainly from African bodies, have been accredited to watch the polls in addition to 6 000 local observers.

Zimbabwe has not invited Western observer missions because of sanctions imposed on Mugabe and his top officials for rights abuses.

MDC-T presidential candidate Morgan Tsvangirai casting his ballot in Mt Plesant in Harare this morning beside his wife Elizabeth Macheka (photo: M Chibaya).

Zanu PF presidential candidate Robert Mugabe Wednesday said that, if elected into power, he will serve the full term at the same time thanking Zimbabweans for voting in peacefully.

Mugabe, who cast his ballot at Mhofu primary school in Highfield Harare, said he would not resign after elected into power. Mugabe said he will not cheat the people into resigning.

“Why not don’t you want me to serve the whole term what I am elected for? Why should I offer myself as a candidate if it is to cheat the people into resigning after?” Mugabe said.

There has been speculation that Mugabe once elected into power will resign and appoint either his Vice Joice Mujuru or Defence Minister Emerson Mnangagwa.

Asked to comment about the vote-rigging claims by the opposition Mugabe replied: “Politicking — they want to find a way out.”

But after casting his ballot at Mt Pleasant High School in Harare, the MDC-T presidential candidate insisted that the issue of the voters’ roll has not been resolved.

“The voters’ roll has not been resolved. We hope that it is not going to be a big impediment for people to make a choice. Everyone would be allowed to vote; the law says that anyone who would be at the queue by seven o’clock will be allowed to vote,” Tsvangirai told reporters.

Mugabe said people will vote freely and fairly as there is no pressure being exerted on anyone.

The Zanu PF octogenarian leader said once voted into power he will work on economic stabilization.

“In our new term we have lots of things to do really to try and get our economy back on its fit. It means we are looking at our industries as good as collapsed then doing much work in regard to the mining sector thus sector which we think can prop up all the others,” Mugabe said.

Mugabe said he will stick to his guns on the Indigenisation policy: “Indigenisation we cannot escape that because that’s the reality of the situation. We are Zimbabweans. We are a sovereign country. Rhe resources of the country are ours so really to say Indigenisation, to say that term, is to explain to our people what we are doing.”

Tsvangirai said he hope that the people of Zimbabwe complete the change that they have been fighting for, for more than a decade.

“We wish everyone time to complete the change that we have always fought for the last 14 years. It’s an emotional moment sometimes when you see all these people after all the conflict, the stalemate, the suspicion, the hostility. I think there is a sense of calmness that finally Zimbabweans will be able to move on again,” Tsvangirai said.

Mugabe admitted that the journey to elections to end the coalition government in Zimbabwe has been a long journey he however said “it was a good experience”.

“It was naturally harder you know a very torturous route to get to this (election) – new constitution and so forth. When you are in government with other parties you have to get the views of everybody to agree in cabinet and so on. We hope the people will decide now which way they would want us to go,” Mugabe.

Voting in Bulawayo today was predominantly peaceful as members of the public went in to exercise their right to vote.

Voting started as early as seven in the morning, as voters jostled to vote in the landmark elections.

Peaceful is the word characterising this year’s elections, and Shalom Projects Pastor Anglistone Sibanda said peace reigned during voting in Matabeleland.

“So far so good. Voting has been peaceful although there were a number of challenges were cited regarding the pace at which ZEC conducted the process,” Sibanda told RelZim.

“I applaud Zimbabweans for voting peacefully. I urge them to continue praying for peace as counting begins.”

Shalom Projects, a Christian non governmental organisation deployed 300 observers throughout Matabeleland.

It recorded the largest turnout of voters in Lewelin Barracks and Fairbridge.

In Bulawayo voter turnout was rather low as the day progressed, with an average of 500 voters having cast their vote by 2pm this afternoon.

Voter intimidation on July 31 characterized the voting environment in Mutoko East with notorious Zanu PF activists and traditional leaders reported to have driven and ‘assisted’ villagers to cast their ballot, a church organization monitoring the election in the area has revealed.

Multiracial Christian Democrats,  a local church organisation, said hordes of Zanu PF militia at Rukawu Primary school, Lot Business centre and in places like Masango, Mudzonga, Jembere, Kaunye and Mushimbe polling stations led villagers and instructed them to vote for Zanu PF.

The church had deployed its members who visited the polling stations and found hundreds of voters’ queuing to vote.

One member of a church monitoring the election in the area, who refused to be named for fear of victimization after the election, confirmed that they had been shepherded to the polling stations.

“This did not start today as the order was given to us well before the election date. Starting last month we were being told that we should be led by youths who would assist us when casting the ballot”, said one villager.

Another youth who identified himself as George whom we met at Kapondoro polling station said, “We were told yesterday to group at Kapondoro polling station as early as 4 in the morning. We did comply but I for certain, I can tell you that I did not vote for Zanu PF because of the coercion.”

A female voter who also requested anonymity said they were told to vote for President Robert Mugabe’s party candidates when casting the ballot.

“Like what they did during the 2008 Presidential runoff election, they said we should say we are unable to read and write while casting the ballot  so that we could be assisted by the teams which they deployed,” said the female voter.

Reverend Kuratidza Sandati the church leader confirmed voter intimidation in Mutoko.

“I am actually roving all the polling stations here in Mutoko East and I can confidently confirm that intimidation is rife. People are not freely voting here.

Early in the morning, I went to Rukawu Primary in All Souls, where I cast my vote and witnessed Zivanayi Mabhavhu, a notorious Zanu PF youth, leading villagers who are our supporters. This is one of the examples I am giving you. What I can say to you is that even village heads were this morning driving villagers to the polling station,”said Sandati.

Sandati said after witnessing the intimidation he quickly alerted his party.

MDC-T party National organizing Secretary Nelson Chamisa confirmed receiving the Mutoko intimidation reports.

“We are receiving reports people are being frog marched to the polling stations by village heads and Chiefs not only in Mutoko but in the rural areas throughout the country, and that is a point of worry which we have raised with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission,”Chamisa confirmed.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission deputy Chairperson Joyce Kazembe admitted “We have  noted and got some statistics  in some areas that there are quite a number of assisted voters. We really want to find out what really is the reason for those many assisted voters. We cannot give you an answer on that.”

Oscar Rufaro Chatendeuka is an upcoming life coach, speaker and minister of the Word. His latest offering The Christian Walk “Exodus” contains word of wisdom drawn from a diverse range of life experiences.

This book basically deals with the journey from the land of bondage to the promised land.

It makes readers realise that life is a journey and there are so many obstacles that people encounter as they walk through this journey.

It points out again to many remedies and solutions as to deal with these obstacles.

The 166-page book deals with the transition from: darkness to light, poverty to prosperity and barrenness.

I found this book to be a wellspring of interesting ideas and gentle motivation to help me keep my Christian walk on the compass.

The striking part of the book is that it unravels how dominance of sin in the human race has hindered their prosperity.

The book reveals the simple things one can do in the journey from captivity to freedom.

Christians usually take shortcuts in the quest to accumulate wealth, and sometimes end up in trouble.

The Christian Walk “Exodus” is provided for that purpose.

Through the diligent study of the Word of God, one will receive favour from God.

The calibre of endorsement accompanying this book is also striking.

Some of the people who have thrown their work behind this book of inspiration include Evangelist Ephias Jengeta of Pentecostal Assemblies of Zimbabwe and founder of Remnant Ministries International Bishop Sammy Gitonga of South Africa.

The book is broken into six different chapters that address a broad range of life issues. The book is a must-have for any seeker of wisdom and inspiration.

The knowledge accrued here will come in handy for any person who desires to be successful in the Christian life.

Chatendueka is a University of South Africa Bachelor of Risk Management student. He is a young minister of the Word who has travelled to South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland on gospel-spreading missions.

The wide range of experience shows strongly in his book.

On the local scene, he has spoken at in different churches especially at youth gatherings and corporate functions. He also a social network sites addict where he preaches the inspirational messages.

Apart from this book, he is working on another book that deals with social ills like teenage pregnancy, peer pressure and drug abuse among youths.

Scores of people on Saturday flocked the Harare international Conference Centre (HICC) for the growing interdenominational gospel choir, Zimpraise’s Season Six live DVD recording.

The event dubbed  It’s all about Jesus saw the celebration of diverse musical talent led by up-and-coming artistes together with celebrated artistes including Stanley Gwanzura aka Pastor G, Sebastian Magacha, America-based Comfort Manyame, Mathias Mhere and Thembalami Tagwirei, amongst others.

This year’s live DVD performance carries 35 songs that were selected and arranged by the group’s chief executive officer, Joseph Madziyire.

The colourful ceremony successfully saw a full house dancing, clapping and singing along to some of the songs including Sungano by Sharon Manyonganise, Only You Be God by Mabel Madondo, Favour by Mathius Mhere, Pamusorosoro by Sabastian Magacha and Tenzi Huyai  by Comfort Manyame amongst the people’s favourites.

“We are happy and grateful to the Almighty about today’s turnout at this live recording which comes at a time when we as ZimPraise are trying to take the gospel back to basics,” said Madziyire.

He added that they were expecting to be releasing the live DVD in two weeks’ time for those who missed the event.

Although the various musicians took turns to perform, it was a well-coordinated teamwork success where all of them put up a well-spirited performance that was of value to those who attended the show.

The choir’s voices were angelic and Magacha put up a good performance sampling hit songs Tinoenda Kure and Herudhe from his latest album titled Back to Sender.

Pastor G also put up a spirited performance while Mhere’s performance with his smooth sing-along songs also sent the audience into a frenzy of celebrations with songs like Favour and Chipositora.

Manyame also did not disappoint and said he was amazed to perform at such a platform where he took the high worshippers to another level.

“It was a good time for me and I feel honoured coming home to perform at this live DVD recording sharing the stage with young and youthful talents,” said Manyame.

Zimpraise has been in existence for the past decade under the watchful eye of award-winning producer McDonald “Mcdee” Chidavaenzi together with Madziyire.

Recently, the interdenominational gospel choir launched a debut album for women project titled Women of Praise.

Zimbabweans queuing to vote in Highfield recently. (photo: M. Chibaya).

Christians in Bulawayo have come out guns blazing in protest over the recent poll results saying a Zanu PF government will be retrogressive and would reverse all the gains of the Global political Agreement which was instituted in 2009.

Although the post electoral environment has been predominantly peaceful in Bulawayo many people have expressed mixed feelings over the results.

According to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) –the body that is responsible for running elections in Zimbabwe-Zanu PF presidential candidate Robert Mugabe garnered 61 percent of the presidential vote and his party Zanu PF surpassed two thirds majority in parliament.

Many people who had become comfortable under the government of national unity fear a repeat of the 2008 economic meltdown under a Zanu PF government.

But a local pastor, who refused to be named for security reasons, said a Zanu PF government is the last thing that Zimbabweans want because it has maintained a poor record of economic success.

“Zimbabweans have voted for a cancerous government -they have forgotten what we went through in 2008,” he said.

Christians in Bulawayo went out to vote in their numbers in this year’s harmonised elections, but as the results of the elections started trickling in from all polling stations around the country -it seems a dark cloud has been cast over the city.

“People will suffer in the next 5 years-worse still this part of the country,” Simbarashe Murefu of Miracle Gate Chapel told RelZim.

“Their system of governance will not benefit this region whatsoever,” he added.

Once again Zanu PF lost the Bulawayo vote and as of today most of the seats had gone to MDC-T which has somewhat proven its popularity.

However another city pastor said God is the final authority when it comes to choosing leaders.

“Whosoever wins, is the right person for the post. God is the one who elects leaders,” Abel Musonga a pastor at Great Faith Ministries International said.

He said it is God’s sovereign will to anoint leaders giving examples of David and Saul in the bible who were appointed by God.

On the other hand, Morgan Tsvangirai leader of the MDC and Mugabe’s strong rival said elections were null and void citing fraudulent activities surrounding the electoral process such as a shambolic voters’ roll.

Takawira Masendeke, young brother to the late notorious murderer Edgar Masandeke, who was hanged in 2002, has been anointed a pastor at Heartfelt International Ministries.

Speaking in an interview, the 21 year-old pastor said he is in the process of changing the tarnished name of Masendeke family.

“This world has said a lot of bad things concerning Masendeke family. Well, change is in the process for Masendeke family. It has already started with me. I am now a prayer warrior born from the family of ‘murders’ and I can safely say this is just the beginning,” he said.

Asked on why he had decided to become a pastor Masendeke said he had decided to do so because of the mental challenges he has been facing in his life.

“One day I was taken to a Heartfelt International Ministries crusade and Apostle Tavonga Vutabwashe prayed for me and got delivered,” Masendeke said.

Masendeke added: “From that day I decided to join Heartfelt International Ministries. Currently I am undertaking a 2 year Diploma in Theology at Heartfelt Institute of Ministries in Harare under the mentorship of my spiritual father apostle Tavonga Vutabwashe.”

Masendeke said the world should have a positive perception of the Masendeke family.

“Masendeke family is no more what people thought it was. A pastor has been born out from the family that was regarded as family of murderers. Even in the bible Joseph was the only one who make it to the land of Egypt and became a Governor. He managed to help his brothers who were struck by hunger,” Masendeke said.

He added: “Just like me, I am the only pastor from Masendeke family and I am praying for deliverance in the family. I can now perform miracles. At one point I was tasked by my spiritual father to pray for a disabled lady in a wheelchair and immediately she was delivered,” he said.

His brother, the late Masendeke was hanged on May 31 2002 at Harare Central Prison after spending five years in prison waiting for trial. 

Edgar Masendeke together with Stephen Chidhumo became popular after escaping Chikurubi maximum prison in 1995 in an unprecedented jailbreak attempt bringing even greater spotlight to a notorious career of crimes including murder and armed robbery-some of the worst in the country’s criminal history.

A week after the harmonised elections in Zimbabwe-churches in Bulawayo have persisted in prayer for the nation that is likely to face economic hardships.

On Sunday, just a day after the announcement of results, many people felt hard done but were urged by the senior pastor of Tarbenacle Grace Ministries Trevor Msimanga that the hope for this nation lies in God.

“All things work together for the good to them that love God,” he said to a wild Amen.

He added : “God will not forsake this land because he loves Zimbabwe,” Msimanga admonished his congregation.

Zimbabweans from all walks of life were shocked by the poll results casting doubt over the hope of economic prosperity of Zimbabwe.

Since the announcement of a two thirds majority rule by Zanu PF big companies traded in the red whilst the economy has lost millions of dollars.

Christians here have therefore taken themselves to task in prayer.

Msimanga told his church that Zimbabweans should be resilient at all times saying people should not seek asylum anywhere but stay and build this nation.

Bulawayo once again denied Zanu PF a chance to represent them in parliament but their efforts were fruitless as Zanu Pf romped to victory.

Destiny for Africa Network founder Obadiah Musindo says President Robert Mugabe is also shocked by the results of the July 31 poll because of the “hand of God” that “rigged” the election to fight homosexuality.

Mugabe garnered 61% of the votes cast to defeat MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai.

Musindo claimed that Tsvangirai lost because God did not like his stance on homosexuality.

“What God has ordained, no one can destroy. Mugabe is not an ordinary politician. He is somebody given a special anointing by God to execute the will of God. Those who claim rigging don’t know what they are talking about. You cannot rig God, you can’t influence God,” Musindo said.

“This election result shocked everybody, even Mugabe himself was shocked, which is a clear demonstration that the divine hand of the Almighty God was at work. What the mighty God has set up, not even the mighty United Nations or the mighty EU (European Union) can destroy.

“I agree with Tsvangirai that the elections were rigged, but rigged by whom? By the Almighty God against him because of his stance on homosexuality.”

Tsvangirai has since declared Mugabe and Zanu PF’s victory as “null and void”

Worship music is fast becoming popular among gospel music followers and a number of worshippers are making waves on local music charts.

Weekly gospel charts on local radio stations indicate that worship songs are slowly swallowing the popularity of praise songs.

Among constant artistes on the charts is talented worshipper Pianos Jaravaza whose album Nyasha DzaMwari has stolen the hearts of many.

Songs like Makomborero, Ndomuda Jesu and We Bless Your Name have proved popular with many music followers.

The album was recorded last year and has been on the peak for the better part of this year.

The 32-year-old artiste says he is glad to be among the most followed musicians in the industry this year and thanks God for the talent.

“This is a gift from God and I am grateful to the Almighty for giving me this outstanding talent,” said Jaravaza.

“I know there are many aspiring musicians out there that are failing to get opportunities to record their music, but I thank God because I got the opportunity and people have accepted my music.

“I grew up worshipping in church and my passion for praise and worship pushed me to do something in the studio. I am a praise and worship leader at my church. I have led worship teams at my congregation and also at national level within the church.

“I have managed to nurture talents as a leader and my younger brother Tinashe has also recorded an album that is becoming popular. A lot of many other musicians I work with are very talented and have shown interest in composing their own songs.”

Besides being a worship leader, Jaravaza is a talented keyboard player and enjoys creating music whenever he gets spare time.

He is currently working on a DVD for his latest album and has been outstanding at different shows.

He has staged many shows in Harare with fellow artistes and has reached out to souls in places like Mutare, Chinhoyi and Gutu.

He is also passionate about social responsibility.

“I have been involved in raising funds for various charities that are supported by my church. I am looking forward to expanding my work in this area and assist the disadvantaged across the country.”